I challenged myself to read all the books on my Women Writers mug this year, and I completed the challenge about a month ago. You can read more about my 2024 Reading Challenge here.

Most of the books are important historically more than because of good writing or engaging plots. One book stood out to me for personal reasons: The Scarlet Pimpernel.

I wasn’t sure if I’d already read it, so decided to read it in case I hadn’t. About a chapter in, I started thinking about my older brother, who died almost a decade ago. There was nothing about the book or characters that should have made me think about my brother, but all through my reading of The Scarlet Pimpernel, I thought about David.

As children and teenagers, David and I were big readers. We read a lot, and we talked about books too. Although I didn’t remember the book (even as I was reading it), I was certain that David had suggested I read it and then we must have talked about it together. It was definitely the kind of book we both would have enjoyed as teenagers.

So, I’m happy I did this challenge, although I don’t see myself doing a 2025 reading challenge. I already am constrained in what I read by my three book clubs and the books I read for work.

Stay tuned, as my post of the best books of the year, 2024 will be coming soon.