6 Top Reads of 2023

Books of 2023. Here are six of my favorite reads of the 42 I read last year… One children’s book; two memoirs; one general non-fiction; one novel; one focused on spirituality. Later I’ll post the 12 books I endorsed in 2023, and here are previous years’ reads.

I’m thought I had read fewer books in 2023 than previously, but I see from my 2022 round up, I’m up by seven when comparing those two years. Still, I hope to read more in 2024, and especially some of the theology books that have been piling up.

I continue to enjoy audiobooks, not for non-fiction (my learning style means that I can’t remember what I hear) but for novels. I’m currently listening to Meryl Streep narrate Tom Lake, which is an absolute delight on both accounts. Of the top six picks I’ve just noticed that I listened to five of them! For one I bought a print copy of and another of those five I may yet buy in print too.

Onto the books…

A Beloved Children’s Story

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

What could be better than the old favorite of a spider and a pig, especially when narrated by the author himself? I’d read this novel as a child and seen the movie (which White said wasn’t as bad as he feared) but found much to marvel over when listening. Namely I loved how Charlotte exhibits sacrificial love and how she shines a light on Wilbur, giving all of herself for him while not seeking any of the acclaim. She did her good acts in secret.

I loved the characterization of the animals with all of their unique personalities. And yes, Templeton the rat steals the show when he appears in his dislikable glory. I’ll listen to this again.

Last memorable lines:

Wilbur never forgot Charlotte. Although he loved her children and grandchildren dearly, none of the new spiders ever quite took her place in his heart. She was in a class by herself. It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. Charlotte was both.

Two Memoirs

All my Knotted-Up Life by Beth Moore

I’ve followed Beth Moore on X/Twitter, and I find her bravery and love for Jesus compelling. I was excited to listen to her memoir, especially to hear her share her story in her lovely Southern accent. It felt like a friend was taking me through the events of her life, so engagingly does she tell her stories. I was at times cheering her on and other times weeping for the atrocities and hardships she’s endured.

I highly recommend this snapshot into one of the best-known white evangelical women of our time. Her love for Jesus and the Bible shines through, and the stories of what she’s been through give me more respect for her. I loved this book.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry

I so enjoyed listening to this autobiography, narrated by the author. Yes, parts of it are eerie now, after his death, and it was strange listening to this well-known voice knowing that he’s no longer with us. There are a lot of f-bombs and others, so be warned if that’s not your thing. And yes, he never speaks of Jesus, as someone said to me, but I was moved by his accounts of God filling his kitchen as bright light, and how through that one lone encounter he was able to be clean for 2 years.

I recommend this one for a thought-provoking listen. I learned a lot about addiction – the big terrible thing he mentions in the title.

A Compelling Non-Fiction Read

The Art of Rest by Claudia Hammond

I have recommended this book so many times, and this is the one I listened to and then bought a print version of. It’s a fascinating look at the top ten ways people find rest. I was delighted to learn that number one is reading a book! The author does a good job of not only present the results of The Rest Test (the research she was part of conducting) but delving into the studies on each of the top ten ways people rest (the ten form the chapters of the book). She brings the social science results but in an approachable way.

Why do we need to rest? How can we be MORE productive when we do rest? Lots to ponder here, especially for a 3 on the Enneagram (someone who likes to achieve).

A Top Novel

For Thy Great Pain Have Mercy on My Little Pain by Victoria MacKenzie

A lovely imagining of the lives of two medieval women, Margery Kempe and Julian of Norwich. I loved this novel of their backstory and meeting, reading it far too fast. I’ll read it again. I received it as a special gift from a friend who also loved reading it.

Julian was compelling, and I so enjoyed how the author brought out what could have been her struggles when she first settled into life in her cell – all that she gave up to be there. Margery was much less compelling, but that’s probably true to life, and made the story believable.

Because I had this characterization of Julian in my imagination, I found I’ve not been able to shift to Claire Gilbert’s in I, Julian – even though I went to the book launch for it! Hopefully in 2024 I can read it.

Memorable mention. . . Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano.

A Spiritual-Formation Winner

When the Soul Listens by Jan Johnson

A wonderful exploration of what the author calls contemplative prayer, with her definition being more broad-ranging and inclusive than I might make. I loved how she weaves her stories of God changing her to be more like Jesus through her slow but steady noticing of, and welcoming, his presence in her life. I’m very familiar with the concepts that she writes about but thought she does so in a fresh, inviting way.

My only sadness is that I listened to this book and therefore am considering getting a print version, not least for the prayer exercises at the end of each chapter.