The One with 2023 Good Reads

 Reading Goal: 85 books

Books Read: 87

2023 was the year of good reads. My original reading goal was 60 books. I upped it a few times and the final goal was 85. I finished the year at 87. There were so many good reads in fact, that I originally had categories to list my favorites from the year but then decided to simplify and have one list - a top 10. The problem was, however, there were just too many good books to dwindle that much. It would have been easier to make a list that short of the books I did not like last year. So, the following is an arbitrary number of books that I deemed worthy of top praise. In no particular order, here are *some* of my most favorite reads from 2023.

1. Nightbooks - J.A. White
“And now I realize…so what if I write scary stories? I might hurt someone with nouns and adjectives, but I would never hurt someone for real.”

Nightbooks was a random pickup for my Goddaughter that I decided to read before giving to her, and it instantly became a new favorite. This book is about a boy who is imprisoned by a witch and has to write and read a new scary story to her every night to fight for his survival. I have since gifted this book a couple of times over the holidays and read its sequel. While the Netflix movie is one I may not rewatch, the book is one I will absolutely reread. 

2. The People We Keep - Allison Larkin 
"I wonder if maybe all you do is meet people and lose them and your smile fades the further you go because you have to carry the space they leave."

The People We Keep was a choice from my Book of the Month subscription backlog. It's about a girl who chronicles her life through songwriting. It's a story of found-family, choices, and not being controlled by our past or where we are from.

3. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry - Gabrielle Zevin

“What, in this life, is more personal than books?”

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry was recommended by a friend, so it went with me on vacation to Miami. I took it as a good sign when a seagull pooped on it while at the beach on New Year's Day. Goodreads says this of the book "an unforgettable tale of transformation and second chances, an irresistible affirmation of why we read, and why we love." This one (both book and poop story) became a quick favorite.

4. A Guide to Midwestern Conversation - Taylor Kay Phillips

"Come on in, sit down. Can I getcha anything? A coffee? Glass of wine? Bagel bites from the garage fridge? You sure? Okay, well, you just let me know."

A Guide to Midwestern Conversation was all things truthful, embarrassing, and laughable. I listened to the audio book version and laughed aloud the entire read. I'm midwestern proud. Ope.

5. Beach Read - Emily Henry

“When the world felt dark and scary, love could whisk you off to go dancing; laughter could take some of the pain away; beauty could punch holes in your fear.”

Emily Henry is an author I will read without knowing anything about the book first, which is ironic because romance is not my to-go genre. Beach Read is now my second favorite of her books, next in line to The People We Meet on Vacation. I like her books because the romance isn't steamy or embarrassing and is relatable, witty, sarcastic, and cozy. 

6. Thistlefoot - GennaRose Nethercott

“What happens when the walls we raise outlive the dangers they were built to keep out? At what point does a fort become a cage?"

Thistlefoot is based on the Slavic folklore of Baba Yaga. Growing up I had a book called Bony-Legs, which is also based on Baba Yaga and somehow, I had never heard of Baba Yaga until I started reading Thistlefoot. I Googled Baba Yaga because the book reminded me so much of Bony-Legs. I'm sure those childhood memories are what drew me to this book to begin with. Mystery, magic, family, legend, history - so much good stuff in this book. 

7. The Light We Carry - Michelle Obama

"I believe that each of us carries a bit of inner brightness, something entirely unique and individual. A flame that's worth protecting. When we are able to recognize our own light, we become empowered to use it."

I am a Michelle Obama fan, but this book made my list for one reason. Her chapter on friendship. Beautiful. It should be published as its own book to be gifted as a show of love, support, and appreciation to those we call our friends.

8. The Mothers - Brit Bennett

"All good secrets have a taste before you tell them, and if we'd take a moment to swish this one around our mouths, we might have noticed the sourness of an unripe secret, plucked too soon, stolen and passed around before its season."

When my pups woke me up in middle of night, I found myself reaching for my phone to finish reading The Mothers. A real "what-if" story of secrecy, love, and community. 

9. Leeva at Last - Sara Pennypacker

"Learning that you cannot trust the people you've relied on is devastating - like discovering that what you thought was solid earth below your feet was actually a nest of spider bones."

Leeva at Last had a Mathilda-esque feel. Leeva captured me with her curiosity, adaptability, and her adventurous generosity, despite her upbringing.

10. Ottoline and the Yellow Cat - Chris Riddell

"Well done! A diploma in disguise is a very useful thing to have."

I decided to read Ottoline because I am a huge fan of the author's work as an illustrator. So much so, that I preordered a game he illustrated and autographed for my birthday last year. Ottoline and the Yellow Cat was pure fun. There is so much extra content available through postcards, notes, etc. that only add to the fun. I'm currently working my way through the rest of this series and can now say that I am a fan of Chris Riddell as both an illustrator and as an author. 

11. Tornado Brain - Cat Patrick

"Death is the deal breaker. There is no normal when it comes to grief."

I first heard of Tornado Brain when my Goddaughter picked it up while we were at the library. She is an avid reader and always reads the best stuff, so I decided to give this one a read. The "neurodivergent" claim on this book immediately interested me and before I knew it, I was swept up in the mystery. The main character, Frankie, believes that her best friend has left clues as to her disappearance. Frankie then uses those clues to try to find her best friend before it's too late.

12. Serafina and the Black Cloak - Robert Beatty

"Our character isn't defined by the battles we win or lose, but by the battles we dare to fight."

Serafina and the Black Cloak was first published as a novel, but I read the graphic novel version, and the illustrations were part of what I loved so much. Serafina discovers a forgotten legacy of magic while trying to save the children of Biltmore and in the process unveils the missing pieces of her past. This is the only book in this series turned into a graphic novel and I can't decide if I want to hold out for more graphic novels or charge ahead and read what's available so I can finish the story...

13. So Many Steves: An Afternoon with Steve Martin - Steve Martin

So Many Steves is an audio-only production and incredibly enjoyable if you're a fan of Steve Martin. He's candid, he plays his banjo and sings, he shares stories, and damn - I'm an even bigger fan after giving this a listen. 

14. Written in Bone: Hidden Stories in What We Leave Behind - Sue Black

"Bones are the ultimate storytellers."

Written in Bone is written by a forensic anthropologist who shares fascinating tales about the stories our bones tell and what we can learn from them. This is the next read for family book club and I'm looking forward to the discussion.

15. Taste: My Life Through Food - Stanley Tucci

"I must confess that sometimes I think the best bread in Italy is in France."

His voice. His recipes. His stories. Stanley Tucci is a gem and listening to the audio book version of this was a treat. Goodreads said it best, "each morsel of this gastronomic journey through good times and bad, five-star meals and burnt dishes, is heartfelt and delicious". 

Here’s to more good reads in 2024 and here’s a peek at some of my most anticipated upcoming reads.