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I read 52 books in 2023. Here’s how.

Sarah

I’ll let you in on a secret. I read as much as I do because I

You know one of the main reasons why you’re not reading? You’re forcing yourself to read an author, genre, or style of book that you just couldn’t care less about. 

This is classic sunk-cost fallacy: the phenomenon whereby a person is reluctant to abandon a strategy or course of action because they have invested heavily in it, even when it is clear that abandonment would be more beneficial. If it takes you longer than a month to get through the first 100 pages of a book, cut your losses and start reading something else. I don’t care if it’s “a classic”. 

If you dislike the book you’re reading, you won’t make time to read.

I am officially giving you permission to read books you actually like.

My Favorite Books of 2023

When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill sneaks up on you. I adore books that take a fresh look at a long-discussed, dissected topic like gender and power dynamics and add an absurdist element (like women spontaneously turning into dragons) that makes me see the topic in a whole new light. Reminiscent of The Power by Naomi Alderman, When Women Were Dragons imagines a world where women wake up and find they are strong. What they decide to do or not do with this newfound power might surprise you.

The Neapolitan Novels is a series of four books by the Italian author Elena Ferrante. I’ve never read a book series quite like this. Prepare to be sucked into the whirlwind that are the lives of two best friends, Lila and Lenu, as they survive to adulthood and raise their children in dirty, dangerous post-war Naples, Italy. At times written as a stream-of-conscious narrative, at times a lively dialogue and deep dive into what it means to be a woman and navigate life-long friendships, The Neapolitan Novels may be my absolute favorite book series of 2023. (Shhhh don’t tell the others.)

I read In the Country of Others by Leïla Slimani to prepare to lead my yoga retreat in Morocco. A French-Moroccan feminist based in Paris, Leïla is something of an inspiration of mine. This story follows a French woman and her introduction to Moroccan society post-World War II up to Morocco’s independence from France in 1954. The author manages to provide not only an in-depth look into Morocco’s changing society in the post-war period but also craft vibrant and complex characters. 

Roman Stories is Jhumpa Lahiri’s latest collection of short stories. I always enjoy a well-crafted short story. It’s a tricky format! In snippets and bursts, Jhumpa establishes myriad, diverse voices and perspectives on Rome and Roman life. She appropriately and consistently treats on the topic of immigration and racism.

From experiencing on-air drug-induced panic attacks to becoming a renowned meditation enthusiast, Dan Harris, author of 10% Happier, has inspired countless people to take up meditation. If you want a sneak peek into the frank wisdom Dan shares in his book without reading a word, check out his podcast ‘10% Happier’. His book is very much an introduction to meditation for skeptics, so don’t feel like you need to have tried meditation before you read this one.

To write her long-form essay, On Grief, Jennifer Senior interviewed the key figures (family, friends, former fiancée) in the life of Bobby McIlvaine, who died in the September 11th attack on the Twin Towers. A powerful portrait of what it means to grieve, I read this book when I was sad, and I felt seen. Maybe you will too.

Joie: A Parisian’s Guide to Celebrating the Good Life by Ajiri Aki is just that: a joy. Austin-born, Paris-based Ajiri writes skillfully about home decor, design, and crafting a beautiful life you’ll love. The photography and the author herself are elegant and refined. I am obsessed with both interior design and all things Paris, so this gorgeous coffee table book was an absolute delight. If I were to write a book about my love of design, I would hope it was half as good as Joie. Just lovely.

My favorite book of 2023 might actually be my Paris Guide. From the months I’ve spent living in and exploring Paris, I created this resource so that friends and family could go to only the best restaurants, galleries, wine bars, and coffee shops in the whole city. Skip the tourist traps and use my two-, four-, and five-day Parisian itineraries to craft your own exploration of Paris. 

My guide helps you see Paris as the locals do!

“Sarah’s guide was perfect for me and my husband’s recent trip to Paris this summer. She included so many wonderful options for food, drinks, art, and shopping that I wished our trip was longer so we could explore more of them. We particularly enjoyed her recommendations for coffee and Asian cuisine as it helped us branch out from our regular favorite spots in the city. Her sample itineraries were also great for prioritizing what we wanted to do during our short trip. I highly recommend this guide for anyone traveling to Paris.”

Elaina R., ★★★★★

All the Books I Read in 2023

(Re-Read =  *)

Fiction Books I Read in 2023

Prose

Fantasy

Historical Fiction

Short Stories

Non-Fiction Books I Read in 2023

Memoirs

Essays

Art / Home Decor / Lifestyle

Cookbooks

Poetry

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