{"id":16158,"date":"2024-01-01T10:05:35","date_gmt":"2024-01-01T11:05:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/?p=16158"},"modified":"2024-01-01T11:58:51","modified_gmt":"2024-01-01T11:58:51","slug":"the-great-book-review-of-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/everything-else\/the-great-book-review-of-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"The Great Book Review of 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Great Book Review of 2023: Sharing the books I read in 2023 and whether I\u2019d recommend adding them to your collection.<\/i><\/p>\n

\"September<\/p>\n

Hi friends! Happy New Year! I hope that your morning is off to a great start and you enjoyed the festivities. The girls hung out with my mom and nana while the Pilot and I went up to Phoenix to see John Mulaney. I cried from laughter and it was an awesome show.<\/p>\n

In today’s post, I’m sharing almost all of the books I read last year. (I had a a few audiobooks and a handful of DNF books I didn’t type up because they weren’t memorable or enjoyable.) Reading is one of my very favorite hobbies and I’m so glad I set a goal a couple of years ago to read more often. It’s definitely something I plan on doing in 2024, too!<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a list of almost all of the books I read last year:<\/p>\n

The Great Book Review of 2022<\/h2>\n

XOXO, Cody<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re going to read this book, I definitely recommend the Audible version so you can hear it in Cody\u2019s voice! What a treasure of a human. I had high expectations for this one \u2013 I expected it to be highly entreating \u2013 and it didn\u2019t disappoint. It gives you all of the laughs and warm fuzzies of an XO, Cody Peloton ride, while you get a deep dive into his story and background. It was fascinating to learn about his upbringing, his relationship with his mom, the Dancing with the Stars<\/em> experience, and how he became such a huge fitness personality. 10\/10<\/p>\n

Redeeming Love<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

*All the trigger warnings*<\/p>\n

This book was recommend in a Facebook group for faith-based reads, so just a heads up, it\u2019s Christian fiction and is an 1800s era retelling of Gomer and Hosea. While I was reading it, I was thinking that it isn\u2019t too Jesus-y, but then after about a quarter, I was like ok, it definitely is. Just wanted to spread the word if that\u2019s not your cup of tea. I found it to be Jesus-y in the best possible way. This book will stick with me for life, and is an incredible testament of God\u2019s unwavering love, even when we feel our most broken. While it wasn\u2019t the best writing ever, and it dragged a bit before the last 25%, I\u2019m so glad I stuck with it. 10\/10 recommend.<\/p>\n

Esther: The Fingerprints of God<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

This was our fall Bible study and I got so much out of this one. As a relatively Bible newbie, it\u2019s been helpful for me to deep dive into different books of the Bible with such a kind, insightful, and wise group of ladies. I learn so much from each session and it fills my cup for the entire week! When I read the book of Esther before our study, I had a hard time understanding everything, and didn\u2019t know the historical context or background. Bible studies give so much context to what you\u2019re reading, and enabled me to fully understand the impact of Esther and how all of the pieces came together. 9\/10 recommend.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Forget to Write<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

This book is my new equivalent to Nora Goes Off Script.<\/em> It\u2019s light, fluffy, super witty, and the ending is EVERYTHING. I could\u2019t read this one fast enough and would love a sequel. 😉 Definitely check it out if you\u2019re looking for a fall *beach read.* 10\/10<\/p>\n

Untangled<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

A friend recommended this book to me<\/a>, as we both have tween daughters and are heading into new territories when it comes to friendships, independence, all those teen-y things. This book was AMAZING. It\u2019s all about helping your child navigate the seven stages of adulthood, including friendships, mood\/attitudes, bullying, relationships (with others and with parents), and I found it be incredibly insightful and full of helpful tips. I highly recommend it if you have a tween or teen.<\/p>\n

One of my favorite metaphors that the author gave was that our kids are swimming in a pool, and we\u2019re the wall.<\/strong> They need to venture out and be able to swim and find independence, but sometimes, they may need to come back to the wall. Sometimes, they push off the wall, which can be painful, but we need to stay there for them. A kid with a wall is going to have an easier time navigating tough situations than if the wall wasn\u2019t there.<\/p>\n

