This is a long post so grab your coffee and then read. I wanted to publish this post in January the first week but somehow it delayed. I guess reading is always easy, but documentation is quite tough.
2024 is the year where I achieved my reading goal. Reading makes me happy and actually it is a stress buster for me. I never keep any record so this time I decided to write my favourite books I read in 2024 which may be helpful for you too.
10 FAVOURITE BOOKS I READ IN 2024
1. POSITIVE PARENTING by REBECCA EANES:
GENRE: Parenting
RATING: 5/5
This is one of the best books I have ever read. Actually, I don't believe that books teach us about parenting. But I learned the psychology of children. It stresses more on how to behave with your partner and kids. Eanes shares her hard-won wisdom for overcoming limiting thought patterns and recognizing emotional triggers, as well as advice for connecting with kids at each stage, from infancy to adolescence. This is one of the books every parent reads who are struggling to connect with their kids.
2. NO DRAMA DISCIPLINE BY DR. DANIEL
GENRE: Psychology/Parenting
RATING: 4/5
No-Drama Discipline provides an effective, compassionate road map for dealing with tantrums, tensions, and tears—without causing a scene.
I like the way the author uses everyday situations to show the parents how it can be handled. Moreover, it is emphasized on the child's brain. The kids behavior is dependent on the working of the child's brain. That is most insightful for me as a parent.
3) SITA: WARRIOR OF MITHILA—BY AMISH
GENRE: Historical
RATING: 4.5/5
This is the second book in the Ram Chandra Series. A sequel that takes you back. Thrilling adventure that chronicles the rise of an orphan who became the prime minister. And then, a goddess before the beginning.
Ramayan has a special place in my heart because of my father. He told me a different story that is not shown in any of the epics. And Amish did the same job. His writing style is so simple and intriguing. I always wonder, who is SITA? The great warrior and intelligent princess. Amish changed my whole perspective to see the SITA.
4. HARRY POTTER 2 : SECRET OF CHAMBER BY J. K. ROWLING
GENRE: Fantasy/Fiction
RATING: 5/5
Harry Potter's summer has included the worst birthday ever, doomy warnings from a house-elf called Dobby, and rescue from the Dursleys by his friend Ron Weasley in a magical flying car! Back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his second year, Harry hears strange whispers echo through empty corridors - and then the attacks start. Students are found as though turned to stone.
This book is more fascinating, especially the fight between Harry and the giant snake.
5. HARRY POTTER 3 (THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN by J. K. ROLLING)
GENRE : Fantasy/Fiction
RATING: 5/5
I love this book because finally he found his godfather. Harry and Hermione time travel, and Dumbledore's attempt to save the lives of innocent people is admirable.
Some thrilling moments are like Harry's first ever Divination class, where Professor Trelawney sees an omen of death in Harry's tea leaves. But perhaps most terrifying of all are the Dementors patrolling the school grounds with their soul-sucking kiss. That is the most horrible thing I read.
This book is for everyone. I will suggest first you read the book because your imagination works terrific and then watch the movie it will be more thrilling.
6. BLUE UMBRELLA by RUSKIN BOND
GENRE: Fiction/Children
RATING: 4.5/5
This is the first ever book I listened to on audiobook. I love the narrator and am so able to listen to it. Otherwise, my earlier attempt at the audiobook had failed. I put it on speaker so that my kids also enjoyed the book.
The story of little Biniya and her village members. In exchange for her lucky leopard's claw pendant, Binya acquires a beautiful blue umbrella that makes her the envy of everyone in the village, especially Ram Bharosa, the shopkeeper.
This story inspired children not to be greedy. Best book for adults as well as for children.
7. THE GREAT TRAIN JOURNEY By RUSKIN BOND:
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4/5
I like these books because they are all about train journeys, which are my favorite.
Ruskin BOND always loves to travel by train to admire the beauty of India's diverse landscape. The Great Train Journey is a story of a boy who travels from Dehradun to Delhi. The main highlight of the story is the people he meets during his journey. The collection of 14 short stories consists of comedy, thriller, and adventure.
8. FALLING IN LOVE BY RUSKIN BOND
Genre: Romance
Rating: 3.5/5
It is a collection of short stories mainly concerned with Ruskin Bond's emotions. I like the book because some parts are real stories of Ruskin Bond's life. The story is easy to read—simple language and romantic. This book has other stories also, which are the part of other books of Ruskin Bond.
9. YOU ARE MY BEST FRIEND by AJAY PANDEY
Genre: Non fiction
Rating: 4.5/5
Ajay is a sad person who did not find any interest in living a life after her wife's death. At his office mate's request, he was ready to attend therapy, where he met Bhawana... How she interacted with him and changed him is impressive. It is like you have a friend with whom you just sit and talk. But she was his best friend in every aspect.
