2023 Book Review

As an avid bookwyrm, I tend to devour books at a startling rate. Having been a hyperlexic toddler who never actually outgrew that trait, my book goals tend to be a bit higher than most. It's because I'm a freak, and I'm okay with this. NEVER compare your book goals with someone whose been reading novels since before their second birthday. If your goal is to read one book each month this year, I LOVE THAT! It's an amazing goal because it means you're reading! 

Books are my oldest friends. As I type this, I am reading through the Chronicles of Narnia for at least the 40th time. I have read them, beginning on January 1st, every year since I was 8. (I know I read them to my sisters and children several times as well, so I've likely actually read them through closer to 50 times by now!) When things go wrong, I look for a book to help me find my way. When things are going well, I look for a book to celebrate with me. And when winter makes my bones hurt... I stack my books about me like the tiny hoarding dragon I am, curled up with my treasures, and read my way back to spring. 

In 2023 I read 237 books. It's a lot, I know. But reading is a priority to me, I'm a speed-reader, and one of the way my ADHD manifests itself is in my reading. I am constantly reading at least 7 books simultaneously; one audiobook, one ebook, one faith-based (as well as constantly rereading the Bible), one heritage, one for personal growth, and one fiction. I am usually also going through an audiobook with my daughter, and occasionally we are also reading through a second book as well. So... after reading an average of 4 1/2 books per week, what sticks out as GREAT books? 

I am currently rereading the Redwall series. These were my son's favorite books in his early teens, and we read through them a few times as a family. We sold these several years ago, but when I found them in audio format - read by the author alongside a full cast, I thought they would make a wonderful bedtime routine. These are done SO well, and I LOVE hearing them as I curl up and settle in for the night. Such a treat! I will be completing the series this year, as I only made it through Salamandastron by year's end.

Lies my Teacher Told Me was one of a few history books I read this year, to relearn a history that was whitewashed in my education. This was the first, and inspired my hunt for other places where I'd been told one - very hurtful and highly blindered - version of the truth. A true eye-opener. 

The sweetest little treasure of a bedtime book, this was a Jólabókaflóð gift from my kids. Firefly Hollow is a sweet little adventure shared by a cricket, a firefly, and a sad little boy. It's a wonderful story of loss and friendship, and was beautifully illustrated. Absolutely a keeper, to be reread on sick days. 

Another "unlearning" book from last year was The Making of Biblical Womanhood. As an indoctrinated victim of purity culture, there are SO MANY books I'm going through to unlearn, relearn, and detoxify my thoughts on my body. This one stands out, as the most targeted for what I personally was taught and how I was brainwashed. I have so many more books to read on this subject, and so much more work to do before I can look in a mirror without feeling guilt. For anyone else who needs to unlearn what they were taught in the 80's, 90's and early 2000's about shame and their body, this is a great starting point. 

Another lighthearted book here... all three of us love watching Rom-Coms. My daughter and I actually ENJOY watching sappy, wholly unrelatable, entirely predictable Hallmark movies. We picked up both the everyday AND Christmas version of this choose-your-own-adventure style book, and all three of us took turns choosing and chortling our way through the silliness. If you've ever enjoyed, heckled, or rolled your eyes through a Hallmark romance movie, this book is worth more than a few giggles! 

 And... my favorite read of the year. Kat has published a FOURTH book.... the first in a new series! Sheepish Beginnings is the story of a young woman who inherits the family farm from her aging grandparents, and the marvelous misadventures that ensue as she learns the ropes of becoming a fiber farmer in smalltown, Minnesota. The sheep are obnoxious, Jack is a true blue hero, and I have been daydreaming about making lavender soap for months now. This is the perfect book for sick days, lazy summer days, or for tucking into your pocket for reading while waiting at the clinic. 

Yes, I'm biased. It's also true. This is an AMAZING light-but-not-syrupy read, and I can't wait for the second installment! 

2024 will be a read-what-you-have year. To save money towards our (FINALLY!!!) bathroom renovation, I will be reading my way through my mountains of freebie ebooks, audiobooks, the Heritage bookcase, and rereading my personal bookcases. 

My goal is 156 books; three per week. Last year I ended up doubling my goal, and still exceeding it. Can't wait to see what I read THIS year!