The Mediterranean Dish<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

I\u2019m old-school and will love cookbooks forever and ever amen. The internet is amazing, but there\u2019s something magical about having all of your favorite recipes in one spot, and to see olive oil splattered pages and well-worn edges of beloved cookbooks. Since I\u2019m doing the EquiLife detox, a Medterranean style of eating has fit in well with the meal guide. Also, after watching Blue Zones<\/em>\u00a0on Netflix, I\u2019m inspired to enjoy more fresh and vibrant daily eats!<\/p>\n

We all love Mediterranean food (especially the kids!), so I thought it would be fun to pick up this cookbook<\/a> for new inspiration. It is AMAZING. We\u2019ve tried a couple of recipes that were both fantastic, and I can\u2019t wait to make more.<\/p>\n

Daughters\u00a0of Rome<\/a> \u2013 <\/em>DNF<\/p>\n

This was my second book<\/a> in this series, and I was really looking forward to it, since I love Kate Quinn (I\u2019ve read many of her books). The first book, Daughters of Rome, <\/em>was a slow burn for me, but I still enjoyed it. Since the first book was a little slower, I stuck with this book and ended up reading more than half of it before calling it quits. The plot just dragged on, and while it was interesting to be introduced to characters from the first book but in an earlier time setting, I couldn\u2019t get into it. Boo.<\/p>\n

Part of Your World<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

I went into this Abby Jimenez combo backwards; I read Yours Truly<\/em> first (which is technically the second book) and then this one<\/a>. Turns out, it didn\u2019t really matter. Some of the characters overlap but it doesn\u2019t make a huge difference in the plots.<\/p>\n

Abby Jimenez is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. The books are fun and light, and she includes the perfect amount of witty banter that I love. They\u2019re definitely fun to mix in between reading about autoimmune issues and historical fiction; a little lighter fare. 9\/10<\/p>\n

Yours Truly<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

This was my introduction to Abby Jimenez and turns out I looooove her. I can definitely see why she\u2019s so hyped up! This book had everything I enjoy in a summer read: a bit of romance, witty banter, and protagonists that are likable and don\u2019t make horrible decisions the entire time.<\/p>\n

I want to express my gratitude for the thoughtful approach taken in addressing mental health topics, including past trauma and anxiety. The content was handled with sensitivity, which I genuinely appreciated. While it wasn\u2019t overwhelmingly heavy, it\u2019s essential to recognize that it might be triggering for those who have dealt with these issues in the past. Personally, some parts relating to anxiety felt incredibly relatable, almost too real, as they perfectly described the emotions I used to experience when anxiety was a significant struggle for me.<\/p>\n

One True Loves<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve read a few Taylor Jenkins Reid books, and have adored some (Malibu Rising, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo<\/em>), and felt blah about others (Daisy Jones and the Six)<\/em>. This one was a home run for me.<\/a> I was instantly drawn in by the plot, was extremely interested to see what happened, and adored the character development. I felt like I truly *knew* each of the main characters, which made me so much more invested in the story. I\u2019d give it a 9\/10.<\/p>\n

The Autoimmune Fix<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Since I had a little bit of a blood work surprise<\/a>, I\u2019ve been diving into autoimmunity, learning as much as possible, and found this book<\/a>. It\u2019s extremely well-researched and packed with helpful info. I\u2019ve been making some dietary changes and exploring functional testing \u2013 I can\u2019t wait to get my results back \u2013 in addition to reading and podcasts. I hope this ends up being nothing when I retest in the fall, but I\u2019ll share more info then. All I really have right now is that we got some autoimmunity results that were a surprise, but since I don\u2019t have any other major symptoms, we\u2019re waiting a few months and retesting. The Cliff\u2019s note version of the book: stop eating inflammatory oils, sugar, gluten, and dairy. It\u2019s not realistic for me to do this completely, but I\u2019ve just really been focusing on whole foods, minimizing sugar, gut health, and working on stress management. I\u2019d give it an 8\/10.<\/p>\n

