Year in Review: Books of 2024.
Blog vol 5.26. Year in Review: Books of 2024.
It’s a good year when I have a chance to put my feet up and curl up with a good book (or 2 or 3 or…). C.S. Lewis observes that we read “for the enlargement of our being”. We also read because there are so many interesting books and people and things out there, and just for sheer enjoyment! Aren’t eyes a wonderful thing?
Favourites of 2024:
1. The Green Mile, written by an American author of some renown, Stephen King. I have stayed clear of King’s books because I am not into the horror genre, but I was pleasantly surprised by his magical realism. Green Mile was released as a serial, one chapter at a time, and you cannot help but notice King’s choice of chapter lengths and cut offs, truly masterful. It is about a man on death row (the green mile), who is accused of savagely killing two sisters. The supernatural in the story really informs the plot and brings a sense of wonder and enchantment. I have moved on to other books in this genre by King and have not been disappointed.
2. A History of the Island, by Ukrainian-born author, Eugene Vodolazkin, is unlike anything else I have ever read. Vodolazkin also wrote Laurus, about a medieval Russian monk, and a more modern story, Brisbane, about a Ukrainian-born guitarist struggling with the ravages of time and place. A History of the Island is thought provoking. The history of an island is narrated by a medieval voice and informed by timeless monarchs. Some reviewers have tried to see allegory in this, but that is not the author’s intent. Vodolazkin is bringing a premodern worldview into a time that is struggling with modernity, and these perspectives are intriguing to consider.
3. Sun House, by David James Duncan. I have waited a long time for this author’s next book, I so enjoyed his epic, The Brother’s K (1992). Finally. And remarkably, it did not disappoint. If you are looking for three-dimensional characters, with intricately woven but realistic plotlines, and a wealth of philosophical and religious dialogues, look no further. In general, Duncan shows the reader a world where there is a God, but not a tightly defined God. I love his playfulness; I love his love for humanity; and I love his breadth of knowledge and his ability to communicate these realities in a very readable story. This book is no doubt a critique of our modern milieu and our western materialistic individualism, revealing its trite answers and platitudes. Duncan resists the tendency to stand on high moral ground by staying very aware of our oft times hidden hubris. A long book, but you can hang on his every word (actually, it’s too short:).
4. The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson, is a four book YA series about the Igiby children and their adventures. The series gets stronger and better with each volume. There are times of great tension, with the threats quite real and foreboding, as well as excellent character development, with each of the children and adults having their moments of struggle and yet persevering through interminable difficulties. There are shortcomings, character flaws, but also hope, restoration. The story, so involved that it is not easily predictable, deals with real issues and yet sees light through the cracks and faults of the world. Song and lore are critical, heart and imagination are key. Really good books. These will be read again, soon.
May you have an opportunity to put your feet up and read a good book this holiday season.
Til next year!! Merry Christmas to all! and a Happy New Year!
The good doctor
