What I Read in 2024

Some highlights from the 52 books I read in 2024

Jan 21, 2025

As 2025 gets underway, I wanted to take a moment to reflect back on the 52 books I read in 2024 and the most important lessons they taught me.

While reading 52 books over 52 weeks might sound like a steady pace of one book per week, my reading habits were very inconsistent. For example, during the height of my solo backpacking trip through Asia, I finished 11 books in July. In contrast, while visiting my sister in Australia and moving to Italy in August, I managed to finish only one book. To be fair, though, part of that time was spent working my way through the nearly 1,000-page epic The Pillars of the Earth.

Here are a few quick stats about my 2024 reading:

52 books totaling 15,853 pages
41% fiction, 59% nonfiction
62% were less than 300 pages, 25% were between 300-499 pages, and 13% were 500+ pages

One of the most interesting shifts this year wasn’t about the genres of books I read but the format I consumed them in.

Until about two years ago, I was firmly against e-books. I would only bring my Kindle on long trips, and even then, I used it sparingly, reading just two or three e-books a year. I have always been a fan of audiobooks, though. While I never listen to a fiction book for the first time as an audiobook, I find them great for rereading fiction or for powering through nonfiction books, especially dense biographies that I want to absorb but don’t have the patience to sit and read.

Moving abroad, however, has made me rethink my commitment to physical books. In an effort to keep my life condensed to just a few suitcases, I only brought a handful of print books with me to Europe. Since then, I’ve gone nearly all-in on e-books, using my Kindle extensively and taking advantage of apps like Readwise to organize my highlights and notes.

This shift was further amplified by my time on the road. In 2024, I spent over three months backpacking in Southeast Asia and visiting Australia. Being constantly on the move meant e-books and audiobooks became my primary way of reading.

Here’s how my 2024 book formats broke down:

21% print books
35% e-books
44% audiobooks

As I reflected on my reading year, I wanted to share some key takeaways and reasons you might enjoy a few of my favorite books from 2024.

FICTION

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

I started the year rereading one of my favorite books (currently ranked #2 behind Steinbeck’s East of Eden). Tartt is my favorite living author, and I’m obsessed with her prose. She spends a decade writing each book, and it’s now been 11 years since her last book, The Goldfinch, came out. I’m anxiously waiting to read whatever she’s been working on!

The Secret History is dark, weird, and wonderful. It pulls you into a world where beauty, intellect, and darkness intertwine. The story revolves around a group of students at an elite New England college who become obsessed with ancient philosophies and moralities without limits and (as you discover on the first page) end up murdering one of their own friends. Tartt explores the dangers of idealism, obsession, and the pursuit of knowledge without boundaries. I love how she articulates the tension between intellectual ambition and the consequences of ignoring the ethical dimensions of our actions.

A few favorite quotes:

“Does such a thing as 'the fatal flaw,' that showy dark crack running down the middle of a life, exist outside literature? I used to think it didn't. Now I think it does. And I think that mine is this: a morbid longing for the picturesque at all costs.”
“Death is the mother of beauty,” said Henry. “And what is beauty?” “Terror.” “Well said,” said Julian. “Beauty is rarely soft or consolatory. Quite the contrary. Genuine beauty is always quite alarming.”
“The Roman genius, and perhaps the Roman flaw,” he said, “was an obsession with order. One sees it in their architecture, their literature, their laws—this fierce denial of darkness, unreason, chaos.” He laughed. “Easy to see why the Romans, usually so tolerant of foreign religions, persecuted the Christians mercilessly—how absurd to think a common criminal had risen from the dead, how appalling that his followers celebrated him by drinking his blood.

Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

Pillars of the Earth is an epic historical novel that immerses you in the intricate struggles of politics, faith, and ambition in 12th-century England. At its core, the story revolves around the construction of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge, a monumental endeavor that raises questions about vision, power, and purpose. Have you ever walked into iconic cathedrals like Notre Dame, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, or St. Peter’s Basilica and wondered, “Who built this? How? And why?” Ken Follett became obsessed with answering these questions, and through meticulous research, he answers them by telling the story from multiple perspectives: the master builder driven by his own architectural vision, the idealistic prior determined to expand his monastery, the ruthless bishop desperate for power, the noble families battling for control of the land, and the humble townspeople just struggling to survive. These intertwined narratives paint a vivid picture of the medieval world and explore the themes of ambition, faith, and the desire to leave a lasting legacy

“He had forgotten that God saw through the silk robes to the sinful heart, that the only wealth worth having was treasure in heaven, and that even the king had to kneel down in church. Feeling that everyone else was so much more powerful and sophisticated than he was, he had lost sight of his true values, suspended his critical faculties, and placed his trust in his superiors. His reward had been treachery.”
“He wondered if he really was capable of it. Then he thought what a thrill it would be to create something from nothing; to see, one day in the future, a new church here where now there was nothing but rubble, and to say: I made this.”
“What you’re doing is wrong,” he said. “I mean evil. To give up happiness like this is like throwing jewels into the ocean. It’s far worse than any sin.”

Steinbeck

In 2024, I started working my way through all of John Steinbeck’s novels in the order they were published. Steinbeck has been my favorite author for a long time, and I wanted to take a more intentional approach to studying his writing style and the key themes that evolved throughout his career. I read his first four books, and it’s been fascinating to see how his voice and vision developed over time.

Cup of Gold

Steinbeck’s debut novel is nothing like I expected… it’s a full-on pirate and treasure story! Loosely based on the life of Henry Morgan and his sacking of Panama City, it’s an entertaining read, but if I didn’t know it was Steinbeck, I’d never guess. There are only a handful of moments where his future writing style shines through, hinting at the brilliance to come.

“How is it, John, that such a great soldier can be such a great fool?” Said John Evelyn, “How could it be otherwise? If great men were not fools, the world would have been destroyed long ago. How could it be otherwise? Folly and distorted vision are the foundations of greatness.”

The Pastures of Heaven

After being amazed at how unexpected Steinbeck’s debut novel was, I was equally shocked by how quickly he immersed us in the familiar settings and characters that would define his work. This collection of interconnected stories about the inhabitants of the Salinas Valley captures Steinbeck’s early exploration of recurring themes: the weight of family history on future generations, the profound connection between people and the land, and the enduring tension between idealistic dreams and life’s harsh realities.

“…it’s almost impossible to read a fine thing without wanting to do a fine thing.”

To a God Unknown

Of the four Steinbeck novels I read in 2024, To a God Unknown was my favorite. While not as widely known as his later works, it’s a haunting exploration of humanity’s relationship with nature, faith, and the mysterious forces that shape our lives. Set in a rugged, almost mythic California landscape, the novel follows Joseph Wayne’s obsessive connection to the land and his increasingly blurred line between reverence and desperation. The novel grapples with questions of purpose, sacrifice, and the divine in a way that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

“In a way it gratified him that his health was bad, for it proved that God thought of him enough to make him suffer. Burton had the powerful resistance of the chronically ill.”
“Life cannot be cut off quickly. One cannot be dead until the things he changed are dead. His effect is the only evidence of his life. While there remains even a plaintive memory, a person cannot be cut off, dead.”

Tortilla Flat

Set in a small California town after World War I, Tortilla Flat follows a group of friends who live by their own code, sharing whatever they have (or don’t have) while navigating love, loyalty, and mischief. Beneath the playful tone, Steinbeck weaves in his usual themes of community, morality, and the complex ties between people and place. It’s short, charming, and profound.

“Time is more complex near the sea than in any other place, for in addition to the circling of the sun and the turning of the seasons, the waves beat out the passage of time on the rocks and the tides rise and fall as a great clepsydra.”

Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

I can’t believe I’d never read this book before! I’ve always loved the movie, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the book is just as fun, if not even more so. Douglas Adams’ wit and absurd humor leap off the page, making every chapter a delight. The quirky characters, ridiculous situations, and clever insights into life, the universe, and everything had me awkwardly laughing out loud on my long bus rides through Vietnam.