Mistress of Rome<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

I love Kate Quinn and am on a mission to read all of her books. It was pleasantly surprising to find out that this book<\/a> is part of a 4-part series, and I\u2019m already on the second book. It\u2019s more a slow burn than some of her previous novels I\u2019ve read (The Huntress, Rose Code, The Diamond Eye, The Alice Network),<\/em>\u00a0but it gradually builds until a crazy, satisfying ending. Since I typically read more WWII era historical fiction, it was a treat to read about an entirely different time period, and also learn a lot about what it might have been like in first-century Rome. 9\/10 recommend and it lined up perfectly with our trip and the ability to see the Coliseum again in person.<\/p>\n

Every Summer After<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

I wanted to like this book<\/a> a little more than I did, but still blasted through it during our flight so I could find out what happened. This follows the story of Percy and Sam, who have been friends (and a little more than friends\u2026) since their teenage years, until a mysterious event totally changed their relationship. Percy ventures home following Sam\u2019s mom\u2019s funeral, and the pieces of their relationship are slowly revealed, along with what happened to tear them apart. I\u2019d give this one a 6\/10.<\/p>\n

Alleviate Dry Eye<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Since I\u2019ve been dealing with the eye saga, you can bet your booty that I\u2019ve been a reading and researching machine, especially since trips to multiple doctors have failed to give me a lot of answers or a true action plan. (I\u2019m seeing my regular eye doctor + a specialist this week. The good news is that my eyes have healed!!! But I\u2019m trying to figure out WHY this happened so I can prevent it in the future and also a path to wearing contacts again, since my doctor told me I still needed to wait. I can\u2019t function in my glasses forever.)<\/p>\n

I stumbled upon this book<\/em><\/a> and while it\u2019s intended to be an 8-week action plan, I read it in one sitting. (I took a break every 20 minutes and did blinking exercises, too, lol.) It\u2019s filled with tangible action steps and favorite products if you suffer from Dry Eye or Meibomiun Gland Dysfunction. I\u2019m still not sure if I actually have either of these things, or if I\u2019m allergic to something in the environment that triggered all of this. Either way, these steps have absolutely continued to help. You can get a copy on Amazon and also download a free workbook that accompanies the book. The author also has a lot of free resources on her site<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Love Stories of the Bible Speak<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

I haven\u2019t finished this one<\/a> yet, but have read snippets of it each night; it\u2019s the perfect pre-bed reading and fills my heart with warm fuzzies before I drift off to sleep. This book explores the various love stories in the Bible, including romantic relationships and deep friendships. I love this book and also feel like it would make a great gift. 10\/10<\/p>\n

The Circus Train<\/em><\/a> \u2013 DNF<\/p>\n

While the premise is promising, I found the writing to be slow and dull. I read 50 pages before calling it quits. There are so many other books I have on my list, so I\u2019m not going to force myself to read something that I\u2019m not totally into. It has excellent reviews, but just wasn\u2019t my fave.<\/p>\n

Guest List<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

This thrilling novel is like a rollercoaster ride of secrets, surprises, and suspense. Set against the backdrop of a glamorous wedding, the story unfolds with twists and turns that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Lucy Foley\u2019s skillful storytelling brings the characters to life, and you\u2019ll find yourself completely immersed in their world. With its picturesque setting, intriguing plot, and a dash of romance, \u201cThe Guest List\u201d is the perfect escape for anyone craving a delightful blend of mystery and excitement.<\/p>\n

I tend to stay away from thriller-ish books, but I\u2019ve read a few Lucy Foley books and enjoy them. Plus, I don\u2019t find them to be overly violent or gory. If you\u2019re looking for a beach read that you can blast through, I definitely recommend it. 8\/10<\/p>\n

Hang the Moon<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

TBH SO much happened, and at the same time, nothing really happened. I\u2019m usually a fan of Jeannette Walls, but this book was not it for me. I feel like I could rattle off multiple plots for 20 minutes and still not be able to fully explain what this book was about. Initially, I was wrapped into the story but then got bored as it dragged on and on. 2\/10\u2026 yikes.<\/p>\n

\n

Paris the Memoir<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Hands in the air if you had no idea of the atrocities that Paris Hilton has endured. From being abducted in the middle of night, to years of abuse at \u201celite\u201d boarding schools, she\u2019s been through some horrible circumstances. It was heartbreaking to hear everything she experienced in her own voice, as I listened to this one on Audible. I\u2019ve always been a Paris fan \u2013 I admire her grit and could always tell she was strategic and a hard worker \u2013 but this book just left me cheering for her even more. It\u2019s also a testament to how unfair the media and paparazzi were to women in the 1990s and early 2000s (like Britney Spears). 9\/10 recommend.<\/div>\n
\n

