Reading List 2023
A look back at what I read in 2023, split into fiction and non-fiction books. You can see my previous years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.
You can see my Goodreads Year in Books 2023 for the full list. I set out with the goal to read 30 books in the year and ended up reading 33, for a total of 12,241 pages, probably my most prolific reading year.
Fiction
Bloodmarked
The sequel to Legendborn, which I read last year. Enjoyable, but not quite as good as the first. The world building in the first book was interesting and with it already built this one was less captivating.
How to Sell a Haunted House
A bit all over, it starts stronger, gets a bit weird in the middle and an okay finish.
Clap When You Land
Audiobook - I'm glad I listened to the book, it was great to hear the rhythm and beats of the story as poem, a captivating story.
We Sold Our Souls
This one did not work for me. A good premise, selling out to a banal world; but the execution, conspiracy and story just didn't come together. I enjoyed his two more recent ones, Southern Book Club, and Final Girl Support Group.
One of Us Is Next
The follow up to One of Us Is Lying, I enjoyed it but not as much as the first one.
The Guest List
Audiobook - Quite enjoyable, good twists and turns. The story is told from several different point of views and I liked the audiobook has a different narrator for each.
Five Total Strangers
Audiobook - A fun listen and good thriller, especially for winter and stormy weather.
One of Us Is Lying
Enjoyable, I picked up because my daughter had a copy lying around. I'm glad I did, it was a quick read and enjoyable.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
A reread, finishing the series with my daughter.
Survive the Night
The overall story is a good premise, but the execution needs a few more passes. Many characters key actions did not match their motives or established personality. The three plot twists at the end is a bit much, and the ending wrap rather implausible. I enjoyed Riley Sager's Home Before Dark book, so I'll still give others of his a shot.
Non-Fiction
I read (listened to) several non-fiction books on artists and musicians, great to explore their stories and lives.
Beatie Boys Book
I started listening to the audiobook, but it has a different narrator for each chapter, I found it disorienting to hear a different voice each time speak as if they were them. I ended up getting the print book and glad I did, there are a ton of pictures throughout the years. I enjoyed it all but probably mostly since I love the band, a non-fan might not.
The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music
Audiobook - A wonderful listen, Dave narrates and hearing him tell the stories with his inflections, tone, and emotion makes it a great listen. I really enjoyed hearing all the stories throughout his life, a great nostalgia as I lived through the same times.
The Body: A Guide for Occupants
Audiobook - The Body is an extremely informative book, it is a complete anatomy and physiology class. Plenty of useful and interesting information. It felt heavy on names, dates and history but I'll chalk it up to being comprehensive and shining light and credit to all the scientists and doctors who worked hard to advance the field.
Killers of the Flower Moon
A fascinating history of murders, corruption, and greed that was new to me. I'm looking forward to the upcoming Martin Scorese movie based on the book. The book is a bit dry, hence the 3 stars, it is written focused on facts and laying out what happened and not nearly as much story telling. It is well researched but more documentary then historical fiction and even though it is a relatively short book found myself struggling through it.
The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington
I loved the story and history, however the writing is so repetitive and annoying with constant teases to what's to come later. You can probably skip the first 300 pages and read the final 30 or so summary and get all the details.
This Is What It Sounds Like: What the Music You Love Says About You
Audiobook - It would be great if they could secure the rights to all the songs mentioned and able to play them along with the book when they talk about them. An interesting look at the various dimensions of music and individuals musical taste, though it does get a bit academic at times.
More Myself: A Journey
Audiobook - I'm not really a fan of R&B and Alicia Keys music, but the book and narration is excellent, a great listen! It is so well read by Alicia, partly her sultry voice, but she also brings a great energy and enthusiasm to it. There are numerous guests that give short intros, and she breaks into song a few times, all great touches making for a enjoyable listen to her story.
My 2024 To Read List
I ended up reading several young adult thriller books, my daughter had them around so easy access. I enjoyed them as quick reads, not sure if I'l continue as much. You can see my full To-Read list on Goodreads. for the always growing list.
I read a few books this year by Grady Hendrix which were mixed, trying to branch out and read a few new horror author. But then, Stephen King also has so many books that I still haven't read...
- Cabin at the End of the Woods by Paul Tremblay
- Holly by Stephen King
- Officer and the Spy by Robert Harris