Choosing my favorite books of the year isn’t easy because I read a lot of different genres and my star ratings definitely depend on my mood. I share what I read on my Instagram Stories, but without my rating because I think book reviews are so individual and I don’t want to hate on a book someone else loved. So far this year, I have read 37 books (as of September), and not all of them were winners. Below is a list of books I would recommend! I tried to pick something for everyone, but if you aren’t a fan of anything on this list, that’s okay. Let me know a book you’ve loved lately?
In no particular order:
Cult Status: How to Build a Business People Adore by Tim Duggan (4 stars)
A rec from a friend — definitely agree it’s worth the read. Tim writes in a straightforward way with a lot of different real world examples. It makes you think about the brands that stick out to you, what they do well, and what they don’t. I don’t want to give too much away, but I really enjoyed reading and it left me feeling inspired.
Happy Place by Emily Henry (4.5 stars)
I think the timing of when you read a book is everything and for me, this hit pretty hard. The idea of “last times” with your friends before things change/as things change, and wanting to hold onto that closeness despite it all. I definitely cried. Loved the idea that your happiness matters even if it isn’t the path people expected you to take to get there. Lots of feelings!! I also love anything Emily Henry writes. This book received a lot of hype on social media and I know not everyone loved it, but for me and this stage of life, it lived up to the hype.
Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man’s World by Lauren Fleshman (4 stars)
An important read. Lauren is a great storyteller and it’s inspiring to learn more about her journey. I have followed her for years, but it’s true you do not know enough of what someone is going through based on social media. Grateful she is sharing her story with the world. Any runner, coach, or really human, should pick this one up.
Bravey by Alexi Pappas (4.5 stars)
I really enjoyed this. Alexi is a Bravey in every sense of the word and I am so glad she’s here to tell her story. Some tough subjects and unsettling feelings, but Alexi always brought it back to a learning or a form of positivity. Great inspiration not just for running, but for everyday life.
Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica (3.5 stars)
I didn’t use to read thrillers often, but have read quite a few this year because I’ve found reading this genre on my Kindle during a long haul flight makes the hours pass really quickly. That said, my average thriller rating for 2023 is 2.5 stars. Some themes make their way into so many of them that the twists are predictable. Local Woman Missing felt different. I was hooked from beginning to end. Also it really felt like it was set in Naperville, IL (maybe not, but sure seemed like it).
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy (4 stars)
Jennette’s memoir is captivating and heartbreaking. I never watched iCarly, but it was good to go into this without knowing anything about Jennette. A truly heart wrenching story, but I couldn’t put it down. It takes bravery to share hard parts of your past with the world.
I will keep adding to this list as I have more favorite reads in the next few months!