“He felt that his whole life was some kind of dream and he sometimes wondered whose it was and whether they were enjoying it.”

The Man Who Was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton

While I love Chesterton’s non-fiction work, I’d never actually read any of his fiction until now. The Man Who Was Thursday did not disappoint. It’s an absurd, thrilling, and philosophical novel that starts as a spy story but quickly veers into something much stranger. I’m excited to dive into more of Chesterton’s fiction soon.

“Thieves respect property; they merely wish the property to become their property that they may more perfectly respect it.”

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The day I set out on my solo backpacking trip, one of my lifelong best friends bought me a copy of The Alchemist. It was the perfect book to set the tone for my journey, and I devoured it on my long flight from LA to Tokyo. Paulo Coelho’s classic follows Santiago, a shepherd who leaves his ordinary life behind to pursue his “Personal Legend.” Along the way, he meets a series of characters, each offering lessons about courage, perseverance, and trusting the journey. It’s a short, simple read, but its themes of self-discovery and following your dreams hit me right where I needed them as I embarked on my own adventure. While I wasn’t on an Eat Pray Love style “find myself” trip through Asia, it was still a powerful season of self-discovery, and this book set the perfect tone.

“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity.”

Silence by Shūsaku Endō’s

While in Japan, I reread Shūsaku Endō’s Silence. The book definitely hit differently this time around, both because I was reading it in Japan and because I was reading it for the first time since becoming Catholic. The novel follows a Jesuit missionary, Fr. Rodrigues, as he endures unimaginable trials while spreading Christianity in 17th-century Japan during a time of brutal persecution. Endō grapples with profound questions about faith, doubt, and the silence of God in suffering, crafting a story that is haunting, thought-provoking, and deeply moving.

Attending Mass in Tokyo deepened the impact of the book for me. Reflecting on the incredible hardships Christians have endured in Japan over the centuries, and seeing Catholics still gathering for Mass today, was incredibly powerful. I still find myself wrestling with the book’s ending and wondering what I would do if I were in Fr. Rodrigues’ place.

A terrible anguish rose up in his breast. Violently he shook his head trying to control the ugly imaginings and the words rose up to his throat like nausea… Repeating the prayer again and again he tried wildly to distract his attention; but the prayer could not tranquilize his agonized heart. ‘Lord, why are you silent? Why are you always silent…?

Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

Every other year or so, I reread or relisten to C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia series. I loved these books as a kid, and in 2018, I reread them with some friends for the first time as an adult. I was expecting a simple and fun children’s series, but I rediscovered a profound exploration of themes like family, friendship, faith, adversity, adventure, confronting evil, and more.

As an adult, I’m continually struck by the richness of Lewis’ imagination and how he weaves timeless truths into stories that remain accessible to children. He explores what it means to live with courage, humility, and hope. The series reminds me that life’s most important lessons, like the value of self-sacrifice, the reality of redemption, and the beauty of forgiveness, are often best conveyed through simple, heartfelt stories. Each time I revisit Narnia, I uncover something new, whether it’s a deeper understanding of Aslan’s unwavering grace or a fresh reminder to see the wonder and adventure in the world around me.

“It isn't Narnia, you know," sobbed Lucy. "It's you. We shan't meet you there. And how can we live, never meeting you?"
"But you shall meet me, dear one," said Aslan.
"Are -are you there too, Sir?" said Edmund.
"I am," said Aslan. "But there I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there.”
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

The Requisitions by Samuel Lopez-Barrantes

I met Samuél Lopez-Barrantes last spring in Paris while visiting a mutual friend. Over drinks, Samuél mentioned his recently published second novel, The Requisitions, and I couldn’t resist picking up a copy. A week later, I stayed up for nearly an entire transatlantic flight because I simply couldn’t put it down.

