My 2024 Reading List

The biggest misconception about life is wanting to achieve something but not putting in the work to actually see it come to fruition. We tend to romanticise the ideas with immense feelings and the sense of achievement stroking our egos.

Before I share my reading list, let me first tell you a story… 😊

For 14 years, I romanticised about running a book club. I started out enthusiastic and created a Facebook page, The Book Club. The noble idea was to talk all things books, share recommendations, and bring people together in the name of books (learning, growth and empowerment). However, following my first Facebook post on the page in July 2010, I did more talking about reading than the actual reading itself. Also, back then, I measured success on social by the engagement I got. When the page didn’t grow and engagement seemed to dwindle, I stopped…

In essence, I would not have been able to keep the page alive or even a book club going. My reasons to start were misguided and not solid enough. They lacked a strong WHY.

(P.S. join me on this newly created book club group)

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Mutatis mutandis i.e. things having been changed that have to be changed

Despite the many years of inactivity, the desire to run a book club never died. Every so often, it would nag me - until I finally gave in, in 2023. After spending the entire year getting my reading mojo back, I knew it was time… check out my 2023 reading list here.

Launching the book club officially has been my greatest motivation to continue my love for reading and sharing knowledge. Whilst I have become more disciplined to meet my reading goals, having a community sure keeps me on my toes. My book club members have been my accountability partners on this journey. I always look forward to our monthly meetups where we share in the learnings from our recent reads.

Finally, my Reading List for 2024

It seems that my days for romantic fiction in the likes of Mills & Boon, et al is done. These days, my all-time favourite genre is non-fiction - memoirs, autobiographies, self-help books – I am that girl!  

However, this year, I challenged myself to read more broadly and to read more locally produced literary works. Reading the same kind of material keeps you narrow-minded so I wanted to change that for myself. Supporting local authors is more of a personal mission – we are as good as the rest of the world! As you’ll see, from my spread below, I achieved these goals so I gave myself a gold star on the forehead – haha.

This year’s big 5 lessons

1. The beauty about reading is that there’s always something to learn in between the pages of any book. Like the insights I got after reading Meet the Maliks Twin Detectives from Bontle’s library. Yes, besides reading for Bontle occasionally, I read children’s books (when she agrees to lend me her books).

   
   

2. Set time aside. Carving out intentional time to read daily will support your reading goals. This is an important step towards a successful reading year. Tip: next time you think of picking up your phone to check the socials, swop that for a book. Even 10 minutes is sufficient.

   
   

3. There’s a book for each season of life.  I rounded off 2023 with the intention to pick up Think Like A Monk by Jay Shetty again but I didn’t. The book is yet to fit in well with my season. When that time comes, I sure will pick it up again.

   
   

4. Read books on topics you wouldn’t generally have an interest in. This is not only good for acquiring general knowledge but equally for stretching your mind to think about other things that matter in the world. Twice the Glory: the making of the greatest Bok Team in History was that book for me. This is a reminder to never stop learning.

   
   

5. Read books on topics that align with your personal growth goals. A lot of people who know me say I am too serious about life but I beg to differ. I am just focused on stepping into what God has created me to become. I fumble at times because some things come easier to me than others. Where I am challenged and experience gaps, I like to learn and put what I learn into practise. This year, the books that contributed immensely to my personal growth goals are Rising from the Township by Dr Steven Zwane and Yamkela Tywakadi; Rick Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki; Lift as you Rise by Bonang Mohale; Dangerous Surrender by Kay Warren; What’s Your Move? by Nicolette Mashile; Start With Why by Simon Sinek and Screw it, let’s do it again by Richard Branson.

So, did I reach my reading target for this year? The answer is a resounding YES! The plan was to read at least two books a month to equate to 24 by December. Some months I read more than two books, whilst other months the progress wasn’t great at all. BUT, after the 14 year+ gap of not having good reading habits plus juggling all that I do daily, this a huge milestone for me! Young me who was part of a children’s book club many moons ago is happy and super proud of big ol’ me!

24 books to close off 2024! Mama I made it! YAY!

How did your reading year go?

What are your goals for 2025?