reading my way through 2023: my favourite books from this year

2023 truly was the year of reading for me. In 2022 I slowly reignited my love for whiling away the hours pouring over a good book- and in 2023 I wanted to spend more time doing it.

So I decided to set a yearly ‘goal’ to keep up the habit of picking up a book instead of so much mindless scrolling on Instagram. In 2023 you’d often find me with a novel tucked away in my bag, stealing away quick minutes to absorb a chapter or two, whether in a coffee shop, a train, plane or the sofa at home.

My original goal was 30 books, and although I’ve worked on distancing myself from quantifying the books I’ve read (because it’s quality time over quantity, every time), I’m proud of where that target took me this year. I’ve embraced reading all sorts of genres and subject matters, inspiring myself to read more and more, discover more, learn more about the world and what the human mind is capable of creating - and I’m ending 2023 with 54 books read.

I can’t really believe it, to tell you the truth. But I’d love for the habit I’ve curated to carry on. No more goals, but the love of reading (lots and lots) is here to stay.

I thought I’d go through some of my favourites from the year: the books that made me think, those that inspired me in my creativity and self-reflection, those I adored due to their beautiful, original writing.

So let’s dive in.

FICTION

Hot Milk, Deborah Levy - Set in a mediterranean Spanish village, this poignantly reflective novel follows the rich inner life of the main protagonist Sofia, who is visiting the sundrenched setting as she supports her mother’s various hospital treatments, explores an unexpected love affair with fellow tourist Ingrid and tries to amend her ruptured relationship with her father, who lives in Greece with a new family. Thought-provoking, meditative and beautifully written- and the sense of place is perfect for a summer read.

Outline/Transit/Kudos, Rachel Cusk - I truly absorbed this quietly reflective trilogy in the late summer. It recounts a rich series of encounters with interesting characters and acquiantances by the narrator Faye, a writer herself who slowly reveals herself throughout the three books. All 3 were beautiful pieces of philosophical fiction- especially the first, which is set in Athens (the second in London, the third in an unnamed southern Europe country). Every chapter presents a new character and situation, and delves into revealing and deep conversation on all matters of life and living. I loved every word- the trilogy was incredibly creatively stimulating for me and I couldn’t help underlining so many masterfully written thoughts and meanderings from the narrator and characters.

Arrival, Nataliya Deleva - Depicting the main protagonist working to create a new life for herself after suffering a traumatic childhood, this powerful story communicates a message of resilience as the character works through her trauma with a therapist, via a series of reflections that flit between timespans, representing her scattered mind. Hopeful yet fairly dark in places, I found the novel quite inspirational and brutally real. (TW: domestic ab*se)

Homegoing, Yaa Gyasi - Following a whole host of fascinating characters, this incredible piece of historical fictional paints a rich picture of lineage and generational memory. It spans many generations of descendants of an Asante woman, Maame, journeying from the Anglo-Asante wars in Ghana, to the slave trade, segregation and modern-day racism. You truly connect to each and every character, and the troubles and struggles they experience. An eye-opening read that explicitly communicates the power of generational trauma and healing, with compelling emotional weight.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Taylor Jenkins Reid - A vibrant story chronicalling the many rich chapters of old Hollywood star Evelyn Hugo’s life and marriages, as told to narrator Monique Grant, a relatively unknown journalist mysteriously chosen by the title character to write her life story. A powerful story tracing forbidden love, career ambitions and sacrifice.

The Yellow Kitchen, Margaux Vialleron - Deliciously embedded with recipes fondly cooked and chronicalled by the three best-friend protagonists, Claude, Sophie and Giulia, who live together in London through heartbreak, passion, career changes and the trials and tribulations of female friendships. We follow their escapades across a spectrum of colourful cities like Lisbon, Bologna and Rome, all set against the Uk’s 2019 political backdrop. A sub-chapter where Giulia devotedly concocts a tagliatelle al ragù, a family favourite that provides her with a great deal of comfort, led me to making my own version that same evening. Let’s just say Vialleron knows how to write about food, and make it come alive.

The Blue Room, Hanne Ørstavik - A lyrical novel recounting narrator Johanne’s imprisonment by her mother in their Oslo apartment. She was supposed to meet her boyfriend Ivar for their planned trip to America, instead she turns to the inner workings of her mind, memories- and sometimes some rather strangely violent images. Another novel with stunningly moreish reflection. I read and endulged in it, coincidentally over a weekend in the Norwegian capital itself!

Black Cake, Charmaine Wilkerson - A recent contender: a fascinating story revealing the secrets and life stories of Caribbean woman Eleanor Bennett, as told to her children in the audio tapes she leaves them after she dies. A novel enveloped in mystery and intrigue, we learn of her youth, sacrifices, relationships and the difficulties she faced, and we learn (without giving anything away) what she’s kept from her family and the traces she held with her of the past until she passed away. Both her tapes and the symbolic black cake she’s left for her beloved son and daughter are emblematic of a family’s rich heritage, which keeps even estranged family members connected.

NON-FICTION

The School of Life: An Emotional Education, Alain de Botton - I started off my 2023 reading journey with this vital read on emotional intelligence, and the wisdom we can pick up throughout our life and the variety of relationships and social situations we’ll encounter. De Botton makes an often complicated subject matter easily accessible to a wide audience, under the premise of learning about our emotional trajectories, something we are never taught in school. I recommend wholeheartedly to take with you into life.

Notes on a Nervous Planet, Matt Haig - I’ve already written an entire blog post about this one, but I’ll shorten this considerably here (though by all means do go and give the longer version a read). Haig explores a refreshing sense and wisdom around today’s technological age, one of social media, insecurity, being glued to screens and losing a sense of presence and wonder in the world. It provides a much-needed takedown of modern life, looking at the ‘bigger picture’ stuff of what’s truly important, beyond the distractions and attention-span sapping diversions to true happiness. Another to add to essential reading around wellbeing and living well.

And that’s a wrap. My 2023 has been blessed with some truly great reads. Amongst the ups and downs of life, I can always rely on the escapism, inspiration and in many cases, true wisdom that good books will always offer. 2024 is filled with promise, new goals and a long reading wishlist I can’t wait to get stuck into! Catch me next time for more recommendations and love letters to incredible reads.