There’s nothing quite like a good book while reclining on the sofa with a hot cup of chai or sitting in the garden with the sun on your toes. Each year, I try to line up a selection of books to read and this is the class of 2024. In the comments below, let me know if you’ve read any of them, have any ideas for future picks, or notice any glaring omissions!
The Boy Lost in the Maze – Joseph Coelho
[The award-winning one] Having studied childhood literature at University, Carnegie book winners are usually on my radar (well, most of the shortlist is, honestly). Joseph Coelho is one of my favourite poets, and I’m excited to see him writing in a longer form, intertwining the ancient myth of Theseus with the contemporary story of a teenage boy named Theo. Theo is on a quest, to find his biological father, a journey that mirrors the perilous path Theseus takes through the labyrinth to confront the Minotaur. As both boys navigate their respective mazes, they grapple with issues of identity, belonging, and the search for a father figure.
Safiyyah’s War – Hiba Noor Khan
[The one I might read to read to my class] This is a historical fiction novel set in Paris during World War II. The story revolves around a young Muslim girl named Safiyyah, whose life is dramatically altered by the Nazi occupation. It’s been nominated and won many awards and I look forward to its promise of a story packed with resilience, courage, and the power of compassion in the darkest of times.
None of this is True – Lisa Jewell
[The bestselling one] I like a page-turner, and whilst this ‘tale of deception and suspense’ didn’t initially appeal to me, a 4.5 out of 5-star rating by 20,000 reviewers has convinced me to give it a go. None of This is True is a psychological thriller that revolves around two women whose lives intertwine unexpectedly. Alix Summers, a successful podcaster, lives a seemingly perfect life until her world is turned upside down when she meets Josie Fair, a mysterious woman who claims to be on the cusp of a major life change. Intrigued by Josie’s story, Alix agrees to feature her on her podcast. Sounds intriguing!
Shipwreck Island (Orphans of the Tide) –
Struan Murray
[The sequel to one I’ve already enjoyed] Orphans of the Tide was a fantastic book: essentially, a tale of friendship, bravery, and the fight against overwhelming odds. This sequel follows the continued adventures of orphans Ellie and Seth, who have escaped their previous harsh life to find freedom and peace. After crossing a vast ocean, they land on a vibrant tropical island ruled by a mysterious queen. To survive, Ellie and Seth must confront dark secrets from their past and fight for their newfound home.
Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown
[The self-improvement one] I’ve always admired Brene Brown’s ability to delve deep into the human experience with such honesty and vulnerability. Her previous books have offered invaluable insights into topics like shame, courage, and vulnerability. I’m hoping Braving the Wilderness is no exception. This book explores the concept of true belonging in an era of increasing polarisation. I hope it will be encouraging and full of the anecdotes and practicality that I’ve come to expect from her work.
Close to Death – Anthony Horowitz
[The one by a favourite author] I love pretty much anything written by Anthony Horowitz; his Alex Rider books and Horror stories were enjoyed in my teens and twenties, and his crime novels featuring his character Detective Daniel Hawthorn have been an excellent addition to his oeuvre. This story revolves around a seemingly perfect, gated community called Riverview Close. The tranquillity of this neighbourhood is shattered when one of its residents, Giles Kenworthy, is murdered with a crossbow. With everyone in the community having a motive to dislike Kenworthy, the suspect pool is wide open.
The Sentinal – Lee/Andrew Child
[The guilty pleasure one] A thriller by Lee and Andrew Child featuring the iconic character Jack Reacher. I’m expecting the usual Reacher fare: fast-paced action, witty dialogue, and a complex plot with unexpected twists.
Yellowface – R.F. Kuang
[The ‘I feel like I should read it but haven’t gotten around to it’ one] Yellowface is a satirical novel that delves into the complex issues of race, identity, and the publishing industry. The story follows June Hayward, a struggling white writer, who, upon the meteoric rise of a young Asian American author, Athena Chen, becomes obsessed with her success. In a desperate bid for fame and fortune, June takes on a false identity, appropriating Athena’s cultural background and voice to write a bestselling novel. It’s been around for a while, I probably should be on it by now!
After The Adults Change: Achievable Behaviour Nirvana by Paul Dix
[The educational one] Paul Dix’s After The Adults Change: Achievable Behaviour Nirvana is a follow-up to his bestselling book When the Adults Change, Everything Changes. I really enjoyed exploring the behaviour approaches shared by Paul in his first book and look forward to delving deeper into creating a positive and effective school environment by focusing on the role of adults in shaping student behaviour. It may be for work, but if the first book is anything to go by it will be not just informative but extremely readable.
Watling Street: Travels Through Britain and Its Ever-Present Past – John Higgs
[The historical one] Those of you who’ve been around for a while will know I’m into my history, especially that of the British Isles. In this book Higgs follows the entire length of Watling Street, from Dover to Anglesey, uncovering a rich tapestry of stories with a blend of history, mythology, and personal reflection. I’m looking forward to seeing how a road I’ve travelled along many times influenced the past and continues to influence our lives today.
The Chrysalids – John Wyndham
[The classic one] I enjoyed John Wyndham’s ‘Night of ‘The Day of the Triffids’ in a previous summer reading list and wanted to continue to explore this early purveyor of science fiction. This novel is set in a post-apocalyptic world where society is gripped by fear and religious extremism. The story follows a young boy named David Strorm who discovers he possesses a hidden ability that sets him apart from the rest of his community.
The Boy In The Tower
[The one I was recommended by my class] The Boy in the Tower by Polly Ho-Yen plunges readers into a gripping dystopian world where nature has taken a terrifying turn. From the safety of his high-rise apartment, young Ade watches as a strange, invasive plant overtakes the city below. As panic and chaos spread, Ade’s mother retreats into a world of her own, leaving him to face the encroaching danger alone. This haunting tale explores themes of isolation, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit.
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