2024 Year in Review: Books
In the last post I told you that I love the final week of the year, because I’m a sucker for everyone’s lists. Especially book lists. While it was hard to narrow down my top ten reads of the year, here are a few that particularly grabbed my attention:
Andy and Don: The Making of a Friendship and a Classic American TV Show (Daniel de Visé)
The saying “Never meet your heroes” is especially true in this case. Sheriff Taylor and his lovable sidekick were a bit of a real-life mess. Still, the story of their friendship is a truly endearing one, and that’s what was still real behind the scenes.
Awaken Your Genius: Escape Conformity, Ignite Creativity, and Become Extraordinary (Ozan Varol)
Varol is a true rocket scientist whom I’ve pointed you to before. Awaken Your Genius takes his own genius and helps us to apply it to our … um … less-geniused lives.
Beaverland: How One Weird Rodent Made America (Leila Philip)
Did I read an entire book on semi-aquatic mammals? I did. Was is 100% fascinating? It was.
The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction (Justin Earley)
This book was a part of a small revolution in my life this year, attempting to scroll less and be present more.
Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law (Mary Roach)
I have orbited the planet of Mary Roach for years, but have never actually read one of her books. What a mistake. She is funny, thorough, and introduces her readers to people we want to meet anyway.
Into the Abyss: An Extraordinary True Story (Carol Shaben)
The blurb on the front cover says “Only four men survived the plane crash. The pilot. A politician. A cop – and the criminal he was shackled to.” This is an incredible story written by the daughter of one of the survivors.
Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever (Gavin Edwards)
I listened to the audio version of this, and let me just tell you, I did not appreciate Fred Rogers nearly enough as a child.
On Speaking Well: How to Give a Speech with Style, Substance, and Clarity (Peggy Noonan)
Peggy Noonan is a national treasure. Anyone who can serve as a speechwriter for Reagan and a consultant for Sorkin’s The West Wing is a-okay in my book. Even if you don’t plan on giving a speech anytime soon, her writing is witty, insightful, and wise.
Surprised by Oxford: A Memoir (Carolyn Weber)
This was one of those books that I had a really hard time putting down. I read the first couple of chapters on a Friday and devoured the rest on a Saturday. It’s a tremendous story of an agnostic who came to faith at Oxford.
Write Better: A Lifelong Editor on Craft, Art, and Spirituality (Andrew Le Peau)
Much like On Speaking Well, there is much wit and wisdom in this book that should be drier than it is. Le Peau’s examples of good writing are worth the price of the book itself, but his additions will really help you hone your skills.
Bonus: The Chronicles of Narnia audiobook (C.S. Lewis)
I have no idea how many times I read the Narnia books as a kid, but adult Danny has a tendency to sob his way through them. I’m listening to the audio versions for the very first time, and they’re excellent.
Here’s the whole shootin’ match with Amazon links, if you want to see the covers:
Disclaimer: FTC watchdogs will probably want you to know that the authors represented did not ask for this endorsement, nor did they provide me with free swag in order to do so (unless specifically mentioned otherwise). I’m just a really satisfied customer who wants to let you know where you can get some great products. So there. Further, if you order a resource from a link above, I may receive a small affiliate commission from Amazon. If that bugs you, feel free to bypass my link and buy from a vendor of your choice. But still: buy it. I only promote books that have benefitted me and that I believe will benefit you.
