My Top 23 Books of 2023 (and the ones I couldn’t stand)
- A good book is like a sweet love affair that leaves you grinning every time.
- Dive into a world of forbidden love, royal intrigue, and sports romance that tackles heavy topics with grace.
- Skillshare is the key to unlocking your potential and achieving your goals.
- The Inheritance game series is the ultimate blend of mystery, academia, and romance.
- Cassandra CLA’s fantasy series is a captivating and immersive experience.
- Fairy tale retellings bring new twists and spins to classic stories, and they deserve all the hype.
- The Knockout series offers depth, heartbreak, and a great ending that tugs at your heartstrings.
- Janette MCC’s memoir is a brutally honest and impactful journey that you won’t forget.
- "A Deal with the Elf King" is a refreshing take on fantasy romance with dragons, war, and college romances.
- "From Blood and Ash" delivers complex characters, intense world-building, and a satisfying ending.
📚 Introduction
In 2023, I had the pleasure of reading some incredible books, as well as some that were not so great. Here are my thoughts on the 23 books I read this year, including my favorites and the ones that left me feeling disappointed.
💭 Takeaways
Below are the key takeaways from my experiences with the books I read in 2023:
| Favorite Books | Least Favorite Books |
|---|---|
| – "Love by Painter" | – "Legends" |
| – "Forbidden Love" | – "Enemy’s Lover" |
| – "The Knockout" series | – "Romeo" |
| – "The Inheritance Game" series | – |
📖 Love by Painter
The romance novel "Love by Painter" by Kennedy captivated me with its depth and exploration of various topics. It went beyond a simple love story and delved into insecurities, stereotypes, and biases, making it a memorable read.
📚 Reading Challenge
I set a goal to read 100 books in 2023 and managed to complete 89, including engaging with different genres and learning through platforms like Skillshare.
👑 The Inheritance Game Series
The Inheritance Game series, particularly the first book, was a standout read, combining mystery, romance, and engaging characters. It left a lasting impression and kept me hooked till the end.
👩🎨 Fairy Tale Retellings
Immersing myself in the fantasy world of retold fairy tales, I found "Heart of the Raven Prince" by Sarah Coroli to be a captivating and underrated gem, offering a unique take on classic tales.
🎪 Caraval Series
The Caraval series offered a refreshing and magical experience, blending elements of mystery and romance within a captivating circus setting. It completely drew me into its enchanting world.
🚀 Shatter Me Series
The Shatter Me series captured my attention with its fast-paced and atmospheric storytelling, emphasizing complex characters, relationships, and a unique magical world.
📚 Conclusion
As I rounded out my reading journey for 2023, certain books left a lasting impact, while others failed to resonate. The diverse genres, characters, and plots provided me with a well-rounded literary experience, leading to fond memories and some disappointments.
🌟 Key Takeaways
- Discovering gems in underrated novels
- Exploring diverse genres and new storytelling approaches
- The importance of captivating and relatable characters
FAQ
- What were the standout themes across the books?
- How did the reading challenge impact your perception of different genres?
- Which book genre surprised you the most in 2023?
🔗 External Resources
For more book recommendations and in-depth discussions, check out my Goodreads profile for an extensive list of my favorite reads from 2023. Thank you for following my reading journey!
