dec 2024
my top books of the year
Hello everyone,
I read 114 books this year, which is less than I did last year. I can’t say that I’m surprised by that when I moved across the country in the summer and hit a significant point where I wasn’t sure what I wanted to be reading. I’m glad to say I broke 100.
I also want to start using StoryGraph but struggle with the interface. I’ve imported my data from GR, so I just need to work on shelving and rating some books I read in middle school and high school. It’s hard to balance respecting your opinion as a kid with being an adult and having a different perspective. I’m trying to find a compromise.
Anyway, these are my top five reads of this year. I’ll link to my page if you want to see my find my review (if I have one), but I’ll give my reasons for why each one made my list.
Starting with #1:
This is number one because how could it not be? I would love to own this book one day. I already wrote a long review but this is essential reading for any Muslim who feels isolated and alone in their community.
Genre: Memoir, Religion, LGBT
Rating. 5/5
I read this book twice this year. I love romance, especially when it explores power dynamics and has interesting MCs. First off, I love the name Angel - that immediately endeared me. This has a character dealing with an abusive parent who is the head of an NRM which could easily have been handled poorly. But that wasn’t the book it was trying to be. It was romantic and sexy. Brea wrote one of my favorite romance books of all time so I usually try to give her books a read.
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, MM
Warning: This is labeled as dark, which, eh, this isn’t the darkest thing I’ve read by far, but look into it before reading.
Rating: 5/5
Not much to say besides I believe this to be essential reading for anyone with attachment issues. I also love that this book discussed the relationship between food and attachment. It makes so much sense and it has made me feel even more confident in working on having a healthy relationship with eating.
Genre: Nonfiction, Mental Health, Psychology
Warning: Abuse and sexual trauma are mentioned throughout the book, especially towards the end.
Rating: 4/5
This book is just lovely. It’s not perfect, but it’s thoughtful and warm despite everything that happens. Funnily enough, I probably wouldn’t have read something like this before I got into DND, but I loved the cover and heard there was a trans character. I don’t regret it and if you want a book to curl up with in bed you won’t be disappointed.
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, MM
Warning: I believe there’s a scene where one of the characters is implied to have been touched inappropriately. I believe it’s more towards the end of the book but it’s not jarring.
Rating: 4/5
Some of you are looking at me. Which is fine because I stand by this. This book is hilarious and horny but ultimately endearing because of it’s earnestness. I enjoy books that explore sexuality and gender through the vehicle of sex. I don’t need to go on a rant but sex is usually, if not always, very intimate. People learn so many things about themselves when they participate in it and I think it can help with inner growth. I’ve read this book two or three times now and I still enjoy it.
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, MM
Warning: MC with eating issues due to sports and various sexual endeavors.
Rating: 4/5