2024
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379 BOOKS
THIS PAGE = 39 BOOKS
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Before the Page = 340 Books
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Top 2024
This is my order, yours may; likely will be, different!
- Sky Full of Elephants - Cebo Campbell
- Listen For The Lie - Amy Tintera
- Blood on Snow - Joe Nesbo
- Crooks Manifesto - Colson Whitehead
- trust the bluer skies - paulo da costa
- Going to Seed - Kate J. Neville
- These Songs I Know by Heart - Erin Brubacher
- We Used to Live Here - Marcus Kliewer
- Atomweight - Emi Sasagawa
- My Father Was in The War - djSoulcial
- Monsters, Martyrs, and Marionettes - Adrienne Gruber
- Late September - Amy Mattes
- Your Caption Has Been Selected - Lawrence Wood
- If Something Happens to Me - Alex Finlay
- Bad Tourists - Caro Carver
- Medium - Johanna Skibsrud
- Oh Witness Dey! - Shani Mootoo
- The Singularity - Balsam Karam
- Anti-Racism as Daily Practice - Jennifer Harvey
- Atlas of AI - Kate Crawford
- Blue Notes - Anne Catherine Bomann
- Invisible Lives - Cristalle Smith
- Play - Jess Taylor
- Bruise - Adrian Markle
- How You Were Born - Kate Cayley
- Foreign Agents - Casey Michel
- The False White Gospel - Jim Wallis
- Like Happiness - Ursula Villarreal-Moura
- Where Was Goodbye? - Janice Lynn Mather
- Disobedience - Daniel Sarah Karasik
- Rubble Children - Aaron Kreuter
- The Truth About Immigration - Zeke Hernandez
- The Ghost of Us - James L. Sutter
- How to Eat - Mark Bittman + David L.. Katz. MD.
- The Obesity Code - Jason Fung, MD
- Into the Continent - Emily McGiffin
- You - Chantel Neveau
- Your Whole Heart Solution - Joel K. Kahn MD
- A Hunger to Kill - Kim Mager
* = Book Thoughts Coming Soon.
BLUE = MEMOIR OR BIOGRAPHICAL
BLACK = FICTION
DARK RED = EDUCATIONAL + Historical Fiction
PURPLE = ESSAY OR STORIES
ORANGE = POETRY
BLACK = FICTION
DARK RED = EDUCATIONAL + Historical Fiction
PURPLE = ESSAY OR STORIES
ORANGE = POETRY
Books Read in 2024
37
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In a world full of inherited beliefs, escape is just the beginning.
How did the book make me feel/think?
In “Rubble Children,” Aaron Kreuter skillfully presents 7.5 engaging stories that delve into the connections between Judaism, cannabis culture, and the Jewish Diaspora in Thornhill, Ontario. With a keen focus on young individuals' challenges as they navigate a complicated world, Kreuter exposes the profound generational biases that influence their lives. As these characters wrestle with identity, belonging, and the desire for freedom, the reader is drawn into a narrative that challenges assumptions and broadens understanding, taking them far from their own 'lived' experiences.
WRITTEN: 20 August 2024
How did the book make me feel/think?
In “Rubble Children,” Aaron Kreuter skillfully presents 7.5 engaging stories that delve into the connections between Judaism, cannabis culture, and the Jewish Diaspora in Thornhill, Ontario. With a keen focus on young individuals' challenges as they navigate a complicated world, Kreuter exposes the profound generational biases that influence their lives. As these characters wrestle with identity, belonging, and the desire for freedom, the reader is drawn into a narrative that challenges assumptions and broadens understanding, taking them far from their own 'lived' experiences.
WRITTEN: 20 August 2024
Unbound by Death: A Tale of Love, Secrets, and Redemption.
How did the book make me feel/think?
“The Ghost of Us” offers a fresh twist on a familiar theme of a voice in one’s head providing insider information for manipulation. A ghost trapped in purgatory needs his sister to find love and happiness to move on, so he manipulates a young ghost hunter with secrets about his sister to achieve this.
