This year was a big year for reading. I read through the whole 23 books in 2023 challenge, which I’m quite proud of. I also managed to fit in a bonus book, as well as taking time for some detours into comfort reading. We’ve travelled the gamut from the lightest of literature to the deepest of classics, and everything in between. So let’s have a look at the good, the bad and the unexpected in the reading year.
The worst book
I really wanted to love this one, and the premise was so strong. Unfortunately, I felt that the writing itself let this one down. It didn’t deliver on the promise of intriguing characters and enthralling action. Sadly, I would have to list this one as the worst book I read this year. It was easier to read than some of the heavier texts, like Socrates. But it had less to redeem it. Socrates might have been dull, but it was expounding deep, meaningful and useful philosophical truths. A Gentleman in Moscow was easy to read, but mainly because I couldn’t get emotionally involved with the characters.
The most challenging read
Oof, reading this was a chore. Not gonna lie, I started strong and faded fast. This is a really meaty text, and I don’t think the translation I had helped very much. That said, there was so much depth here. I have found myself referencing the imagery to myself in prayer or other reading which is pretty cool. The Divine Comedy made me question why we read classics, as well as taking a look at my own faith life. That’s pretty challenging! By no means a recreational read, this was my most challenging read by far.
The most unexpected book
This book surprised me. Looking at both its age and size, I had misgivings about how engaging it would be. But it was fantastic! The characters felt real, the story engrossing. I would highly recommend this read for those lovers of old fashioned mysteries. I think you’ll be swept up into this thriller in no time! The Woman in White definitely deserves its place among the greats of English literature.
The best read of the year
It took me quite a while to decide this, as there were plenty of fascinating books this year. In the end, I have to give Best Read of the Year to The First Circle. I almost awarded it to Watership Down, but I think Solzhenitsyn won it by a nose. This book was deep, but easy to read. It drew me in, and made me reflect, even while enjoying the story itself. It is also something a bit out of the ordinary, for me. The fact that I both enjoyed it and learned from it, marks it as the standout of the year.