Two Week\u2019s Notice<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been a fan of Amy Porterfield forever and have always enjoyed her Online Marketing Made Easy podcast, so I was definitely interested in reading her new book.<\/p>\n

Amy is a powerhouse in the world of entrepreneurship, and spills all her secrets on how to gracefully transition from a soul-sucking job to pursuing your passion and building a thriving online business. With her signature blend of tough love and practical strategies, Amy empowers you to ditch the nine-to-five grind and create a life on your own terms. It\u2019s like a bootcamp for your mindset, pushing you to step out of your comfort zone and chase your dreams with unwavering determination.<\/p>\n

I do think this book is geared more to true beginners in their online entrepreneurship journey. There were a couple of gems that I could use in my current business model, but highly recommend this book if you\u2019re just getting started. 8\/10<\/p>\n

Nora Goes Off Script<\/a>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Nora writes fluffy romance scripts for a living, but her most recent work of art has a sad ending: the husband leaves and doesn\u2019t come back. It also happens to be a true story about her life. When the actor playing her ex-husband decides to take a vacation from the Hollywood bustle and stay on her property, her world is flipped upside-down.<\/p>\n

This book is a cupcake of a summer beach read: sweet, witty, and so enjoyable. I didn\u2019t want it to end and wish I could read it for the first time all over again. If you\u2019re looking for a summer read, this is it!! 10\/10<\/p>\n

No-Risk Abs<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

This was a re-read from years ago, when I was postpartum with P, dealing with\u2026 a lot<\/a>\u2026 and I wasn\u2019t sure how much I\u2019d actually retained. This book is an excellent way to reframe how you think about the core muscles and pelvic floor.<\/p>\n

Some of her advice is different than what we commonly hear in the core and pelvic floor world. For example, she emphasizes the outer portion of the transverse abdominal muscles (under the external and internal obliques) and how they draw the belly and corset the waist from the SIDES instead of the center. She also talks about the importance of full range of motion in the ribs, when many of us tend to only focus on keeping the ribs down to reduce strain on the linea alba (the connective tissue running down the center of the core in between the rectus abdominus, which stretches to make room for the baby and can lead to diastasis recti).<\/p>\n

She focuses on strengthening and stretching the various muscles of the core for full range of motion and optimal strength, and also provides exercises on which exercises are visceral (muscular) and skeletal. One of my favorite tips: when you\u2019re doing deep breathing and core engagement, think about contracting the muscles moving up, like a wave, instead of down. It\u2019s very easy to think about just bringing in the center of our core, which can actually increase abdominal pressure and pelvic floor pressure.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a fitness nerd like me, and\/or if you work with postpartum or female clients in a fitness environment, I highly recommend it. 9\/10<\/p>\n

The Mastery of Love<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

I listened to this one while walking Maisey, and really enjoyed it. His work may see a little woo or out-there to some reader friends, but it\u2019s always a good reminder for me to draw inward, increase my awareness, and focus on the things that truly matter. This book emphasizes loving others as well as loving yourself, healing wounds, and becoming more joyful and peaceful. 8\/10<\/p>\n

The Power of Positive Thinking<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

I listened to the audio version of this book, and it felt like I was getting advice and motivation from a wise grandfather. I loved it. In fact, I had no idea that this is a Christian book and heavy on scripture, and it was a pleasant surprise. I especially enjoyed the emphasis on faith and how this can make you a more joyful and positive person. I can definitely see why this has stood the test of time and has become a self development classic. 9\/10<\/p>\n

Marriage Portrait<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

This book was everything I love about historical fiction. It\u2019s beautifully written with captivating descriptions and character development. The plot pulls you in from the first few pages, and I couldn\u2019t read it fast enough. Also, I couldn\u2019t believe that it was based on a true story! It definitely opened my eyes to a new era of historical fiction, especially since I tend to read a lot of WWII era books. 10\/10<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Miss Out<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Ehhhhh I really wanted to love this book because it was our Bible study book for the season and\u2026 I didn\u2019t. I loved the topic and feel like the Holy Spirit tends to be treated like an afterthought in the trilogy. But this book didn\u2019t do it for me. I told my friend that it felt like mansplaining; repeating the same content in various ways throughout the book. I could have simply read the last chapter and gotten everything I needed.<\/p>\n

