2024 ~Wrapped~

The Book Superlatives

Jan 31, 2025

Was it just 2024 or is this just adulthood now? Every month this year I, along with my colleagues, friends, and acquaintances would harp on about how fast the year was passing (always with the exception of January which today feels like it lasted about 56 days, at least). Is it the diabolical nature of time or the absurdity of these unprecedented events piling up higher and higher year after year? Will we ever figure out what makes the days whip by or just continue to stumble around like toddlers figuring how to use their own legs, wobbling toward the end of the day/week/month/year until we no longer can?

The obvious bet is we’ll never know. Time is a fickle bitch, full-stop. So I’ll remind you (and myself) not to get so stuck within your routine that you too stop seeing the difference between this day and the next.

This last year, in spite of it all, I leaned right into my desire to do more. I’ve put a heck of a lot of miles on my car and I’m proud of it. I’ve read far less than I usually do and so I got to see more. I visited three countries, and while stateside make it down to New York City at least once a month, and continue to seek out local vendors and markets to frequent instead of box stores. I dress up my nails in loud polishes and adorn myself with eccentric earrings, I added three permanent bracelets to my wrist and four new piercings.

I also lost an organ, spent a few nights in the hospital, took a 7-week leave from my job, and got my blood drawn so many times I lost count—and when I see a new bruise on my hand or arm I don’t even question it, likely from the last time I was stuck with a needle.

Like many others, I was pushed to the brink. When asked how I am, depending on the audience, I’ll respond with “Fine, how are you” or “Well, I’m alive.” In most of the previous decade, I’ve needed books to take me where I could not go, showing me what I couldn’t otherwise empathize with. Now I understand too much and need an IRL distraction when the pages aren’t enough. It’s an odd strategy for me, for sure, spending so many days out in a world that seems to be falling apart, but I made room for myself to achieve some joy, no matter what the last breaking news bulletin says to catch my attention.

For the first time as we rolled over into 2025 I felt the difference, a transition. In the fall I was still sorting out priorities and making a decision each day about how I want to be perceived while also choosing to take up more space and have less fear about doing so. It didn’t fit the “new” me to worry about what others think of me. Throughout the new year thus far I’ve continued to lean into that. I bought new wide leg pants and more sweatshirts and T-shirts and I’ve never felt so comfortable or more like myself. My exterior is now closer to how I thought my true self would appear.

On top of all of this, I’m standing my ground more often, being honest when previously I would have kept quiet, and leading when no one else wants to step in or step up. A new name plate sits on my desk at work and I get a lot of compliments on it, it says: Don’t Be a Lady, Be a Legend.

The Nonfiction Book Everyone Should Read (and Read Again) in 2025:

—The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi

The Best Book to Read When You’re Ready to Contend with Our Uncertain Future:

—The Great Displacement by Jake Bittle

When You Need a Cheerleader & Creative Burst:

—The Art of You by James McCrae

If You’re Contemplating a Job Change You Need:

—Exit Interview by Kristi Coulter

A Book with a Voice You can Trust for Political Guidance:

—Democracy Awakening by Heather Cox Richardson (who has a spectacular Substack to follow)

If You’re an Artist and/or Need a Cynical Chuckle, You Need:

—Get the Picture by Bianca Bosker

For When You’re Feeling the Feminine Rage:

—Nonfiction: Eve by Cat Bohannon

—Fiction: The Change by Kirsten Miller

The Novel to Read If You’re Interested in Dabbling in Survivalism:

—The Future by Naomi Alderman

Most Poetic, Tragic:

—Nonfiction: a tie between Briefly Perfectly Human by Alua Arthur and Bless the Blood by Walela Nehanda

—Fiction: Blue Hour by Tiffany Clarke Harrison

For an Epiphany More of Us Should Have, Read:

—The Other Significant Others by Rhaina Cohen

Best Nostalgic Read:

—Nonfiction: Once in a Millennial by Kate Kennedy

—Fiction: Burst by Mary Otis

Most Romantic Read for a Friday Night In:

—a three-way tie between: Out on a Limb by Hannath Bonam-Young, One Day by David Nichols (plus the Netflix series), and The Pairing by Casey McQuiston

When You Want to Read About London (My Favorite City) While in London, Read:

—Evenings & Weekends by Oisin Mckenna