A Bookish Year in Review (2023)
Recommendations and Book Stats and Only a Little Bit of Rambling
“I’ve always been irritated by lists that call something the “best” as though this is an objective measurement when even the people who are making the lists know that this is ridiculous.” —John Warner, “The Best Book of the Year”
I have long been a sucker for those end-of-the-year “best book” lists. I even started to draft my own version here, with an unoriginal“Fave Books of 2023” title (because I’m still recovering from final exams, an 11-year-old’s birthday party, and holiday shopping—clever titles aren’t on my to-do list).
But then I had this quick exchange with writer Jennifer Savran Kelly of First Draft:
(P.S. Jennifer is wonderful and her novel Endpapers just came out in paperback. You should buy it. You can also find her on Substack: First Draft.)
I definitely paused. I had already read some really smart thoughts on “List Season” (most recently by Cassie Mannes Murray) and I know that these lists at the end of the year are meant for readers more than writers (not to mention how frustrating and repetitive and not at all inclusive the lists can be).
No, I can’t compare my books. My favorite short story collection is not better than the graphic memoir I just finished. They are too different to hold side by side. And I’m notoriously too indecisive for stressing about this kind of list anyway.
Instead, allow me to recommend a few books that I read this year. Different categories, appealing to different readers—all of them I loved completely. Not all of these books came out in 2023 and that’s okay.
Okay, maybe I’ll also share my favorite book of 2023 at the end of the post. Not the best book, just my favorite.
(Note: I use links through Bookshop.org and may earn a small commission if you purchase through those links. It hasn’t happened yet, but one day it might).
First, a few book stats (because I’m that kind of nerd)
I track my reading in a printed reading journal and on Goodreads and via The StoryGraph (which I mostly use for book stats—the only type of stats I enjoy).
It might be a bit much, but I like it. Reading is as close to any sport as I will get.
As of today, I have read 76 books in 2023. I might add one or two others before the year is over. This number does not include the books I reread this year and it far surpasses my goal of 40 books. It was a good reading year, for sure.
Of the books I read, the primary moods were emotional, reflective, and dark. Very on brand. I didn’t read as much lighthearted, inspiring, and hopeful books, though. Also on brand.
Other stats:
Fiction—71%
Nonfiction—29% (a stat I hope to increase next year)
Most popular genres this year: Literary, contemporary, and thrillers
Print: 60%
Audio: 40%
Average rating: 4.34 stars (I am generous with my stars)
My stats are not much different from last year. I listened to more audio books, read less poetry, and also read less nonfiction than the year before. I haven’t made my official reading goals for the new year yet, but there is time.
And now…my condensed list of book recommendations for 2023.
If You Need to Laugh
Quietly Hostile by Samantha Irby (essay collection)
Congratulations, The Best is Over by R. Eric Thomas (essay collection)
Big Swiss by Jen Beagin (novel)
All three of these books made me laugh out loud more than once. And don’t we all need a little humor in our lives? I will probably keep recommending these books for years to come.
If You Are an Artist (or like reading about artists/writers/dreamers)
I didn’t know when I picked up these books that ideas about making art and being an artist would be so prevalent. Each of them surprised me in more way than one (and they would each make a great gift, btw).
If You Are Short on Time and Need a Short Book
The Book of Delights by Ross Gay (essay collection)
The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw (short fiction)
I’m a sucker for a short book, but in the case of each of these books, the length was especially perfect. Bonus points for beautiful writing over and over again. I can’t stop recommending these books to everyone I know.
If You Want to Think (in a good way)
Lost & Found by Kathryn Schulz (memoir)
While I love light and funny books (and fast-paced mysteries), my typical reading experience is a bit slower. I like to annotate, ponder, and take my time when a book leads me in that direction. These three books (some of them more unsettling than others) gave me that experience.
And my favorite book of 2023, the book that made me laugh and cry and put me into a serious reading hangover is…
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