Such a wonderful year in reading and in books. As always, it feels almost impossible to narrow down my favorites.
As I reflect on reading in 2023, I think the biggest change has been accepting that I am now an e-reader gal. Whether reading on my Kindle or my KOBO, I am loving that I can adjust the font and the lighting for my old lady eyes. AND—that our amazing libraries have access to Libby and Cloud Library. I can put my e-reader in my fanny pack (yes….proof that I am almost officially hitting middle age!) and take my current read with me no matter where I am off to. It is just the best.
Another change is that our school district took on a new literacy curriuclum, so a solid chunk of books I read this year were read in preparation for teaching with my third graders. The texts are all SO SO SO GOOD!
After the past few years of surgeries and medical leaves, this year didn’t necessitate lighter rom-coms as in the past, but I still read more than my fair share. I keep gravitating towards them as it’s a treat during busy and full days.
Here are my top favorites for 2023:
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. {I love that this was my first read of 2023. Read and enjoyed in Maui. One of the most endearing books of the year and so odd—how does an octopus take center stage of a narrative!? But it does, masterfully.}
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal {I had the chance to receive an early copy of this book via Net Galley and was smitten with the setting, the characters and their development were delightful. J.Ryan Stradal wove a tender story that drew me in from the start. The characters felt richa nd real, the hardships pulled at my heartstrings and the character’s responses made me want to be a better, more committed person. Connections to family, secrets, richand fun community over the table?! What more could one want in a read? This story carved a spot in my heart and mind.}
American Royals IV: Reign by Katharine McGee {I had to force myself to slow down on this one, the last in the four book series by Katharine McGee. I was so sad to see the characters off at the end. The premise for these books is the royal family model, set in the United States. Characters struggle to come to terms with their familial responsibilities to the country but what stays in the gift of their personalities and decisions in the midst of hard circumstances. Just lovely!}
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett {Ann Patchett. Need I say more?! This book sits with me months later and is a must on audio. It is narrated and read by Meryl Streep. It is also listed everywhere as many readers’ favorites of the year—so I am guessing it isn’t a surprise I loved it so much. But if you haven’t read it, or if you skipped the audio, give it a listen!}
Summer Stage by Meg Mitchell Moore {This book came back-to-back with Tom Lake for me and had many similar “vibes”. Amy Trevino stayed close to her hometown, foregoing her ambitions of being a playwritght, instead working as a high school English teacher and drama director. She takes on the production of her famous, Hollywood writer, brother’s play in their little hometown in Rhode Island. Her Tik-Tok famous daughter also returns home too and takes off to stay with her uncle, rather than reveal her current true circumstances. They all have to deal with their desires to hold onto fame, but also stand up for what they believe in too–the gift of creativity and art for art’s sake. A perfect read for a lazy summer day….}
The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry {Patti Callahan Henry has been a favorite author of mine for some time. And Flora Lea was no exception. The main character discovers a rare book that has connections to her past and holds secrets about her missing sister, lost during WW2. The book unfolds with her stay at a magical cottage along the River Thames when she stays with Birdie Aberdeen. The book begins to tell the secrets that might bring forward the reason for Flora’s disappearance. It is so beautifully written and truly the setting is like a special, magical character too.}
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez {Oh, Abby Jimenez. Can she do no wrong in the book publishing world?! This is the second in a series, but can be read on its own, in my opinion. Abby is a romance writer, but her books always hold so much more for me. In this one, the main character’s brother is running out of time to find a kidney donor and her own divorce is almost finished. She receives a letter one day from a doctor and they begin to exchange messages back and forth that lead to healing and growth in the midst of pain and hard times. Pick this up if you need a feel good, immersive gem!}
The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 by Garrett M Graff {Oh. My. Goodness. This book. Probably my favorite of the year. And a must on audio. It is not an easy read, but lays out the narrative of 9/11. I listened to it on audio in one day, unable to put it down. The stunning history created using oral memories from this historic day was heart wrenching and eye opening. So many elements of this day are seared in my memory, but this text truly rounded out my understanding of the many people affected by this tragedy. I truly think this book should be on the “must listen” list for all.}
Go as a River by Shelley Read {Go as a River was a stunning story of resilience and perseverance. Family history pushes and pulls the main character, Victoria, to forge her own path. At each crossroad of loss and pain, she must move forward. As she grieves, she also becomes new, seeking to hold onto truths and memories of her family, yet also discarding the pieces that don’t allow for growth. This book truly drew me in from the first page and kept me reading in every spare minute until I finished it.}
Hello, Beautiful by Ann Napolitano {I feel so thankful to have received an early copy of this book. It was a layered, deep, sweeping novel of a family system filled with many dynamics. Joyous expansion. Painful pulling away. Personal challenges which made relationships feel impossible. I couldn’t push through this book quickly as It felt like the narrative needed space to breathe and settle. I truly belive Ann Napolitano has created a *beautiful* work of literay art in this one.}
Two *Extras* Chosen for Unique Reasons {had to create this category of amazingness}:
Fast, Feast, Repeat by Gin Stephens {This is a must on audio, in my opinion. I have included this book due to the way it has really changed my day to day life. Gin Stephens lays out the science behind intermittent fasting and the method and approaches. I began this book during the summer and feel like I have found a new lifestyle. I love the health benefits that this has brought into my life and the way it is backed up with evidence and science. Best of all? There is a new book which just dropped on December 26th and her podcast is a weekly dose of encouragement and information too.}
Seen and Unseen: What Dorothea Lange, Toyo Miyatake, and Ansel Adams’s Photographs Reveal About the Japanese American Incarceration by Elizabeth Partridge (Author), Lauren Tamaki (Illustrator). {This book is stunning and so beautiful. I had to include the illustrator too and her artistic and creative work in this text are unmatched. It also was awarded the Siebert Medal in 2023 too. So deserved!}
Books I Am Looking Forward to in 2024:
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
28-Day FAST Start Day-by-Day by Gin Stephens
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan
This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day!: Daily Meditations for the Ups & Downs by Kate Bowler
Happily Never After by Lynn Painter
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Coyote Lost and Found by Dan Gemeinhart
The Other Side of Disappearing by Kate Clayborn
The Rule Book by Sarah Adams