The Requisitions is set against the backdrop of the Soviet invasion of Poland, but the main characters are figments of the narrator’s imagination. Samuél artfully weaves together multiple storylines creating a layered narrative that explores themes of memory, resistance, oppression, and the resilience of humanity. It’s a thought-provoking story that blurs the line between history and imagination.

Other non-fiction books I read this year included:

The Dinner, Herman Koch
The Lemon Tree, Sandy Tolan
The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Neil Gaiman
Waverly, Walter Scott
The Divine Embrace, Martin Aspelund

NONFICTION

Stoicism & Roman History

Since moving to Rome, I’ve been inspired to dive deeply into Stoic philosophy and Roman history. Living in the city where so many of these ideas and events took shape has given me a new appreciation for their enduring power and relevance.

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

I can’t believe I’ve never read this incredible book before. Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations is packed with timeless wisdom that feels as relevant today as it must have been in ancient Rome. Written as a private journal, it offers profound reflections on resilience, self-discipline, and the nature of virtue. What struck me most was how deeply personal it feels. It’s less a philosophical treatise and more like reading someone’s soul laid bare. I plan to add it to my short list of books I reread every year or two, as it’s the kind of work that has something new to offer with every visit.

“Concentrate every minute like a Roman—like a man—on doing what’s in front of you with precise and genuine seriousness, tenderly, willingly, with justice. And on freeing yourself from all other distractions. Yes, you can—if you do everything as if it were the last thing you were doing in your life, and stop being aimless, stop letting your emotions override what your mind tells you, stop being hypocritical, self-centered, irritable.”

SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome, Mary Beard

Reading Mary Beard’s SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome while living in Rome was a surreal experience. Her vivid descriptions of ancient politics, society, and daily life make it impossible not to picture the scenes she describes as I walk past ruins like the Forum and the Colosseum. Her exploration of how Rome shaped the modern world feels even more powerful when you’re surrounded by both the monuments of its past and the evidence of its legacy. It’s like getting a crash course in the city’s layered history, with the added thrill of standing exactly where it all happened.

“There is little point in asking how ‘democratic’ the politics of Republican Rome were: Romans fought for, and about, liberty, not democracy.”

Caesar: Life of a Colossus, Adrian Goldsworthy

Goldsworthy’s Caesar: Life of a Colossus provides an in-depth look at one of history’s most fascinating leaders.

Caesar’s life reads like a whirlwind of ambition, brilliance, and controversy. Rising from a relatively modest background for Roman nobility, he became a skilled general, orator, and politician, reshaping the Republic through his military conquests, political alliances, and reforms. Goldsworthy captures both his charisma and his ruthlessness, showing how Caesar’s relentless drive to consolidate power ultimately led to his dictatorship and his assassination at the hands of former allies.

On my daily commute to and from work, I walk past the ruins of the Curia of Pompey, where Caesar was stabbed to death on the Ides of March. It’s surreal to live in a city with layers and layers of history thousands of years old. Reading about Caesar while walking through the city he once ruled brings the story to life in a way no classroom or documentary ever could.

“Ultimately, most of the Roman elite preferred to allow some of the major problems facing the Republic to go unanswered rather than see someone else gain the credit for dealing with them.”

Right Thing, Right Now & Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday

This year, I read two of Ryan Holiday’s books: Ego is the Enemy and Right Thing, Right Now: Justice in an Unjust World. Both have been fascinating additions to my move to Rome, offering practical ways to implement the timeless Stoic principles I’ve been exploring in the context of the city’s rich history.

Ego is the Enemy delves into the dangers of pride and self-importance, urging readers to embrace humility, focus on their work, and let go of the need for constant recognition. It’s a humbling reminder of how ego has toppled even the greatest leaders.

Right Thing, Right Now: Justice in an Unjust World takes a more outward perspective, exploring how Stoic principles like fairness, courage, and integrity can guide us in responding to the world’s injustices. The book was a powerful call to action, reminding me of the importance of living virtuously even in the face of chaos and challenges, a mindset that feels deeply rooted in the legacy of ancient Rome.