The novel blends compelling plot lines of outcasts, profound loss, ethical dilemmas, and the beauty of finding love. Written from a male perspective, it follows two young girls and an apparition seeking a way home (final resting place). The heart-wrenching, sometimes queasy (male perspective) rollercoaster will leave young readers guessing and searching for messages of unbounded love and morality.
WRITTEN: 2 August 2024
How did the book make me feel/think?
“The Ghost of Us” offers a fresh twist on a familiar theme of a voice in one’s head providing insider information for manipulation. A ghost trapped in purgatory needs his sister to find love and happiness to move on, so he manipulates a young ghost hunter with secrets about his sister to achieve this.
The novel blends compelling plot lines of outcasts, profound loss, ethical dilemmas, and the beauty of finding love. Written from a male perspective, it follows two young girls and an apparition seeking a way home (final resting place). The heart-wrenching, sometimes queasy (male perspective) rollercoaster will leave young readers guessing and searching for messages of unbounded love and morality.
WRITTEN: 2 August 2024
In Invisible Lives, one line soars, carrying the weight of dreams.
How did the book make me feel/think?
One line in Cristalle Smith’s poetry collection, “Invisible Lives,” didn’t just jump off the page; it flew off the page, resonating loudly: “Don’t take away my bed, my father said. All I have left are my dreams.”
Whenever a writer, poet, or human has the courage to lay themselves bare and share the tumult and trauma of their life, the world becomes a better place. We are all blessed for Smith’s visceral candour. Not only did that line jump off the page, but the humanity in her lyrical prose will also warm you with the possibility of overcoming even the darkest days.
WRITTEN: 18 July 2024
How did the book make me feel/think?
One line in Cristalle Smith’s poetry collection, “Invisible Lives,” didn’t just jump off the page; it flew off the page, resonating loudly: “Don’t take away my bed, my father said. All I have left are my dreams.”
Whenever a writer, poet, or human has the courage to lay themselves bare and share the tumult and trauma of their life, the world becomes a better place. We are all blessed for Smith’s visceral candour. Not only did that line jump off the page, but the humanity in her lyrical prose will also warm you with the possibility of overcoming even the darkest days.
WRITTEN: 18 July 2024
Love, death, and the rhythm of a killer's heart.
How did the book make me feel/think?
Can a hitman find true love? I don’t know where I got this book from. I crack it open. After a few pages, I start watching how my cat, Hana, walks. Does she put her rear feet in the exact print of her front? I go for a walk, and the person across the street is mirroring my steps. Why would someone want to hit me?
Jo Nesbo’s “Blood on Snow” is a lyrical thrill ride—no, a whole concert. It lifts you up by the page and deftly drops you into a slow groove, only to increase the intensity, leaving readers breathless. The main character is best described as off, but somehow lovable. Nesbo’s phraseology is masterful, making me want to improve every word I ever write.
I don’t think a book can get much better than this—with an ending that will leave you wanting more blood. What I learned without question is that hit-persons and cats have a lot in common.
An all-time favourite.
WRITTEN: 15 July 2024
How did the book make me feel/think?
Can a hitman find true love? I don’t know where I got this book from. I crack it open. After a few pages, I start watching how my cat, Hana, walks. Does she put her rear feet in the exact print of her front? I go for a walk, and the person across the street is mirroring my steps. Why would someone want to hit me?
Jo Nesbo’s “Blood on Snow” is a lyrical thrill ride—no, a whole concert. It lifts you up by the page and deftly drops you into a slow groove, only to increase the intensity, leaving readers breathless. The main character is best described as off, but somehow lovable. Nesbo’s phraseology is masterful, making me want to improve every word I ever write.
I don’t think a book can get much better than this—with an ending that will leave you wanting more blood. What I learned without question is that hit-persons and cats have a lot in common.
An all-time favourite.
