As we welcome the new year, I take a moment to reflect on the array of books that enriched my 2024. This year’s literary journey was filled with insightful explorations into productivity, inspiring tales of creativity, and captivating stories that spanned a variety of cultures and emotions. Each book offered a unique lens through which to view the world, providing both escape and introspection.
So, without further ado, here are the stories and narratives that have kept me company this year. Here’s my 2024 reading list:
2 on Transformation and inspiration
Books that motivate and guide readers to self-discovery and both personal and professional enlightenment
- Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
- Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed ★
4 on Productivity and intention
Focusing on self-improvement and efficient habits, these books provided frameworks to enhance productivity and mindfulness.
- Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You by Ali Abdaal ★
- Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear ★
- Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport ★
- The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
2 for Creatives
These reads were great at refreshing the entrepreneurial side of my work, particularly valuable for creatives.
- Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered by Austin Kleon ★
- Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon ★
6 across culture and time
These novels transported me across geography and time, each offering a deep dive into its unique cultural background.
- The Magnificent Ruins by Nayantara Roy [India]
- Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse [India]
- The Vegetarian by Kang Han [Korea]
- Free Food for Millionaires by Min Jin Lee [Korea] ★
- Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See [China] ★
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid [USA]
5 with Intrigue and Mystery
These books provided enthralling narratives that kept me guessing and turning the pages for more.
- The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
- Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
- The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
- Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
- The Last Devil to Die (Thursday Murder Club, #4) by Richard Osman ★
4 uplifting and heartfelt
Offering humor and heart, these stories delved into the complexities of relationships and personal growth.
- Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt ★
- Funny Story by Emily Henry
- Happy Place by Emily Henry
- Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
This journey through my books isn’t just about the stories and things I learn from them, it’s also about the conversations I have with friends about them. Whether you’re a fellow book lover, an artist seeking inspiration, or someone just curious about what I spent time with this year, I invite you to join me in the conversation.
What were your favorite reads of 2024? What would you recommend? Did you read any of the books on my list this year? Let’s share our literary discoveries and celebrate the magic of storytelling.
As we step into 2025, I’m filled with gratitude for the books that have been my companions on long drives, in the studio, and as I unwind for the evening. Here’s to a new year filled with more pages to turn, more stories to uncover, and, of course, new parts of the world to explore.
Wishing you a joyous and literary-rich year ahead!
Happy reading, Malti
P.S. I’d love for you to become a friend on Goodreads. I love to follow what my friends are reading and am always looking for recommendations!
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