I had a reading revelation this year.
I usually read about 30 books a year – it’s the one hobby I didn’t lose when I had kids (a wise friend told me kids burn through all but one hobby, and he was right! I held tight to reading, it’s my favourite thing to do.)
This year, I only read what I wanted to.
Not what I felt I should.
Not what others said I’d enjoy.
Just what I wanted to.
And it was glorious! Sheer joy. Slice after slice of joy, stacked dripping on top of each other.
I re-read my favourite Ann Patchett trio, and The Overstory (which I love! 🌳) and Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld, which I read every year. I re-read all the Emily Henry rom coms, because I love them. I discovered Emma Straub and devoured her books, discovered Abby Jimenez and am currently devouring hers.
It has been sheer, unadulterated pleasure.
And why not? Why do we attach such moralistic rationale to reading, like we should balance our reading vegetables and dessert? (Do you do this or is it just me?!)
Top 5 for 2024 are:
1. Being Mortal – Atul Gawande
3. Lost and Found – Kathryn Schulz
4. This Time Tomorrow – Emma Straub
5. Sandwich – Catherine Newman
6. The Happy Ever After Playlist – Abby Jimenez
What you got?
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