Last year, David Chaudoir had one of the earliest submissions for Favorite Books Read. This year, I’m finishing up the Friday posts with his Favorite Books Read in 2024. David reads the posts here more than he comments. He’s an anthropologist and storyteller who travels the world. In the last couple years, he’s traveled several times to countries in Africa, and shared his stories with me.
Now, he’s sharing his favorite books with all of us. Thank you, David.
David Chaudoir
Books I Really, Really Liked in 2024
Trouble in Queenstown by Delia Pitts (Minotaur, 2024)
Trouble introduces Vandy Myrick, a private investigator whose return to her small New Jersey
hometown unfolds into a gripping mystery layered with themes of race, class, and familial
tension. Pitts masterfully balances a complex plot with vivid character work, making Vandy’s
gritty determination and sharp wit as compelling as the racially charged murder she’s
investigating. What I loved most is how Pitts brings Q-Town to life—a tight-knit, claustrophobic
community brimming with secrets—while crafting a protagonist who is both fierce and deeply
human.
Devil is Fine by John Vercher (Celadon, 2024)
John Vercher has established himself as one of the most compelling novelists of the past decade,
and his latest work, Devil is Fine, elevates his craft to new heights. While his 2022 novel, After
the Lights Go Out, remains a standout, Devil is Fine sets a new benchmark for its emotional
depth and narrative complexity. In this gripping exploration of identity, Vercher delves into the
fraught familial history of a biracial protagonist—a recurring focus in his work—with masterful
insight. Themes of systemic prejudices, generational secrets, haunting memories, and the
intricate racial dynamics of family and society weave together to create a novel as thought-
provoking as it is unforgettable.
Ordinary Bear by C. B. Bernard (Blackstone, 2024)
Ordinary Bear is a hauntingly beautiful novel that blends the grit of a detective story with the
emotional depth of literary fiction. Farley’s journey—from the icy desolation of Alaska to the
chaotic underworld of Portland—offers a powerful exploration of grief, redemption, and the
fragile connections that sustain hope. I was particularly impressed by Bernard’s ability to infuse
dark humor and raw humanity into a story that is as heart-wrenching as it is unflinchingly honest.
The opening chapters were refreshing in their shockingness. A totally original and memorable
novel.
Honey by Victor Lodato (Harper, 2024)
Honey captivated me with its stunning blend of grit and grace. The protagonist, Honey Fasinga,
is a force of nature—both flawed and magnetic, a character you can’t help but root for even as
she navigates the wreckage of her past. Lodato’s writing is as sharp and evocative as Honey
herself, and it pulled me into a world where love and fury coexist in fascinating tension. What
struck me most was the novel’s exploration of moral ambiguity and the limits of
forgiveness—questions that linger long after the story ends. I found myself reflecting on Honey’s
resilience and the complex beauty of her relationships, which reminded me how messy yet
redemptive human connections can be.
Wrong Norma by Anne Carson (New Directions, 2024)
A collection of poems and writings by the singular talent, Anne Carson, that includes a lengthy
and surreal poetic performance piece called “Lecture on the History of Skywriting.” I was
fortunate to experience the eccentric, brilliant Canadian’s perform of this piece in 2023.
Oh, I loved Honey!!!
and you have, of course, added a couple more to my list. Thank you!
An interesting selection – thank you for broadening my reading list!
What always interests me is, how many different authors (and publishers) there are out there, beyond the bestseller lists and the people we all know. For instance, there is not one author or book on this list I’d ever heard of, though several sound quite interesting.
I agree, Jeff, that there’s so many authors out there. I did read Trouble in Queenstown. David liked it a lot more than I did.
I have added a couple of books to my list and have to confess that I have only heard of one!
Thanks for the list!
Thank you for your thoughtful reviews, David. These books are all new to me.
Thank you for this list David, I have to say I have not read any of these. Looking forward to reading some new to me authors.
Wow, I added them to my wish list and will read them as soon as I can afford them, They sound great!
Thank you, David. These writers are new to me, and you make them sound outstanding. I will investigate!
I have to second other’s impressions of the list as all brand new to me. I was able to place a hold for Trouble in Queenstown. But wonder if David seeks out lesser known authors?
Lesa, I thought this was a great use of your Friday posts. I’ve enjoyed it tremendously. Thanks
Thank you, MM. I’ve enjoyed having these lists up on Fridays.
I don’t know if David seeks out lesser known authors. He’d have to answer that. But, I do know he has eclectic taste and reads a little of everything.
A wonderful list. Of the four novels mentioned I had only the first one on my ‘want list’. I added the other three. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing your favourite books David. I’d heard of ‘Trouble in Queenstown’ but none of the others! All your choices sound like worthy books.