Last year I finally wrote up a year in review book post and although it was much more work than expected I loved seeing all of my favorite books in one place. As such here is this year's version! These books were all picked by scrolling through my 2024 Goodreads Year in Books and seeing what made me smile while remembering them.

Looking over my Goodreads 2024 year in review I found these books out of all I read this year, in no particular order, really jumped out at me. I want to warn you that this isn't going to be an in depth review as there are tons of those online already. Instead it's simply a list of books that I remembered loving this year with links, in each title and author heading, to its corresponding Goodreads profile for more information. I also figured it was best to limit my books to those I've read this year (2023 list shared here). That said, if you're interested in the books I've read in the past, before sharing this list, let me know in the comments below or send me an email at mail@simplykyra.com so I know there's interest in prioritizing a less time-specific list.

Additionally I want to let you know that many of these books I did receive electronically through NetGalley to read and review, but whether I chose to include them here and my reviews themselves are my own opinion after reading the book.

Authors

Before going over each individual book I wanted to share the two authors I enjoyed reading multiple books from this year.

Ali Hazelwood

I came across Ali Hazelwood back in 2022 and love her STEM-centric fun and happy romantic comedies. This year between new books coming out and her past catalog of books I've read four of her books. My favorite three were:

• Love, Theoretically: Rival physicists in academia feuding with fake dating misunderstandings.
• Check & Mate: Chess games and romance. Enough said.
• Not in Love: Personally, I didn't think it was as good as the others but still okay.
• Bride: This fourth book diverged from her STEM-tastic offering and was not expected with a paranormal romance. That said, I still liked it and wanted to include it but it's not representative of her others.

Robin Sloan

I came across Robin Sloan when their book Sourdough was mentioned in one of the sourdough-related Facebook groups I'm a part of. It was not at all what I expected but I absolutely adored it!!! It blended Bay Area, sourdough, fantasy, science, and so much more. I was hooked and from there looked into more of their books including:

• Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore: conspiracy, codes, and books in a hole-in-the-wall San Francisco bookstore with a brief foray into New York.
• Moonbound: Somehow a continuation and nothing like the previous. Low-tech, hi-tech, the same, but so very different.
• The Suitcase Clone: A bridge combining the first and second book I read (Sourdough and Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore) jumping between times and people.

These books were incredible and my best way so explain is leaving you with this quote from the Goodreads listing for The Suitcase Clone:

Just how deliriously fun and thrillingly mind-expanding an adventure, James can’t yet know. But we, of course, know how Robin Sloan crafts a story. Crossing the international literary-techno-conspiracy of Mr. Penumbra with the delicious experimentation of Sourdough, The Suitcase Clone is a tale that enriches and expands the Penumbraverse in ways you never saw coming, told by a mysterious narrator with an unexpected perspective on the great puzzles of life. Who could it be?

Podcasts

Since I found myself listening to more audiobooks this year I figured I'd throw in three of my favorite podcasts (below link to the Apple Podcast listing) that I always attempt to stay up to date on before we go onto the individual books below.

These podcasts are:

• Well to The Core: I found Robin Long's Pilates back in 2018, joined her membership, loved the Facebook group, cheered when she added new instructors, bought her book, saw her rebrand to Lindywell, and was thrilled back when she started her podcast Well to The Core. Love each and everyone of these episodes that will hopefully bring a bit more balance to your life.
• Swift over Coffee: When I first started learning Swift I came across Paul Hudson's Hacking with Swift website where I followed his 100 days of Swift, 100 days of SwiftUI, bought a macOS book, and then paid for a membership. Love the website and love that he started a podcast with Mikaela Caron. A new episode from them means drop any other audiobook and listen to it at the first opportunity!
• Bossy: I came to this Podcast through Money with Katie and fell in love with it. Just kickstarted my LLC this year and although not fully caught up on these episodes love the rapport between Katie and Tara (Apps Without Code) during the first two seasons and find myself still listening to the new season without Katie. I've only listened to it myself but they also have YouTube videos they refer to while I listen so you can also watch. Here's a link to their main website.

And now onto the books!

Books

Still the Sun

Charlie N. Holmberg

Oh my goodness. When I realized Charlie N. Holmberg had a new book out in a new world I was beyond excited and this book didn't disappoint. New world building, new characters, and epic surprises. It didn't let me down at all!

