Favorite Books of 2024 - Non-Fiction Edition

Over the year, I read or listened to, 52 books in all.  One per week, which is my goal.  Most of the non-fiction were memoirs or biographies, and most were audio, read by the authors, which I always prefer. As I review the list, it is quite an eclectic collection.

I don’t always have a number one favorite, but last year I did. Between Two Kingdoms:  A Memoir of Life Interrupted by Suleika Jaouad. When I first read what this book was about, I avoided it for a time.  I’m so glad I finally listened to this audio book. “Beautifully crafted,” according to the Washington Post, which is spot on.  Suleika’s story, and her journey, are profoundly moving and deeply inspiring. Do not be put off by the subject of life-threatening illness.  I highly recommend this book. Thanks to my Yoga teacher for encouraging me to read it.

The rest, in no particular order:

The Six: The Extraordinary Story of the Grit and Daring of America’s First Women Astronauts, by Loren Grush.  These are the stories of six amazing women that were selected from a candidate pool of 8000, and who broke the gender barrier in space travel.  Their experiences made me angry and sad at times, and impressed, always.

King:  A Life by Jonathn Eig, won the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Biography. This book was “exhaustively researched” and provides an intimate view of an icon of American history as a complex human being, complete with doubts and frailties.

Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Everyday by Jay Shetty. He is a social media superstar, with a popular podcast, and my favorite new age philosopher. This book was recommended by a client and now, I listen to his “Daily Jay” recordings on the Calm app at the start of each day.

The House of Hidden Meanings: A Memoir by Ru Paul. The international drag superstar and pop culture icon provides a thoughtful introspection of his life, identity and relationships. His philosophy on importance of embracing what makes you different and facing yourself without fear is powerful and memorable.

The Ride of Her life by Elizabeth Letts. This is the true story of a woman, her horse, and their last-chance journey across America.  In 1954 this 63-year-old Maine farmer, with no family, no home, and no money, and no map, embarked on an impossible journey. She rode on a cast-off gelding, accompanied by her dog, and simple necessities, for 4000 miles across the country. Her adventures make for a truly entertaining read.

Sociopath: A Memoir,  by Patric Gagne, PhD. This is an incredible story of the author’s struggle to understand her own sociopathy, a “maligned and misunderstood mental disorder.” As a person who has always been interested in human behavior and psychology, I found it fascinating.

Dear Sister:  A Memoir of Secrets, Survival, and Unbreakable Bonds by Michelle Horton. This is the story of one sister’s fight against the criminal justice system on behalf of her incarcerated sister – a mother of two young children – after she kills her longtime abuser. The story is disturbing and upsetting, to say the least, yet insightful about how domestic abuse is viewed and handled in our society. It is also a story of sisterly love, incredible perseverance, and resilience.

Eight very different books.  All worthwhile.  Tell me, what did you read? What can you recommend to me?