This year has gone by both quickly and slowly and in a blur for some reason. I can’t say it was a year of my most cherished and memorable reads, but there have been some new favorites along the way.
I’ve struggled with this list, partially since I did a Top 5 favorite books so far list halfway through the year and feel locked into the order of those picks on top of the books I’ve read and loved since then. I rated the books on that list both on how good I think the book itself was on top of my overall enjoyment. For this list, I’ve decided to go with the reads that have stuck with me the most, even if I didn’t ultimately rate it a full five stars.
#5 – Code Name Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem
This was the #1 book on my ‘so far’ list. While I still consider it a standout book for both the historical and Christian fiction genres, I find my thoughts on the entirety of the plot have waned as the year has gone on and I’ve read more books and sat with others longer. The character growth was phenomenal, particularly for the protagonist, Liesl. She was not written the way to many modern day historical fiction book characters are written in the sense that she has access to all of the details of the war as we do now. Living in America, her indifference to what Hitler is doing in Germany feels true to the time, especially given her German roots. She does no inherently understand the evil being done and there is an element of denial. We get to follow along on her journey of enlightenment and we see her makes amends for her own displays of prejudice.
It’s the fine details that are beginning to feel murky. However, I did read this in February-March, so it’s been a while at this point. Still, at the time I felt such an impact from this book and it’s one I’ve recommended to people a number of times since.
#4 – Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
I never expected to enjoy this one as much as I did, especially given my first attempt to read it several years ago ended in a DNF. Once I got past the lengthy letters in the beginning, I was mesmerized.
I find myself enjoying some of these classic horror stories, mostly because by today’s standards they come across as more twisted than terrifying. What stuck with me from Frankenstein were the themes of this book, such as good vs. evil, and a general look at how the way we treat people can have a direct impact on their behavior. It’s a book that made me think. In most cases that’s the most important factor when I reflect on books that have stayed with me for a significant amount of time.
#3 – Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
This is the most recently read book on this list. It’s no surprise to me by now that one of Ruta Sepetys’ books made my top five. She’s become a favorite author of mine and this book might be my all-time favorite of hers now.
As always, the setting/situation is unique and far from the majority of historical fiction books that feel like they’ve been copied and pasted with a few names and details changed. The focus is on the emotions which makes the plot speak for itself without pages of superficial detail. We watch the characters suffer and feel as though we are standing there with them. Even though these books are geared toward slightly younger readers, the impact is deep and no detail spared.
#2 – Dirt Music by Tim Winton
Even though I didn’t give this book a solid five-star rating, I find myself thinking about it constantly. In all fairness, I am also familiar with the movie so the visuals were strong all along, but even so, the subtle and not-so-subtle depictions of various traumas between the characters were astonishing. It’s extremely character driven and to me, the plot doesn’t have much place in the story aside from bringing certain people together and having their paths cross. The pace is slow, too, and there isn’t a lot of action. Dare I say it’s even boring? But there was something about it that resonated with me. I feel myself searching for another book that will capture me the same way.
Why didn’t I give it five stars? Firstly, what I’ve just mentioned. Secondly, there was a lot of content in the book I plain didn’t care for. Lastly, there was no use of quotation marks. The latter added to my reading time for sure, but I also think part of the reason it has stayed with me for so long was that I did take my time with it. I didn’t push myself to have it done in a certain timeframe. I waited for the moments when I felt I would appreciate it to pick it up. It made all the difference.
#1 – Some Kind of Happiness by Claire Legrand
I was so emotionally unprepared for this book to come into my life but I am so glad it did. One day I googled something along the lines of cozy reads and this was one of the first suggestions. I guess in a way it is cozy, but I also found it emotional. It’s a middle grade, but I think if the characters were slightly older it would easily qualify for the YA genre.
Though the book has several plot points it goes through, the main focus of the book is Finley’s struggle with her mental health and being unable to name the emotions that sometimes overtake her. On top of this, she’s meeting her extended family for the first time which only adds to the feeling of being different and disconnected.
A lot in this book hit close to home and I felt as though I was reading through the eyes of my younger self. It was a cute story, too, and definitely something I’ll keep on my shelf if I ever have children.
What books made your top five in 2023? Feel free to share your list in the comments!
I hope everyone has a happy and healthy new year!
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