This is always a fun blog to write, because I get to review what I have read and share my favorites with you!I think my number one book for this year was 

Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. This book had a mystery at core, but it is also about the segregation and isolation of Jews and Blacks experienced in Pennsylvania in the 1930’s. The courage and tenacity and resourcefulness of these characters as they try to right a terrible injustice is such a powerful message. As we face into the uncertain times ahead, it is a wonderful reminder that by working together we can overcome difficulties and obtain justice.

Yellowface by R. F. Kang was another unsettling and fascinating book. An Asian authorhad been working on a book about the contributions of Chinese labor during World War I, dies suddenly. Her friend, who is white, steals the manuscript and tries to pass it off as her own. Kang explores the issues of cultural appropriation, jealousy, and the ways in which branding and promotion work in the publishing industry. Truly a powerful book!

Hunted by Amir Mukhejee explores terrorism from a different perspective- from the parent’s point of view. When a bomb goes off in a mall in Los Angeles, two parents whose children are suspects in the bombing come together to try and find their children before law enforcement does. This is a thriller, but the soul-searching parents humanizes and creates a soulful counterpoint to the regular thriller genre. I highly recommend this book!

For those who love fantasy you must absolutely read The Fourth Wing series by Rebecca Yarros. This is such a compelling series with dragons, a vicious enemy and a heroine who despite a debilitating illness, conquers her fears, while learning to accommodate her disabilities. I gobbled these books up and thank goodness a new one will be released this month!

Trust by Hernan Diaz. Although this was the strangest book, I have read in quite a while it was truly powerful and had some important things about lies and truth. One of the main characters in this book believes that if lies are repeated with authority often enough they can become “true.” But in reality, the truth always come out and when it does the consequences can be devastating.

Finally, I really enjoyed the coffee shop series by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. In a tiny coffee shop in Japan, you can go back in time and talk with someone from your past, but only as long as the coffee doesn’t get cold. These are soulful books full of wisdom and insights into the human condition. I often remember a particular story or an important piece of wisdom from these books and I highly recommend them.

I hope this 2024 year-end review is helpful to you and that you enjoy reading these books as much as I did!

Happy New Year!

PS. Sorry for the lack of book covers. WordPress seems to be having some technical difficulties, which I hope they willl resolve soon!