Two-Damage My Heart

C.N. Holmberg

I've read many fantasy and romance books by Charlie N. Holmberg (including right above), but she's recently branched out into nerdy contemporary romance under C.N. Holmberg and I'm all for it. I loved the first book in the Nerds of Happy Valley Series and this second book Two-Damage My Heart didn't disappoint with broken hearts, second chances, and larping. It was sublime.

The Lost Story

Meg Shaffer

I was so happy I came across this book. It was the perfect amount of reality, fantasy, and character building that I had trouble putting it down. And if you've read C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia before there's the perfect amount of references and awesomeness as this book was inspired by it.

Really Very Crunchy: A Beginner's Guide to Removing Toxins from Your Life without Adding Them to Your Personality

Emily Morrow

I'd been following Emily for a while on Instagram (reallyverycrunchy) so was excited to hear about her new book. I ended up listening to the audiobook version and loved listening to her while following along with her journey, tips, and tricks. A perfect companion piece to go with all the videos they've posted.

The Lion Women of Tehran

Marjan Kamali

I’d read this author's previous book The Stationary Shop so jumped at the chance to read this one. It didn’t disappoint. The story was amazing, the characters oh so real; and everything pulled me in. Overall this may be my absolute favorite read of the year. I’m so glad I came across this book.

Stay Curious and Keep Exploring: Next Level: 50 Bigger, Bolder Science Experiments to Do with the Whole Family

Emily Calandrelli

I'd been following thespacegal on Instagram for years and loved watching her in Emily's Science Lab while wishing the kids got more into it than they did so we could watch more. We've been doing sensory stuff for years and although I just skimmed through the book and didn't do anything in it I can see this being a great book. It has tons of experiments each laid out simply with images, introduction, and questions. Additionally, I love the range from super simple that you should have all the ingredients for to more exclusive experiments.

Trust Me, I'm Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator

Ryan Holiday

I heard about this book through a Facebook group and ended up listening to the audiobook version. This was eye opening yet fun to listen to while going about your chores. It offers you a look at how media works while touching on the original print media to the home blogging of today. Illuminating.

Third Eye

Felicia Day

Last Christmas I may have gotten an audible trial based solely on ads for Slayers and Third Eye... this book did not disappoint. I've followed Felicia Day for years on Instagram and especially loved The Guild so I knew it would be good but this quirky magical land of San Francisco with a Chosen One who flopped was perfect and hilarious to listen along with!

Bad Dreams in the Night

Adam Ellis

I follow the author, adamtots, on Instagram and love his mind-bending and twisted-ending comics so was super excited to hear about his book. When I got my hands on one it didn't disappoint though I also realized that I'd seen many of them before. I still loved seeing each comic and they lived up to the "spine-tingling, pulse-increasing tales of mystery and supernatural occurrences" mentioned in the book overview that goes on to mention that it's perfect for those that love "Black Mirror and Stranger Things and listened to podcasts like Welcome to Nightvale and Rabbits."

Run

Blake Crouch

Oh my goodness!!! I’ve read so many of Blake Crouch’s books and loved every single one though I especially loved the Wayward Pines series, Dark Matter, Recursion, and Upgrade. That said, this was a re-release book on NetGalley and although Goodreads said I hadn't read it I wasn't sure and questioned it at first. That said, this book was so good and so hard to put down. Definitely not a before bed read as it would keep you up.

The Birds, the Bees, and the Elephant in the Room: Talking to Your Kids about Sex & Other Sensitive Topics

Rachel Coler Mulholland

I heard about this book on a Facebook group and it didn't disappoint. I love all the topics she brings up along with how she'd answer depending on the age range your kid is at. Her stance on each topic is perfect and I love how she says the why of it. I ended up listening to the audiobook version of this which can be a tad repetitive if listened to sequentially but I can see investing in a paper copy to refer to each section when you need a hand. I hadn't heard of the author before but have since tracked down her Instagram page under Rachel "Shug" Coler Mulholland. For more information:

The book covers a broad variety of topics including how babies are made, dating, safe sex practices, the differences between gender and sexual orientation, and how to discuss consent. It is perfect for caregivers struggling to find the words, and it aims to help navigate the sometimes murky waters of discussions around bodies and sex. Written in the frank and funny tone of Rachel’s videos, this book arms readers with applicable skills and accurate knowledge and keeps the next generation of kids safe in an ever-changing world.

The Hush

Sara Foster

Oh my goodness gracious!!!! I absolutely loved this amazing book and it was absolutely one of my top three of the year. It is a cutting edge, absolutely terrifying, and amazing dystopian that grabbed me with the perfect amount of dread and concern. This was the first book I'd come across from Sara Foster and it was amazing and oh so terrifying.

