As 2024 unfolds, the Simple Thread team continues to grow, and with it, so does the depth and variety of our reading lists. This year, we’re once again excited to share our favorite books—personal picks from team members that stood out, inspired, or simply entertained us. Whether you’re looking for your next great read or just enjoy exploring different literary perspectives, we hope this curated list sparks joy, curiosity, and perhaps even a new addition to your own bookshelf. Happy reading!
Wastelands by Corbin Addison
Team member: Justin Etheredge
Genre: Non-fiction
Wastelands by Corban Addison is a work of narrative nonfiction that dives deep into the environmental and social impact of industrial hog farming in North Carolina. With a novelist’s flair for language and storytelling, Addison details the human stories behind a landmark legal battle between local residents and a corporate giant accused of environmental negligence. The book illuminates the devastating consequences of unchecked corporate greed and details the human toll in its wake. Addison’s beautiful writing and his dedication to exposing the truth make Wastelands an essential read for anyone concerned about environmental justice, corporate accountability, and the power of grassroots activism.
The Year The Clock Broke by John Ganz
Team member: Luke Abel
Genre: Politics, History
Just far enough over the horizon to feel like history, 1992 is not necessarily remembered as a signal year in US politics. Ganz’s book is a very compelling argument that it should be. It’s less a narrative and more a tableau vivant of that wild year. The candidates feature prominently, as you’d expect, but so do talk radio hosts, sheriffs, attorneys general, preppers, activists, and mobsters. The portraits come together to vividly depict a United States political culture in desperate crisis, with both major parties lost in the wilderness of post-industrial society and a furious electorate threatening to break for populist demagogues — sound familiar? Ganz has a remarkable talent for figuring out what’s ticking in politics past and present, and his wry pen and eye for character will have you saying that most unlikely of English sentences: “I’m having a lot of fun reading about Ross Perot!”
The Troop by Nick Cutter
Team member: Tracy Simpson
Genre: Horror, Fiction
In 2021, I was inspired by a family member’s Year-End Books in Review post and suddenly felt the urge to hold myself accountable to read more. Since then, I’ve steadily made my way through books from top book club lists, Simple Thread favorites, and genres I never would have picked up on my own. But this year, my favorite book didn’t come from any of those sources. I just wanted a classic, page-turning scary story—the kind that makes you want to curl up under a blanket, peeking out as if you’re watching a suspenseful movie. No fuss, no prestige—just pure, thrilling fun. And The Troop by Nick Cutter delivered exactly that.
This chilling tale follows a group of young scouts and their troop leader on a camping trip that takes a horrifying turn when a mysterious, emaciated stranger stumbles into their campsite. What begins as a survival story becomes a dark exploration of fear, humanity, and the lengths we’ll go to survive.
It was scary, adventurous, and unexpectedly poignant at times. While some parts were deeply unsettling, the gripping narrative and emotional twists made it a wild ride I couldn’t put down. For anyone seeking a hauntingly good time, The Troop is a must-read.
10% Happier by Dan Harris
Team member: Chad Langston
Genre: Non-fiction
In 10% Happier, Dan Harris takes you on a wildly entertaining ride through his messy, overworked brain, starting with his infamous on-air meltdown that forces him to face his spiraling anxiety. With a mix of sharp humor and total honesty, Dan dives into the world of self-help and meditation, all while roasting the gurus, practices, and even himself along the way. At first, he’s a total skeptic, but little by little, he warms to the practice, and eventually discovers that meditation is really all about exercise for the mind. By the end Dan decides that he wants to spark a mainstream movement to bring meditation to everyday people like himself and demystify the woo-woo associations that have historically been associated with the practice.
The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler
Team member: Robert Beatty
Genre: Speculative Fiction
2024 seemed to be a year with AI in the headlines at every turn, with the prominence of machines that are powered by cognitive processes that mimic our own increasing by the day. The Mountain in the Sea tackles that same scenario in a near-future dystopia, but you have to turn to a different lifeform to unlock the secret to these neural networks. But what if that other blueprint for intelligence is already living among us? This book explores themes of morality and consciousness in a world that we could feasibly be on the path to creating. We see the story unfold through the eyes of rich and complex characters that bring experiences from across the globe together in a beautifully written, thought-provoking story.
Fairy Tale by Stephen King
Team member: Gwendolyn Schorling
Genre: Fantasy
Stephen King’s Fairy Tale is an awesome mix of heartfelt moments and dark, adventurous storytelling. The relationships in this book really stand out—Charlie’s bond with his dad is so touching, and his connection with the grumpy but lovable Mr. Bowditch and his old dog Radar just warmed my heart. Honestly, I could’ve read an entire book about just these characters without even getting to the fantasy stuff! But once the story shifts into a dangerous, magical world, it’s a whole new kind of fun. Watching Charlie step into a hero’s role, even when he doesn’t want to, made the story so compelling. If you’re into dark fairy tales with great characters, this book is a must-read.
The Spectator Bird by Wallace Stegner
Team member: Star Brown
Genre: Literary Fiction
This is not a book I would normally pick up; I am the type of person that really enjoys nonfiction, but this came highly recommended from a friend of mine. The story follows Joe Allston, a retired writer wrestling with old memories. When a postcard from an old friend, it reopens wounds from a trip to Denmark years ago, right after Joe and his wife Ruth lost their son. The story jumps between Joe’s current life and their past visit to Denmark, revealing secrets and unfinished business. Key themes include aging, long-term marriage, grief, and life’s choices. Despite being published over two decades ago, this story remains deeply relevant.
As we wrap up this year’s list, we hope you’ve discovered a book or two to add to your reading stack. From chilling horror to thoughtful nonfiction, gripping speculative fiction to rich literary explorations, our team’s recommendations span a range of genres and styles—reflecting the diverse tastes and experiences that make our Simple Thread community unique. Whether you’re seeking an escape, a challenge, or a moment of reflection, the stories we’ve shared have something for every reader. Here’s to turning pages, discovering new worlds, and finding inspiration in unexpected places. Happy reading, and we can’t wait to share even more favorites with you next year!
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