Books I Read in 2024: A Year of Growth, Reflection, and Less Scrolling
As a wife, momma, and teacher, my life is a delicate balance of schedules, rehearsals, and creative projects. At the start of 2024, I decided to set a goal unrelated to dance: to scroll less and read more.
One of the biggest motivators for this goal was setting an example for my daughter. I wanted her to see that books can offer as much adventure and even more connection as a screen. As parents, our actions speak louder than words, and I realized how often she saw me with my phone in hand. Replacing that habit with a book was a way to show her the value of curiosity, learning, and making time for what truly enriches our lives.
This year has been a whirlwind—not only did I embark on this reading journey, but I also welcomed a new baby into my life! Considering everything going on, I’m proud of the progress I made toward my goal.
I want to share the books I read in 2024, why they resonated with me, and what this goal has taught me about mindfulness and making space for personal growth.
Why I Set a Reading Goal
Scrolling through my phone had become my default downtime activity, and I realized it wasn’t leaving me feeling inspired or fulfilled. As much as I love staying connected, the endless scroll wasn’t adding value to my life.
At the beginning of 2024, I committed to replacing screen time with intentional reading. My goal was simple: carve out moments for myself amidst the business of work and family to dive into stories that would uplift, entertain, and challenge me.
Setting this goal reminded me of the power of focus—a lesson I’ve carried with me from the dance studio. Just as pirouettes require control and presence, so does building habits that align with personal growth.
Books I Read in 2024
1. The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
Set years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale, The Testaments delves into the lives of three women whose paths are deeply intertwined with the regime of Gilead. Aunt Lydia, now an influential figure within the system, secretly plots its downfall, showing the resilience and complexity of her character. Agnes Jemima, a young woman raised within Gilead, begins to question the ideals she’s been taught, while Daisy, a spirited teenager from Canada, learns the shocking truth about her identity. The narrative weaves these perspectives together to expose the cracks in Gilead’s oppressive society. Atwood’s powerful storytelling and character development make this novel a masterclass in examining resistance, loyalty, and the power of information.
2. The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest
This charming and heartfelt romantic comedy follows ambitious theater director London Kelly as she returns to her small hometown to direct the town’s annual holiday play. London, who has her sights set on Broadway, finds herself in an unexpected situation when her best friend, Theo Washington, convinces her to pretend to be his girlfriend to avoid his meddling family’s matchmaking efforts.
As London and Theo navigate their fake relationship, old feelings begin to surface, forcing them to confront their true emotions. The book explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to follow your dreams while staying true to yourself. Kristina Forest’s witty dialogue and well-developed characters make this a delightful read filled with heart and humor. It’s a story about taking chances, finding love where you least expect it, and rediscovering the magic of home.
3. Love Wins by Rob Bell
In Love Wins, Rob Bell takes a deep dive into some of the most debated topics in Christianity—heaven, hell, salvation, and the ultimate nature of God’s love. Bell doesn’t approach these subjects with traditional fire-and-brimstone rhetoric; instead, he focuses on a compassionate and thought-provoking narrative that invites readers to question preconceived ideas.
Bell uses biblical stories and parables, such as the rich man and Lazarus or the story of the Prodigal Son, to explore the nature of divine justice and mercy. He poses challenging questions about whether eternal damnation aligns with the idea of a loving and gracious God.
The book doesn’t present a singular conclusion but instead provides a broader lens through which to view faith. Bell’s perspective offered a sense of peace and inspiration, encouraging me to look at my own spiritual journey with fresh eyes. This book isn’t just a challenge to dogma—it’s an invitation to rediscover faith as an act of love and inclusion.
4. The Girl Who Saw Heaven: A Fateful Tornado and a Journey of Faith by Lisa Reburn
This inspiring memoir chronicles Lisa Reburn’s journey of faith and resilience following a devastating tornado that forever changed her family’s life. Reburn shares the miraculous story of her young daughter, who survived the disaster and described an awe-inspiring encounter with heaven.
The tornado’s aftermath is both harrowing and transformative, as the family grapples with loss, fear, and the search for meaning in the face of tragedy. Through her daughter’s vivid accounts of peace, light, and love in heaven, Lisa begins to rebuild her faith, finding hope and purpose in what initially seemed like an insurmountable challenge.
The book beautifully intertwines themes of trust, grace, and perseverance, reminding readers that even in the darkest storms, light and redemption are possible. Reburn’s storytelling is heartfelt and raw, offering a moving testimony to the power of faith and the enduring strength of family.
5. It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
Colleen Hoover delivers a powerful and emotional narrative that centers on Lily Bloom, a young woman navigating the complexities of love and abuse. Lily falls for Ryle Kincaid, a charismatic neurosurgeon, but as their relationship deepens, she’s forced to confront troubling patterns of behavior that echo her own childhood experiences. The story is interspersed with journal entries about her first love, Atlas Corrigan, who re-enters her life at a pivotal moment. Hoover’s nuanced portrayal of relationships and the cycle of abuse offers readers a raw and honest exploration of difficult themes, ultimately celebrating the strength it takes to choose yourself.
6. It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover
This sequel picks up where It Ends with Us left off, offering Lily and Atlas a second chance at love. Told from both their perspectives, the story delves deeper into Atlas’s past and the challenges they face in building a future together while co-parenting Lily’s daughter with Ryle. Hoover balances heartfelt romance with emotional growth, giving readers closure for characters they’ve grown to love. The novel is a testament to resilience, healing, and the belief that love, when nurtured and fought for, can conquer even the darkest of circumstances.
Currently Reading and What’s Next
Right now, I’m working through three captivating books that I can’t wait to finish: I Take My Coffee Black by Tyler Merritt, a memoir blending humor, honesty, and powerful reflections on race and identity; The Housemaid by Freida McFadden, a psychological thriller that has me hooked with its twists and suspense; and Do It Scared by Ruth Soukup, which I’m planning to kick off as my first book of 2025 to inspire a year of fearless growth.
Although I didn’t read as many books as I initially envisioned this year, I’m proud of what I accomplished, especially while balancing the joys and challenges of welcoming a new baby into my life. Each book has been a meaningful escape and a reminder of the value of carving out time for myself.
Looking ahead to 2025, I’m aiming even higher. My goal is to read more consistently, continue scrolling less, and explore a wider range of genres—including fiction, non-fiction, and books that connect to my love for dance and the arts. Here’s to another year of personal growth, reflection, and inspiring stories!
Why Reading Matters in a Busy Life
Reading is more than just a pastime—it’s a way to slow down, reflect, and reconnect. For me, it’s been a tool for mindfulness, creativity, and personal growth. Just as I encourage my dance students to embrace moments of stillness and self-awareness, reading has become my version of that practice.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As 2024 comes to a close, I’m excited to carry the lessons I’ve learned into the new year. Whether it’s setting new goals, spending more quality time with family, or continuing to explore the world through books, the possibilities feel endless.
If you’re looking for a way to refresh your routine or cultivate a new habit, I encourage you to start with one book. You might be surprised at how much it can transform your perspective and daily life.
Here’s to a new year of less scrolling, more reading, and endless growth!
Happy Dancing!
