Photo credit to Jo Anaya on Unsplash.
Last year, I posted my top favorite books of 2023, and decided to continue the tradition! As with every other year, I had some wonderful reads and some books that I never finished, but it was a good reading year all around. I hope you find some new favorite novels in the list below, and feel free to share what some of your top books of 2024 were in the comments!
I also made a YouTube video version of this post, so if you'd like to hear more extensive thoughts on these titles, you can watch it here! But now, on to the list:
The Eternity Gate by Katherine Briggs - 5 stars
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to be whisked away to a world where darkness is not skirted around or glorified, but instead faced and overcome by the power of the Father of Light.
The Boy Who Didn't Exist by Mariposa Aristeo - 5 stars
The Boy Who Didn't Exist was a wonderfully captivating read. I love to see retellings of lesser-known books, and the way that Mariposa wove the characters, unique plot, and faith elements together was phenomenal.
After Prayers by Malcolm Guite - 5 stars
Wonderful. This unique collection of poetry speaks to the heart and voices what we both long to say, and long to have someone acknowledge. Malcolm Guite's style draws the reader in, and they leave with much more than they arrived with.
The Unraveling of Emlyn Dulaine by Lindsay A. Franklin - 4 stars
This whimsical portal fantasy captured my attention from the start! With nods to books and writing techniques all throughout, and a large and lovable cast of characters, I had trouble setting this novel down.
A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell - 5 stars
With fantastic faith elements, witty banter, wonderful quotes, and a healthy portrayal of family (which isn't often shown), this was a delightfully crafted novel! I related to the main character very much and loved her mother's humorous antics and her grandfather's wise words.
Slip of a Girl by Patricia Reilly Giff - 4 stars
A wonderful novel in verse that brings light to a part of history not as well known, enhanced with strong character voices and real photographs from the time.
Eye of the Storm by Karynn Heckler - 5 stars
Heckler was able to weave an allegorical and impactful short story together with such a minimum of words and I loved this tale. It was amazing to watch the main character's understanding go from "The only way out of this storm is to find the eye" to "He was the eye of the storm".
Calculated by Nova McBee - 4.5 stars
Calculated is a novel full of high stakes, many timelines, and characters that pull you in. I loved the premise of being able to see numbers, the complex plot that only kept growing, and the way that Nova McBee gradually released information.
The Sower by Scott James - 5 stars
This picture book is so beautiful. Though the words and prints might seem simple at a glance, both become breathtaking with a little thought.
Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein - 5 stars
'Starship Troopers' isn't just some silly sci-ci full of warfare and space bugs, but rather a military fiction that even raises philosophical questions. I encourage you to pick up this book and stay past the first chapter. You won't regret it.
Jupiter Rising by Gary D. Schmidt - 5 stars
If you've been counting, you'll know that this is the 11th book on my list - I happened to read a wonderful novel right before New Year's, and so my YouTube video was already published. That being said, this book definitely deserves to be on the list and is a new favorite.
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