6 of the best books I read last year 📚

This last year I definitely upped my reading game. Both actual reading, and pretend reading as I like to call it (audio books). Do you count audio books as reading? Zo and I debate this very important topic in this week’s podcast, alongside taking you through a few of my favourite books from the last twelve months. 

If you’d like to know the full version of what I loved about the following books, then you’ll need to listen to the podcast. I share some books I loved, and one I didn’t, and reflect on a few life lessons that came from what I’ve been reading. But, I reckon some of you might want a reference for the books that made it to the podcast and as I always aim to please, here you go. 

1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

This is obviously not a new release, it’s several hundred years old. I’m reading it because one of my eldest son’s closest friends told me that she re-read it most years. Do you re-read books? I don’t tend to (apart from the bible) but thought I would give it a try. And I have LOVED it. Better than previous reads. The characters are just brilliant and the funny thing about reading it this time is that I couldn’t help myself but to connect each character to which CliftonStrengths I thought they had (Jane is definitely Harmony, Mr Bingley is Woo, for example!). You’ll have to listen to the podcast to hear the full list. In summary, a brilliant book, full of humour alongside important social themes. And the happy ending we all needed. 

2. Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

I think this is my favourite read of the last year. There are a few honourable mentions that didn’t make it into the list, but this was my runaway favourite. I just lent it to my friend Libby and she said, “Oh my days, the most beautiful book - was so sad to finish it as I just want to stay with them all!” This is exactly how I felt. Four sisters, and their intertwining lives. I don’t want to say too much. Just read it. And, the big lesson in this book - if you’re holding on to any kind of grudge - let it go.

3. I Am I Am I Am by Maggie O’Farrell

Oh my goodness me. This book was a read-in-one-sitting kind of book. My sister in law spotted it in Tesco while queuing. She picked it up, read the blurb, and thought I would love it. She was so right. It’s a memoir, and we hear the story of Maggie’s life told through 17 near brushes with death. You are drawn in, every single chapter over and over and reminded of how important it is to live life fully, wholly, and how precious it is. 

4. Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson

OK I didn’t read this last year but I just wanted to talk about it. It’s now a film with Michael B. Jordan (which is definitely worth a watch but the book is way better as is usually the case.)This book is a tough read in some ways because it covers the systemic issues in the justice system in the states. More people are incarcerated in the United States than anywhere else in the world. Bryan Stevenson devotes his life to representing people on death row. It’s a deeply moving book, but reads like a thriller. There’s a central case that runs throughout the book of Walter McMillan. He’s an inmate who was wrongfully convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death. You’re desperate to find out what happens to Walter in every page. Read it if you don’t mind being challenged to your core. 

5. ???

This book on the podcast was one I didn’t really enjoy. It was overhyped and for me, underdelivered. You’ll have to listen to find out which one it was. If you’ve read it, I’d love to know what you thought of it.

6. Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason

So funny and so moving. Martha, the main character in this story is someone just like us, trying to make sense of her own messy life. But although Martha is brilliant, clever, beautiful, she also has a serious mental illness. This book lovingly portrays the pain of dealing with significant mental health issues, for both Martha and the people who love her. What I loved about this book, as well as its sensitive coverage of a very important topic, is that you are rooting for the characters. I love it when I love the characters, don’t you? 

7. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

This only gets an honourable mention because I wanted to talk more about it next time for international women’s day. But it’s a brilliant book and the Apple TV show is also excellent.

Do go ahead and listen to the podcast, and let me know what you thought of these books, including the one that I didn’t enjoy so much…

Happy reading (and listening)

Hannah x 

P.S. Have you read One Day? It’s brilliant - and if you’re going to watch the new Netflix series (I haven’t yet) I highly recommend digging into the book if you can.

P.P.S. If you want to read more in 2024 - one very simple tip is to carry a book around with you all the time. I’m finding if I do this, I find those liminal moments when I can read a page or two. And of course, I always have an audio book to hand on my phone because I am a huge fan (top tip - Rory Stewart’s Politics on the Edge is a *brilliant* book that I would argue is even better on audible, along with Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir - also arguably better on audio)