My 2023 Book List
Consider this a book report of all the books I read in 2023. As a former non-reader, I am quite proud of the list I accumulated over the past year. Even as a busy first time mom, I managed to devote more time to reading and less to screens. While I would love to expand on my quantity of books in the years to come, this was a solid start. I had a goal of reading 12 books this past year, one per month, and managed to score 16! While some were quick, easy reads, I still count them because for me, completing any book of any kind is an accomplishment.
The opinions on the books listed as solely mine and mine alone. You may agree or disagree, but I invite you to make your own decisions and come to your own conclusions on if you choose to read these or not. Where one person may adore a book and speak the world of it, others may hate it. That is the beauty of books and having such vast selections within the world. There are so many to choose from and so many styles of writing and stories to go around.
My 2023 Book List
It Ends With Us – Colleen Hoover
This was a really good book, but has some pretty heavy subjects such as domestic violence. You follow the ups and downs of being in a relationship that is equally passionate and tumultuous.
Ugly Love – Colleen Hoover
I really enjoyed this book, it was pretty sexy too! There were some unrealistic points on the mans career and his lacking side of relationship expectations for a major part of the book, but overall I really enjoyed this one.
It Starts With Us – Colleen Hoover
As confusing as the titles may be, this is the second book in this 2-parter. Honestly, not as good, but it gives you a fair conclusion to a secondary storyline from the first book.
Pretty Baby – Mary Kubica
This book was awful. I struggled to get through this one. It started off really good, you’re intrigued to find out where it is going. But then it begins to get repetitive, and in matters that we don’t need repeated. Especially on subject lines such as medically forced abortions. It’s confusing as you are following a couple characters, one is supposed to come across as slow, possibly uneducated, yet sometimes is reading as a very smart, aware individual. The other is supposed to be the superior of the two, yet she is losing her mind it seems and becomes the repetitive, lost soul. Just wasn’t for me.
You Are A Badass Everyday – Jen Sincero
I love this author for her wit and straight-up approach to her writing. This was a very quick, easy read. Pages of quotes and passages that inspire, encourage, make you think, create internal realizations and motivate you.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – Taylor Jenkins Reid
This book was incredible. You will fall in love with Evelyn Hugo and her life. Probably my favourite book that I read in 2023.
Love And Other Words – Christina Lauren
A love story of 2 people who grew up together, both finding a connection through their love of reading, but lose touch after a miscommunication, yet find each other again after a long stretch of time. It was cute.
Finding Perfect – Colleen Hoover
A short read, apparently part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. Be prepared for the worst character names you’ve ever heard. It was okay, after being on a Colleen Hoover stretch, I was hoping for a better book, but it was alright.
The Younger Wife – Sally Hepworth
Interesting storyline, overall a good read. The ending felt rushed, trying to sum up each characters situations and concluding a scenario that falls flat.
Reminders Of Him – Colleen Hoover
This book actually made me cry. Still has the lustful sexy scenes within it, as most Colleen Hoover books do, but it has a heartfelt approach that pulls at your heartstrings.
Confess – Colleen Hoover
Starts off really strong, has some shocking parts. Especially knowing that all of the confessions within this book came from real submissions from fans, some you wish you never read. But it gets awkward during the love scenes and wasn’t her best work, if I am being honest.
The Hunting Wives – May Cobb
Amazing book! Rivalling my choice for best book I read this year. Following fabulous, glamourous women, the desire to fit in, a sense of pride, lust and envy, with a twist I should have seen coming, but I didn’t!
Daisy Jones And The Six – Taylor Jenkins Reid
I loved how this book was written! Interview style, showing different perspectives of every character involved. Rivaling opinions and views on how circumstances arose, just a really interesting read. I highly recommend. But don’t waste your time with the show, it was completely different.
Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff… And It’s All Small Stuff – Richard Carlson PH.D.
An ambitious approach to self-care and how to let go of the things that don’t matter. It makes you re-evaluate a lot of things that may have bothered you previously, but really shouldn’t in the grand scheme of life. It stresses on letting go of trying to control the things we simply cannot control, like people and their actions or reactions. Really insightful.
Heart Bones – Colleen Hoover
Decent read, terrible title. Another love story with some unrealistic expectations, but wasn’t a bad read.
The Comfort Book – Matt Haig
I would caution anyone who suffers from depression to come at this book with an open mind. While it is overall a positive approach to self-motivation and guidance to happiness, it also heavily touches on fighting depression and suicidal thoughts. Despite the title, it isn’t always comforting, but it is interesting and a quick read.
There you have it, my 2023 book report! I will be taking a bit of a break from all of my heavy Colleen Hoover reading this year, broadening my horizons with different authors and different subjects and genres. Reading is an escape from the day-to-day and is a great way to explore and expand our minds. I encourage reading both non-fiction along with fiction to enrich your life on an array of topics.
What were your favourite books of the past year? Do you have a favourite book overall? I am always open to new recommendations. And what is exciting is there is a book out there for all of us! To all of my fellow readers, cheers to another year filled with new knowledge, new stories and new experiences. Happy reading!
Melanie xoxox