10 must-read books in 2024

Việt Nam•02/01/2025

2024 has passed, and now is the perfect time to look back on your journey through the top 10 books that promise to offer you profound experiences.

Land of Endless Dreams

Land of Endless Dreams Jun Pham's book won the C Prize at the 7th National Book Awards in 2024. The work tells the story of Mr. Thao's journey to rescue his daughter, Mi Goi, traversing many strange and wondrous lands, meeting unique characters such as To He, Uncle Cuoi, Mother Min, the Huynh Diep tribe, and the catfish.

More than just a modern-day fairy tale, the novel also conveys a message about love and happiness in life, especially for young readers. Jun Pham skillfully creates a world that is both fantastical and realistic, taking readers back to their childhood through each page.

The novel "The Land of Endless Dreams" by author Jun Pham. Photo: Skybooks

The story of the cat that taught the seagull to fly.

Featured in this category Book One of the most beloved works by readers , Luis Sepúlveda's *The Cat Who Taught a Seagull to Fly* tells the heartwarming story of Zorba the cat at Hamburg harbor. When he encounters a dying seagull poisoned by oil, Zorba makes three promises: not to eat the egg, to care for it until it hatches, and to teach the baby seagull to fly. With the support of his feline companions, Zorba overcomes many challenges to raise Lucky the baby seagull, helping it spread its wings and fly freely.

The story conveys a message about love, responsibility, and acceptance of differences, encouraging overcoming personal limitations and raising awareness of environmental protection. It is a profound lesson about connection and humanistic values in life.

The book "The Story of the Cat Who Taught the Seagull to Fly" by Luis Sepúlveda. Photo: Alice Salvatore

The beauty of ordinary scenery

Released in October, The beauty of ordinary scenery Dang Hoang Giang's work conveys a message about cultivating the ability to appreciate nature and changing one's perspective on the world. Through the journey and conversations of the two friends, Curiosity and Reflection – representing the spirit of love for nature and learning – readers discover the complexity of the natural world, from the migratory habits of dragonflies, spiders, and butterflies to the changing beauty of swamps, meadows, and fields under different weather conditions.

The work embodies philosophical and aesthetic viewpoints, affirming that the beauty of nature is not bound by human-imposed standards. Nature, from a hill to a river, possesses its own history and universe.

The book "The Beauty of Ordinary Scenery" by author Dang Hoang Giang. Photo: Mega

Happiness Trap

Happiness Trap Russ Harris's book emphasizes that happiness is not a natural state or ultimate goal, but rather an effort to control and eliminate negative emotions that trap people psychologically. Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), the book guides readers on how to accept emotions, detach negative thoughts, and live according to core values. The author provides practical exercises to help change how we perceive emotions and build a more meaningful life.

The work conveys the message that true happiness lies not in avoiding suffering, but in the ability to accept difficulties as a natural part of life. By focusing on personal values and meaningful actions, people can live fully and overcome negativity sustainably.

Russ Harris's book 'The Trap of Happiness'. Photo: tramdoc

The Lonely Century

The Lonely Century Noreena Hertz's work is a reflection of modern society, foreshadowing a worrying future with a "survival of the fittest" lifestyle. The work analyzes the profound impact of loneliness on mental and physical health, leading to significant consequences such as decreased productivity and political polarization.

The book asserts that loneliness is not just a personal feeling but a social problem that needs to be addressed. The author calls for rebuilding meaningful relationships through empathy and real-life connections, rather than virtual ones. This serves as a wake-up call for people to re-evaluate their modern lifestyles and move towards a more sustainable society.

The book "The Lonely Century" by Noreena Hertz. Photo: Tre Publishing House.

At 30, everything just begins.

At 30, everything is just beginning. Ly Thuong Long's work helps readers redefine the meaning of turning 30. Through real-life stories and lessons from experience, the author breaks down the stereotype that 30 is a milestone for achieving success, affirming that this is the time to accept failure, change mindsets, and begin building life at one's own pace.

The author encourages people to stop comparing themselves to others, accept themselves, and focus on their personal journey, because the meaning of life lies in daring to live it their own way.

The book "At 30, Everything Is Just Beginning" by Ly Thuong Long. Photo: Saigonbooks

21 Lessons for the 21st Century

21 Lessons for the 21st Century Yuval Noah Harari's work analyzes global trends such as technology, politics, the environment, and the future of humanity in a rapidly changing context. The author addresses the rise of artificial intelligence, the threat of climate change, and the impact of global issues on society, the economy, and personal lives.

Through 21 lessons, the work reminds readers of the importance of learning, adapting to change, and upholding human values. At the same time, it encourages confronting big questions about freedom, power, and the meaning of life in the technological age.

The book '21 Lessons for the 21st Century' by author Yuval Noah Harari. Photo: toploigiai

Entertainment to the death

Entertainment to the death Neil Postman's work analyzes the impact of modern media, particularly television, on society. The author argues that while books and newspapers once encouraged critical thinking and education, television and digital media have diminished interest in serious issues. The consequence is a society that is "entertained," readily accepting superficial and shallow content.

The central message of the work is a warning about the loss of critical thinking and analytical skills when people are consumed by informational entertainment. Postman calls for mindfulness, emphasizing the value of learning and reflection to avoid being swept away by a passive and meaningless lifestyle.

Neil Postman's book 'Entertainment to Death'. Photo: 1980books

For a fleeting moment, we shine brightly in this world.

For a fleeting moment, we shine brightly in this world. Ocean Vuong's work is a collection of emotionally charged letters the author sent to his illiterate mother. Without a clear chapter structure, the work is a flow of memories and reflections on the journey of growing up, from a difficult childhood to profound experiences of love.

The work conveys a message of strength and hope in adversity. Although the mother cannot read, the letters are an expression of love and maturity. Through this, Vuong affirms that people can always find beauty and meaning even in the darkest moments.

The artwork "A Fleeting Moment of Brilliance in the World" by Ocean Vuong. Photo: Nguyen Hong Anh

Humanity

Humanity Rutger Bregman's work challenges the common notion that humans are inherently evil, selfish, and exploitative. Through an analysis of major events such as World War II and social crises, the author shows that negative behaviors are often exaggerated, while the majority of people tend to do good and support one another. Bregman argues that when societies are based on trust and empathy, we can build sustainable and prosperous communities.

The book encourages readers to change their perspective on human nature, emphasizing that compassion and cooperation are key to solving global problems. With its optimistic message, Humanity It inspires a sense of the inherent potential within each person and the power of connection for humanity's collective progress.