We’re only a few days away from 2024, so I think it’s safe to share the books I’ve read this year. As Grace Farris wrote, this kind of sharing feels surprisingly intimate. In the past, I’ve written a Year in Reading essay for The Millions, where I highlighted some of my favorites of the year, regardless of when the books were published. I loved the opportunity to reflect on my reading habits and praise the books that really knocked my socks off. But then The Millions stopped paying its staff writers and I had basically stopped writing for the site anyway; last year I wrote my piece not knowing I was doing it for free and had to beg for money. (I got it! Santa Claus needed that $100!)
I decided to follow Grace’s lead and share all of the books I’ve read this year, which I’ve never done. Yikes, feels revealing!