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As winter draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on what Crokes read in Winter 2024. This season brought a mix of insightful, entertaining, and—at times—disappointing reads. Whether you’re looking for winter book reviews or want to explore the best and worst picks, we’ve got a detailed breakdown of each book reviewed this season.
The best books of winter 2024 were ones that brought new interesting perspectives or told an interesting story. The worst books of winter 2024 were badly written, with poor character work and bad execution of good ideas. Shockingly, one author appears on both the best and worst lists for this season! Read more to find out why.
If you wish to read more book reviews published on Crokes you can see the full list here, or click the links to individual reviews below.
Best Books
Slow Productivity by Cal Newport
Cal Newport continues to impress with his thought-provoking exploration of work and time management. Slow Productivity pushes back against the hustle culture and advocates for a more meaningful and deliberate approach to work. It’s a book that’s as refreshing as it is practical, providing tips on how to focus on quality over quantity. A must-read for anyone looking to rethink their relationship with work in today’s fast-paced world.
Read Crokes’ full review of Slow Productivity
Solitaire by Alice Oseman
Oseman’s Solitaire dives deep into the world of teenage loneliness and disillusionment. Her portrayal of the protagonist’s struggle to find meaning and connection resonates with a rawness that’s both painful and relatable. It’s a poignant coming-of-age novel that lingers long after the final page, reminding us of the importance of empathy and understanding in the digital age.
Read Crokes’ full review of Solitaire
Adult Fantasy by Briohny Doyle
In Adult Fantasy, Briohny Doyle reflects on the elusive nature of adulthood and the societal expectations that surround it. Part memoir, part social critique, Doyle’s work is deeply personal yet universally relatable, offering a fresh perspective on modern life and the myths of ‘making it’. It’s a clever and engaging read that will resonate with anyone questioning what it means to be a grown-up in today’s world.
Read Crokes’ full review of Adult Fantasy
Irreversible Damage by Abigail Shrier
Irreversible Damage by Abigail Shrier tackles a highly controversial topic—gender dysphoria in young girls. Shrier’s investigative journalism is bold, and the book doesn’t shy away from exploring difficult questions around medical interventions and societal pressures. Whether you agree with her conclusions or not, it’s a compelling read that forces the reader to think critically about these pressing issues.
Read Crokes’ full review of Irreversible Damage
Bad Therapy by Abigail Shrier
Another standout from Abigail Shrier, Bad Therapy is a gripping dive into the pitfalls of modern psychotherapy. Shrier explores how certain therapeutic practices can lead people astray, providing case studies and interviews that are both eye-opening and unsettling. It’s a thought-provoking critique that questions the very foundations of mental health care today.
Read Crokes’ full review of Bad Therapy
How To Do The Work by Nicole LePera
Nicole LePera’s How To Do The Work is a transformative read that combines self-help, psychology, and holistic healing. LePera, known as “The Holistic Psychologist,” offers readers a practical guide to overcoming trauma, breaking toxic patterns, and taking control of their emotional health. Her blend of personal anecdotes, science, and actionable advice makes this book both enlightening and empowering. It’s a standout in the self-improvement genre and a perfect winter read for those looking to make real changes in their lives.
Read Crokes’ full review of How To Do The Work
Worst Books of Winter 2024
Mystic City by Theo Lawrence
While Mystic City promised a lush, dystopian romance set in a futuristic city, it fell flat on nearly every front. The plot felt predictable, the characters lacked depth, and the world-building, while initially intriguing, quickly became muddled. Despite its attempt to blend fantasy and romance, the story never quite took off, leaving us feeling underwhelmed.
Read Crokes’ full review of Mystic City
Radio Silence by Alice Oseman
Radio Silence had potential with its exploration of academic pressure and online fame, but it didn’t quite hit the mark. The characters, while relatable, often felt one-dimensional, and the pacing dragged in parts. While it certainly has its fans, for us, it was a letdown compared to Oseman’s other works like Solitaire.
Read Crokes’ full review of Radio Silence
Just-Ok Books of Winter 2024
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Yes, The Da Vinci Code is a global bestseller, but revisiting it in 2024 left us feeling… ambivalent. While the book’s fast pace and intricate puzzles still hold some charm, the writing itself can feel clunky, and the character development is often secondary to the plot’s twists and turns. It’s a fun read if you’re in the mood for a mystery, but don’t expect anything groundbreaking.
Read Crokes’ full review of The Da Vinci Code
Fangirls: Scenes from Modern Music Culture by Hannah Ewens
Fangirls explores the often-dismissed world of fan culture, offering a compassionate look at the deep connections music fans form with their idols. Ewens shines a light on how fandom is shaped by the modern age, but the book sometimes falls into repetitive territory. It’s an insightful, though not groundbreaking, exploration of the music world’s passionate subcultures.
Read Crokes’ full review of Fangirls
Final Thoughts
Winter 2024 gave us a wide variety of reads—some that challenged our minds, some that disappointed us, and others that were simply entertaining. Whether you’re looking for something deep and meaningful or just want to escape into a world of mystery, there’s something here for every kind of reader. Here’s to what spring will bring!