2023 (Books) In Review

I am going to do something a little different to end the year. Usually, I list all the things I am planning to do in the new year, but this year, I want to talk about what I did last year. Specifically, the books I read. One of the best things about reading is sharing all the books you read with others, so they can read what you read.  

If you know me, I like to read a variety of books in different genres. My goal was to read 40 books this year, and I read 50. So, in 2024 my goal is to read 45, but I plan to read some lengthier novels. Reviewing what I read over the past year is not a good introduction for others, but also a good reminder to myself of what I read. And maybe what I would like to read more of in the future. 

1. The Stranger in the Lifeboat-Mitch Albom. My sister Hannah suggested this book. The book asks the reader what would you do if you asked for God’s help, and he appeared before you? For me, the theme of the book was forced, and it was a little slow and redundant. The last 25% was better than the first 75%. I would only suggest you read this book if you like this type of book. 
2. Have I Told You This Already?: Stories I Don’t Want to Forget to Remember– Lauren Graham. I loved Gilmore Girls, so I decided I would read this series of essays by Graham. The essays were candid, down-to-earth, insightful, and funny. Reading these essays reminded me of why I love reading memoirs. 
3. The Highly Sensitive Person’s Guide to Dealing With Toxic People– Shahida Arabi. I consider myself a highly sensitive person. However, this book was intended more for people who are empaths and people-pleasers—two qualities I do not have. I did get some useful information out of reading this book, but it really was not what I was expecting. 
4. Talking As Fast As I Can-Lauren Graham. I wish I had read this one before I read her other novel. This book was more of a memoir, whereas the other book was more of a series of essays. Again, insightful, funny, and down-to-earth. I would recommend Graham’s writings to anyone who likes her work.  
5. Someday, Someday, Maybe– Lauren Graham. Lauren Graham wanted to try something different, so she tried to write a fiction novel. The novel has Graham’s charm and witty and is very relatable. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel, and I would highly recommend it to others. The book is especially relatable to those chasing their dreams.  
6. I Remember Nothing: And Other Reflections-Nora Ephron, Nora Ephron was a prolific writer, who has been writing for decades. Ephron has learned a lot in her life, and her shares of what she learned are both insightful and funny. It was a delightful read filled with quotes and stories from a well-lived life. 
7. Bomb Shelter: Love, Time, and Other Explosives– Mary Laura Philpott. This book was recommended to me by my library app. I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy the memoir because Philpott has a much different life than I do, but as with any novel, there is always something that can be learned from the life experiences of others. I found it interesting how Philpott and her family found a great love for a turtle they found in their back yard. We can all find little things to make life more meaningful, and that’s never a bad reminder. 
8. Unfuck Your Intimacy: Using Science for Better Relationships, Sex, and Dating- Faith G. Harper- I am not good with intimacy. I never have been, so I decided to read a book about things I could do to work on being more vulnerable and intimate with other people. While I am not sure I got out of this book what I wanted, or what Dr. Harper intended, it was a good self-reflection exercise. The biggest problem with this book was how much trans/queer/others were discussed. I couldn’t relate to what was being discussed in those sections of the book.  
9. Our Missing Hearts– Celeste Ng- I had read Ng before and not really enjoyed her writing, but I decided to try her again. Much like Little Fires Everywhere, the pacing of Our Missing Hearts is on the slower side, and I do feel like the minor characters could and should have been developed more thoroughly. On the other hand, I appreciate the emphasis on the importance of words and language—no matter what’s happening in the world. 
10. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest- Ken Kesey- I wanted to read a classic, but not a typical classic. It took me the entire novel to understand the double meaning of the title. The novel is an interesting read because the entire time I was reading it, I was not sure who or what to trust, which always left me guessing. The book is an interesting read on human nature, especially those of the mentally ill. After reading the book, I want to watch the movie. 
11. I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman– Nora Ephron- There is so much to look forward to as one ages. There are also a lot of things to not look forward to as well. Ephron explores getting older—the pluses and minuses—in this series of essays. With wit and humor, she talks about everything in life.  
12. Heartburn– Nora Ephron. In typical Ephron fashion, she writes a fantastic novel about the breakup of the perfect marriage. Based on her real-life divorce, Ephron adds a touch of humor to even the most painful situation. The novel explores the real-life thoughts everyone in this situation has thought and acted upon. Like her previous novels, this one would be a perfect movie. 
13. Run, Rose, Run- Dolly Parton & James Patterson- I love Dolly, and I thought pairing her with Patterson was an interesting combination. I loved this novel because it was about Nashville—the city I love, and I knew a lot of the places being talked about in the novel. There is a little bit of mystery in the novel, which made it gripping to read. The novel was also a nice reminder that every song tells a story. This novel was one only the beloved Dolly and James Patterson could create. What’s cool about this novel is Dolly wrote an album of the same name to go with the book.  
14. Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption– Bryan Stevenson- This book had been on my radar for a few years. I love reading books like this—about real people, who have made a difference in the lives of others. This novel tells the story of a man wrongly placed on death row, and the lawyer who helped him find the justice to get off death row. After I finished reading the novel, I did some research on Stevenson’s organization—I would like to do some work with the organization, so I can make a difference in other people’s lives.  
15. Moby Dick– Herman Melville- I have wanted to read this novel for years. I did not enjoy the novel at all—it was too long and drawn out. I am not sure why so many people love this novel because I did not enjoy the novel at all, and I would not recommend it.  
16. The Choice– Nicholas Sparks- There had to be a Nicholas Sparks’ novel during the year’s reading. This one was one of the better ones I have read, yet all his novels are the same. Gabby, the main female character is a tad on the annoying side, but it’s a romance novel. 
17. Great Expectations- Charles Dickens- I thought I would hate this because I am not a Dickens fan. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the story of Pip growing up. I enjoyed the growth the character made, and what he overcame in life. 
18. Stranger in a Strange Land– Robert A. Heinlein- I decided to read this after watching Jeopardy one evening. The book was an interesting study on how something that is not understood can suddenly control people and their lives. It’s a 1960s look at how the world can change in a small instant. It’s interesting. It’s thought-provoking. It’s worth the read. 
19. This Time Together– Carol Burnett- I love Carol Burnett. She has led an interesting life and taught many lessons from that life. She’s 90, and she’s led a life—a life to be learned from. 
20. Ulysses– James Joyce. I had never read James Joyce before this and always wanted to—his writing style is how we all think—which makes the novel a little dense to get through, but it is easy to read. Worth the read.  
21. Dracula– Bram Stoker. I’ve never really been into vampires, but I have always wondered where the fascination comes from. I love a good origin story. Both the characters and plot are interesting. If you are into vampires, you should read where vampires got their start.  
22. Homework– Julie Andrews. I love Julie Andrews. She has always felt like a grandma to me. Who does not love Mary Poppins? It was interesting to see what she overcame in life to be what she is now. She overcame a lot. Hers is a life worth reading about. 
23. Brain Energy- Christopher M. Palmer. I read this book to learn more about anxiety. This book didn’t really reveal anything about mental illness to me, but it was a good refresher on things people can do to make their mental health issues more manageable.  
24. Fast. Feast. Repeat. – Gin Stephens. I wasn’t going to include this book in my list of books that I read. I began intermittent fasting in September, so this was a guidebook on how to do so more fully.  
25. Cradles of the Reich– Jennifer Coburn. I love historical fiction. This novel was interesting because it touched on a subject from WW2 that is rarely talked about in history. However, I do not feel that Coburn fully dove into the characters, and one of the characters completely disappeared by the end of the novel, which bothered me. 
26. The Silent Patient– Alex Michaelidis. The library suggested this one for me to read. The novel was a thriller and a page-turner. I read it quickly. Although the novel wasn’t surprising to me, it was still an interesting read. I also believe it will make a good film someday, which makes sense because Michaelidis was a screenwriter before he became a novelist.  
27. Nine Perfect Strangers– Liane Moriarty. I wanted to read this book before I watched the Hulu series. I enjoyed the book more than I did the series, though both are interesting concepts. A health resort gone wrong, and the lives we don’t want to share with others. Everyone isn’t a stranger in the novel, but the concept is that we don’t really know people. 
28. Open– Andre Agassi. I love tennis. I grew up watching Agassi play. Reading his life from his perspective was interesting and a little heart-breaking. He hated the sport that brought him so much joy—his life was one of pain—physical and emotional. Not only does Agassi talk about tennis, but he is open about the hardships of his life. 
29. Intermittent Fasting Transformation– Cynthia Thurlow. Again, I wasn’t going to include this book in my reading list—it was just a book on the positives of intermittent fasting. 
30. Wild– Cheryl Strayed. I decided to read this memoir because I wanted to read Tiny Beautiful Things, and I felt like the memoir would give me some insight into Strayed’s life before reading her novel. Strayed was from Minnesota, so I knew some of the places she was talking about. I didn’t really relate to her life, but she did have some interesting perspectives on life lessons she learned. 
31. The Lincoln Lawyer-Michael Connelly. I wanted to read this novel before watching the Netflix series, which is now in the second season. Michael Haller is an interesting character, and I love a good law novel. The best part about this novel is that it is a part of a series.  
32. Someone Else’s Shoes– Jojo Moyes. My friend suggested I read Moyes. I am not usually a fan of British writers, and this was no exception. This book wasn’t believable, and I didn’t like the characters of the novel. My friend says her other novels are better, so I may try to read her again, but this novel wasn’t it for me. 
