december 2024 reads
This is an interesting entry because instead of sitting at home and relaxing over the new year, I typed this entry sitting at my mother's kitchen table in rural Nova Scotia. It's definitely a different vibe typing my reflections as I listen to my mother gabbing in my ear—there may be more spelling mistakes than usual as a result. Visiting with family definitely stopped my reading, but it was still a month full of excellent books and as I reflect more, I remember all the wonderful books that I read in 2024. It'll probably be a little late, but I plan on sharing a list of the gems that I found in my reading this year.
Novels, Collections, & Nonfiction
Watashitachi ga Hikari no Hayasa de Susumenai Nara by Choyeop Kim (tr. Banghwa Kang & Jiyeon Yoon)
I read another of this author's collection earlier in the year and it was so stunning that I jumped on the opportunity to read more. This is such a lovely collection of Korean science fiction (that I read in Japanese translation). The author has done a wonderful job of using her knowledge of science to examine the human condition in a variety of settings. I can't wait to read her longer work. I also believe this collection and one of her novels are set for release in English translation from Anton Hur at some point in the future.
The Killing Moon by N.K. Jemisin
I decided to read this book after reading the short story in Jemisin's collection where she trialed the concept. I found the dream blood idea completely fascinating and tore through this book. I actually borrowed the two-in-one of the duology from the library, but only read the first book before I had to send it back. I'll probably read the second book in January. I'm not exactly sure how the story will continue, since it seemed pretty complete after the first book, but I'm looking forward to it.
Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells
I listened to this volume of Murderbot, just as I have the others, and it was excellent as always. The character development of Murderbot never ceases to impress me and I just love its demeanor and thought processes. Being in Murderbot's head feels like home.
Out There Screaming edited by Jordan Peele
I didn't care for this collection, which was a bit disappointing since I thought I would really love it. There were a few stories that I enjoyed, but now that the book is back at the library, I find it hard to recall which stories I liked and what exactly I liked about them.
A Psalm for the Wind-Built by Becky Chambers
I decided to listen to this book because I've been having a great time with listening to novellas lately. I loved the main character Dex and their interactions with Mosscap and the new world that they live in. I would love to read more in the solarpunk vein. It was just so cozy and pleasant.
Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw
I signed this out from the library after reading The Salt Grows Heavy last month. I thought I would really like it because it's another creepy novella, but it wasn't my favourite. Part of it may have been the Japanese setting, which I just couldn't take seriously enough. It felt a haphazard. I definitely want to read more from this author, but this book wasn't for me.
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
I finally got to Station Eleven after seeing an author I know recommend it and promising to read it with my friend (who has yet to actually read it). It probably wasn't the right time, since the story opens with a devastating flu epidemic in Toronto, which I flew into a week ago while we're all wondering what's going to happen with the bird flu, but I thought this book was amazing. I love how the author shifted between different character perspectives and times. Really worth reading in the world we live in now and I look forward to reading more from the author.
Annie Bot by Sierra Greer
This was an impulse read from the library and it was so worth taking the time for. Annie is basically a sex robot that has been set to develop and learn on her own. The story is about how she comes into herself and learns what it means to feel and interact with others. A really great story looking at intelligence and questioning what we know about consciousness. Beware for any readers who would be uncomfortable with domestic violence-type situations though.
Exit Strategy by Martha Wells
The last book in the initial Murderbot story was just as great as all the others. I'm already ready to start the novel, which begins the next stage in Murderbot's journey. I really can't get enough of Murderbot.
Walking Practice by Dolki Min (tr. Victoria Caudle)
This book was very creepy and uncomfortable and from an enjoyment perspective, I can't say that I really liked it. That being said, I think that it approaches really important topics of what it means to have a sense of belonging and feel like yourself in your own skin through the grotesque. It could be a book that I appreciate more as time passes.
Manga
My Dress-Up Darling Vol. 14 by Shinichi Fukuda
I read this in Japanese, and I must admit that I found the passing of the whole volume to be somewhat underwhelming. It kind of felt like the author didn't know exactly how to proceed with developing Marin and Wakana's relationship and just arbitrarily through them to the next step. I'll read the next volume, but I'm a bit less excited about it than I have been for the previous volumes.
Ignat no Hanayome Vol. 1 by Moyori Mori
I preordered this manga when it was announced because I absolutely loved the creator's debut volume. As the author puts it, the story is about two individuals finding where they belong as dragon and human. Mori excels at portraying the pain and joy of life in both the flow of the storytelling and also the gorgeous artwork. I am so excited to find out where these characters go next. It would be great to see this work picked up and licensed in English.
Witch Hat Atelier Vol. 6 by Kamome Shirahama (tr. Stephen Kohler)
Another gorgeously put together volume by the author and rendered beautifully by the English team. I continue to be stunned by how gorgeous the adaptation is. I really appreciated the show of accessibility in the form of flying wheelchair in this volume and I'm excited to finally read Anime Feminist's piece about it now that I've caught up to the relevant volume.
Updated 7Â months, 3Â weeks ago