There’s something magical about a book – it’s a portal to the past, a blueprint for the future, and a quiet philosopher by your side. This year, my reading journey has been one of curiosity and exploration, wandering through the depths of history, the expanses of speculative futures, and the intricacies of human philosophy.
Among the many books I read this year, a few stood out as transformative, thought-provoking, or just plain delightful. Here are my top picks for 2024, categorized into three tiers: Great (S Tier), Really Good (A+ Tier), and Pretty Good (A Tier).
All other books are in my Goodreads 2024 Wrapped here.
Great (S Tier)
- The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius
A timeless meditation on the fleeting nature of fortune and the enduring value of wisdom. It’s a rare blend of philosophy and poetry that feels as relevant today as it did over a millennium ago. Reading this felt like having a quiet, profound conversation with a wise friend. - Foucault’s Pendulum by Umberto Eco
A labyrinthine exploration of conspiracy, knowledge, and the human obsession with meaning. Eco’s intricate prose and endless literary references create a puzzle that’s both maddening and mesmerizing. Few books capture the allure and danger of overthinking as brilliantly as this. - The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
A murder mystery set in a medieval monastery, this is a tour de force of historical fiction and philosophy. Eco’s detailed world-building and rich themes make this an unforgettable read. It’s a book that rewards careful reading with endless layers of meaning. - The Dawn of Everything by David Graeber and David Wengrow
A groundbreaking rethinking of human history that challenges everything we thought we knew about our ancestors. It’s provocative, ambitious, and deeply engaging—a book that dares to ask what freedom, society, and progress really mean. This is history as it should be: alive and constantly questioning itself. - Anathem by Neal Stephenson
Part sci-fi epic, part philosophical treatise, this is a book for anyone who’s ever pondered the nature of reality and the boundaries of knowledge. Stephenson’s world-building is meticulous, and his ideas are both mind-bending and deeply human. Few books have made me think as hard—or as joyfully—as this one. - Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
A sprawling, ambitious novel that weaves together six interconnected stories across time. Mitchell’s narrative structure is dazzling, though some sections stood out more than others. It’s a fascinating experiment in storytelling. - Valuable Humans in Transit by qntm
A collection of gripping, thought-provoking short stories that explore the intersection of humanity, technology, and existential threats. Sam Hughes masterfully blends hard science fiction with deep philosophical questions, crafting narratives that challenge the boundaries of morality, identity, and survival. Valuable Humans in Transit is a must-read for fans of speculative fiction, offering a unique blend of wit, innovation, and chilling insights into our future. - Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang (re-read)
Every story in this collection is a masterpiece of speculative fiction, philosophy, and emotional depth. On re-reading, I found even greater nuances, particularly in Story of Your Life, which delves into time, language, and love with unparalleled precision. This book reminds me why Chiang is a master of the genre. - The Three-Body Problem Trilogy by Liu Cixin (re-read)
Liu Cixin’s epic trilogy remains one of the most ambitious works of science fiction I’ve ever read. Revisiting it revealed new layers of complexity in its exploration of humanity’s place in the cosmos, the ethics of survival, and the nature of intelligence. A masterpiece that rewards every subsequent read.
Really Good (A+ Tier)
- This Is Not the End of the Book by Umberto Eco and Jean-Claude Carrière
A witty, wide-ranging dialogue about the future of books, storytelling, and culture. It’s a celebration of reading as a way of life, full of fascinating anecdotes and insights. Eco and Carrière’s love for the written word is infectious. - A History of Reading by Alberto Manguel
A beautifully written ode to the act of reading, filled with historical anecdotes and personal reflections. It made me think about my own reading habits and the ways books have shaped my life. Manguel reminds us that reading is one of humanity’s greatest inventions. - The Gods Themselves by Isaac Asimov
A gripping exploration of scientific ethics and alien civilizations, this is Asimov at his speculative best. The imaginative scope and deep questions about humanity’s future make this a standout in the genre. It’s both thrilling and profoundly thoughtful. - Reentry by Eric Berger
This compelling narrative dives into the behind-the-scenes story of SpaceX’s return to prominence, chronicling the team’s resilience and innovation in overcoming setbacks. Berger’s insider perspective and vivid storytelling capture the excitement and challenges of modern space exploration. It’s a testament to the power of vision, hard work, and daring to push the boundaries of what’s possible. - Axiomatic by Greg Egan
A mind-expanding collection of short stories that push the boundaries of physics, ethics, and identity. Egan’s writing is dense but rewarding, offering glimpses into possible futures that are as unsettling as they are fascinating. - A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr.
