What an extraordinary year it has been for indulging in the world of literature. Among the myriad of titles that graced my reading list, there emerged a tapestry of experiences, ranging from the brevity of novellas to the profundity of masterpieces. Distilling a roster of favorites from such a diverse array proved to be a daunting task, yet the journey has been a steady stream of literary exploration, culminating in the completion of 35 distinct works, excluding the revisitation of 7 cherished volumes in December.
Best non-fiction
My favorite novel of the year is A Gentleman in Moscow, but followed closely by War and Peace and the Epic adventures in Rhythm of War.
At the year’s outset, the monumental “War and Peace” set the stage for a historical voyage, its resonance magnified against the backdrop of unfolding events, particularly the conflict in Ukraine. Spring ushered in a thematic shift, with a focus on the intriguing realm of submarine warfare. From the gripping fictional narrative of “Thunder Below” to the illuminating insights of “Crash Dive,” the World War II perspective on undersea combat proved to be both captivating and informative.
While acclaimed, “The Right Stuff” failed to fully meet the lofty expectations set by its reputation, despite its undeniable excellence. However, the pinnacle of my reading experience came in the form of “A Gentleman in Moscow,” a masterful work of literary artistry that left an indelible impression, earning my highest commendation and a resounding five-star recommendation.
As the year progressed, I encountered a diverse array of narratives, each offering its own unique insights and pleasures. “The Constitution of Knowledge” provided thought-provoking reflections on the foundations of American institutions and societal dialogue, while the fourth installment of Brandon Sanderson’s “Stormlight Archive” series offered moments of anticipation and fulfillment, though falling slightly short of my lofty expectations.
As the latter half of the year unfolded, my search for narrative depth and intrigue led me to explore the works of Vince Flynn in hopes of finding a literary counterpart to the grandeur of Tom Clancy’s storytelling. While Flynn’s novels proved to be engaging, they ultimately lacked the enduring resonance that Clancy’s works hold for me.
Reflecting on this year of literary exploration, I am grateful for the wealth of experiences and insights that each book has offered. As I embark on a new year of reading, I eagerly anticipate the adventures that lie ahead, knowing that each page holds the promise of new worlds to discover and new perspectives to embrace.