Books I Read in 2023

It was quite a full year with us moving to Asia, but I still was able to get some books read; which always makes my heart happy. This year my reading list was lighter than normal. I found myself longing for super simple easy to read books hence the young adult or children’s books on my list. I still longed to read but my mind was crammed with the moving preparations. I didn’t have the mental space for complicated reading but still found great pleasure in the below books.

I’d love to hear if you read any of the ones on my list.

A Gathering of Days, Joan W. Blos (historical fiction)

A coming of age book about a girl from New Hampshire around 1830. I enjoyed reading her perspective through journal entries. It reminded me of what goes on in a 13 year old girl’s mind, plus it was nice to be transported back to pioneer days.

In Memorian, Henri J.M. Nouwen (non-fiction)

This book is written by a Catholic priest on the passing of his mother. It is a short read, ideal for those going through grief. This quote I especially like describes how he felt at his mothers funeral. “It was sad and joyful, strange and familiar, old and new, serious and playful, very hard and very easy. I simply let these contrasting sensations merge in my heart and mind without trying to sort them out.”

Note: The link for this book is very pricey I’m sure you can find it elsewhere for cheaper.

The Maid, Nita Prose (mystery)

I loved Molly, she is quirky, naive and she just won my heart. This is a cozy mystery which means it’s mostly clean, void of sex and violence. This entertaining book is set in a hotel. I’m a sucker for a behind the scenes view of hotel life from the maid staff perspective. An added bonus is that Molly’s obsession with cleaning made me actually want to clean my own house! I can’t wait to read the second book in the series, The Mystery Guest (link to hardcover book).

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, Judy Blume (fiction)

This coming of age novel was very fun for me to read. I guess since our oldest turned thirteen this year I needed to prep myself with a couple coming of age books. I appreciate when authors can talk openly about real life situations and in doing so make the readers feel less alone. All the questions and concerns that young girls have with their body’s changing were relatable and funny. The strained family relationships were realistic. I admired her honest conversations with God and sincere search for Him. I also enjoyed the new movie. Have you seen it?

The Children of Noisy Village, Astird Lindgren (fiction)

This is a classic children’s chapter book. It’s written by the author of Pippi Longstocking (which I loved as a child). This is a story of Swedish children who live on neighboring farms. It goes through an entire year of the children’s lives with all the holidays and adventures they meet along the way.

How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing, KC Davis, LPC (non-fiction)

I thought this was an interesting read and one of the best books I’ve read on practical help for house cleaning. She looks at cleaning house in an unconventional way and it feels like she gives permission for you to do things in your home differently. I wish I would have had it years ago when I really struggled with low moods and keeping our home in order. She’s not afraid to question the social norms of a clean house (which includes her using curse words here and there) and work to find what would work best for you and your home. Although I didn’t agree with everything, if you struggle with keeping your house tidy this book may be a help to you.

The Philippines (Enchantment of the World), Walter Oleksy (non-fiction)

I needed a quick easy read to learn about the Philippines, this is the ticket. A general overview of economics, food, government, geography, history, culture, and more.

When Making Others Happy is Making You Miserable: How to Break the Pattern of People Pleasing and Confidently Life Your Life, Karen Ehman (Bible study)

This was my favorite book of the year! I listened to the audio Bible Study version, where the author gives short talks for each chapter (no homework required). If you feel like ‘people pleasing’ is something you struggle with I would highly recommend this book. It’s Biblical, practical, encouraging, and relatable.

Foreign to Familiar: A Guide to Understanding Hot and Cold – Climate Cultures, Sarah A. Lanier (non-fiction)

A short book, around 70 pages. It gives insight to differences in cultures and peoples around the world. Full of real-life examples it will get you thinking about traits of your home culture and the places you’ve lived or traveled. This book will help you see beyond yourself and to have sensitivity for people that are different than you.

Note: I read the 1st edition but the link is for the 2nd edition.

Still want more book ideas? You can find my other book lists here: 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Please let me know any books you’ve read this past year. I’m always looking to add to my “to-read” list.

If you purchase from a link on this blog a small percentage of the sale may come back to me. I’m an Amazon Affiliate. You’re never charged more for the product. It’s a way to keep this site going. I’m very selective about the things I list. It’s mostly things we already own and love or things I think you would enjoy. Thank you for reading!