What I’ve read in 2024

Since 2018, I’ve ended each year with a reflection on the books I’ve read — a ritual that has become as much about understanding myself as it is about celebrating literature. Over the years, this exercise has evolved from simply recounting titles to a deeper exploration of the themes, ideas, and stories that have shaped my year.

In 2024, I‘ve read 56 books, surely with a few more before the year ends. (you can see my Goodreads list here) These books spanned continents, genres, and perspectives, forming a mosaic of fiction and non-fiction that reflects the questions I’ve been asking, the challenges I’ve been tackling, and the dreams I continue to chase.

This year’s reading wasn’t just about stories and ideas — it was about connections. Connections between past and future, between personal identity and societal shifts, and between my work in climate finance and my search for meaning beyond it.

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This year’s reading leaned slightly toward fiction (54%) over non-fiction (46%), a shift from my usual balance. Fiction offered a space for reflection, imagination, and empathy, while non-fiction brought clarity and practical insights.

The 56 books were written by 27 women and 29 men, offering a range of voices and perspectives. From the sharp insights of Hannah Ritchie to the haunting prose of Han Kang, I found myself drawn to authors who challenged and expanded my worldview.

Geographically, the books spanned Ireland, the UK, Argentina, Colombia, Spain, the USA, Mexico, Japan, Chile, Korea, France, and India. These settings were not mere backdrops; they shaped and enriched the narratives, each place alive with its own history, culture, and emotional texture.

Looking back at 2024, I’m struck by the diversity and depth of themes that emerged in my reading: History (4), Politics (3), Biographies (2), Science (2), Global Affairs (3), Climate (2) Self-help (7), Business and Finance (3) and Technology and Innovation (4).

Standout Reads of 2024

Fiction

1. 2666 by Roberto Bola?o | Bola?o’s sprawling masterpiece is more than just a novel; it’s a literary ecosystem that delves into the darkest corners of human experience — violence, obsession, and the search for meaning. It felt like a meditation on the unknowable forces that shape our lives. It’s a demanding read, but one that left me profoundly altered.

2. Umami by Laia Jufresa | This Mexican novel is a quiet triumph. Jufresa’s prose is as lyrical as it is unflinching, weaving together stories of loss, grief, and healing in a way that feels deeply human. Set in a small, interconnected community, Umami is as much about the spaces between people as it is about their relationships.

3. Prophet Song by Paul Lynch | Set in a dystopian Ireland gripped by authoritarianism, painting a vivid picture of a society unraveling. What stayed with me most was its exploration of resilience — how ordinary people face extraordinary challenges to protect their families and communities. It’s a story of survival, but also of love and defiance in the face of impossible odds.

4. The Vegetarian by Han Kang | This novel is unsettling in its brilliance, exploring the quiet but radical rebellion of a woman who decides to stop eating meat. Her act spirals into a profound examination of autonomy, societal control, and the limits of understanding between people.

5. Los Galgos, los Galgos by Sara Gallardo | This Argentine classic is a piercing exploration of personal freedom set against the backdrop of societal expectations.

Non-Fiction

1. Knife by Salman Rushdie | In the wake of a personal tragedy, Rushdie offers a powerful meditation on resilience, art, and identity. Knife is both deeply personal and profoundly universal, exploring the role of storytelling in overcoming adversity.

2. Not the End of the World by Hannah Ritchie | As someone deeply embedded in climate finance, I found Ritchie’s optimism both refreshing and essential. Backed by data and delivered with clarity, this book challenges the pervasive climate doom narrative, emphasizing humanity’s capacity for innovation and change. It’s a call to action that feels achievable, and it reinforced my belief in the work I do to help scale solutions for a better future.

3. The Venture Mindset by Ilya Strebulaev | Strebulaev distills years of research and experience into actionable insights for entrepreneurs and investors, offering a framework for navigating uncertainty and risk. It felt like a masterclass in decision-making, and many of its lessons resonated deeply with my work at the intersection of venture capital and climate tech.

4. Nexus by Yuval Harari | Harari’s exploration of technology’s role in shaping humanity’s future is both provocative and deeply grounding. Nexus challenges readers to think critically about the implications of AI.

5. The Second Mountain by David Brooks | Brooks’s framework of two mountains — the first representing success and the second, meaning — felt deeply personal this year. As I continue shifting my focus toward impact and legacy, his reflections on fulfillment resonated profoundly. The book challenged me to think about the values I hold and how I can align my work and life with a greater purpose. It’s a book I know I’ll return to in the years to come.

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This year’s reading felt like a dialogue — not just with the authors but with myself. The themes of identity, history, and transformation resonated deeply as I navigated the dual challenges of professional and personal growth. Books like The Second Mountain and Knife offered frameworks for thinking about meaning and resilience, while stories like 2666 and Prophet Song reminded me of literature’s power to illuminate the human condition.

Through these books, I traveled not just to new places but into new ways of thinking. And as I reflect on my journey, I’m reminded that reading is not just about escape — it’s about discovery, connection, and growth.

Looking Ahead

With a few weeks left in the year, I know this list isn’t quite complete. A few more books will find their way into my hands, each adding another layer to this mosaic.

This year also marked a first: I used ChatGPT to refine this article, shaping my thoughts into words with a clarity I often find elusive. In a way, this collaboration feels like an extension of the year’s themes — embracing innovation while staying rooted in personal reflection.

What were your favorite reads of 2024? Let’s exchange recommendations and continue the conversation.