My Top 9 Books of 2024: More Than Stories, They Became Experiences
Each year, I read books for enjoyment and entertainment, but also for personal growth and transformation. In 2024, these nine books met all those qualifications. Not only were they easy to read, they also sparked fresh ideas, inspired deeper reflections, and led to new life experiences.
Here are my top 9 books of 2024—more than just stories, they inspired real actions and tangible change.
1. Say Good Night to Insomnia
by Gregg D. Jacobs
– NEW THOUGHT:
In most cases, thoughts and behaviors, not just medical problems, can be the primary causes of insomnia, and those can be learned and unlearned.
– FAVORITE QUOTE:
“The goal of cognitive restructuring is to improve sleep by promoting positive sleep thoughts (PSTs) and minimizing negative sleep thoughts (NSTs).”
– ACTION TAKEN:
I sleep better! (Not every night, but more nights than before.) I practice better sleep hygiene—like avoiding falling asleep to podcasts—and, with help from this book, I now use positive sleep affirmations, such as reminding myself before I fall asleep that, “There’s nothing more you need to do today; enjoy this long break,” and “Even if you wake up early, your body will still get the core sleep it needs.”
~ ~ ~
2. Forgive for Love
The Missing Ingredient for a Healthy and Lasting Relationship
by Fred Luskin
– NEW THOUGHT:
It is our inability to let go of the daily relationship hassles that causes the most decay in our relationship, not the infrequent big disasters.
– FAVORITE QUOTE:
“The eyes of love reveal our partners to be wounded individuals who make mistakes, not terrible people trying to do harm.”
– ACTION TAKEN:
Fred Luskin’s work inspires me to more frequently challenge my “unenforceable rules” instead of turning them into an expectation or demand, thus more fully opening me up to practice his framework for forgiving others, myself, and, well, just life.
~ ~ ~
3. Not the End of the World
How We Can Be the First Generation to Build a Sustainable Planet
by Hannah Ritchie
– NEW THOUGHT:
I don’t have to be hopeless about climate change: while our climate problems are big and pressing, we have the technology to solve them, if we decide to, and if we don’t wait much longer.
– FAVORITE QUOTE:
“We have the opportunity to be the first generation that leaves the environment in a better state than we found it.”
– ACTION TAKEN:
This book helped give me enough hope to participate in a local climate group, communicate with my lawmakers, have conversations with others about climate, and, when given the option, eat more chicken and less beef.
~ ~ ~
4. The Anxious Generation
How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Caused an Epidemic of Mental Illness
by Jonathan Haidt
– NEW THOUGHT:
Two trends—overprotection in the real world and underprotection in the virtual world—are the major reasons why Haidt thinks children born after 1995 have become the anxious generation.
– FAVORITE QUOTE:
“A play-based childhood strengthens friendship and social relationships, while a phone-based childhood weakens them.”
– ACTION TAKEN:
Haidt’s research motivates me to put down my phone more often during the day, keep it out of reach at bedtime, and more intentionally engage with the world around me through experiences instead of just reading about it. [Read more here: A Wake-Up Call We Better Not Ignore]
~ ~ ~
5. Executing Grace
How the Death Penalty Killed Jesus and Why It’s Killing Us
by Shane Claiborne
– NEW THOUGHT:
The roots of the death penalty are sunk deep in the legacy of lynching; as lynchings decreased, legal executions increased.
– FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Even if we believe that these men are guilty of the things they are being executed for, it is hard to miss the sickening reality that what’s being done to them is the very thing we are trying to rid the world of. Once again, the cure is as bad as the disease.”
– ACTION TAKEN:
Thanks to this book—and following the good work of Shane Claiborne—I have attended two online vigils on execution nights of two men on Alabama’s death row. I now follow state and national organizations that oppose the death penalty to stay informed about how to take action. I also read Ghosts Over the Boiler, a jolting book I won’t forget, written by men on Alabama’s death row.
