Top Ten Best Books of 2024

[@BookChatWithPat8668]

Hi Marilyn. I'm sorry that you have had so much difficulty this year. I completely understand going for more comforting reads. I've been doing that a lot too, though for different reasons. I love that Mary Oliver, Agatha Christie, Maya Angelou, and Barbara Pym all made it onto your list. I'm wishing you all that is good in the new year, my friend. I'm so grateful to have met you this year. Sending much love....

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hello Pat, thank you so much for your kind words. Books were always my comfort and escape. I could’ve talked about other books that were as well written but my five star reads all made me smile. Have a wonderful holiday and new year. Aloha friend.

[@stuartgriffin1001]

I did enjoy your video. I love lists. I hope your holidays are good ones. And 2025 is a good year for all of us

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@stuartgriffin1001 thank you, Stuart and Amen to a good 2025. Aloha.

[@stuartgriffin1001]

@@MarilynMayaMendoza Aloha Marilyn

[@lindysmagpiereads]

We read two of Margaret Laurence’s books together this year: A Jest of God and The Diviners. But someone else read A Bird in the House with you; I haven’t read that one since I was in high school! I definitely have YOU to thank for encouraging me to read I’m Only Here to Enjoy Myself and Nilda. And A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, which I have finally got to after hearing about it for years. And yes, it’s as great as the hype. Happy Hanukkah Maya!

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@lindysmagpiereads hi Lindy, I might have read, “a bird in the house“ by myself.😀. But I’m so grateful to you for introducing me to Canadian literature and I’m so happy that I added a few books your great pile. I’m due for a reread of a tree grows in Brooklyn. I read all of Betty Smith’s books and I think you would enjoy them because she called them a series of autobiographies. They’re not all about her but about people she knew and experiences she had. Happy holidays, my friend. Aloha

[@KCRReads]

I love the top 10/year list! I learn of titles to put on my bursting TBR! I appreciate your thoughtful reviews. I, like you, turn to mysteries as comfort reads along with Pym. Added Like Mule...to my TBR. Happiest of Holidays to you. One thing I think is true, your weather will be much nicer. I live in Northern MI and it is white out our windows.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Thank you krc, I wish you a Happy Holiday and a joyful New Year. Aloha friend.

[@lindawalker2451]

I have just discovered your channel. Thanks for this great video. I lover Mary Oliver but was unaware of Dog Songs. I am a great dog lover so I will definitely be ordering it. I am also very interested in the Pym book. I have never read anything by her. Your whole list was great. I am a 76 yr old woman with arthritis and osteoporosis so I understand what a challenge things like this poses. When you have mobility issues your life style changes in so many ways. I am very grateful that I love to read, enjoy good DVDs and music. Have a blessed Christmas. I will look forward to your channel in 2025.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hello Linda, so glad you found my channel. When I started making videos four years ago, I still had the chronic pain and arthritis but not to the degree that it changed my lifestyle. Reading has always been my comfort. I’m happy to have met you. Aloha friend.

[@Rebecca-le9hn]

Thank you for your suggestions. Maya Angelou's son, Guy Johnson, wrote one of my favorite books, "Standing at the Scratch Line" Best wishes for the new year.

[@spreadbookjoy]

It has certainly been a year of so much upheaval. I am also someone who reads books that are of interest to me rather than books that are hyped or on prize lists. "A book that made me happy" - a great reason for it to make your top books list. That is a gorgeous copy of The Sweet Dove Died - it was a great read. Loved it. Glad these books gave you pleasure this year and I hope the new year brings you much more pleasure in books and life!

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Thank you, Jack. You always make me feel better. Let’s continue to read what makes us happy as individuals. Aloha dear friend.

[@PageTurnersWithKatja]

Your III Japanese mystery is on my TBR for next year. It's promising seeing it here. I was so glad to stumble on Like a Mule... I had her as one of my most memorable "older female protagonists" she's definitely charismatic 😊 Agree about the ending.

[@BookishTexan]

A list made up of books that made you happy has to be a great list. Merry Christmas Maya!

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Thank you, Brian. Happy holidays. Aloha friend.

