The Stats
Here’s a quick snapshot on my reading stats from January to July 2024:
Number of Books Read: So far I’ve read 7 books.
Reading Goal Update: In 2024, I aimed to read 25 books, but I'm currently 6 books behind schedule. Despite this setback, I recently reaffirmed in my Mid-Year Life Update that I am not lowering my goal or making any adjustments. I am committed to challenging myself and reading as many books as I can, with the hope of reaching my target by the end of the year.
Total Pages Read: I read a total of 2,229 pages so far this year.
Genre Breakdown: In 2024, I've made it a point to diversify my reading by delving into a wide range of genres. So far, I've delved into 5 fiction and 2 non-fiction books, exploring contemporary fiction, self-help, Christian literature, mystery thrillers, and memoirs. This varied approach to reading has made this year stand out for me, as I've been more open to exploring different genres on a monthly basis.
Favorite Format: I absolutely love reading ebooks because they are so convenient for my on-the-go lifestyle. I find that I can quickly finish a book when it's in ebook format, which is perfect for my busy schedule. However, I also cherish the experience of reading physical books and am planning to read more of them in the coming months.
The Highlights
In my mid-2024 reading recap, I can confidently say that The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith stands out as my favorite book so far. This 1955 psychological thriller novel introduces the captivating character of Tom Ripley and delves into his obsession to fulfill his desires. What I love most about it is the roller coaster of emotions it provides.
The fast-paced nature of the story reminds me of the gripping reading experience I had with Gone Girl, which remains one of my all-time favorite books. I was so taken with The Talented Mr. Ripley that I ended up giving it a 5-star review.
The book that surprised me the most was Mitch Albom’s The Stranger in the Lifeboat. As a fan of Albom's previous works such as Tuesdays with Morrie and Have a Little Faith, I had high expectations for this book based on its intriguing summary. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it surpassed all my expectations and became my favorite book by Albom so far.
My biggest disappointment goes to Taylor Jenkins-Reid’s Malibu Rising. Although it's a popular book on BookTok, I found it to be my least favorite among Reid's works that I've read so far. While I appreciate Reid’s storytelling, I struggled to keep up with the numerous characters in this book. Unlike her other books like Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Carrie Soto is Back, where there is one central character and the rest are vividly portrayed as side characters, Malibu Rising left me feeling overwhelmed with the multitude of characters to keep track of.
Book Recommendations
Let me give you some of my recommendations based on the books I finished so far in 2024.
The Talented Mr. Ripley
Author: Patricia Highsmith
Pages: 273
Genre: Fiction, Mystery Thriller
It was a series of TikTok videos showcasing scenes from the movie version of The Talented Mr. Ripley that made me delve deeper into the story. Upon discovering that the movie was based on a book, I knew I just had to read it. I'm so glad I did because it turned out to be a hidden gem. I absolutely love this book, especially the writing style - it's just so good!
The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio: How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less
Author: Terry Ryan
Pages: 496
Genre: Non Fiction, Memoir
This is another book I read because I saw videos on TikTok from the movie version. It's a fantastic and inspiring story, perfect for anyone looking for a light read that motivates you to keep moving forward in life. I highly recommend this book, especially to aspiring writers, as the main character manages to support her family by winning writing contests. It's truly an amazing story!
The Stranger in the Lifeboat
Author: Mitch Albom
Pages: 271
Genre: Fiction, Christian, Spirituality
"What would you do if you found yourself stranded in a lifeboat and a mysterious man appeared, claiming to be God?” This book will leave you yearning for more with its incredible writing. It offers valuable insight into coping with death, not only your own but also the passing of those around you.
Reading Goals for the Second Half
I still have 18 books left to reach my goal of reading 25 books by the end of 2024. That means I need to read and finish 3-4 books every month. It's definitely going to be challenging, but I'm determined to give it my best shot. On the bright side, I've already surpassed the total number of books I read last year, so I consider that a win for this year.
Here are some of the books I’m looking forward to reading:
On Writing by Stephen King
Babel by R.F. Kuang
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien
1984 by George Orwell
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
What about you? How's your reading journey going so far?
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