BOOK REVIEW 2023
Many of you reached out to ask me where my monthly book reviews had disappeared to last year. I'd love to acknowledge the disappointment you felt that my normal book reviews weren't a staple for you in 2023.
I strongly believe, that balance is crucial to one's overall wellbeing. After exploring all of my commitments, continuing my monthly book reviews, were just not feasible and no longer sat comfortably with all of my other priorities and intentions.
However, I still love writing about what I'm reading, so I have curated a list of some of the books I read last year.
In total I ended up finishing 68 books - over half of them were throw away, free novels on my kindle that helped me to relax and have some 'me-time.'
The others, I have listed below, alongside my takeaways and reflections.
If you enjoy knowing what I am reading, be sure to subscribe to my emails because I always mention what I'm "Currently Reading."
FICTION:
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin - I really enjoyed the dynamics between the characters because at times, it does reflect what can happen in real life with relationships. I liked how the author explored concepts of loss, grief, betrayal, jealousy and the nostalgia of growing up in the 80s/90s.
The War Pianist by Mandy Robotham - I do love historical WWII fiction, mainly because I feel closer to my grandparents who lived through it in their childhoods. I really liked how this book took place in 2 different countries, both with similar and also different experiences.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid - this is not the type of book I would normally reach for, yet it was lent to me by a neighbour. I did find it quite fascinating with the relationships, lack of authenticity and need to fit in for money and power.
The Last Hours in Paris by Ruth Druart - this was a story filled with courage, following one's heart and then the ultimate betrayals. I literally cried when the characters story came to an end, because I was really hoping things would turn out different to what they did.
The Hummingbird Effect by Kate Mildenhall - so I started this book, read a chapter, put it down, not really resonating. A few days later, I picked it up and again and finished it in a matter of days. This book is so different to what I've read, however, no less worthy of being on your book list.
The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin - this book contained 2 different storylines, that ended up becoming intertwined. As with most WWII historical fiction, there was loss, heartbreak and grief. I would recommend it to other's who enjoy this genre.
Wartime at Bletchley Park by Molly Green - I enjoyed this book while reading it, however, it didn't leave a lasting impression on me.
Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris - this was one of the books that really it me. I bawled my eyes out in parts of this book. Based on true stories this is a book that you definitely need a box of tissues to read. While it is heartbreaking, there is also courage, unity and friendship.
The Paris Notebook by Tessa Harris - I do love a good story filled with defiance, suspense and characters who have the capacity to think for themselves, stay true to their values and make the world a better place.
The Resistance Girl by Mandy Robotham - this was the first WWII novel I read that is set in Norway. I really enjoyed immersing myself into what it was like for this part of the world during the war.
The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin - this was another of my favourite WWII historical fiction novels this year, this time set in Warsaw.
The Girl from Guernica by Karen Robards - I borrowed this book on a whim when I went to the library with my children. For its size, I sat and read it from cover to cover in less than a day. It spans 10 years, and delves more into the German resistance. It also has a sweet love story, and a happy ending.
Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon - I have been a fan of this author, since my local bookshop owner introduced them to me when I was 16 years old. At the time, the first 4 were available to read, after that I had to wait years between the release of each one. I'm definitely a books over movies/series person, which is the case with these books too. As the series has grown, so too has the length of the book. I did find myself speed reading several parts of the book. Overall, I'm glad I read it.
Love & Virtue by Diana Reid - this isn't a book I would ever read again. It does explore some of the toxic areas of society that are especially prevalent at university. There's also an underlying mystery that is solved at the end of the book.
The Codebreaker's Secret by Sara Ackerman - a book which was lent to me, set in Hawaii during WWII. It had 2 time periods, switching between both until they both collided to solve a crime committed during WWII.
It Started with a Secret by Jill Mansell - I picked this one up at the library when they were having a sale to move on books. It was a very light, no brain power needed read. It was also forgettable, as I'm now finding out trying to recall what actually happened.
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover - this is actually the first novel I have read by this author. I did like the exploration of domestic violence. It was similar to many other stories of the same genre.
It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover - I'm the type of person who really likes knowing what happened, hence why I also read the sequel. I didn't like it as much as the first. Yet, still glad I read it.
The Liars by Petronella McGovern - my Mum lent me this book. It was quite dark and twisted, with an unusual storyline about murder, teenage antics and intergenerational crime. I did have to push myself to finish it.
The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson - I enjoyed the characters in this book and the lengths they went to, to bring inspiration and hope to London with their underground library. I loved their dedication to the children and the community.
The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth - this is another author I see many books of at the shops. This is the first time I've read one of her books. It was not the best book I've read, not the worst. It is a crime mystery. I did like the way the author incorporated the dead woman's voice into the storyline.
NON-FICTION:
The House That Joy Built by Holly Ringland - oh my goodness how I adored this book. After a very full year, where I did experience burnout, this book was just what I needed to heal my connection to my own inner creativity. I ended the year with this book, and it was just perfect. Holly is also one of my favourite authors.
Inner Child Journeys: How Our Children Grow Us Up by Robin Grille - I believe that it is so important to do our own inner work, so that we can show up for our own children in the ways we wished we were treated as children. There is lots of good parenting research in here, inspiring advice and practices to help you heal from your own childhood. A very important book for everyone.
The Good Germans: Resisting the Nazis, 1933-1945 - my German grandparents and their families resisted the Nazis in their own ways. I always sat on the edge of my seat as a child, deeply enthralled by the stories they shared with me. I wanted to research more in the German resistance of WWII, this provided me with a historical account of 6 individuals who did their best to stand up for what was right.
Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor - this book blew my mind. I was constantly sharing what I was reading with my husband. This book has the potential to change many lives, especially those that don't sleep well. Plus it delved into how harmful mouth breathing was, and how to fix it.
The Darkness Manifesto by Johan Eklof - recommended as a 'must read' by a guest on my podcast. I was shocked to learn how entire species of insects and animals are becoming extinct because of humans and artificial light. Street lamps, solar lights in your garden at night, porch lights are all killing various animals that are crucial to our ecosystem. This is another area of our modern that we need to re-think if we are to save this planet.
It Didn't Start With You by Mark Wolynn - I loved the research parts of this book because I'm a big nerd when it comes to psychology and trauma. It fascinates me to no end. At the same time, I didn't so much resonate with the practical healing examples given. To each their own, I took what resonated and left the rest.
How to Do The Work by Dr Nicole LePera - I was late to the reading of this book. However, it aligned very much with my own values, so I enjoyed reading it. Most of the information wasn't new to me. It more affirmed what I already knew. Still, I would highly recommend this to everyone.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk - this is a dense book, and my version has tiny writing. So it did take me longer than usual to get through. I paused, highlighted, wrote notes and reflected. This book has such crucial information that is relevant to all humans, and one I believe everyone needs to read.
The Myth of Normal by Gabor Mate - a truly brilliant work of research. One of my top books of 2023. All I'm going to say is: READ. IT!