It’s the time of year to reflect on everything that has happened. So here are the best and also the somewhat disappointing books I’ve read lately. My goal was to read 50 books, and it may end up a failure, I’ve accepted that. Maybe I can still fit in a few more books though! In 2023 I actually managed to meet the same goal by cramming several short in length reads toward the end of the year, but I’m not sure if l want to try that path again. Here are a few books I feel are worth mentioning, for better or worse:
Books That Impressed Me
World’s End by Upton Sinclair
It’s the first book in this writers series about a character called Lanny Budd, and I will definitely continue along with the story next year. This one was about World War 1 breaking out in Europe (told from the perspective of an arm’s dealer’s teenage son) and I understand the other 10 books will lead us through world history towards the Cold War. Upton Sinclair wrote nearly 100 books with a strong socialist message, so I am a big fan and working my way through his long list of titles.
James by Percival Everett
There was an interview on PBS Newshour that recommended this book, so I checked it out with a library system app. When they opened Barnes and Noble at the mall recently there was a display claiming it’s “book of the year” so I’m sure everyone has heard of it, there’s been so much promotion. It’s basically a fan-fiction based on characters from Mark Twain’s oeuvre, and brought to mind the movie Django Unchained many times throughout my reading. I’m not sure if I’d recommend it, when there are many non-fiction stories of real people who escaped slavery (by Harriet Jacobs, by Booker T. Washington, by Mary Prince). The other book I’ve read by this author was excellent, it was called Erasure and the movie adaptation on Amazon is called American Fiction- I think I rate them both higher than James I’m very glad that James was so popular though!
The Markets of Paris by Émile Zola
I made a list of the writers that Upton Sinclair was inspired by (his autobiography was one of my top favorites books I read in 2023), and have been making my way through those old guys too (1873 was the publication year on this, and the plot was set around 20 years prior). Paris, France is a place I used to live. It was only for 2 years, but it was very influential on my life so that’s why I opted for this book first. Maybe it’s not the best or most popular title but I’m glad to explore this fictional historical version of somewhere I’ve been (Les Halles). There are many characters, but the main guy here is a recently released prisoner. He is in very poor health at the start of the tale and by the end has been restored to strength! He gets healthy and re-integrated into his community, he is dedicated to socialist activism and making plans which I suspect may send him to jail again. Apparently this is part of a 20-book series, and I have read part 3 first. It was still very enjoyable.
Howl’s Moving Castle by Dianne Wynne Jones
I don’t usually read YA but I decided to sort my audible library by “not yet started” or however they word it, the titles that have been patiently sitting untouched on my shelf. Maybe it was on sale or free a long time ago, I really don’t remember wanting it or purposefully getting the book, but I do love to watch Studio Ghibli movies. So when it was October that seemed like a cute magical listen, and I did enjoy it. I re-watched the movie and would recommend both or either.
The Vampire Knitting Club– several books in the series by Nancy Warren
I’m ashamed to say how deep into this series I’ve gotten, I think I’ve read about 9 of these cozy mysteries so far. I collected them all! It’s such a comforting vibe, to go back into the writer’s mystical occult crafting world. I really don’t care if the protagonist ends up with a human boyfriend or some paranormal guy, I’m not too invested in the story at all. But I’m hopeful the main character might get better at knitting.
Memoirs of a Revolutionist by Pyotor Kropotkin
Another author I discovered from the mentions of Upton Sinclair. The Conquest of Bread was so good I had to read more from this guy. Pyotor Kropotkin was a rare aristocrat who grew sympathy for the “serfs” of his family and worked hard trying to bring about class consciousness. He wrote about his luxurious upbringing, how people reacted to him developing empathy for vulnerable people, and then being sent to prison (he escaped after 3 years, it was very exciting)!
Here Are The Books That Let Me Down
The Opposite of Fate by Amy Tan
I’ve loved Tan’s fictional works, but this nonfiction collection was a disappointment. Her personality felt off-putting—she describes herself as “scared of crime” and desperate for male attention, which I found alienating (Baby Boomer women are often annoying). It makes me wonder if I’ll enjoy her other books as much, now that I’ve read this.
Cocoa and Chocolate by Arthur Knapp
This was written in 1920 it was a free ebook I kept reading for reasons I can’t understand (it’s probably the part of me that wants life to be more punishing). Well it was very boring and I learned nothing much. A sixty second YouTube video taught me more about cocoa and chocolate productions than the hours I spent reading this one.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
What in the hell did I just read? It was a title I remembered from my childhood. The cover of the book was really well illustrated, it was so vivid and memorable. I think that’s what endeared me to the book more than the message or story now that I’ve re-read it. I couldn’t remember much of anything about the plot or theme, just there was a large family with many kids, of course hi-jinks ensued. Well, upon revisiting after 30 years, it’s very christo-fascistic and and anti-poor, which I somehow missed in my elementary school years. It really pissed me off, and I hate that I fell for nostalgia
Looking At The Book Pile Ahead
For 2025, I plan to aim for 50 books again, though I might adjust that goal as needed. I’d like to read more female authors and explore unfamiliar voices. Of course, I’ll continue with the series I’ve started, and I’m always open to recommendations.
If you’ve read any of these or have thoughts to share, I’d love to hear them!
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