December is my favorite reading month of the year. I’m wrapping up my reading list for the year, reflecting on everything I’ve read, and simultaneously making my list for next year.
I made a book list at the beginning of the year (as is my tradition here on the blog) and it’s always interesting to see how this shapes and informs my reading for the year.
This year, I read 27 books on a variety of topics: novels to business books, self-help to memoirs. Some were on my reading list, some I preordered as soon as they were available, and some I picked up from one of our neighborhood lending libraries, spur of the moment.
I also read four books with the Musician & Co. Book Club this year: Daily Rituals (Mason Currey), This Is Marketing (Seth Godin), Feel-Good Productivity (Ali Abdaal), and Hidden Genius (Polina Marinova Pompliano). Want to join us next year? It’s free to sign up.
Looking for inspiration for your own 2025 reading goals? In this post, I’m sharing the seven best books I read in 2024 (nonfiction, fiction, business, self-help, and memoir) + everything else I read this year.
Happy reading!
The 7 Best Books I Read in 2024
*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Think Again (Adam Grant)
I’ve heard about Adam Grant’s books for a while now, so I was excited to see this title pop up in the library app.
In this book, Grant explores the importance of rethinking our beliefs, challenging assumptions, and embracing intellectual humility. Whether you're an educator, leader, or lifelong learner, Think Again will help you embrace open mindedness and develop flexibility.
Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout (Cal Newport)
I’ve followed Cal Newport’s work for years, so I was excited to read his new book on the topic of time management and focus.
Challenging the frenetic pace of modern work culture, Newport offers a compelling case for doing fewer things, working at a natural pace, and obsessing over quality. One quote that stuck with me:
"A key tenet of slow productivity is that grand achievement is built on the steady accumulation of modest results over time. This path is long. Pace yourself.”
Lessons in Chemistry (Bonnie Garmus)
I’ve seen this one on countless must-read lists this year, and it did not disappoint.
This witty and thought-provoking novel follows Elizabeth Zott, a chemist in the 1960s whose brilliance often goes unrecognized because of her gender. When life takes an unexpected turn, she becomes the unlikely star of a cooking show—using her platform to teach more than just recipes.
Packed with sharp humor, social commentary, and a deeply relatable protagonist, Lessons in Chemistry is both a celebration of resilience and a critique of systemic inequality. It’s the kind of story that leaves you inspired to challenge the status quo and pursue your passions unapologetically.
$100M Offers (Alex Hormozi)
This book is full of practical advice on how to craft compelling offers as an entrepreneur and small business owner.
Alex Hormozi dives into the psychology behind value perception and provides actionable strategies to increase the appeal of your services or products.
I listened to the audiobook version of this one and had a lot of helpful takeaways by the end.
The Secret Lives of Introverts (Jenn Granneman)
I love a good book about personalities, so I was excited to read this one.
This book is a guide to the unique strengths and challenges of being an introvert in a noisy world. Jenn Granneman weaves together personal anecdotes, scientific research, and interviews, offering validation and practical advice for introverts in all facets of life.
One of my favorite quotes came at the end of the book:
“So you’re quiet and you don’t always know what to say? On the other side of that “weakness” is a powerful, analytical mind. You get overstimulated more easily than others? In your solitude, you solve problems, think of new ideas, and create. You “umm” and “ahh” when you speak? Your reflective mind processes things deeply. Instead of seeing your introvert qualities as your biggest flaws, consider that they may actually be your biggest strengths.”
Taste: My Life Through Food (Stanley Tucci)
I picked this one up (for free!) at a neighbor’s yard sale over the summer and took it to the lake with me on vacation. It was the perfect company.
Tucci reflects on a life shaped by family, love, and a deep appreciation for good food. From his Italian-American upbringing to meals that defined key moments in his career, this book combines personal anecdotes, humor, recipes, and culinary musings.
Best enjoyed with a bowl of pasta and a glass of red wine.
A Place in the World: Finding the Meaning of Home (Frances Mayes)
I love Frances Mayes’ writing style—she is one of my favorite authors.
Drawing from her life in the South, Tuscany, and the West Coast, plus her travels around the globe, she explores how different landscapes shape our lives, relationships, and identities. Her vivid descriptions of sunlit piazzas, cozy kitchens, and lush gardens are rich and poetic (and perfect for armchair traveling).
In her signature style, Mayes invites readers to slow down, savor the moment, and consider the connection between place and purpose.
If you’re curious, here are the
other books I read this year:
*Click Book Covers for Direct links*
*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Looking for more book recommendations?
Here are a few other end-of-year reading reflections:
What was the best book you read this year?
What challenged you, inspired you, or broadened your perspective? What helped you develop a new skill or made you a better person?
