Inspired by a friend’s tweet, I decided to reflect on what I read during 2024 and make my own list of favourite reads of the year. I’m dividing the list into fiction and nonfiction, and because I have a stronger affinity, in general, for literary fiction—in the spirit of delaying whatever offers the most gratification—let us begin with the nonfiction category.
Nonfiction
10. The Scent of Time by Byung-Chul Han (Translated by Daniel Steuer)
This essay, or essay collection, on the art of lingering is a philosophical and poetic reflection on our relationship with time. It’s a book that encourages patience and presence while revealing why we ought to practice the art of lingering. You can watch to my review of the book here.
9. AI Snake Oil by Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor
A thoughtful, well-researched overview of justifiable and exaggerated claims about artificial Intelligence (AI), this book offers a helpful guide to several fields within AI: generative AI, predictive AI, and content moderation AI. The book guides us in thinking about the technology’s promises. Timely and thought-provoking. You can watch to my review of the book here.
8. Deconstruction and Pragmatism (Edited by Chantal Mouffe)
A series of essays (or exchanges) about a particular reading of Jacques Derrida proposed by Richard Rorty. This collection is far more exciting than it might sound. It stands out for its openness and how it leaves room for further reflection.
7. Better Living Through Criticism by A.O. Scott
Scott’s defense of criticism as an art form itself is a pleasure to read. Indeed, the book is a celebration of unguilty and unforbidden pleasures. Scott also challenges us to think carefully about the role of criticism in an examined, creative life.
6. Why Philosophize? by Jean-François Lyotard (Translated by Andrew Brown)
This brief but moving book explores the existential and communicative desires at the heart of philosophy. This was one of the books we read together with my reading group and I later posted a video about it on YouTube.
Fiction
5. Scenes of Clerical Life by George Eliot
Eliot’s mastery of perspective and movement through time makes this collection of stories worth the time. Her ability to immerse us in each narrative and show why her characters deserve care and compassion is just remarkable.
4. Exile and the Kingdom by Albert Camus (Translated by Carol Cosman)
An example of Camus’ ability to combine existential themes with realistic portrayals of human characters and situations. I will always remember the story of Jonas, the artist, and his star.
3. The Clown by Heinrich Böll (Translated to Persian by Sharif Lankarani)
A beautiful portrayal of alienation, pain, and loss, this novel struck a personal chord with its tragic depiction of the life of a clown. It reminded me of one of my favourite TV series, Baskets, in which clown is represented as half-choice and half-destiny.
2. Tenth of December by George Saunders
A masterclass in human observation. The stories contain a mix of humour, sadness, ethical questions, and unforgettable narratives.
1. The Thibaults by Roger Martin du Gard (Translated to Persian by Abolhassan Najafi)
This multi-volume novel was my favourite read of the year. A large-scale exploration of family, authority, rebellion, and the passage of time. The experience of reading it was enriched by regular exchanges with a good friend, taking time to reflect together, and reading about her perspective. (Watch my longer review here).
I hope this list inspires your own reading in 2025! Feel free to share your favourites or any recommendations (here, on Twitter, YouTube, or via email).