2024 Year in Books

Wow, looking back at my 2024 reading year, it was quite an adventure! I managed to complete my reading challenge, devouring a whopping 64 books and turning 32,867 pages. It's wild to see those numbers laid out, and it truly shows how much I love getting lost in a good story. My average book length for the year was 513 pages, which explains why some of these epics felt like a real journey! One of the most interesting contrasts in my reading journey was discovering my shortest and longest reads. On one end, I zipped through 'Hyperthief' by Brandon Sanderson and Janci Patterson, a tiny 18-page story that packed a punch despite its brevity. It was such a unique experience to read something so quick and impactful. If you're looking for a super-fast read from a beloved author, 'Hyperthief' is definitely one to check out. It's a great example of how even a few pages can tell a compelling tale. Then, on the other end of the spectrum, I embarked on Brandon Sanderson's 'Wind and Truth,' which, at a staggering 1,330 pages, proudly took the title of my longest book of the year. As a huge fan of the Stormlight Archive series, getting ready for this monumental release involved a lot of rereading, which was a joy in itself. Tackling such a massive book is a commitment, but the intricate world-building, deep characters, and epic scope of Sanderson's work make every single page worth it. 'Words of Radiance' from the same series even ended up as my highest-rated book on Goodreads with a fantastic 4.76 average! My reading list was definitely heavy on the fantasy side, with a lot of Sarah J. Maas, including rereads of her 'Throne of Glass' and 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' series, and, of course, plenty of Brandon Sanderson titles like 'Mistborn' and 'Skyward.' For those wondering about finding books for different ages or reading levels, I think it's all about exploring. While I mostly delve into complex adult fantasy, books like 'Hyperthief' show that even experienced readers enjoy quick, accessible stories. For younger readers, especially those around an 8th-grade reading level, perhaps looking for the first books in popular YA fantasy series, or even some of the standalone titles by these authors, could be a great starting point. Many fantasy novels, while long, often have clear language and engaging plots that can hook advanced younger readers. You might find that some thrillers and mystery novels, like those by Riley Sager or Lisa Jewell that also made it onto my list, can be a captivating way to diversify your reading too. Overall, my average rating for the year was a solid 4.6 stars, reflecting a year filled with truly captivating stories. It’s always fun to look back and see what resonated most. What were some of your standout reads this year?