WRITTEN: 15 July 2024
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36
AT: Fiction
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AT: Non Fiction
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A Bold Confrontation of Racism and a Vision of True Equality.
How did the book make me feel/think?
“Sky Full of Elephants” will be on every critic worth his weight in salt best books of the year list—if it isn’t, it should be.
In this captivating ride, Campbell masterfully confronts racism head-on. Imagine a world where the very concept of ‘white’ is debunked. Following a catastrophic event where every white person in America walks into a body of water, symbolizing a cleansing, and drowns, systemic racism is thrust into the spotlight. In a society finally free from the shackles of capitalism, rampant consumerism masked as values, and greed, those left behind must navigate the remnants of a nation that has denied equality for all citizens for over four hundred years.
‘How can the free truly be free,’ they ponder, ‘when they were never granted the same opportunities for education, growth, and employment as those who drowned?’ As they rebuild their society without their oppressors, a new era begins, but the scars of systemic racism remain.
“Sky Full of Elephants” is not only a deftly crafted read but also a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of what true equality means. White is and idea, and maybe, just maybe, it’s time for it to start fading away.
WRITTEN: 22 June 2024
How did the book make me feel/think?
“Sky Full of Elephants” will be on every critic worth his weight in salt best books of the year list—if it isn’t, it should be.
In this captivating ride, Campbell masterfully confronts racism head-on. Imagine a world where the very concept of ‘white’ is debunked. Following a catastrophic event where every white person in America walks into a body of water, symbolizing a cleansing, and drowns, systemic racism is thrust into the spotlight. In a society finally free from the shackles of capitalism, rampant consumerism masked as values, and greed, those left behind must navigate the remnants of a nation that has denied equality for all citizens for over four hundred years.
‘How can the free truly be free,’ they ponder, ‘when they were never granted the same opportunities for education, growth, and employment as those who drowned?’ As they rebuild their society without their oppressors, a new era begins, but the scars of systemic racism remain.
“Sky Full of Elephants” is not only a deftly crafted read but also a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of what true equality means. White is and idea, and maybe, just maybe, it’s time for it to start fading away.
WRITTEN: 22 June 2024
No straight person has ever…
How did the book make me feel/think?
Atomweight is a riveting debut that delves into the tumultuous life of Aki, a queer young woman besieged by the harrowing fear of abandonment.
It is a raw and unflinching exploration of the fight for self-acceptance in a world where sexuality can unjustly be eclipse one’s entire being.
Sasagawa masterfully capture the essence of Aki’s struggle, painting a vivid picture of a life marred by violence (emotional + physical) and promiscuity — a desperate attempt to reconcile her identity amidst parental expectations and societal pressures.
The story navigates the complexities of cultural divides, where love must wear a mask and people bury their true selves under layers of despair. Aki’s confrontation with misogyny, racism, and the insidious nature of self-gaslighting is a testament to the courage required to transform mere tolerance into unconditional love.
Atomweight is sometimes a shocking and violent tale, yet it is undeniably compelling. It beckons readers to open their hearts to a truth where individual sexuality is sacred, and love — free from the constraints of whomever it is directed towards — is the ultimate measure of our humanity.
Sasagawa’s novel is not just a story, but an inducement towards empathy and understanding, challenging us to see love not as a threat but as the essence of our existence. It is a powerful reminder the true battle lies in overcoming the fears that divide us and embracing the love that unites us.
WRITTEN: 7 May 2024
How did the book make me feel/think?
Atomweight is a riveting debut that delves into the tumultuous life of Aki, a queer young woman besieged by the harrowing fear of abandonment.
It is a raw and unflinching exploration of the fight for self-acceptance in a world where sexuality can unjustly be eclipse one’s entire being.
Sasagawa masterfully capture the essence of Aki’s struggle, painting a vivid picture of a life marred by violence (emotional + physical) and promiscuity — a desperate attempt to reconcile her identity amidst parental expectations and societal pressures.
