Brenda’s 2024 Reading List
Apparently I read more fiction than professional development–29 pieces of fiction, 1 memoir, and 10 professional development books. But reading is reading and for me one of the central things in my life.
One of the things I just started recently was to replace my Instagram scrolling with the app called REFIND. It curates articles based on my choices and when I am nervous or bored or waiting or want a break, I read those instead. It’s been a game changer from the doom-scrolling habit I had gotten into.
Professional/Personal Development Books:
Good read, good reminders.
I loved this book. A different take on self-care.
Hard Stop: Live with Intention and without Regret by Gina Boedeker
This was my fav “life balance” book of the year.
I was looking for habit change stuff but got tons of interesting stories and data. Very good.
Making Waves: A Woman’s Rise to the Top Using Smarts, Heart, and Courage by Lisa Lutoff-Perlo
I am a fan. Great leadership and career climb book.
Very good personal account of a normal person building a company and selling it.
The Algebra of Wealth: A Simple Formula for Financial Security by Scott Galloway
A must read for anyone 35 and under but also a good reminder on all things career and financial. My top pick for non-fiction.
Zen and the Art of Happiness by Chris Prentiss
This was a re-read at bed time. Very good.
The Lion Tracker’s Guide To Life by Boyd Varty
I guess I am not that into hunting and tracking.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Good.
Memoir Books:
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Surprisingly riveting. Very good.
Fiction Books:
Marriage of Inconvenience: Knitting in the City, Book 7 by Penny Reid
Neanderthal Seeks Extra Yarns (Knitting in the City Book 8) by Penny Reid
Both in this series are really good and the last of it for me. Entertaining, light reading.
Big Gay Wedding: A Novel by Byron Lane
I loved this book.
Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune
Good romance novel.
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
This was riveting and scared the crap out of me.
The Casanova: The Miles High Club, Book 3 by T L Swan
The Do-Over: The Miles High Club, Book 4 by T L Swan
Sexy stuff. I am over it, but if you are looking for that, it is fab.
Write My Name Across the Sky: A Novel by Barbara O’Neal
Weird title, excellent book. One of my favs this year.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Surprisingly delightful for such a silly title. Yes.
The Last Ranger: A Novel by Peter Heller
Excellent. Highly recommended for any reader in your life.
Black Cake: A Novel by Charmaine Wilkerson
Good historical-ish fiction.
Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win by Jo Piazza
Very good.
The Latecomer: A Novel by Jean Hanff Korelitz
Took a minute to grab me but then wow.
My first post-apocalyptic book and wow–very good.
For the Love of Friends: A Novel by Sara Goodman Confino
Very funny, cute read.
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
Indulgent at first with the descriptions but very good.
Angel Landing by Alice Hoffman
Just okay.
The Long Way Home: Chief Inspector Gamache, Book 10 by Louise Penny
Good, basic mystery novel.
How to End a Love Story: A Novel by Yulin Kuang
Apparently I prefer romance with a big dilemma in the middle. This was great.
Whalefall: A Novel by Daniel Kraus
Arguably the most interesting, creative novel I have read. Riveting.
Fable: A Novel (Fable, Book 1) by Adrienne Young
Namesake: A Novel by Adrienne Young
IF you are a fantasy fiction fan, this was great.
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
My top pick for novels. Smart, contemporary, excellent.
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
Very good.
The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee
Oh this was good historical, compelling fiction.
28 Summers by Elin HIlderbrand
I was in Cape Cod and liked it but it took too long to get there.
The Jetsetters by Amanda Eyre Ward
Pretty cute read.
No Two Persons: A Novel by Erica Bauermeister
Very good.
This one goes way back to Oprah’s book club. Sad situation, good book.
