I read 16 books in 2024, against a target of 30 which I hadn’t met for the last three years. I wanted to read 50-50 fiction and nonfiction, but couldn’t meet that too. I am also trying to diversify away from books written by American or British authors, partially successful in that – with some Japanese, Irish, Canadian, Malayalam and a Chilean author this time. Hoping to do better in 2025.
What you are looking for is in the library – Michiko Aoyama (5 / 5) : Japanese translation. A story of bibliotherapy, told well. Language was a bit bland, not sure if it is due to translation. But stories of right books giving answers to people for their difficult situations felt good. Whether it is to get out of a rat race, having parallel careers (a passion project and something that sustains life) etc.
Before the coffee gets cold – Toshikazu Kawaguchi (5 / 5) : Japanese translation. Enjoyed this read. Was in my list for long, but knowing the plot, hesitated to pick up. But it turned out to be a good story. About people getting a chance to go back in time and maybe get closure on things that were left unsaid, unresolved.
Small things like these – Claire Keegan (5 / 5) : Irish. Short book, but hits hard. About someone who stands up against great odds, to have that kind of moral courage. Told in a minimalistic way.
Intermezzo – Sally Rooney (5 / 5) : Irish. One of the authors that I am reading everything they write. Even though in this case, I resolve each time not to read more of her, having had enough of the troubles of Irish youngsters. But still it was a good read, I wanted some contemporary fiction. This was the book release event of the year, so much hype about a book release.
The Sampoorna kodakarapuranam – Sajeev Edathadan (4 / 5) : Malayalam. Set of stories. From the facebook era of good quirky, funny writers who wrote about the “nostalgic memories” and epic fails. Funny stories about the goodness of Kerala small town folks. How people remember so many details.
I came up on a lighthouse – Shantanu Naidu (5 / 5) : India / English. Read it in one go on the day Ratan Tata passed away, late into the night. Liked the writing. While I had seen some social media stories, I had ignored it thinking yet another PR, made-for-social-media stories. But it read like a fairy tale and a glimpse into the (later) life and ways of thinking of a great businessman. I took away some lessons.
The Glass Hotel – Emily St.John Mandel (4 / 5): Canadian. Another of the authors whose every book I am trying to read. After reading Station Eleven which is still her best. This one underwhelmed.
The 48 Laws of Power – Robert Greene (5 / 5) : Non fiction. It took a long time to finish. Tough read. Like the book written for a devil. How people acquire, retain, use power. Dark arts. But I think it is worthwhile reading, to know and not to be subjected to some of the same dark arts. We tend to recognize some of the games people play after reading this and it looks so obvious.
When we cease to understand the world – Benjamin Labatut (5 / 5) : Chile. Hard to say if it is fiction or nonfiction. It is a mixed genre. Of fiction, science, biography, philosophy. When it is mixed like this, one doesn’t know what is fact and what is fiction, it is unnerving. But still, fascinating to read how when the human mind reaches the edges of knowledge, it starts to lose its grip on reality. I came to buy this book after reading just one paragraph which was outstanding.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow – Gabrielle Zevin (5 / 5) : American. A story of game developers. A unique background that I hadn’t read before. Enjoyable read.
Thinking in Systems: A Primer – Donella Meadows (5 / 5) : Non fiction. It was pending in my list for long. Must read for understanding the tools for systems thinking. A bible for the field.
Tharakan’s Grandhavari – Benyamin (3 / 5) : Malayalam. An experiment of a novel that can be read from anywhere, each print starting somewhere else and in random order, making out the pieces of the puzzle as it goes. Good idea, but was frustrating.
The Song of Achilles – Madeline Miller (4 / 5) : American, but a retelling of Greek story. Historical fiction, fantasy. I hadn’t read any like this before, hence a good experience.
The Covenant of Water – Abraham Varghese (5 / 5) : American, but born in Ethiopia, to parents from Kerala. This book was on Obama's 2023 list. Surprisingly the story was based in my own town. It turned tragic at places and too long, but a good read.
Lessons in Chemistry – Bonnie Garmus (5 / 5) : American. Unique premise of a Chemist turned cooking show host. Enjoyable read.
Yellowface – R.F. Kuang (4 / 5) : American. Set in the world of the publishing industry, so sort of an inside job. Tragic story.