The story navigates the complexities of cultural divides, where love must wear a mask and people bury their true selves under layers of despair. Aki’s confrontation with misogyny, racism, and the insidious nature of self-gaslighting is a testament to the courage required to transform mere tolerance into unconditional love.
Atomweight is sometimes a shocking and violent tale, yet it is undeniably compelling. It beckons readers to open their hearts to a truth where individual sexuality is sacred, and love — free from the constraints of whomever it is directed towards — is the ultimate measure of our humanity.
Sasagawa’s novel is not just a story, but an inducement towards empathy and understanding, challenging us to see love not as a threat but as the essence of our existence. It is a powerful reminder the true battle lies in overcoming the fears that divide us and embracing the love that unites us.
WRITTEN: 7 May 2024
We must learn to slow down from nature. If we don’t, what’s the point?
How did the book make me feel/think?
The author’s raw, emotional journey shared in “Going to Seed “struck a chord with me, mirroring my own struggles and fears amidst job loss and uncertainty. It underscored the importance of compassion and empathy towards others, particularly society’s most vulnerable.
Kate J. Neville emphasizes learning from nature and the benefits of idleness, challenging the stereotype equating idleness with laziness. She critiques the relentless pace driven by greed and the quest for power, which keeps humanity on a relentless march to exhaustion.
Neville suggests in our rush, we lose the ability to pause and enjoy simple pleasures—the kind late-stage capitalism overlooks because it requires us to remain at our breaking point, without time to breathe or contemplate what truly matters.
Asking whether this relentless pace can be halted seems futile, but without attempting to change, what quality of life are we ensuring for our future, and how long can we maintain it?
Idleness offers not laziness but a moment to recharge and reflect on what is truly important.
While I remain optimistic on a personal level, I am less so globally due to the deep entrenchment of capitalistic drives. We owe it to future generations—and to Gaia herself—to try and slow down, however daunting that may seem.
At the pandemic’s outset, I lost my job to someone younger and less costly, a change that brought both economic hardship and emotional strain. Yet, this loss also provided a chance to reassess my values and view the world more compassionately.
Recently, I turned down a demanding job offer that at 64 would have required me to work over 12 hours a day. This reflection made me realize accepting the position would not mean living but simply surviving as another cog in the corporate machine until an untimely end.
This is the impact that “Going to Seed” had on me.
WRITTEN: 6 May 2024
How did the book make me feel/think?
The author’s raw, emotional journey shared in “Going to Seed “struck a chord with me, mirroring my own struggles and fears amidst job loss and uncertainty. It underscored the importance of compassion and empathy towards others, particularly society’s most vulnerable.
Kate J. Neville emphasizes learning from nature and the benefits of idleness, challenging the stereotype equating idleness with laziness. She critiques the relentless pace driven by greed and the quest for power, which keeps humanity on a relentless march to exhaustion.
Neville suggests in our rush, we lose the ability to pause and enjoy simple pleasures—the kind late-stage capitalism overlooks because it requires us to remain at our breaking point, without time to breathe or contemplate what truly matters.
Asking whether this relentless pace can be halted seems futile, but without attempting to change, what quality of life are we ensuring for our future, and how long can we maintain it?
Idleness offers not laziness but a moment to recharge and reflect on what is truly important.
While I remain optimistic on a personal level, I am less so globally due to the deep entrenchment of capitalistic drives. We owe it to future generations—and to Gaia herself—to try and slow down, however daunting that may seem.
At the pandemic’s outset, I lost my job to someone younger and less costly, a change that brought both economic hardship and emotional strain. Yet, this loss also provided a chance to reassess my values and view the world more compassionately.
Recently, I turned down a demanding job offer that at 64 would have required me to work over 12 hours a day. This reflection made me realize accepting the position would not mean living but simply surviving as another cog in the corporate machine until an untimely end.
This is the impact that “Going to Seed” had on me.
WRITTEN: 6 May 2024
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35
AT: Fiction
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An absolute must-read for anyone craving a thrilling ride.
How did the book make me feel/think?
