What I Read in 2024

 I am back and blogging again after a long time. 2024 was a great reading year for me as I decided to read less but mindfully. Reading has now become more than just entertainment to me; looking at words unfold and take the shape of ideas in your mind is terrific! I love to dive into a book when it is completely novel to my eyes and unfamiliar to my mind, when the words throw my brain into a puzzled frenzy, that is when I know it is a book to read.

This year I tried having a variety while consuming literature. So, my plate consisted of some contemporary fiction, philosophy and theory and some classic works of notable writers. Some of the books left their impact on me and I am listing down here for you some of my favorites!!

1. The Dharma Bums: Jack Kerouac

   
   
   
   

   Who thought I would be going Hitchhiking in the American mountains? This book took me on a beautiful ride. Jack Kerouac’s narration has speed and excitement, it is vibrant and full of fizz. The hippie lifestyle, the love for everything “spiritual”, the great American curiosity for the East. Described in perfect scenes from his travels. The beautiful scenes of the mountains mesmerize you. I could almost feel the crunchy icy winds in some parts.

   The book reminds you of the free spirit you are. Something I would have considered absolutely revolutionary had I read it at the age of 17.

2. The Fall by Albert Camus

   
   
   
   

   Another beautiful work of existentialism by Camus, I could place it next to Nausea by Sartre. The protagonist, successful lawyer, struggles with his own narcissism and his act as a lawyer, a human. His fall from grace into depravity and the questions of existence. Oh! How I love a book that moves me and makes me question everything, even my own self! It is a really short read of about less than a hundred pages, I would recommend it if you were in a low spot and willing to really experience the fall.

3. The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir

   
   
   
   

   What is a woman? The other, the second sex, born or made? A woman is more than a biological female, she is a sexed entity, a position in the society. This book is a profound work of feminist literature. What a great psychoanalysis of the various experiences of being a woman! Reading it not only strengthened my understanding of the feminist demand but also a deeper understanding of discrimination and subjugation and the generational and individual effects of it. I have already written a blog about my experience reading this classic work so do check that out!

4. The Days of Abandonment by Elena Ferrante

   
   
   
   

   A pitiful woman, an abandoned woman, an angry woman. This story put me through hell. It describes the experience of a middle-aged woman who is abandoned by her husband who betrays her for a younger woman. The flow with which it has been narrated, gives you a complete vicarious experience of the character’s disorderly state. It is painful, it is inspiring too. It is raw and real. A beautiful novel, a tad bit depressing but we love the pain.

5. The Concept of Law by HLA Hart

   Legal theory. I finally managed to get through this book. I never expected it to be the most thrilling read of my life, but it was completely worth it. Hart is extremely witty, and his point of view is obviously notable in jurisprudence. This book is a departure from the Austinian theory of the law being the command of an ever-powerful sovereign. Hart refutes this theory and then takes up answering many complex questions regarding law, rules , morality and sovereign. I especially found the bit about international law very interesting. I am planning to write a structured analysis of my reading soon, let us hope I get it done (please!).

6. Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez

   
   
   
   

   I am bringing this one to every argument about feminism. This book is perspective! It is looking at the cube from all sides, completely data driven. I never imagined I could find discrimination in these micro establishments. The way the structures of society are laid down, the way the everyday products are designed and a lot more, everything shows a pattern of seconding the female class. This is an amazing work of non-fiction, very eye-opening and I would absolutely recommend this!

7. Agua Viva by Clarice Lispector

   
   
   
   

   I am so thankful to the universe and my Pinterest algorithm for bringing me to this beautiful writer and her works. Agua Viva, the stream of life, what a prolific work of the stream of consciousness. This piece of writing is bubbling with creativity. Clarice Lispector has her own style of existentialism, and it is mind-boggling. I could not put this down for the entire day. It is a reverie, a trance, a truly inspiring piece of literature!

8. Intermezzo Sally Rooney

   
   
   
   

   Sally Rooney is one of the smartest writers of our generation. Her characters are complex, the stories are brutal, and this is my favorite of her works. This book touches upon various emotions of grief and existential crisis through the relationship of two brothers. The story explores and questions the structures of families and relationships and the questions of morality and normalization around them. The writing is sullen and what I would consider intentionally boring and consisting of geometrical descriptions. It truly depicts the gray existence of the capitalist society individual.

   The book is interesting and experimental and one of her best works! I had fun reading it and would surely recommend!

   Ha! These were some of my favorite books of this year and if you are reading my blog, you can pick one and try for yourself. I am looking forward to the new year and new reading experiences and hopefully you are too!