25 books received a “favorites of 2023” label in my Goodreads. But there were, of course, a few that stood out as Outstanding.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt is one of those standout stories from 2023. I hesitated to read it because I was told it was a story about an octopus. Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. I tried to avoid chores, TV, and fixing dinner because I just wanted to hear the story without interruptions. It was not only about an Octopus in an aquarium but about a charming old woman resisting aging and a young man who was seemingly lost and barely making it through the day. It was absolutely lovely, heartwarming, and beautifully told.
Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes kept me engaged from the get-go. Two very different women end up walking in each others’ shoes – literally! And it turns their lives upside down. I read this story in March, and I still vividly remember so much about it. Jojo Moyes is a brilliant artist who paints such a vivid picture through her words, so much so you feel like you are part of the story. I’d love to see this as a movie.
The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand made me think about who would be my five stars. Elin Hilderbrand shares a story of a mom struggling to be relevant while mourning the loss of her husband, finding new hope, new footing, and reconnecting with her daughter. The five stars are someone who was key in each stage of her life – some of whom she hasn’t spoken to in years.
The Power of Writing it Down: A Simple Habit to Unlock Your Brain and Reimagine Your Life by Allison Fallon prompted me to write things down and share with others all about the book I was reading. While I’m not going to write a book, this book has helped me with the direction of my journaling making it more therapeutic, beneficial, and impactful.
Amazon Hardcover
Warriors Don’t Cry by Melba Pattillo Beals should be required reading for everyone! It is a firsthand account of the Little Rock Nine. I don’t want us to bury our bad behavior but speak up about it and learn from it. While NO ONE should EVER be treated the way these kids and their families were treated, we need to acknowledge it as wrong and learn from it.
Amazon Paperback
There were several other books that I loved, but these were the standout ones.
