2024 Reading List

A running list of some books I've read in 2024, with brief notes. I'll update it as I go through the year!

1) Braiding Sweetgrass

by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Genre: Autobiography, memoir, nature writing

Rating: ⭐️⭐️☆☆☆ (2/5)

Notes:

The book has rave reviews, but I honestly found it too slow for my liking. I read it over winter break for a book club with some friends, and they agreed that it was not very captivating.
That said, I liked how certain parts of the book made me consider new perspectives. The author's thoughts on the "gift economy" were interesting to me, although I don't think it's practical to actually be implemented in today's society.
The nature descriptions were very calming (albeit a bit sleepy).

by Min Jin Lee

Genre: Historical Fiction

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (5/5)

Notes:

LOVED the book, literally could not put it down when I read it over winter break. It deserves all the awards and critical acclaim it has 🙌. I tend to love historical fiction, so makes sense that I enjoyed this.
The book follows several generations of a Korean family who lives in 20th-century Japan. The narrative felt so intimate and I grew really attached to all the characters. The historical components also were extremely well-researched, and I felt like I learned a lot about the time period.
I definitely want to watch the Apple TV series based on the book!

by Jackie Goldschneider

Genre: Memoir

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (5/5)

Notes:

I heard about this book from a podcast interview that popped up on my feed. I didn't know anything about Jackie or The Real Housewives of NJ before reading the book, but it was a really beautifully written memoir. My only caution is the subject matter (body image, EDs) could be sensitive/triggering for some.

by Lisa See

Genre: Historical Fiction

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (5/5)

Notes: