2024 Half Yearly Book Review

I didn't want to leave you all with an entire year to wait until my next books review, so I have decided to share with you the books I read during the first half of the year.

This year I won't be reading as many books as I have in the past because I have been focused on creating The Heartfield Way Mentor Program; completing my post grad studies at university; recording more podcast episodes for the second half of 2024; and introducing my new Play Therapy services to my local community.

I have read so many incredible books this year, and as a first, I have decided to rate them out of 5. As you will discover, I found many of the fiction books I read to be truly incredible and have given many 5 star ratings.

  • FICTION:

    1. The Women by Kristin Hannah - I have absolutely loved all Kristin Hannah books I've ever read. This one was no exception. I cried through all the trauma, heartbreak and grief of the atrocities that happened during and after the Vietnam War. It was so well written, I read this book in under 2 days and it is one I would highly recommend. 5/5

    2. The Last Devil to Die (#4 in series) by Richard Osman - I've never actually read a cosy mystery before, and I do not regret reading this entire series in a week. This was my favourite of the 4 books, as you can see, I thought they just kept getting better and better with each new story. They are hilarious, witty, unique and I really want to live in a Retirement community like this when I'm in my 80s. So much fun, and the twists and turns, amazing! 5/5 Best series I've read in a long time.

    3. The Bullet that Missed (#3 in series) by Richard Osman - 5/5

    4. The Man Who Died Twice (#2 Thursday Murder Club) by Richard Osman - 5/5

    5. The Thursday Murder Club (#1 in series) by Richard Osman - 5/5

    6. The Angry Women's Choir by Meg Bignell - I loved this book from the title, to the characters, to the messages. I could not put this book down! I read it in 2 sittings, starting in my weekly infrared sauna. This book hits ALL the feelings. There is humour, heartbreak, loss, grief, friendship, wisdom and so much more. 5/5

    7. The Tuscan Daughter by Tessa Harris - Tessa reached out to me earlier this year and sent me her book before publication date, after I reviewed another of her amazing books last year. I really enjoyed this book, and I'm so grateful Tessa reached out to me. The characters were well written. It was such a touching story, set in Italy during WWII. I cried happy tears and sad tears. 5/5

    8. The Hidden Storyteller by Mandy Robotham - this is another author where I have read several of her books. This book actually continues to bring to life characters from a previous book by Mandy, which I have not yet written. So, I was thrown into a later part of their story and I really enjoyed it, because my grandparents had to navigate post-war Germany. It was so hard for them they immigrated to Australia in the late 1950s with their 2 young sons. The characters were so interesting, and I loved the different areas of society that Mandy explored. 5/5

    9. Funny Story by Emily Henry - I have read all of Emily Henry's books to date, and this one is probably my favourite. I really enjoyed the realness of the characters, their development as people throughout the novel, and I loved the ending, where they were given the chance to revisit their past but they chose to move forward. 5/5

    10. Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood - I have read most of Ali's books, and the highly sensitive, socially awkward introvert in me, loved the main female character. I loved how she navigated the romantic relationship with the main male character, and that he accepted her for who she is. 5/5

    11. Still Life by Sarah Winman - I had read good things about this book, so when someone lent it to me I felt excited. For me, it was such a hard book to get into, at first. However, once I got my bearings I found the story endearing and the friendships were beautiful. 3.5/5

    12. The Sugar Palace by Fiona McIntosh - my Mum lent me this book, and I read it but I really did not like it. Part of me just wanted to stop reading it because the characters were not likeable. But I persevered. 1.5/5

  • NON-FICTION:

    1. NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman - the best non-fiction book I have read this year (so far). This book was so well researched, so objective and filled with so much trauma and heartbreak for the children and adults of the world that were persecuted for who they are. This is a book I believe ever person should read, regardless of whether you know someone with Autism. 5/5

    2. Unique: What autism can teach us about difference, connection and belonging by Jodi Rodgers - I loved the way this book was presented. I loved the personal stories. I loved experiencing happy tears and sad tears. 5/5

    3. Between Therapist and Client: The New Relationship by Michael Kahn - this book was recommended by someone in my post grad course. I have always known that the therapeutic relationship is important. However, this took my understanding to the next level. 5/5

    4. An Autobiography of Trauma: A Healing Journey by Peter A. Levine - having read several of Peter's books, I was excited to read this one on his own life. I loved going on the journey of what led him to becoming one of the experts on trauma, even though his story is heartbreaking. 4/5

    5. The Vagus Nerve Reset by Anna Ferguson - there was nothing in here that I didn't already know. If you are new on the journey, it might be for you. 3/5

    6. Time Magic by Melissa Ambrosini - this had some helpful tools and strategies. However, it is not a book I would recommend. It did have some good science. 2.5/5

Have you read any of these books? What did you love? What did you not enjoy?

What has been some of your favourite reads this year?

I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

If you would like to listen to my expanded review on each book, there is a podcast episode you can listen to here.

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The Impact of School Trauma in Adulthood