5-star books and other 2024 reads

spotify wrapped, but for my bookshelf

Hello! Shall we do proper introductions? I’m Elisabeth, and if we haven’t yet swapped SOS “what should I read next” texts, it’s great to meet you. I started your book pal to share what I’m reading and what you might like, too.

In my first-ever Substack post last week, I shared a few ideas for gifting books at any time of year. For today’s issue, I looked back on the 45ish books I read this year and noticed a few things:

• I gave 5 stars to only three books — Sandwich (more on that here), Demon Copperhead and I Could Live Here Forever

• I discovered 20 new writers this year, and went back to 25 I had already read before

• 21 of my books were released this year, 24 were older

• I only read 2 nonfiction books — unsurprising, but if I should be reading more nonfiction in 2025, sound off in the comments with your recs.

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Here’s what else I can tell you

Sleeper hit / my favorite of the year: I Could Live Here Forever

I did not see this book coming, and the world is not talking about it enough! Leah, an aspiring writer, and Charlie, an enigmatic musician, fall in love and navigate their relationship through Charlie’s drug addiction recovery. Given the major addiction themes, it might not be for everyone. But if you are looking for a beautifully-written book with a lot of heart, this is it.

Super-hyped book that was worth the hype: Demon Copperhead

It took me a while to get around to this one because I knew it would be an undertaking … and it was. But it was absolutely worth it, and I think it’ll go down as one of the greatest books — with Demon as one of the most intricately-shaped characters — of the decade. It is at times unbearably heavy, but I couldn’t turn away.

Top pick from an author I already love: Father of the Rain

Writers and Lovers, by Lily King, was one of the books that got me through Covid. At Ann Patchett’s recommendation (look at me talking like Ann and I are actually friends), I went back into Lily’s archives and read her novel from 2010, Father of the Rain — about a woman grappling with her extremely complicated relationship with her dad.

Best audiobook: Thank you for Listening

I got very into audiobooks this year! My favorite kind of audiobooks feel like a friend who is telling you a juicy story as you sit in traffic or wander the aisles of the grocery store. This one is a romance about an audiobook narrator written by an author-turned-audiobook-narrator — sweet and fun and exactly the type of audiobook that I like.

The only memoir I read this year: Autobiography of a Face

Maybe I only read one because this book nearly destroyed me. I first learned of Lucy Grealy in Ann Patchett’s memoir (there’s my bff again) Truth and Beauty. Lucy’s life was riddled with tragedy and hardship as she endured cancer — and dozens of related operations — as a child in the 60s. Steel yourself for this one, but you won’t be sorry you did.

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On my nightstand right now:

Just finished: The House in the Cerulean Sea
This was a heartwarming, good-triumphs-over evil story. Lots of similarities to Harry Potter / Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which I enjoyed at times, though it felt sliiightly ripped off. It hits you over the head with the life lessons, but overall this is a nice salve for trying times.

Currently listening: Fiona and Jane

Currently reading: Martyr!

What were your 2024 reading trends? How many 5-star books did you read this year? Which new writers did you discover? See you next week!