At a few points in the book, the author confesses that she doesn\u2019t feel fully confident about broaching such a huge subject. I feel badly that I didn\u2019t love it. Especially because I know what it feels like to deal with imposter syndrome and insecurities about writing.<\/p>\n

I think this is why it\u2019s so valuable to study the Bible in a group environment. I got way more out of our group discussions. The book didn\u2019t enrich my life in the same way that All Things New<\/em><\/a> did for me. So, for *fun*, I ordered another one of Kelly Minter\u2019s books (this one<\/a>) because I loved the last study so much. I figured it would be something good for me to do while we aren\u2019t officially in group study again until the fall. (We\u2019ll have some unofficial more casual meetings over the spring and summer.) 2\/10<\/p>\n

The 100 Years of Leni and Margot<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

This book is the best book I\u2019ve read in years and is definitely in my top 10 of all time. I felt like I truly knew all of the characters, and it\u2019s a book that I\u2019ve continued to think about since I turned the final page. I also cried on and off for the last quarter of the book. It was so good, so beautifully done, and even though it\u2019s a bit of a heavy topic, it\u2019s intertwined with moments of levity and joy. \u00a010\/10<\/p>\n

The Light We Lost<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

This book<\/a> examines the impact of our decisions, and living with the \u201cwhat-ifs\u201d and implications when we don\u2019t follow our heart. I read this one quickly because I couldn\u2019t wait to see what happened; it reminded me of a Colleen Hoover book with more captivating writing 😉 The ending was a little bit of a disappointment and while I enjoyed this one, it wasn\u2019t one of my top faves. I\u2019d say it\u2019s a 7\/10.<\/p>\n

Yellow Wife<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

This book<\/em><\/a> is based on a true story, and follows the life of Pheby, who is born a slave in Virginia and is the daughter of the plantation\u2019s medicine woman\u2026 and the master of the plantation. Instead of receiving the freedom that she\u2019s promised when she turns 18, she ends up being sold and forced to leave her home and those she loves behind. She\u2019s transferred to the Devil\u2019s Acre, which was a real jail that housed and tortured hundreds of thousands of slaves, and becomes the mistress of its Jailer. The book is obviously incredibly hard to read. It\u2019s about a tragic and dark time in our history, and a devastating reminder of the atrocities that have occurred in our society. While it\u2019s a difficult read, it\u2019s an important read. It was well-researched and the author vividly describes the hardships that so many faced, while demonstrating what women will also endure to protect their children. 10\/10<\/p>\n

$100M Offers<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

This book<\/a> is written by a super successful entrepreneur (making 10M+ per month\u2026 I KNOW) and how to craft an irresistable offer for your audience. He goes into the psychology behind what makes a great offer, how to bundle your services, pricing, supply\/demand, copy, etc. I learned a lot while I read this book, and am going to use some of his tips with my current product offerings. 9\/10<\/p>\n

Good Inside<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

I wish I would have read this book<\/a> when the girls were babies \u2013 it didn\u2019t exist yet \u2013 but the thing is, it\u2019s never too late to read this book. Her tips are applicable whether you have a toddler, a big kid, a tween, teen, or even if you\u2019re a grandparent helping with grandkids. I strongly align with Dr. Becky\u2019s parenting philosophy: treating children with firm boundaries, kindness, understanding, and humanity. I learned so many wonderful tips from this book and loved listening to the audio version. It has validated the importance of connection, especially when a child is going through a difficult time. As she says, \u201cYour job isn\u2019t to get them out of the hole. It\u2019s to get INTO the hole with them, so they know they\u2019re not alone.\u201d 10\/10 \u2013 definitely read this one!<\/p>\n