~ ~ ~
6. No Bad Parts
Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model
by Richard C. Schwartz
– NEW THOUGHT:
How we relate to the parts in our inner world is often how we relate to other people in our outer world.
– FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Love is the answer in the inner world, just as it is in the outer world. Listening to, embracing, and loving parts allows them to heal and transform as much as it does for people.”
– ACTION TAKEN:
Schwartz has me paying more attention to and dialoguing with my inner parts (including thoughts and emotions), often journaling more to hear the important messages they have to tell me.
~ ~ ~
7. Children Under Fire
An American Crisis
by John Woodrow Cox
– NEW THOUGHT:
Children who witness an attack involving a gun or knife (or are in close proximity to it) can be just as psychologically damaged as children who have themselves been shot or stabbed.
– FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Every moment of every day, gunfire reshapes our kids’ lives, because of whom it takes away or what it makes them witness or how it forever changes their view of the world.”
– ACTION TAKEN:
Books like this one keep me closely involved with Moms Demand Action to find ways to protect our children (and adults) from unnecessary gun violence. Collectively we campaign for stronger background checks, Red Flag laws, and responsible gun ownership. We lobby our state and national legislators and show up for advocacy days. We also work with community partners to support survivors of gun violence.
~ ~ ~
8. Aging as a Spiritual Practice
A Contemplative Guide to Growing Older and Wiser
by Lewis Richmond
– NEW THOUGHT:
Letting go of what is already slipping away is how we actually enjoy our life. (But really? I still haven’t totally grasped it.)
– FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Love is the highest form of connectedness.”
– ACTION TAKEN:
This book includes a fabulous section on how to take “A Day Away,” which I did last week. It’s a spiritual mini-retreat designed to help you embrace gifts that may not have been accessible in your younger years. It is a powerful way to appreciate and consolidate the wisdom that comes with age. I’d love to make it a yearly date with myself.
~ ~ ~
9. Do Walk
Navigate Earth, Mind, and Body. Step by Step.
by Libby DeLana
– NEW THOUGHT:
Although this book wasn’t particularly profound through its words per se, just reading about how the author’s simple daily walks transformed her life was inspiring.
– FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Go gently, slow down, look up, and humbly learn.”
– ACTION TAKEN:
Because of reading DeLana’s book, I find myself taking more daily walks than ever before (I often turn them into Curiosity Walks; instructions here). It’s become a form of meditation, helping clear my mind and ground my body. I’m not as committed as DeLana—I won’t walk in the rain, for example—but on more days than not, I’m on my neighborhood streets noticing more than I ever have.
Did you have a favorite book from 2024? Did it prompt a new experience for you? Share in the comments.
Read more:
- Can a Book Make You Do Something?
It’s easy to read and forget. But instead, what if we read and do? Can a book make you do something? - Instructions for “My Curiosity Walk”
I couldn’t follow exactly the instructions for my curiosity walk. But each indulgent step brought its own successful reward, despite my failure to comply. - 5 Ways to Get More From Reading Nonfiction Books
Don’t just read a book. Do the book. Here are 5 ways to get more from reading nonfiction books.
I so appreciate your telling us about the books that made a difference in your life this past year, Lisa. So much thought and care went into this post, and I do want you to know how much I, for one, appreciate that. Happy reading in the New Year!
Thank you, Martha. It did take me a bit longer than normal to put this post together. ha. But I always benefit looking back over a year of books to see which ones made a more lasting impression, and these did. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas!
…Lisa, I wish you peace this Christmas.
Thank you, Tom. Same to you. Peace is a gift we all can use.
These do sound so good! I should look into that insomnia book.. though I already know the times I struggle to sleep it’s usually due to anxiety and not being able to quiet my brain.
I know that feeling, Joanne. One thing I appreciated about the book is it helps reduce the anxiety cycle that can stem from insomnia itself: worrying that I’m still awake when I should be sleeping. Being a human isn’t easy! lol.