A haunting, poetic exploration of civilization, religion, and the cycles of history. Its post-apocalyptic setting serves as a backdrop for profound questions about progress and faith. It’s a book that lingers long after the last page. - Sea People by Christina Thompson
A fascinating account of the Polynesians’ epic voyages across the Pacific. It’s part history, part mystery, and part meditation on the human spirit of exploration. Thompson’s writing is both scholarly and deeply engaging. - Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
An ambitious and detailed vision of humanity’s colonization of Mars. Robinson’s scientific realism and deep characters make this a benchmark in hard sci-fi. It’s as much about politics and human nature as it is about the red planet. - A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
A charming and poignant tale of a man confined to a hotel during tumultuous times in Russia. Towles’ prose is elegant, and his storytelling is full of wit and heart. It’s a reminder of the beauty in small moments and enduring resilience. - The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
A subtle, deeply moving story about duty, regret, and the passage of time. Ishiguro’s masterful prose captures the complexities of human emotion with precision. It’s a book that quietly breaks your heart. - Freedom’s Forge by Arthur Herman
This gripping account of America’s industrial mobilization during World War II showcases how innovation, ingenuity, and sheer determination transformed the nation into an “Arsenal of Democracy.” Herman delves into the extraordinary efforts of industrialists like Henry Kaiser and William Knudsen, who revolutionized production to meet the demands of war. From building ships in record time to mass-producing aircraft, Freedom’s Forge vividly captures how the synergy of government and private enterprise reshaped America’s economy and secured victory. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when ingenuity and purpose align. - Seven Nights by Jorge Luis Borges
A collection of lectures that feels like stepping into the mind of a literary genius. Borges’ musings on language, dreams, and eternity are as dazzling as his fiction. Every sentence feels like a revelation, a reminder of the infinite worlds contained in books.
Pretty Good (A Tier)
- Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
A haunting exploration of love, memory, and the ethics of cloning. Ishiguro’s understated prose makes the story’s revelations all the more poignant. It’s a quiet but powerful meditation on what it means to be human. - The Metamorphosis of Prime Intellect by Roger Williams
A provocative exploration of AI, immortality, and human desire. It’s a challenging but rewarding read that raises deep philosophical questions. Williams’ vision of a post-scarcity world is both utopian and terrifying. - Impossible Stories by Zoran Živković
A unique collection of surreal and thought-provoking tales. Živković’s writing is whimsical yet profound, blending the fantastical with the philosophical. It’s a book that keeps you guessing. - The Half Lion by Vinay Sitapati
An insightful biography of Narasimha Rao, shedding light on one of India’s most underrated leaders. Sitapati’s balanced account makes this both an engaging and educational read. It’s a reminder of the complexities of political leadership. - Uncle Petros and Goldbach’s Conjecture by Apostolos Doxiadis
A mathematical mystery wrapped in a family drama. It’s a delightful exploration of obsession, genius, and the beauty of mathematics. Doxiadis captures the highs and lows of intellectual pursuit. - Orbital by Samantha Harvey
Set aboard the International Space Station over the course of 24 hours, Orbital is a deeply philosophical exploration of humanity’s place in the cosmos. Samantha Harvey masterfully uses the astronauts’ reflections to tackle profound questions about existence, the meaning of life, and our fragile relationship with Earth. Inspired by Carl Sagan’s Cosmic Calendar, the novel offers a “space pastoral” that blends the awe of the universe with the intimacy of human introspection, making it a uniquely contemplative addition to my reading year. - Logicomix: An Epic Search for Truth by Apostolos Doxiadis and Christos Papadimitriou (re-read)
This graphic novel beautifully intertwines mathematics, philosophy, and the life of Bertrand Russell. Re-reading it felt like rediscovering the joy of intellectual pursuit, with its themes of obsession and the search for certainty resonating even more strongly. It’s a rare blend of visual art and deep ideas.