Lessons in Chemistry<\/em><\/a> \u2013 DNF<\/p>\n

I started the audiobook of this one, and called it quits halfway through. I hated it and couldn\u2019t help but wonder if I was listening to the wrong book! SO many people highly recommend this one, and it\u2019s just a good reminder that we all have such different tastes in books! I found that it dragged on and on, nothing exciting happened, and I felt blah about the whole plot. 0\/10<\/p>\n

The Winemaker\u2019s Wife<\/a><\/p>\n

This was my first book of 2023<\/a> and I finished it within a few days. As much as I loved Book of Lost Names<\/em><\/a>, I think this one was even more of a page turner. It has parallel storylines, following three main characters in the Champagne region of France in WWII, and present-day Olivia, who is brought to Paris on a mysterious trip with her 99-year-old grandmother. I had no idea how winemakers were involved in the Resistance, and that they would help with transporting information, ammunition, and hiding refugees until they could flee to safety. Some parts of the book were hard to read, as you can imagine, but the ending was so lovely and so well done. I definitely give it a 10\/10, especially if you enjoy historical fiction.<\/p>\n

Diamond Eye<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

This book<\/a> was captivating and another one I read within a few days. I\u2019m \u00a0a huge fan of Kate Quinn (definitely recommend The Huntress <\/em>and Rose Code<\/em>). I couldn\u2019t believe that this one was based on a true story! This one immediately sucks you in, and follows the story of a young mom and student who becomes one of the world\u2019s deadliest female snipers. 9\/10<\/p>\n

The Forest of Vanishing Stars<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

This was another Kristin Harmel book and she\u2019s quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. It\u2019s another one that I couldn\u2019t finish fast enough, and you can tell she puts a ton of research into her novels. The ending was WILD and it was an engrossing and well-written read. Definitely check this one out<\/a> if you enjoy historical fiction. 9\/10<\/p>\n

House in the Cerulean Sea<\/a> <\/em>\u2013 DNF<\/p>\n

200 pages into this book,<\/a> I called it quits. It\u2019s been on my \u201cbooks to read\u201d list for over a year now and I had high hopes for this one. I had mixed feelings on the subject matter (one of the children is the anti-christ\u2026) and this book shows how it\u2019s possible to be extremely descriptive without being captivating. And I could tell you every detail about the main character\u2019s life, disposition, and outfit, and was bored.to.tears. I kept waiting for it to get better, but life is too short to read books that are blah.<\/p>\n

Stop Alzheimer\u2019s Now<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

I wanted to read this book because I\u2019ve become more interested in the progression of Alzheimer\u2019s and strategies you can use to help prevent dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s. This book is so thorough and packed with science-backed information. Alzeimer\u2019s is often referred to as Type 3 diabetes (as insulin resistance can affect the progression), and I also learned about how dental bacteria and infections can affect Alzheimer\u2019s. Hight recommend if this is a topic that interests you. It\u2019s obviously a dry subject, but packed with valuable info. 10\/10<\/p>\n

The Love Hypothesis<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

I forced myself to finish this one<\/a> \u2013 it was nominated for Book of the Month<\/em><\/a>\u2019s best book of the year \u2013 and had heard great reviews. I was also pleased that it was about women in STEM careers, which isn\u2019t something I read about very often, and also, I LOVE a fluff book. (Book Lovers<\/em>\u00a0is excellent.) It was another drag for me. I kept waiting for something (anything) to actually happen, and it just dragged on and on. When I finished it, I was like, \u201cWhy did I do this to myself?\u201d 1\/10.<\/p>\n

The Woman in Me<\/a><\/p>\n

I listened to the audio version of this<\/a> and thought Michelle Williams did a remarkable job. As expected, this memoir was heartbreakingly sad, and provided so much insight into the trauma that Britney has endured. You could hear her unraveling, and I hope that she’s eventually able to find healing and peace. 8\/10<\/p>\n

Fourth Wing<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

I was SO excited when I started this book<\/a>, because the plot instantly caught my attention, and I was convinced it would live up to the hype. The middle was sloooooowwwwwwww. The last quarter of the book was SPICY (whew!!) and super exciting, but all in all, not my fave. It took me forever to finish it and I have no desire to read the second one. 4\/10<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"April<\/p>\n

Did you have a favorite book from 2023? Did you read any from the list above? Leave your book recs in the comments below!<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

You may also enjoy:<\/p>\n