Books read in the first semester of 2024

In the first six months of 2024 I read 10 books, some good and some not so good. Some were quite forgettable and others were worthwhile. So let’s go!

A wizard of earthsea — Ursula K. Le Guin

I opened the year with this fiction set in the 60s. Although I enjoyed the book, I felt the story lacked more female representation. This is the first book in a series and I didn’t feel like reading the next books.

Before your memories fade — Toshikazu Kawaguchi
I loved the first book in the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series, but this book disappointed me. Long, exhausting stories and just more of the same from the first book. I feel that this continuation wasn’t necessary.

Really good, actually — Monica Heisey
Relly bad, actually. I was expecting a lot more from this book, but all I found was a very boring protagonist and a rather weak story. The positive thing is to see the therapeutic accompaniment of the protagonist.

She and her cat — Makoto Shinkai, Naruki Nagakawa
Good, but that’s it. Nothing impressive. Recommended more for those who like cats and quiet stories to read over a cup of tea.

A Mágica Mortal (Deadly Magic) — Raphael Montes
The first children’s book by Brazilian author Raphael Montes. Very good, Raphael is the master of suspense, but of course, as it’s a book for younger teenagers, the story is lighter than we’re used to when it comes to this author.

Romancing Mr. Bridgerton — Julia Quinn
Fourth book in the Bridgertons series, I liked it, but it’s not my favorite. At times the narrative was too slow, but for those who like the series, it’s worth it.

Uma mulher no escuro (A woman in the dark) — Raphael Montes
Raphael Montes knows how to write a good thriller, in my opinion he is one of the best thriller writers of this generation. This book is sensational, I hope it will soon be translated into English.

Scattered all over the earth — Yōko Tawada
The book had everything it needed to be good, but it has a lot of narrative flaws. I wanted to like it, but not this time. Read my review here :)

Luisa — Maria Adelaide Amaral

A very interesting Brazilian book. A woman’s story is told from other people’s points of view, which makes the book very interesting. The story takes place during the Brazilian military dictatorship.

Neverwhere — Neil Gaiman
After a lot of encouragement from my boyfriend, I read this book and I liked it. Neil Gaiman won me over with his very good writing and a very interesting and dark magical universe in London.