I’ve got my vision for this new year: nourishment, greater ease and illumination. 

I’m grateful for the amazing new and back list books I read and relished this year, and my two book clubs—the Rockledge Readers (thank you, darlings!), my book club of 2 (best friends forever!)—plus tiny libraries in the neighborhood, and my public library, which provides SO much joy!

Rebecca Hines shared the following parable in class this week: A Zen monk asked his students, If you’re carrying a cup of coffee and someone bumps into you, why did you spill the coffee? 

I feel better about the world having ridden home on the bus yesterday in the rain.

What a splendid year for reading! I had a superabundance of favorites. It was tough to choose, but here are my 16 favorite books for 2024.