7 Satisfying Books to Read in 2024

Posted January 16, 2024 by Prairie Wife -

It has been -30 here in Wyoming for the last few days, and I can think of no better way to spend the day than curled up on the couch under a cozy blanket with a few satisfying books!

Below are seven books that I know will keep you entertained while the wind and snow blow around you, and if you don’t get to them all right now…no worries. They’ll be just as good in warm weather!

Yellowface by R.F.  Kuang

This book was on hundreds of “must-read” book lists in 2023, and after I finally took the time to read it, I understood why. It has more twists and turns than a labyrinth! June is a frustrated young author who can’t catch a break. The literary world refuses to acknowledge her greatness until she finds a manuscript her now-dead frenemy Athena left behind. June makes some “edits” and then publishes the work under a pseudonym that gives the impression that she is Asian. As the novel about the unsung contributions of Chinese laborers to the British and French war efforts during World War I skyrockets to all the best-seller lists, June soon begins to face the consequences of her actions…

Joan: A Novel of Joan of Arc by Katherine J Chen

This book was as fascinating as it was powerful. While this novel is historical fiction, the incredible research that went into it brings the story of Joan of Arc to life in a way that I’ve never experienced before. From her birth and violent childhood in the small town of Domrémy in France in the 1400s to her rise to fame as the leader of the French Army at the age of 17, you’ll be captivated by the story behind St. Joan. I found myself taking time to google certain parts of the book to see if they were real, and more often than not, they WERE indeed facts. This book is beautifully written, and I cried several times as I read it.

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

Is it fantasy, thriller, mystery, historical fiction or romance? “The Lost Bookshop” has aspects of each genre, which is why I found it so excellent. This book tells the story of three characters Opaline, Martha, and Henry. All three of them are victims of their own lives, and it’s only a mysterious bookshop that connects the three of them across time and space. This story isn’t just about getting over challenging moments in your life. It’s about the beauty that comes from caring for others, becoming a hero in the story of your life, and welcoming all the adventures that embracing the unknown can bring.

The Gown by Jenifer Robson

Regular readers know I love all things British, especially anything related to Queen Elizabeth. While in London for her Jubilee Celebration, I had the time to stop by Kensington Palace and see a special exhibit that shared never before released photos of the Queen. It included wedding pictures, which is why I enjoyed this book so much! Until I read this book, I never really thought about the dozens of people it took to create the Queen’s iconic wedding dress. This historical fiction book about the women who embroidered the Queen’s dress not only dives into the creation of the dress, but also takes you back in time to really experience what it was like to be a woman in England during WWII. I loved this book, and I think it would make a fabulous movie!

The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney

This book is all about Family DRAMA, and I do mean DRAMA! A group of siblings, Melody, Jack, Bea, and Leo, have been waiting for decades for “The Nest” to finally be available. “The Nest” is a trust that will give each child SO much money that all of their problems will be solved. Except the golden child, Leo, gets into a drug and alcohol-induced accident that is covered up by their mother using almost all the money that was in “The Nest.” Now, the siblings must navigate a future where they’re all held accountable for past mistakes. One of my favorite things about this book is the raw realness of the characters, who, at times, were incredibly unlikeable! I also loved that the side characters in this story often take a more critical role as the story unfolds.

The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck

Before we even get into the amazing plot of this book, I want to say that Shattuck’s writing is absolutely beautiful! “The Women in the Castle” is a historical fiction book that takes place in a castle in Bulgaria at the end of WWII. Keeping a promise to her now-dead husband, Mirianne gathers up the widows and children of his fellow resistance members, and they live in the old estate together. As the women try and recover from the trauma of war, work together to stay safe in post-war chaos, and fight to create new lives, we’re brought along on an emotional and inspiring journey. The characters in this book are raw and real, and there were many times when I found myself wondering what I would have done in the same situations.

Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum

Murder and elitist families…is there anything better? Rosenblum’s novel is all about the small community of Salcombe, Fire Island. A Summer getaway spot for several wealthy and not-so-famous East Coast families. Some of them have gone to Salcombe for generations, while others are new arrivals. They bring a fair share of emotional baggage and drama along with their designer luggage. When a body is discovered the day after a massive storm, suddenly whose marriage is falling apart, and who is secretly hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt isn’t as important…

If you love to listen to books, I encourage you to use Libro.fm. The cost is the same as Audible, and a percent of your money goes to a local bookstore of your choice!

There is still time to join us for this month’s virtual book club! Just follow this link to learn more.

Categories: Book Reviews, Reviews

Tags: , bad summer people, Book Reviews, books to read, joan, the gown, the lost bookshop, the nest, the women in the castle, yellowface