Start More Than You Can Finish: A Creative Permission Slip to Unleash Your Best Ideas

Becky Blades

I can't remember if I read or listened to this book but know that I absolutely adored her idea of being a stARTist along with the idea of not needing to finish everything and especially loved how each thing you do builds on a previous thing so nothing, even if you don't finish, is truly wasted. I actually set a reminder on my phone so I can listen or read this again to remember the lessons learned and keep it fresh. Definitely could see buying this so I could read it more regularly and have it in the bookshelf so it's available for the kids.

Author vs. Illustrator

Donald Lemke, Designer Bob Lentz (illustrator)

I almost didn't request this one on NetGalley but thought it would be adorable to read with the kids and it was perfect! I love how this book works as a good explanation for the definition of an author and illustrator while also being a fun entertaining look at this dueling duo! Entertained my eight and ten year old for a quick read while being informative to those that didn't know the terms too.

Sunderworld, Vol. I: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry

Ransom Riggs

I absolutely adored this book especially the unique feeling premise and the characters. Loved how the two worlds blended and merged and would love to follow along with more books to continue the story. Another unique read.

Promise Me Sunshine

Cara Bastone

I was reading this book when I started compiling this list and absolutely adored it even though, at that time, I was only halfway through. I'd listened to some of Cara Bastone's books before but absolutely loved this slow-burn romance while offering a primer on how you or someone you know may deal with grief. I've since finished it and knew it needed to be included.

The Lightning Bottles

Marissa Stapley

I went into this book not knowing what to expect and absolutely adored it. The book was sad, happy, and so hard to put down. So glad I came across this book.

Lucy Undying

Kiersten White

Oh my gosh! I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down. I somehow didn't realize it was a vampire book and forgot I had it for a bit but once I started I couldn't put it down and it was incredible. I love the way it was laid out, how the scenes change, all the characters, and everything. This gothic fantasy was perfection.

Exit Interview: The Life and Death of My Ambitious Career

Kristi Coulter

I came across Kristi Coulter when listening to the podcast It Gets Late Early in April and realized immediately that I needed to listen to this book. This "candid, intensely funny memoir of ambition, gender, and a grueling decade inside Amazon" was a must listen to and I'm so glad I stumbled across it.

Nine Tailed

Jayci Lee

I’ve read several of Jayci Lee other books and loved all of them so I bought this ebook when it first came out, set it aside to savor, forgot about it, and then found it on NetGalley. I’m not mad that I both bought and requested this book as it immediately pulled me in and I couldn’t put it down. The book is listed as the first in Realm of Four Kingdoms so I'm excited to be able to continue the story whenever the next one comes out.

Eruption

Michael Crichton, James Patterson

I binged so many of Michael Crichton's books when I was younger so I was so excited to hear that Eruption was being released but was also cautious as I was disappointed when Pirate Latitudes came out posthumously. This book did not let me down at all and was quintessential Michael Crichton!

The funny part of this book was that I'd never read James Patterson before yet have a friend who is the opposite: binged James Patterson and hadn't read Michael Crichton. We book clubbed this book together and both noticed so many features of our favorite author in the book and felt it was perfect to that author. I guess this shows it was the perfect medley regardless which one you have more experience with.... and now I'm curious how it would read if you're a fan of both authors... or even neither. If that's you I'd love your opinion in the comments below.

The Story Collector

Evie Gaughan, Evie Woods

I love stories that jump between two different times and this sweet story didn't disappoint. I had trouble putting it down and finished it unfortunately quickly. The perfect story as is though I’d also love to follow along on their adventures a bit longer if I could.

Pandora's Lab: Seven Stories of Science Gone Wrong

Paul A. Offit

I found the audio version of this book and loved following along with the seven stories of how science went wrong. I especially love how it was correlated to current tech that may also be a future oh no. A great listen.

Dark Space

Rob Hart, Alex Segura

I haven't read anything by Alex Segura before but especially loved reading Rob Hart's books (adored The Warehouse and The Paradox Hotel) so knew I needed to read this book. I absolutely loved reading this "sweeping sci-fi spy thriller", had trouble putting it down, and would love to continue the story if there's ever a sequel. Epic and amazing!

And with that my personal favorite books from this past year are done. I'll leave you with a question... what book(s) have you read that you can't stop thinking about? Also what book(s) on here did you already read and also love? Feel free to share in the comments below. And regardless of anything I hope you’re having a great day.

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