Tis that time of year again, and I am finalising my favourite books of the year and my reading stats. This was a much slower reading year than I’d have liked but I read many brilliant, moving stories. Before I share my top three reads of the year, here are my reading stats:

I read 21 novels: 11 ebooks, and 10 physical books. My most read genre was historical fiction.

In no particular order, here are my top 3 books of 2024.

“Born on A Tuesday” by Elnathan John

“Born on a Tuesday” is set in Northern Nigeria, and is loosely based off real-life occurrences. Our protagonist is Dantala, a young adolescent sent by his father to Quranic school. Following a political clash, he runs away and received by the tutelage of a gentle and kind sheikh. This stage of his life is one of learning, maturing, sexual curiosity and love. However, trouble comes in the form of religious intolerance and political extremism which threatens the balance of Dantala’s world. The sweeping arc of this story is tragic, but the author creates pockets of humour and love and joy.

With the rise of extremist ideologies globally, this is a very important novel for the times we find ourselves in. It sounds the warning bell, while revealing the humanity that suffers as a consequence. I loved this story, and everything it stands for.

Related: Review: Born on a Tuesday

“How to Say Babylon” by Safiya Sinclair

I never thought I’d say a nonfiction novel/memoir is my favourite book of the year, but “How to Say Babylon” was the best thing I read all year. I was so fully obsessed that I read it three times this year.

It opens in 1966 with Haile Selassie’s visit to Jamaica. This introduction to the divine and godhead of Rastafarianism opens the door to our story, which is a narration of our author’s childhood. Growing up under strict Rastafarian sect, and the looming, overpowering authority of her father who is the godhead of their family. It explores her revolt against her father, while deconstructing her faith and finding her voice through poetry.

It is a deeply moving, and inspiring story of the power of words to save, and I foresee myself reading this at least twice more in 2025.

Related: 5 Recommendations for Nonfiction November

“Blessings” by Chukwuebekah Ibeh

“Blessings” is set in a patriarchal Nigerian household. There’s a victimised, fatigued mother, Uzoamaka, and a domineering, violent father, Anozie, who is hellbent on rooting out deviance and disobedience within their family. Our protagonist, Obiefuna, falls in love with a male apprentice, and when his father finds out, he is promptly shipped off to boarding school. Throughout this novel, we follow Obiefuna as he unfurls his inner being and wrestles within himself.

What I love most about this novel is how it confronts the conflict between self, mind, and soul. The development of this character is reminiscent of what it means to grow up differently, particularly in a rigid normative society. It further explores how coming into yourself affects parental relationships. It was a very enjoyable, thought-provoking novel, and I look forward to more of the author’s work.

Here’s to a great reading year, and an even better one come 2025!