Counting down to the last day of 2024, it’s the perfect time to reflect on some of the best books espoused in the literary space for their brutal impact.
This list includes books celebrating introspection, humor, and downright wit that allow us to peek into a life far from ours. And if you haven’t come across these titles yet, why not bring them into the new year with you?
Life’s Messy, Here’s the Memoir
Book of Disquiet, Fernando Pessoa
Posthumously published in 1982, this book explores the depths of being human through the monotonous character of Bernando Soares, one of the author’s many heteronyms.
If you’re into the “no plot, just vibes” genre of books, this might be for you, as it forgoes a traditional plot and focuses on the narrator’s observations and philosophical ponderings.
Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult: A Memoir of Mental Illness and the Quest to Belong Anywhere, Candice Bamford
Add this to your list of refreshing and far-from-boring takes on writing a memoir. In this book, Bamford recounts her personal experiences with mental illness and her participation in numerous support groups with unapologetic bluntness.
As this work details a humorous quest for belonging, this might be something you want to read in your 20s, or, let’s face it, whatever cohort you’re in.
Words That Feel Like Home
The Orange and Other Poems, Wendy Cope
If this is your first time picking up a poetry book and you want something accessible yet tender, this should be at the top of your list.
Cope’s delightful collection captures the charm of the ordinary moments we often overlook. The title poem, The Orange, serves as a reminder of the simple warmth in just existing—like sharing an orange with those you hold dear.
Tender Philosophia, Didi Aphra & Jonna Leine
This 2024 debut by two women is a reminder of the true warmth and saudade of poetry. It’s a delicious exploration of longing for belonging, rebirth, and romance.
If the use of nature and ancient mythology as themes of romantic poetry speaks to you, this is a must-read.
Love, Longing, and Everything in Between
Love and Other Words, Christina Lauren
If you’re a firm believer that love is sweeter the second time around, run to the nearest bookstore and grab this book.
Love and Other Words encapsulates the bittersweetness of first love, first heartbreak, and the fragile hope of second chances. The alternating timelines between past and present make the writing style so emotionally rich, as it explores the messy, tender process of overcoming an almost decade-long miscommunication.
Crush, Richard Siken
In this book, Siken dives headfirst into the chaos of desire and loss. It reads like a leaked confession, page after page, about panic and obsession.
With an almost cinematic writing style, this collection is for those who are drawn into both the brutality and tenderness of poetry.
Books That’ll Leave You on the Edge of Your Seat
Lucky Dogs, Helen Schulman
This book tells the story of two women whose lives collide in line at an ice cream kiosk on a summer night in Paris, both entangled in a high-profile sexual abuse scandal. Bound by the scars of male violence, a sisterhood is born.
A powerful exploration of survival, love, and trust, this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys thrillers with sharp social commentary.
Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier
First published in 1938, this classic gothic novel is a must-read for fans of suspenseful, dark stories.
The story follows a young, unnamed narrator who marries a wealthy widower and moves to his grand estate. There, she is haunted by the memory of his late wife, Rebecca, whose presence still lingers and threatens their marriage beyond the grave.