So glad you are walking. Michael and I have walked daily, usually together, since before we were married. There have been exceptions such as my vertigo is totally off the chart, or too cold, etc., but mostly, we walk and talk. Walking does wonders for mind, body, spirit, emotions, and relationships. I think that couples who walk together stay together! Tx for your reviews and take aways. ANXIOUS to read Anxious Generation–well, not really, but eager to! 🙂 Thanks for all the resources you provide, dear Lisa. You’re a gem!
xo
Lynn
That’s such a beautiful practice of walking together, Lynn! I’m sorry your vertigo is interfering with that. My parents walked together for many years too. I have fond memories of seeing them walking along the bike path together in front of their house. Jeff will walk with me anytime I’ll invite him along, and you’re right that it is conducive to conversations. Let me know if you get to read The Anxious Generation; it is a little disturbing, but also feels really important, especially for anybody with young kids.
These books look really good. Thanks so much for sharing this. Wonderful Post! Wishing you a great day!
Rampdiary
Thanks! It was a very good reading year. I had a hard time picking which books to highlight. Hope you have a great day too!
I really appreciated the way you set this out Lisa. What insights you gained and action you took from reading it. A great selection too!
Thanks, Debbie. It’s always fun to recap our books of year; I know you understand! 🙂
Lisa, here’s to more great gatherings of the best books! As always, you give us so much food for thought, books that will enlarge our boundaries and expand our hearts. Bless you, girl.
I’m sending you an extra hug this morning, dear one.
xo
I love that we’ve been exchanging book recommendations for years, Linda! I always enjoy seeing your lists too. I’ll take your hug and send one back at you, friend!
I’m loving the year-end book lists!
One point stood out to me today as it also shaped the list I’ll be sharing soon. What makes a book “significant” or “favorite” for me is the impact it has on my life. If it changes my thinking or my actions, it’s been a good read!
Yes, we’re on the same page about choosing our favorites, Michele! I’ll look forward to seeing your list when you share it.
Those seem like impactful books to read, Lisa. Thanks for sharing.
These books did make quite an impression on me. A handful do that each year, some more than others.
I loved how you broke these down, Lisa, and seeing both the insights you gained and the actions you took. Thanks for your contributions in 2024 and wishing you all the joy for the festive season.
Thanks, Joanne. I enjoyed looking back through the books I read and choosing which ways made the most impact. Hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season too!
Great post, Lisa. You definitely love non-fiction books. Some of them sound really intriguing, Do Walk sounds like a good one for a walker like me. 🙂 Kids trauma is something that is very scary for the future generations. What happens to young children is not easy to forget and it molds their thinking.
Have a joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year, Lisa. xxx ????????
Thanks, Marsha. I am definitely drawn to nonfiction books the most! But I do like to keep a good novel going at all times too. 🙂 Merry Christmas to you too!
Hi Lisa, thank you for supporting #WOYBS? each month and I value your reviews, especially as they are mostly non-fiction which I don’t read often. There are some in your list that I will definitely seek out especially the one on Insomnia! Sending best wishes to your for the Festive Season and I look forward to you joining us in 2025 with more book reviews. Sue L x
Thanks, Sue. I just keep adding more and more nonfiction books to my tbr list; it never ends. 🙂 The insomnia book was really quite helpful in getting me to change my way of thinking about sleep. I still have nights of bad sleep but they are fewer now, so I count that as a win. Happy Holidays to you!
Thank you for sharing these books and the actions you’ve taken with us at #weekendcoffeeshare. I’m glad to read that you’ve been walking more often. I’ve been living a car-free lifestyle for decades and enjoy walking. Happy holidays, Lisa.
How wonderful that you can live a car-free lifestyle, Natalie! It’s not possible where I live, but I’m encouraged to know that other people can do it. The world would breathe easier with less cars, and our bodies would work better with more walking. 🙂 Happy Holidays to you too.
