Justin's Notes

Jan. 12, 2025

I ended up reading 37 books in 2024. Although I don't at all think the amount of books matters, if you had asked me a couple of years ago if I would ever read more than 10 books in a year, I would have absolutely said no. But here we are at the beginning of 2025, and I have become even more obsessed with reading.

Looking back at everything I read this year, there were some pretty big standouts. More importantly, though, I read some books this year that I am confident I will reread at some point. I think looking at my favorite books of the year is still fun, but there is something unique about a book that can be reread. Since I have become a reader the last few years, I have only reread Dune so far, and I honestly expect to reread that book every couple years just because I am obsessed with it.

Before looking at the books I read this last year I think I will read again, I do want to mention the ones from the last three or so years I have read that I plan to read again. Dune, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Kingkiller Chronicles (The Name of the Wind & The Wise Man's Fear), Ender's Game. These books helped me fall in love with reading and are some of my favorite stories that I know I am going to revisit.

11/22/63

Stephen King

This was probably my favorite book of the year. It is incredible. Not only was it my first experience with Stephen King, but it is one of the best books I have ever read. Everything from the time travel, history, action, the love story, even the references to his other novels. It was all incredible. King built up the characters in this story so beautifully, crafting relationships between them in such ways that broke my heart at times. The love story that unfolds is sublime, and the action scenes made my heart race. This book kept me up until one in the morning multiple times without regret. It is absolutely worth your time, and I cannot wait to read it again someday.

Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption & The Body

Stephen King

I promise, I honestly never thought I would read King's book. But here we are with two more. For those that don't know, these two novellas were the inspiration of some incredible movies. The obvious one being The Shawshank Redemption, the second being Stand By Me. These stories are amazing. The characters and relationships are incredible. And what I think is going to make them candidates for rereading for me is that they are novellas. I have begun to find myself in the later part of this year craving King and his writing. What these novellas will do is scratch that itch for his writing without having to always prepare for a tome. Aside from that, though, they are both incredible stories. If you love either of the movies, I beg of you to read the books.

Matterhorn

Karl Marlantes

Matterhorn is fantastic. It is a historical fiction story set in the Vietnam War, based on Marlantes' own experience in Vietnam. The characters are so well-developed, and seeing the tension between them is fascinating. The main character Mellas grows exponentially throughout the story, becoming a trusted leader to his troops. The battle scenes are fantastic, detailing every moment. This book was heavy, brutal, intense, and incredibly emotional at times. It made me fascinated with the Vietnam War and the hopelessness this war seemed to bring to those a part of it. I see this story becoming my go-to war book for me. It had everything I could ask for in a war novel and is so masterfully written.

The Witcher: Sword of Destiny & Blood of Elves

Andrzej Sapkowski

I became obsessed with The Witcher by playing The Witcher 3. My friend Clayton and I lived and breathed this game for months, playing it at LAN's and talking about it at work. It was an addiction. So once I began to read more, I knew I wanted to read all of these books. I have already read the first book twice, and it was so enjoyable to reread, so I expect to find myself reading these over the years more than once. Even though the world is so dark and feels so hopeless, I really love being in it. It just feels like a classic fantasy to me. I think Sapkowski builds up the world terrifically. The classical magic and fantastical beasts and monsters. The social and political structures. And Geralt the witcher, who is unconcerned about all of it, only looking to kill monsters and keep to his witcher code.