33. Tiny Beautiful Things– Cheryl Strayed. This book was a series of essays from an advice column. There were some good insights on life in the pages.  
34. The Lincoln Highway– Amor Towles. The library suggested this one for me. This book tells the story of 4 boys who came-of-age on a 10-day road trip from Nebraska to New York. I loved this novel. I appreciated the characters and the plot. I would suggest others read this book. It’s not life-changing, but it may be for some. 
35. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas– John Boyne. My co-worker suggested I read this book because she knows I like historical fiction. This book had the potential to be good, but it fell flat for me. The book wasn’t historically accurate, which bothered me. Also, the writing was a little too simple for my preference.  
36. The Brass Verdict- Michael Connelly. As far as a novel series goes, this was a good follow up to The Lincoln Lawyer. I enjoyed this book better than the first one. 
37. The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared– Jonas Jonasson. I read this book that I saw at the library because the title interested me. The title describes the novel’s plot. The novel tells the story of the 100-year-old man, who had led a fascinating life. Although his life’s adventures were pretty outrageous, they were believable in the context of him. The book was full of humor and heart. The book would make a great tv series/movie. I would recommend everyone read it.  
38. The Book Thief- Markus Zusak. This was a book I wanted to read for some time. Again, I had issues with the historical accuracy of this novel. I also felt like the book thief should have stolen more books than she did in the novel. However, I did appreciate the novel’s narrator was Death—it was interesting to me to take the book thief’s life from the perspective of death, who was always near her. 
39. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry– John Mark Comer. My friend suggested I read this. I appreciate even though this was a Christian novel, it wasn’t overly preachy. The book was a nice reminder to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life.  
40. You Shouldn’t Have Come Here– Jeneva Rose. This was one I saw on the library shelf and decided to read. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I figured out part of the mystery about halfway through the novel, but there was another twist. After reading the entire novel, it was as if Rose was trying too hard to surprise her reader. If you like psychological thrillers, this one is worth the read. 
41. A Typical Family– Sierra Godfrey. I love a good library find, and this is one the library suggested to me. This one was endearing and heart-warming. All families are messy, and this book is an exploration of one family’s exploration into the healing they needed to find.  
42. The Reversal– Michael Connelly. The third in the series, this one has Michael Haller being the prosecution instead of the defense. While he was still the same character, this novel adds depth to the characters. I really enjoy this series of law novels. I hope they keep coming. 
43. Everyone in My family Has Killed Someone– Benjamin Stevenson. This title lies about the novel’s plot. The protagonist did not kill anyone, even though his other family members did. The book is interesting because it tells the story of a dysfunctional family, who likes to be in dysfunction. I see this novel being a TV series/movie. It was humorous and worth the read. 
44. The Art of Integrity– Martha Beck. As a former member of the LDS Church, I decided to read what another former member thought about something the Church teaches so forcibly. It’s a topic drilled into your brain from the beginning of your church life. Integrity is so much more than what the Church teaches. I didn’t relate to Beck’s experiences, but I do appreciate her being open and honest about leaving the Church, and what that meant to her and her husband. 
45. The Fifth Witness– Michael Connelly. Another in the series. This one was my favorite. 
46. Friends, Lovers, and the Whole Terrible Thing- Matthew Perry. I had this one on my reading list since it came out, but it came the day after Perry died. Candid about his addiction, and the struggles that arose from that addiction, this novel is worth the read. I would recommend the novel is listened to, as it would be more meaningful. More details of my feelings of this book are written in last month’s blog. 
47. Hillbilly Elegy– J.D. Vance. This book was depressing, but it gave insight on what growing up in Appalachia America was like. From someone who overcame the hardships of that life and is now helping others live through the hardships of that life. The book is a reminder of giving back to where you came from. 
48. Bury Me at Wounded Knee– Dee Brown. My Grandpa says everyone should read this book. It was my November—Natie American Literature read—and it’s an incredibly detailed account of Native American life throughout the history of native American life. It’s heartbreaking—on many levels, but I am glad I read it. 
49. The Sentence-Louise Erdrich. Another Native American read. I always liked her writing in my Native American Literature class. She has a sing-songy quality to her writing that makes her works easy to read. Her writing has a newness to it, while feeling familiar. I enjoyed reading this novel, even though it became a little too political towards the end. I would recommend everyone read this novel. 
50. Happy Place-Emily Henry. My last library find of the year. It’s the story of a changing friendship, and how we change as our friendships do. It was very realistic. About love. About life. About friends. I read it quickly. I couldn’t put it down. 

As I said before, I love reading, so I will read anything. If people suggest books to me, I will read them. I am not a person who will stop reading something if I don’t like it, I will keep reading. Books show us different points-of-view—which is something we all need at different points in our lives. Read lots. Read often. Read different things. Just read. (Or listen, if that works better for you!)