My 2024 Must Reads

So we’re back to talking about my absolute favourite thing, maybe only in a close second to food: books. This year has been such a trying year for many book lovers. Many of us branched out, trying new genres that we weren’t used to, and falling in love with them, many of us returned to the genres that were our roots and some of us were just there. Dancing on the edge, one foot in, one foot out of the amazing world that is books.

So, yeah, as the year is coming to an end and 2025 is already peeking from the corners, it’s safe to talk about one book that I feel every Hiver should read. Bear in mind that there is no book that I read and loved this year that I didn’t talk about, so it will more or less be me repeating it. So, to prevent a review all over again, I’ll make it three books that my beloved Hivers and Bibliophiles should add to their read list, and add the links to the actual review I made.

A Broken People’s Playlist

I enjoyed this book to no end. I think I said in my review that I read this book at a very sensitive time of my life, and it broke me and healed me. I did state that I was staying away from sad books like the plague, and so for people who aren’t fans of sad novels, I wouldn’t recommend this to you if I didn’t think it would heal you more than it makes you sad. There’s so much beauty to this book, but one thing I’d like to highlight as my favourite lesson of this book is the way it teaches you to appreciate the now.

I think that is necessary to our reality because of the many times we forget to value our present. To appreciate the moment. The people around us and the current happenings in our lives. See beauty in them no matter what. A Broken People’s Playlist by Chimeka Garricks is that book that teaches you to close your eyes, take a huge breath, open them again and let your face break into a winning smile. Can’t say anymore but you should really read it.

Things We Do Not Tell The People We Love

I read this book I think at the beginning of the year and it struck me how similar yet different we all are. How dissimilar our backgrounds are, but yet we face similar kinds of challenges, and it is these challenges that bond us. Make us realize that we are not as alone as we may think we are. No matter how bizarrely unique the situation is. You have someone who is going through it or worse. Misery loves company, perhaps? But I think that even in happy events, it feels more satisfying to see other people who can relate to that joy we feel.

This is why I want every Hiver who hasn’t read Things We Do Not Tell The People We Love by Qureshi Huma, to add it to their read list. The writing style is easy on the eyes and smooth for adequate comprehension. And no, you may not smile at every page, but I do guarantee that you will learn. And that in itself is enough.

And finally,

Nights of the Creaking Bed

I reviewed it just a few months back and it was bliss. Reading it as well as writing it. I love the way the mind works. How adeptly it takes our realities, mixes them with the realities of others and their past experiences alike, adds a swivel of what should and not what currently is, and then presents it. Nights of the Creaking Bed by Toni Kan had its flaws in the lives it presented, but it also had its perfects. The perfection in each imperfect life was showcased dexterously in this book.

One thing, I will say is to keep an open mind. I’m learning to do that with books. Drop my inhibitions or tightly held principles, walls and everything in between, and just read. Read. Know. Learn. Enjoy. That’s the best way to approach a book like this.

I realized as I wrote that all the books I highlighted are short stories. So, I guess that this year is my appreciation year for short stories. I’ve had the most exciting time with them this year and I hope this beautiful bond we’ve forged doesn’t break. Anyway, presenting these three underrated but powerful gems to you. Do knock yourself out with it!

Jhymi🖤

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_{All images are from my e-library.}

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