[@scallydandlingaboutthebooks]

Thank you for sharing as these are such an eclectic selection. I read my first Margaret Laurence, Stone Angel, this autumn. It was tremendous.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@scallydandlingaboutthebooks Hi Ros, TheStone Angel and the fire dwellers are the only booksI haven’t read in Margaret Lawrence‘ Manawaka series. Jest of God, and the diviners were sublime. I hope you continue this wonderful series. Thank you so much for watching. Aloha friend.

[@ba-gg6jo]

What a wonderful selection. My world has been closing in on me for a number of years, due to disabilities. I have always taken comfort in books and it seems you do the same. Best wishes to you and your family and Merry Christmas.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@ba-gg6jo Hi ba, I hear you. I also struggle with chronic pain and mobility issues. But even when I was young and healthy, books were my refuge from emotional turmoil. Sending you healing vibes and a wonderful holiday season full of books. Aloha friend.

[@Elnora-i6e]

This is a great list. Like a Mule...was fantastic! Thank you

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@Elnora-i6e Hi Elnora, I’m so glad you enjoyed “like a mule”. It was a small book that had a big impact on me. Happy holidays. Aloha.

[@cindyurban150]

Marilyn,I wish you Health, and Happiness. I really enjoyed your selections. I'm always interested in books where an "Older" woman is portrayed as one with feelings of being wanted,or a sensuality to their personality. Happy Holidays ! Cindy

[@books_and_bocadillos]

Hi Marilyn Maya 🫶🏽. I'm sorry to hear your mobility has decreased. I hope 2025 brings more comfort and joy to you and your family. Thank you for putting Nilda on my radar. I look forward to reading it!

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hello Mariandrea. Getting old is not for sissies they say. I’m just grateful for every day whether I’m hobbling around or not.😂. Have a wonderful holiday. Aloha.

[@CionMohler]

Well, I was going to express happiness that you also love Barbara Pym and bemoan the fact that more people aren’t familiar with her and read her books but it looks like people are familiar with her. I have read all of her books multiple times. Happy Hanakah and a happier new year.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@CionMohler Hi Cion, Barbara Pym has made many people happy with her writing and I’m glad that you also have found pleasure reading her books. Happy holiday and aloha friend.

[@ariannefowler455]

Thank you for sharing! I hope that 2025 is an easier year for you and your family. I plan to read my first Margaret Laurence in 2025.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@ariannefowler455 hello Arianne, I know you will enjoy Margaret Lawrence‘s writing. I hope to complete another one of her books in 2025. Happy holidays. Aloha friend.

[@readandre-read]

Aloha, Maya! It's great to see a list so different and unique! I'm sorry that you've had a rough year; I hope 2025 is better. I need to look into these Japanese novels!

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@readandre-read thank you Angelia. My favorite books this year were the ones that comforted me the most. Books are my friends and this community helped me as well. One Japanese novel that was on a PBS best list and I heard about but think it might be for you is “before the coffee gets cold“. Maybe we can read it together next year. Aloha friend.

[@readandre-read]

@MarilynMayaMendoza That sounds lovely; let's do that sometime in 2025!

[@theresepazell7875]

Happy Holiday..Thaxs

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@theresepazell7875 happy holidays and aloha

[@nathanfoung2347]

Aloha Maya. I hope to read more Barbara Pym in 2025. I have to read point zero as well. Post war Japan is such a wonderful setting for mystery and intrigue.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hi Nathan, I think you will like Point Zero. It really captures that time so well and as a female protagonist. Aloha friend.

[@AaronReadABook]

I love Barbara Pym, but I've not read that one yet, something to look forward to!

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@AaronReadABook hi Aaron, I’m sure you will love it. She said it was her favorite and it’s also a great look at the 70s in England, like her book quartet in autumn was. I love that book too.. Thank you so much for watching and have a happy holiday. Aloha friend.

[@ROSESCortez]

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[@enie8751]

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[@Bookishtravels1]

Nice to see a Christie in the list :) Sorry to hear your are struggling with life right now.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@Bookishtravels1 thank you. I’m reading another Agatha Christie right now called murder in Mesopotamia. It’s very different from the clocks but so satisfying. Aloha friend.

[@Bookishtravels1]

@ Oh nice! Hope you are enjoying it :)