Better Late Than Never, 2024 Favorite Reads

I've been wanting to dabble back in to reviewing but the books from last year feel so far in my past - yet I want to acknowledge a few.

My reading genres were totally different in 2024. I mostly read ALC (advanced listening copy) audiobooks that I received from Libro.fm. They have a monthly, eclectic mix and it helped me read outside my comfort zone. 

Favorites were mostly - books that stuck in my mind long after - rather than "enjoyed".

So, here are a few of my 2024 favorite reads with a few thoughts. Keep in mind, I read these many, many months ago so my memories could be a little hazy lol

In no particular order:

Maybe She Will by Gina Andrew ~ Goodreads: This is a gentle, women's fiction/romance, story about an "older" (41 years old - ancient in romance years lol) single mom of a teenage daughter and autistic son. She's stretched thin between parenting, advocating for her son and just general doing everything on her own.

After a tussle with Gavin, the new school coordinator at her sons school, she realizes that she might be able to let other people in to help, that it's ok to not have all the answers and that she's still sexy and worthy of a full life. 

I loved all the characters (even the kids!), the romance and especially Josephine who has seemingly held the weight of the world on her shoulders for so long. Seeing her let go and have FUN and let other people in was wonderful.

Source: Purchased

Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent ~ Goodreads Sally is strange. She's lived alone in the woods with her father for years rarely talking to others and when she does she is very literal - very matter of fact. At first, I suspected neurodivergent, but there is a much more sinister reason for Sally's behavior. A secret past that even Sally has been kept int he dark about.

ALL THE TRIGGER WARNINGS -> kidnapping, rape, domestic abuse, racism, death, child abuse, captivity - psychological and physical torture <-

This is a deeply disturbing book about nature vs nurture, trauma/PTSD, (in)justice. There is no pretty bow wrapped ending but for some reason I really liked this one. I felt like the author did the topics justice, without sugar coating anything. This isn't an easy read but it is one that stayed with long after finishing. The audiobook is EXCELLENT with narration by Jessica Regan and Stephen Hogan.

Source: libro.fm

Annie Bot by Sierra Greer ~ Goodreads: Another really tough read.  Annie is an AI robot, created to be a "cuddle bot" - yes for sex, and to perform basic household chores. But she also has a (small) bit of human emotion and sentience added in to her programming- which makes her pass more as human but also gives her ideas and thoughts. Something her owner, Doug, isn't too fond of.  

I had such a visceral reaction to this story at first and had to set it aside several times (in anger) before really settling in with it. 

Annie and Doug's relationship was so toxic and abusive (bot or not) and it initially focused mainly on sex - for a reason - since Annie is a Cuddle Bot - but it was just so hard to read. I thought this was gratuitous sex just for titillation but it is very important to the story.

Additionally, I listened to it on audio and hearing Annie's pain, confusion, discomfort, fear, happiness added another level to the book. (excellent narration!). It made me empathize and relate to Annie in a whole other way.

Annie Bot initially is the typical story of an AI growing feelings but as the story goes on it really takes on abusive relationships, technology and agency on multiple levels.

This book had me FUMING lol but I really ended up loving it and highly recommend reading with a friend or book club for venting purposes.

Source: libro.fm

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt ~ Goodreads: Let's end on a happier note lol Remarkably Bright Creatures was such a beautiful story about connections (both missed and made), grief, friendships and family - both blood and found. 

And a cantankerous giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus! Marcellus' droll narration and unexpected, sweet, connection to Tova, the older cleaning woman at the aquarium Marcellus is - in his words - "day insert # of my captivity" - was just a delight to read. 

Source: libro.fm

That's a wrap of my favorite 2024 reads! Maybe this means I will start reviewing a gain this year. 

Have you read any of these? What were your favorite reads of 2024?