Hello SHC! For those of you who have not read our column before, I, Simone Cohen, and one of my closest friends, Lily Cardenas, bring you book reviews for every genre imaginable. I cannot believe that this is our final column of 2024! Lily and I wanted to give you one last stack of books for the year, so we’re revisiting some of our favorites from previously covered genres, giving you some bonus ones, and telling you about our personal favorite reads. I hope our column has given you a chance to ignite (or reignite) your love of reading and has added a few books to your to-be-read list. Happy reading!
Historical Fiction: A true page-turner, Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay had my heart since I first laid eyes on it. Its complex plot, authentic characters, and historically accurate details of World War II and the Holocaust will leave you in awe by the time you finish Rosnay’s story.
Thriller: The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave practically had me at “hello.” Dave’s suspenseful writing and unseen ending left my mind blown. Readers, be prepared to see how easily secrets seep through the cracks of relationships and the monstrous messes they leave in their wakes.
Literary Fiction: The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan serves as a reminder that loss can unlock the most beautiful, hidden parts of us. It showcases how our desire to connect with the past and those we’ve lost can sometimes push us into the future. Anyone wanting a one-of-a-kind, ravishing read should be delighted to enjoy this stunning novel.
Memoir: Educated by Tara Westover made me fall in love with memoirs. Westover’s unquestionably unique life sends you on a journey of hope and tragedy. The story is a rollercoaster of emotion that beautifully describes the harshness of her realities, interweaving them with themes of humanity and family. Educated is for you if you are looking for an exceptional story and a nonstop page-turner that dives into the meaning of family.
Fantasy: Circe by Madeline Miller is a riveting re-telling of one woman’s perspective of the classic story, The Odyssey. This unheard narrative, filled with adventure, magic, and self-discovery pulls you in and won’t let you go. Miller’s depiction of Circe gorgeously showcases the conflict between two natures and how power is always hidden within you.
Simone’s Standout Read of 2024: Jodi Picoult is one of the world’s best critically acclaimed authors. One of her latest novels, By Any Other Name, took my breath away. Picoult’s lyrical and enthralling writing style kept me engrossed through every page. Feminism, romance, mystery, and fantasy collide to create this enamoring tale of a female playwright possibly being responsible for some of Shakespeare’s works. Picoult’s unique rendition of the classic love story and her playing around with the dimension of time make this book the perfect escape from reality.
Lily’s Standout Read of 2024: The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón was, by far, my favorite read of 2024. Ruiz Zafón perfectly captures everything I love about reading: an enthralling storyline, a new perspective, and beautifully poetic writing that draws you into the story. The Shadow of the Wind combines mystery, fantasy, and romance, giving you a little bit of everything. Daniel, the protagonist, discovers a secret library and a book that has secrets as well. With an adventure that takes you all over gothic Barcelona, Carlos Ruiz Zafón will have you in the palm of his hand with every page.
Happy Holidays SHC! We hope you enjoyed this final column of 2024 and spend at least a few hours this winter break to pick up a book. We can’t wait to see you in the New Year and bring you books galore! One final quote we wanted to get in:
“Books and doors are the same thing. You open them, and you go through into another world.” – Jeanette Winterson