10. HER LAST WISH by AJAY PANDEY
Genre : Non Fiction
Rating: 4/5
Ajay's wife is HIV positive and is going to die in 6 months. Ajay tried every possible way to save her, and he also wanted to fulfill her wish. That wish she actually wrote when she was fully drunk. But still, how an introverted husband fulfills his wife's every wish, which was almost impossible for him. The story covers the perspective point of the husband, and it also has a point of view of closely connected people. All in all, I will say the story is filled with love, trust, emotions, and respect.
Marathi Books Recommendation for toddlers
Favourite Books for 7 to 10 years
CONCLUSION :
I was avid readers. Since my twins born I hardly got any time to read. Year 2024 where I decided to start my reading journey and yes, I achieved. I found two new genre and also two new platforms of reading - Audiobook and Kindle. But honestly I love to read physical book - to stay away from screen.
Question of the day
Do you set any reading goal for the year? Have you read any one book from the above list?
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This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
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An eclectic collection.
ReplyDeleteSome of these was on my list goal.
DeleteI loved reading your list! This year, I didn’t set a reading goal, but I’ve finally started reading Harry Potter since my son is already on the third book, I had to catch up! It’s been such a fun experience discussing the story with him. Your list has given me some great ideas for what to pick next!
ReplyDeleteI'm starting Chamber of Secrets soon!!! Just finished book 1 for the first time!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved going through your list! As a passionate reader myself, I’m always curious about what others enjoyed. A few of your picks are already on my TBR, and now I’m even more excited to read them. I admire how you’ve shared your thoughts on each book without giving away spoilers — that’s a skill not everyone has! Plus, I discovered some new titles that I hadn’t heard of before.
ReplyDeleteThis year I kept a very minimal reading goal but few I will definately pick from your list except Ajay's book. I found him very stereotyped. I read his very first book which I liked and even said that to the author, but after that sorry I didnt find any worthy from him.
ReplyDeleteA very interesting mix - I have the Harry Potter collection more than once and The Chamber of Secrets is one of the favourites. My 8 year old son has now started reading them and totally glued! So yes, these are all time favourites! I also read the Ramachandra series about two years ago and was quite captivated - awaiting the last book now!
ReplyDeleteI reread Harry Potter too last year. It was such a delight. I'd like to pick up The Great Train Journey from your list. You picked up some good reads, like enjoying audio version of The Blue Umbrella with your kids.
ReplyDeleteI have read the books of Ruskin Bond that you have mentioned, thanks to my daughter. Oh yes, I have set a goal of finishing 24 books this year- 2 a month.
ReplyDeleteGreat recommendation list! I love Ruskin Bond and would love tongrab these copies. Positive parenting is another book I am looking forward to.
ReplyDeleteYour reading of these famous authors is commendable. From Amish to Ruskin Bond, a JK Rowling to a Pandey, is a great repertoire of reading.
ReplyDeleteThat is quite an interesting and diverse range of books, Neeta. The Harry Potter books are timeless. It has been a while since I read them and I am tempted to pick them again.
ReplyDeleteThat you have so many Ruskin Bond and Harry Potter series on your list means you and I are reading soulmates. Will definitely check out the other authors you recommend.
ReplyDeleteRuskin Bond is one of my favorite authors! It always feels good to see a fellow reader enjoying lovely stories told by a master storyteller.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved this post. It's so relatable to me—though my kids have grown up now, living abroad and managing all the work is still really hectic. I can totally understand how hard it is to keep track of books when life gets busy. Your journey of getting back into reading after having your twins is truly inspiring.
ReplyDelete-Anjali
Firstly, congratulations on achieving your 2024 reading goal! It's so inspiring to see such dedication to reading amidst a busy life. Now coming to your list, I was delighted to see a mix of genres herein which is reflective of your diverse reading journey. Your own insights into each book are both personal and informative which provide clarity on whether or not someone should pick up that book
ReplyDeleteI've read some of the books, but not all of those mentioned in your list. Have marked them; thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAh, a fellow Harry Potter fan! From parenting to psychology and fiction your reads have been interesting. This inspires me to get back to my reading too.
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to your love for reading as a stress buster! "Positive Parenting" is one of my favorite picks too. Audiobooks and Kindle have been a game-changer for me as well!
ReplyDeletethanks for the recommendations. now a days i am on a hunt to grab some good books to my 10 year old. took some sudha murthi's books she loved them.
ReplyDeleteI spotted a lot of my favorites in your list. I will add the rest to my TBR. Thanks for coming up with this list.
ReplyDeleteRuskin Bond is one of my favourite writers! I have Lanka by Amish, yet to read that. I struggle with self help books. I just finished ' It starts with us' and totally loved it!
ReplyDelete