Here’s everything I read in 2024 and what I thought.
Good Material by Dolly Alderton
I really liked this one. I thought it was refreshing to read about heartbreak from a man’s perspective and Dolly has such a good way of capturing those small, relatable moments that make her characters feel real. I liked the mundane, everyday realism of the story – it didn’t feel over the top or dramatic, just quietly honest.
Wear It Well by Allison Bornstein
I love Allison Bornstein and as a stylist and she’s definitely someone who I take a lot of inspiration from. I was really interested to hear more about her methods and how she approaches styling her clients. She talks a lot about identifying your personal style, building confidence and understanding what actually works for you. I found it really interesting and it’s one I’d definitely recommend to anyone wanting to understand their wardrobe better, and a great tool for stylists too!
Rebel Rising by Rebel Wilson
I never really knew much about Rebel Wilson beyond her films, but after hearing a lot about her book launch, I decided to give it a go. I enjoyed it and learnt a lot about her life that I didn’t know before. She’s been through a lot, and I think her honesty makes it a great read.
Lucky by Louise Thompson
I follow Louise and have kept up with her journey around health and childbirth, so I was really interested to hear her full story in her own words. It’s emotional and eye-opening, and I really admire her honesty. It gives such an important perspective on what she’s been through and how it’s changed her, and as someone who has struggled with their health and lot of anxiety around their health, I really liked being able to relate and know it’s not just me who has similar thoughts and feelings.
My Thoughts Exactly by Lily Allen
When I’m on a roll with autobiographies, I clearly can’t stop. I’ve always LOVED Lily Allen and she was someone I looked up to when I was really young. I realised I’d never actually read her book and I really enjoyed it – it gives so much more detail about her life, fame, and family than we ever see in the tabloids. It’s honest and insightful, and it made me love her even more.
My Forever Wardrobe by Anna Cascarina
After reading Wear It Well, I was curious to see how this one compared. I liked it and it’s definitely a nice read, especially if you’re just starting out on your personal style journey. For me there wasn’t anything particularly new, but I still enjoyed it and think it’s great for anyone wanting to build confidence with their wardrobe.
Maybe Someday, Maybe Now & Maybe Not by Colleen Hoover
I read all three of these books back to back… phew!
The storyline pulled me in and I was definitely invested, but after reading all three back to back, I did start to get a bit bored. I think if I’d spread them out, I would have appreciated them more. Still, I’d recommend them if you’re in the mood for something emotional and addictive.
Too Late by Colleen Hoover
The Colleen Hoover obsession continues. I liked this book – it’s darker than some of her others but still full of those emotional twists she’s known for.
Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
I liked this one too, but I think by this point I just needed a break. As much as I love her books, when you read too many in a row they start to feel quite similar. I found this one a bit predictable, but still an easy, enjoyable read.
Think Again by Jacqueline Wilson
I absolutely loved Jacqueline Wilson when I was younger and used to race through her books, so when I saw she’d written an adult book I was genuinely so excited.
The cover is amazing and my expectations were high. I feel bad saying it, but I was quite disappointed. It just felt a bit off – it was really apparent that she is an older woman writing about a 30-year-old as it’s written in a way that didn’t really fit, make sense, and at points wasn’t even factually correct.
Some parts were awkward to read and it felt a bit outdated and cringy at times. I really wanted to love it but it just missed the mark for me.
Murder After the Night Before by Katy Brent
I really got into this one. It’s gripping, fun and full of little twists that keep you reading. I loved the story and thought it was such a good mix of dark and entertaining. Definitely one I’d recommend if you want something you can get lost in.
Final Thoughts
2024 was a great reading year. I found some new favourites, got back into my autobiography phase, and slightly overdid it on Colleen Hoover – but I did enjoy it.
I love how reading gives me time to slow down, unwind and still feel inspired. I’ve already started adding books to my list for next year and can’t wait to see where they take me!
