The end of the year is upon us. The weather is changing, the trees are bare, Christmas decorations are up. For readers, we are stressing to meet our 2024 reading goals. 

Last year, I did the December Book of the Month a little differently than I normally do. As opposed to writing about one or two books, I am doing a wrap up of all the novels I’ve read this year. I decided to do the same thing this year. Let’s get into it!

Just like last year, I will be splitting this month into sections. The sections are as follows: 

1.) Top three 

                a.) My top three books of 2024 and why I loved them. 

2.) Reading statistics 

               a.) A breakdown of every genre I read this year and my reading statistics. 

3.) 2025 goals 

                 a.) My reading goals for 2025 and what I plan to accomplish throughout the year. 

This is the hardest section for me to write every year. I read so many wonderful books throughout the year, and it becomes difficult to choose a top three. However, after much deliberation, I think I have made my decision. 

Top Three: 

Binding 13 – Chloe Walsh 

Highest Bidder – Sara Cate 

Athena’s Child – Hannah Lynn 

3.) “Athena’s Child” by Hannah Lynn 

In truth, this novel was not a five star read for me. However, the story itself has stuck with me since I read it. 

“Athena’s Child” is the story of Medusa. I describe this novel  as female rage. Medusa has been assaulted by Poseidon and she is punished for it. The novel brings into question what women go through, and how the wicked don’t always get punished. 

The song that best describes “Athena’s Child” is “Labour” by Paris Paloma. 

2.) “Binding 13” by Chloe Walsh: 

I’ve talked about “Binding 13” many times throughout Book of the Month, but there is good reason for doing so. 

Johnny and Shannon have my heart completely. I have never laughed, cried, smiled, or screamed more than while reading this book. Nothing and no one will compare to them. I won’t go into detail due to having talked about the novel before, but just know, my love for “Binding 13” has not changed. 

The song that best describes “Binding 13” is “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5. 

1. “Highest Bidder” by Sara Cate

“Highest Bidder” is my top book of the year, and it has become a favorite of all time. Ronan and Daisy have a beautiful and sweet relationship that makes me fall in love with them every time I read the book. 

The story also has an element of grief to it. Daisy has lost her mom, and she is learning to live and survive on her own. Ronan is no stranger to grief, and does everything in his power to help Daisy and show her how much he cares. 

The song that best describes “Highest Bidder” is “Rescue” by Lauren Daigle. 

As of Dec. 10, I have read 128 books. Of those 128 books, I have read: 

Romance: 89

Fantasy: 33

Mystery: 13

Thriller: 13 

Young Adult: 12 

I also tend to be a picky critiquer when I read. A majority of the books I read this year were averaging a 3.7 star rating. 

 I have read 128 books in 2024. Over the twelve months of the year, I read; 

January: 12

February: 4

March: 7

April: 6

May: 5

June: 13

July: 18

August: 20 

September: 9

October: 17 

November: 13

December: TBD 

Gallery • 1 Photos

Madison Aboud

A pie chart of every genre I have read in 2024 ( Courtesy of Fable).

Every year, I set reading goals in place for myself. Do I follow them? Well, let’s look back at my 2024 goals and go from there. 

2024 reading goals: 

1. ) Read 30 books in 2024 

                        a.) Yes! I more than accomplished this goal. I read almost 100 more books, which is absolutely crazy. 

2.) Read five Classics

                      a.) So close, yet so far. This year, I only read four classics. In past years, I had a larger interest in them, but this year, they just weren’t what I was looking for, and that is okay! 

3.) Rereads

                    a.)  I did accomplish rereading some books, but not the ones I had planned on rereading. Because I want to feel better about myself, I am going to give myself the credit and say I accomplished my goal. 

Now that I’ve reflected on those, let’s look to the future. My top three goals of 2025 are: 

1. Read 40 books 
   1. This year, I set the goal at 30, and accomplished that fairly quickly. However, I know how busy life can be, so I’m going to play it safer than sorry and set the bar low. 
2. Finish five series 
   1. I am in the middle of so many series right now, it is crazy. I am setting a goal to complete five of these series during 2025. The feeling of completing a series is like no other. I don’t want to waste it this coming year. 
3. Three classics 
   1. This year, I wasn’t in the mood for classics. However, I am not giving up hope for myself and my classics journey. I want to read three during 2025, averaging one roughly every four months.