Together, these books have not only deepened my understanding of Stoic philosophy but also helped me connect the Roman history books I’m readin to my daily life. They’re a great way to bridge the wisdom of the ancients with the challenges of modern living.

“And that’s what is so insidious about talk. Anyone can talk about himself or herself. Even a child knows how to gossip and chatter. Most people are decent at hype and sales. So what is scarce and rare? Silence. The ability to deliberately keep yourself out of the conversation and subsist without its validation. Silence is the respite of the confident and the strong.” Ego is the Enemy

Rethinking Work

During my mini-sabbatical in Asia, I spend some time recovering from a toxic work situation and rethinking my relationship with work in general.

Good Work, Paul Millerd

I am a huge fan of Paul Millerd’s first book, The Pathless Path, and was very excited to dive into his follow-up, Good Work: Reclaiming Your Inner Ambition. This book is a thoughtful reflection on how we define work and success, challenging the traditional scripts that often leave us unfulfilled. Millerd weaves personal stories, philosophical insights, and practical advice to inspire readers to realign their ambitions with their values and creativity. As someone who has been rethinking my own relationship with work and purpose, Good Work felt both validating and motivating. It’s a great read for anyone looking to reimagine what a meaningful life of work can look like.

“Embrace the long, slow, stupid, fun way. Look for ways to slow down to make it easier for you to stay “in the game.” If you can find a path where you start to feel confident about continuing to do something over a long period of time, you will have no competition.”

Deep Work & Slow Productivity by Cal Newport

This year, I read two books by Cal Newport: Deep Work and Slow Productivity. Newport’s work has been transformative in helping me rethink how I approach focus and time management. Deep Work emphasizes the value of uninterrupted, high-quality focus in a world increasingly filled with distractions. Newport’s strategies for cultivating deep work have not only helped me be more productive but also more intentional about the work that truly matters. In Slow Productivity, he takes a step back to challenge the hustle culture mindset, advocating for a deliberate, sustainable approach to accomplishing meaningful goals over time. Together, these books serve as a guide for creating space for intentional, focused work while avoiding burnout.

“We've become so used to the idea that the only reward for getting better is moving toward higher income and increased responsibilities that we forget that the fruits of pursuing quality can also be harvested in the form of a more sustainable lifestyle.” Slow Productivity

The Deep Places: A Memoir of Illness and Discovery, Ross Douthat

In my essay, The Secret Suffering Society, I reflected on Ross Douthat’s The Deep Places, a memoir that struck a deep and personal chord with me. Douthat’s raw and honest account of his battle with chronic illness offers a profound exploration of suffering, faith, and resilience. Through his vulnerability, he gives voice to the often-isolating experience of chronic pain, showing how it reshapes one’s identity and relationship with the world.

Reading this book while reflecting on my own experiences with chronic pain was both comforting and challenging. Douthat doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulty of suffering, but he also doesn’t let it have the final word. Instead, he offers hard-won insights about perseverance, hope, and the ways in which pain can deepen our faith and humanity. If you’ve ever struggled with illness, adversity, or the search for meaning in difficult times, I think you’ll find his story as moving as I did.

“But when the crisis simply continues without resolution, when the illness grinds on and on and on—well, then a curtain tends to fall, because there isn’t an obvious way to integrate that kind of struggle into the realm of everyday life. It’s not clear what the healthy person is supposed to give to a friend or family member who isn’t dying, who doesn’t have some need that you can fill with a discrete act of generosity, but who just has the same problems—terrible but also, let’s be frank, a little boring—day after depressing day.”

The Road to Character & The Second Mountain by David Brooks

I read two books by David Brooks: The Road to Character and The Second Mountain. Both books explore what it means to live a meaningful life, but they approach the question from different angles.

The Road to Character focuses on the importance of cultivating inner virtues over external success. Brooks contrasts what he calls “résumé virtues” (achievements and skills) with “eulogy virtues” (the deeper qualities that define who we are). It’s a thought-provoking reminder that true fulfillment comes from humility, service, and moral depth rather than accolades or status.

