reading goals for 2024

I mentioned at the start of the year that I wanted to read more classic literature as one of my resolutions, and so I figured I would share with you the books I want to read this year!

Reading Goals for 2024

Anna Karenina

I randomly bought Anna Karenina a few blocks away from Columbia near my home library in Manhattan. On New York City streets, you’ll always see people selling things, and this person was selling a batch of books and vinyls. Despite having walked to the library, I stopped and scanned the books, found Anna Karenina, and eagerly picked her up. I’ve just started reading it, and it has a completely different vibe from War and Peace. There are less characters to meet in Anna Karenina, so you hone in on the feelings of the main characters very quickly.

Middlemarch

I first got the desire to read George Eliot’s novel during my last class of undergrad, a Religion class held by Charles Marsh. He mentioned the last line about quiet lives hidden under tombstones and it has stirred me up ever since. From reading the blurb, it gives me the feeling that it’ll be similar to Kristin Lavransdatter, a book that ends in a melancholy peace. So I’m a little scared of Middlemarch, but I’m excited too.

The Brothers Karamazov

I finished The Brothers Karamazov in 2021, after taking the Dostoevsky class with the amazing Dr. Madelyn Stuart (I took 2 classes with her, and they were lovely!). I want to reread it and pay particular attention to Father Zossima’s message of agape love. I can’t wait to have time to linger over it again. But I’ll most likely pick it up after graduation in May.

All the Light We Cannot See

I borrowed a copy from Nico, a friend from undergrad, and never gave it back (oops), but since the show came out on Netflix, I do want to read it. I’m not a historical fiction person, though I do love Biblical fiction (like The Chosen), but I am willing to try it considering how beloved this book is.

Other Classics

I’d love to attempt to finish reading Jane Austen’s body of work with Emma and Mansfield Park. Also, books like Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, and Little Women are books I want to pick up as well.

Wolf Hall Trilogy

I’ve started this because of the Footnotes and Tangents book read along, and it’s been such a joy. I’m only halfway through the first book, titled Wolf Hall, but I’ve been loving it. The tense takes a while to get used to but the writing is so well done. It feels like Hilary Mantel is Cromwell, she becomes him. His character is so clear and he unfurls slowly over time. I’m not even a historical fiction person, but it’s so well done.

Finishing the Mitford series

I have read 8 of the Mitford books, but I do have a few left to read. I’m excited but also sad to finish this dear series. I really do believe this series has been a Godsend for me. It has healed my heart, made me cry, and brought me so much joy. I highly recommend it!

Here are my reading goals for 2024. Let me know what goals you have for this year or any books you recommend for my TBR.

Signing off,

Gigi