Whether tragedy, fantasy, or nonfiction, the books on this list give you a glimpse into our team’s 2024.
Choosing a favourite book in itself is often near-impossible - similarly, choosing one to encapsulate the year is no easy feat. It is difficult to state how deeply meaningful books can be to us all - at first, lucky enough to make it to the top of our reading pile, and then infused with our own experiences as we turn the pages.
In Memoriam (2023), by Alice Winn
In Memoriam (2023) tells the tragic love story of Henry Gaunt and Sidney Ellewood. After moving away from the sheltered environment of their boarding school, the pair are thrown into the trenches of World War One. While they may find some moments of intimacy and comfort in the darkness, it is not long before the pair find themselves separated. The book is the perfect choice for any fans of historical fiction, complex characters, emotionally charged dialogue, or simply enjoys being tortured by angst. A page turner that wears its heart on its sleeve. - Laura Molloy, Arts & Creativity Editor
Before the Coffee Gets Cold (2015), by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
A cozy and nostalgic page turner by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. The novel is set in a cafe which has one seat that allows its guests to travel in time, with the catch that they must return before their coffee gets cold. The story unfolds in four sections, each focusing on different characters and their choices, all set against the poignant reality that their actions cannot change the present. The way in which Kawaguchi approaches the theme of loss is tender and quiet, in a subtle manner that feels oddly comforting and safe. The novel brilliantly captures the human condition within the confines of time, and like a hot cup of coffee, maintains its warmth throughout. - Andrea Beyer, Comment Editor
Why Am I Like This? (2024), by Gemma Styles
Gemma Styles’ bestselling book Why Am I Like This? explores the complex nature of mental health and mental illness, with a particular focus on the dynamics of ADHD, neurodivergence, anxiety, and depression. Despite the chapters being in essay form, Styles translates academic research and data into simple, understandable concepts, using everyday examples to enhance understanding. Furthermore, this book sheds light on the bureaucratic issues that often hinder individuals from getting a much-needed and accurate diagnosis, emphasising the importance of receiving adequate support and acknowledgement in addressing such disorders. The tone of Why Am I Like This? is gentle and deeply reassuring, providing comfort and validation to individuals navigating mental health and mental illness. - Sofia Chirico, International Affairs Correspondent
The Way of Kings (2010), by Brandon Sanderson
The Way of Kings is an epic, high-fantasy novel written by Brandon Sanderson and is set in the fictional land of Roshar, a continent that is routinely ravaged by devastating “high storms”. The story centers around four characters in separate locations with different goals. I really connected with these characters because of Sanderson’s narration and strong characterisation. I was fully invested in each character’s struggles and triumphs. I became attached to each person of interest in the story, even the side characters were memorable for me. The plot itself is full of intrigue, moments of high spectacle, and slow introspective characters’ reflection. This dynamism kept the plot from being predictable and kept me engaged. The Way of Kings will be a dense delight for any fans of high fantasy epics. - Jude Emmanuel-Nwosu, Games Editor
Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World (2023), by Naomi Klein
Incisive, acerbic, and smart, Klein takes the reader on a dizzying journey through the world of post-COVID social media conspiracies and radical politics. Klein discusses the often humorous instances in which she has been mistaken for Naomi Wolf, attributing the confusion to the fact that both are North American Jewish women who write “big idea books.” Klein’s analysis of Wolf’s descent from respected intellectual to anti-vaccine militant is a complicated tale that highlights the difficulty of discerning the truth in a saturated digital landscape. Doppelganger is a wake up call for those concerned about the role of media in political discourse, and the efficacy of environmental and health messaging in the face of virulent misinformation campaigns and demagogic political agitation. - Features Editor, Michael Keating Dake