“Self-respect is not the same as self-confidence or self-esteem. Self-respect is not based on IQ or any of the mental or physical gifts that help get you into a competitive college. It is not comparative. It is not earned by being better than other people at something. It is earned by being better than you used to be, by being dependable in times of testing, straight in times of temptation. It emerges in one who is morally dependable. Self-respect is produced by inner triumphs, not external ones.”

The Second Mountain builds on these ideas, presenting a vision of life as a journey from self-centered ambition (the “first mountain”) to a deeper, other-focused existence (the “second mountain”). Brooks challenges readers to embrace commitment, community, and purpose as the keys to living a richer, more fulfilling life.

“Political freedom is great. But personal, social, and emotional freedom—when it becomes an ultimate end—absolutely sucks. It leads to a random, busy life with no discernible direction, no firm foundation, and in which, as Marx put it, all that’s solid melts to air. It turns out that freedom isn’t an ocean you want to spend your life in. Freedom is a river you want to get across so you can plant yourself on the other side—and fully commit to something.”

Together, these books made me reflect on the kind of legacy I want to leave behind and how I can better align my life with my values. They’re a powerful pair for anyone grappling with questions of meaning, success, and what it means to live well.

Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

Morgan Housel’s The Psychology of Money is one of the most insightful and accessible books I’ve read on personal finance. Instead of just focusing on technical advice, Housel explores how our behaviors, emotions, and mindsets shape the way we handle money. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to build a healthier relationship with money.

“Most financial advice is about today. What should you do right now, and what stocks look like good buys today? But most of the time today is not that important. Over the course of your lifetime as an investor the decisions that you make today or tomorrow or next week will not matter nearly as much as what you do during the small number of days—likely 1% of the time or less—when everyone else around you is going crazy.”

St. Francis of Assisi by G.K. Chesterton

Between Christmas and New Year’s, I took a short pilgrimage to the beautiful town of Assisi. While there, I reread G.K. Chesterton’s biography of St. Francis of Assisi, and it was the perfect companion for the trip. Chesterton’s signature wit and charm bring the story of St. Francis to life, capturing not only his extraordinary life but also the spirit of his times. This book is an excellent introduction to one of the most fascinating and misunderstood figures in medieval Christianity, shedding light on his radical humility, deep joy, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel. Reading it while walking the streets of Assisi added a profound sense of connection to this great saint.

“The transition from the good man to the saint is a sort of revolution; by which one for whom all things illustrate and illuminate God becomes one for whom God illustrates and illuminates all things.”

What's Next: A Backstage Pass to The West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service by Melissa Fitzgerald & Mary McCormack

The West Wing has been my favorite TV show for most of my life, so I was thrilled to read this behind-the-scenes look at the show. Written by two of its stars and featuring stories and insights from the entire cast, it’s a fascinating glimpse into what made the series so special. This show had an enormous impact on my upbringing and my desire to get into politics. It was a joy to dive back into that world through this book and be reminded of how deeply The West Wing captured the idealism, challenges, and humanity of public service.

In the queue for 2025:

Fiction

The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Victor Hugo
Brothers Karamazov, Fyodor Dostoevsky
Next few Steinbeck novels:
- In Dubius Battle
- Of Mice and Men (reread)
- The Grapes of Wrath (reread)
- The Moon Is Down
Laurus, Eugene Vodolazkin
The Little Friend, Donna Tartt
The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien (reread)

Nonfiction

Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic, Tom Holland
Augustus, Adrian Goldsworthy
Catherine of Siena, Sigrid Undset (reread)
The Everlasting Man, G.K. Chesterton
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, Stephen King
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, Annie Dillard
The Writing Life, Annie Dillard
The 5 Types of Wealth, Sahil Bloom
Like Streams to the Ocean, Jedidiah Jenkins
Political Fictions, Joan Didion
With God in Russia, Fr. Walter Ciszek