(Of books that I read in 2024. Not books that were released in 2024)

1. Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr

Three stories told in parallel, all in different eras. 16th century Constantinople, the modern age, and some uncertain time in the future. The characters are all connected in some way by a (fictional) ancient greek book called Cloud Cuckoo Land.

This book was engrossing. The characters interesting and nuanced, the settings immersive. The plot is rich with apocalyptic themes, but my overall impression was of hopeful optimism. I really enjoyed reading this one.

2. We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver

For years my wife has been telling me to read this book. But I dreaded it. I knew the basic premise—parents dealing with the aftermath of a homicidal teenager. It didn’t strike me as being an enjoyable read.

I was wrong. One of the best books I’ve ever read. It’s written as a series of letters from Kevin’s mother. The writing is eloquent, thought provoking, relatable, and deeply human. And despite knowing the horrible ending I was approaching, I couldn’t put it down.

3. Babel by R.F. Kuang

A interesting blend of fantasy and historical fiction. Babel is set in early 19th century Oxford. Britain is a colonial superpower on the coattails of an industrial revolution. The only difference—magic is real.

When you translate from one language to another, you inevitably lose some of the original meaning. Inscribe these words on a silver bar and that lost linguistic meaning is manifested in the real world. Of course, this magic requires folks who deeply understand both languages. So in this alternative fantasy world, Britain owes much of its world dominance to hoarding both silver and translators.

The characters and plot in this book are both excellent on their own. But what makes this book great is the generous sprinkling of etymology, philosophy, and history that enhances rather than dilutes the narrative.

4. Kindred by Octavia Butler

My first time reading Octavia Butler. Based on the premise, I was also hesitant to read it. The protagonist, a Black woman, is repeatedly dragged back in time to the antebellum south. It sounded depressing.

Again I was wrong. I could not put this book down. It doesn’t shy away from the horrors of slavery. But the plot and the characters kept me glued. It also makes you think. If you were transported back to 1830’s America, how would you adapt? Could you?

5. Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton

This was just pure fun to read. An excellent thriller that could make a great Coen Brothers movie. An activist gardening collective (Birnam Wood) forms an unlikely partnership with an American billionaire with a hidden agenda. Things escalate. First slowly, then rapidly. And what an ending!

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Some other highlight from 2024

• The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard
• No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy
• We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
• The Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky
• Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
• City of Fortune: How Venice Ruled the Seas by Roger Crowley