The Ones That Got Away in 2024
At the start of every year, I earnestly make a list of a handful of books that I’m hoping to read within the next 365 days. And every year I read 70 or so books, and almost none of the original list make it.
Am I enacting some kind of curse? Why do I have such an aversion to the plan past-Emily made?
The short answer is I pick my next read based on vibes so it’s difficult to stick to a predetermined list. The long answer is probably more to do with avoidant behaviour I should tackle in therapy.
Anyway, here are a few books I’m hoping to read next year!
Intermezzo - Sally Rooney
This happens with every new Rooney. I am patient. I ignore the hype and the initial wave of people comparing it to how much they like or dislike Normal People. I wait until the paperback comes out, and I usually very much enjoy it in my own time.
My plan is flawless - unless they dare to make the paperback cover less stunning than the masterpiece shown on the left. Then I will order the hardback with my tail between my legs.
James - Percival Everett
Not reading James feels like my biggest failure of the year, seeing as I went to the first UK date of the book tour for the novel. What kind of fake fan am I?
The Trees was one of my favourite reads of last year, and I’ll continue to read the rest of Everett’s books, even if I’m behind the rest of the literary world. Other than being a literary genius, my favourite thing about Everett is that, along with Colson Whitehead, he’s one of the authors I’ve bonded over with my dad.
Watch this space for a joint review?
All Fours - Miranda July
I’m new to Miranda July, but so many people I trust for good book recommendations were raving about this one, so I was keen to pick it up.
The premise of All Fours, which follows a 40-something semi-famous artist as she leaves her family for roadtrip, feels like it could be a Rachel Cusk novel, so that’s a great start in my eyes.
But I’ve read some…interesting reviews, including ‘lost me at the tampon foreplay and dog shit clean up’ so I’m expecting this to be an interesting but not life-changing read.
Butter - Asako Yuzuki
How could I not have read Butter? Have I not even stepped foot in a Waterstones branch this year? I have, and I valiantly ignored the absolute onslaught of marketing and table space Waterstones put into this book. Which makes me sound like a hater.
What’s been putting me off is that I read a foodie/serial killer book last year, and it just didn’t hit with me, so I’ve been left (pun intended) with a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. But I vow to get over this silly reasoning and just read the damn book in 2025.
I Will Crash - Rebecca Watson
I was pretty obsessed with Rebecca Watson’s debut little scratch back in 2021, and can honestly say I continue to think about it to this day (the highest praise for a book imho). I loved how she played with form, how she used disjointed language to put you in the destabilised position of the character, and how immersive her writing was. I should really re-read it!
From the reviews, I Will Crash sounds like another triumph. Following a woman after the loss of her estranged brother, as she grapples with the rush of suppressed memories of her childhood and their relationship that his death triggers.
Books focused on siblings and complex family relationships are my jam, so I’m actually very disappointed that I haven’t read this yet. One to put on my birthday wishlist in January.