“Listen For The Lie” by Amy Tintera hijacks your senses, gripping you from the onset and refusing to let go. It’s not just my top read this year (as of March 9)—it’s a game-changer. Tintera’s storytelling prowess binds you to Lucy, a protagonist whose wit slices as sharply as her humour warms.
Tintera’s genius lies in the shadows of uncertainty she casts—each page crafts a new riddle, with Lucy’s sardonic allure amplifying the stakes. Her quirks become our touchstones as we become entangled in her trials, blurring the lines between complicity and innocence.
Dive into “Listen For The Lie” and brace yourself for a whodunit that throttles you with its audacious twists. Tintera deftly stitches humour into the fabric of suspense, guaranteeing gasps shadowed by guffaws. Unmissable and unputdownable, this is the thrill-seeker’s fix—an adrenaline-pumping journey that only slackens its pace once you’ve devoured every word.
WRITTEN: 9 March 2024
How did the book make me feel/think?
“Listen For The Lie” by Amy Tintera hijacks your senses, gripping you from the onset and refusing to let go. It’s not just my top read this year (as of March 9)—it’s a game-changer. Tintera’s storytelling prowess binds you to Lucy, a protagonist whose wit slices as sharply as her humour warms.
Tintera’s genius lies in the shadows of uncertainty she casts—each page crafts a new riddle, with Lucy’s sardonic allure amplifying the stakes. Her quirks become our touchstones as we become entangled in her trials, blurring the lines between complicity and innocence.
Dive into “Listen For The Lie” and brace yourself for a whodunit that throttles you with its audacious twists. Tintera deftly stitches humour into the fabric of suspense, guaranteeing gasps shadowed by guffaws. Unmissable and unputdownable, this is the thrill-seeker’s fix—an adrenaline-pumping journey that only slackens its pace once you’ve devoured every word.
WRITTEN: 9 March 2024
| 35._book_thoughts_-_batch_35.pdf |
34
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An evocative journey, exploring the theme of innocence.
How did the book make me feel/think?
In “Trust the Bluer Skies,” Paulo da Costa invites readers on an evocative journey, exploring the theme of innocence.
The narrative unfolds as a father embarks on a trip with his four-year-old son to his ancestral home in Portugal. Through Koah, the young boy, we witness the purity of a child’s perspective—a lens that highlights the poetic nature of their bond.
As the story progresses, the reader is drawn into the poignant struggle of a father striving to preserve his son’s innate wit and sense of wonder.
This quest takes place against a backdrop of a transforming world, where exploitation is rampant and once-natural landscapes are lost to ‘progress.’ The inexorable march of change threatens to erase the simplicities of life, leaving a world where innocence cannot endure untouched.
Koah’s character represents a poignant reminder—a call to rediscover the often-overlooked splendour in our surroundings we so readily sacrifice. His innocence challenges us to consider a slower pace of life, to reawaken to the beauty we are on the brink of destroying.
WRITTEN: 4 February 2024
How did the book make me feel/think?
In “Trust the Bluer Skies,” Paulo da Costa invites readers on an evocative journey, exploring the theme of innocence.
The narrative unfolds as a father embarks on a trip with his four-year-old son to his ancestral home in Portugal. Through Koah, the young boy, we witness the purity of a child’s perspective—a lens that highlights the poetic nature of their bond.
As the story progresses, the reader is drawn into the poignant struggle of a father striving to preserve his son’s innate wit and sense of wonder.
This quest takes place against a backdrop of a transforming world, where exploitation is rampant and once-natural landscapes are lost to ‘progress.’ The inexorable march of change threatens to erase the simplicities of life, leaving a world where innocence cannot endure untouched.
Koah’s character represents a poignant reminder—a call to rediscover the often-overlooked splendour in our surroundings we so readily sacrifice. His innocence challenges us to consider a slower pace of life, to reawaken to the beauty we are on the brink of destroying.
WRITTEN: 4 February 2024
| 34._book_thoughts_-_batch_34.pdf |