Hi, Lisa- I like the format that you used for your reviews here and found myself wanting to read each book. Great question about our favourite books read in 2024. One of my favorites was ‘Adrift’ by Lisa Brideau. It is fiction in which Brideau repeatedly has us question how our memories do (or do not) define us. She vividly portrays the personal, social, environmental, and geopolitical consequences of climate change past its tipping point. Bonus points for me is that the book is set near where I live on Vancouver Island. ♡
You really have me interested in Adrift! The points you mention about it are all ones that I’m interested in. I read more nonfiction than fiction, but that doesn’t mean I don’t also love fiction! ha. So I’m off to look this one up right now. Thanks for sharing about it.
That’s awesome, Lisa. If you get a chance to read it, I would love to know your thoughts on it.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday and a happy and healthy New Year.
I love this way to review books with the quote and the action taken – I might steal at some point…if I remember ! Ha!
Great you got so much out of them, and I agree, books can really change us, or at least open our minds to new ideas. #WOYBS
Yes, I agree that books can open our minds! It’s a beautiful thing that happens as a result of doing something we love anyway (reading!). 🙂
Wow, Lisa! There are some amazing books here, and I will be adding a number of them to my TBR list (Great for the non-fiction challenge I joined next year.) I admire your activism. Like you, I oppose the death penalty – for a number of reasons. I also believe we can address climate change – but our oligarchs are working against it. Happy Holidays!
What did you think of today’s news of Biden commuting 37 sentences? I was hoping he would come through. I wonder if he’ll stick to just 37 or make it 40 by the end of his term.
I’m off now to look at your blog to see the reading challenges you’ll be doing in 2025! Happy Holidays to you, too, Olivia!
I am glad Biden at least commuted those 37. While I can understand the emotion that some people may deserve to pay the ultimate price for their crimes, the government should set an example of what not to do, such as kill people. Once society deems that some people’s lives are worthless, such a mindset begins to apply itself elsewhere – the homeless, the addicted, the mentally I’ll, etc.
Love your list! I haven’t read any of them, but I will add them to my book list. I always value your opinion.
Thank you for joining us on our Grace & Truth Link-Up and sharing your valuable contribution to our community! I’m proud to feature your blog post on my Pinterest board for Grace & Truth Featured Posts. You can see your feature here—
https://www.pinterest.com/embracingtheune/grace-truth-christian-link-up-featured-posts/.
Thank you, Maree. You know I love sharing about books. 🙂 I hope you and your family have many joyous moments during the Christmas season. Joy and sorrow sit side by side in most of our families…. Merry Christmas, friend!
They all look worthwhile books. I am guilty of falling asleep to podcasts and while I am sure I could improve that, I sleep better since I started doing it!
I’m glad you are able to sleep better doing that, Kathryn! On those nights when I absolutely can’t fall back asleep, podcasts are still my go-to thing also. I have a playlist of “Night” podcasts – episodes that aren’t too serious or mentally stimulating. ha. We each have to do what works for us. 🙂
“The Anxious Generation” interests me. As a single mom of a young child, I am intentional in raising my kid to become resilient and learning to advocate for herself. As a child, I felt gaslit about every decision I made believing it wasn’t the best one or that I was acting too rowdy when I was really acting with passion. That was how I became a very self-conscious adult. I am working to unlearn that as an adult because I realized the things I learned as a child hasn’t allowed me to be the best version of myself.
Lisa, thank you for sharing your top 9 books with us at The Crazy Little Lovebirds link party #68. I enjoyed Do/ Walk/ very much. It was a great read. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season.
I love how you did this! There are a few that I think I’m going to add to my TBR
I’m a pediatric nurse practitioner who is also board certified as a pediatric mental health specialist (within the realm of primary care). I’m intrigued by your 2 book choices about children and will check them out! I see a lot of anxiety in my patients, which is why I pursued the certification. I definitely think social media has a lot to do with it.
This is such a great list of meaningful books.
I honestly shy away from nonfiction because reading is my escape time. However, I am going to make it a point to try to read one nonfiction book a year. It’s always great to keep learning!