My reading list for 2023 was exhaustive. It started with Will the autobiography of actor Will Smith. Green lights by actor Matthew McConaughey, Win Your Inner Battles by Darius Foroux, Beyond Thoughts by Joseph Nguyen, Donât Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen, At Play In The Fields Of The Lord by Peter Matthiessen, Imagination Creates Reality by Neville Goddard, Wake Up and Live by Dorothea Brande, 12 Notes by Quincy Jones, The Practice by Seth Godin, The Artistâs Way by Julia Cameron, The Five Negro Presidents by J.A.Rogers, Tools of Titans by Tim Ferris, The Amazing Power Of Deliberate Intent by Abraham Hicks, Think Like A Monk by Jay Shetty, Super Attractor by Gabrielle Bernstein, Focal Point by Brian Tracey, Maximum Achievement by Brian Tracey and I have started at least a dozen more.
,
Good question:
I read some wonderful nature books, such as: William Niall’s (2021) “In Kiltumper: A Year in an Irish Garden” as well as the thought-provoking “Divide: The Relationship Crisis Between Town and Country” by Anna Jones (2022). My favourites were about the art of creativity, such as Philippe Petit’s 2015 memoir “Creativity: The Perfect Crime” and Henry Threadgill’s 2023 memoir “Easily Slip into Another World: A Life in Music.” Creativity and nature – two ways I slip out of the noise of the world and into a calming or inspiringly peaceful world. – Martina Nicolls
My book of the year is Rachel Carson’s Sense of Wonder.
The more I read, the more deeply moved I am by her writing, which expresses the beauty and awe of nature with a rich sensitivity.
It is also a good book that helps children understand how important contact with nature is in their development.
It is a book that makes me feel very happy!
Instead of favourite I wanna say hmm it’s more of the book that I keep rereading throughout the entire year – it’s my own debut novel Empty Crown (Chinese Fantasy in English)
I gravitate toward sci-fi and fantasy fiction. This year I read the Skyward series by Brandon Sanderson which I enjoyed, but also found it to be more YA reading than I like. I also read the Theft of Swords trilogy by Michael J. Sullivan, which was very well-written, it just drew me into the world of Elan. I just started the prequel, The Crown Tower, and am grateful to be able to read the “origin story” of the characters I’d grown to love.
My Book of the year is Norwegian Wood by Murakami. Itâs a re-read but none the less, it still won me over.
Other books that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this year are:
1) Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman.
2) The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera.
3) Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman
4) A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman.
5) Emma by Jane Austen.
I love books that weave together thoughts, clothing minds in fabrics that guide everyday choices and actions. Thus, no single book trumps another, but in concert, they help us enjoy the lifelong journey.
âAll That Remainsâ by Sue Black – absolutely fascinating.
âPoems to Save the World Withâ – chosen and beautifully illustrated by Chris Riddell, a pleasure to browse through.
âThe Survival of Thomas Fordâ by John A A Logan – written by a local author I met at a literary group. Found it quite disturbing at first, have never read language like it, but once I got used to that it was a great story, very well written. Couldnât put it down.
I see that others have put their own bookâŠso Iâll include mine too!
âWee Stories by Irisâ available from Lumphanan Press in Aberdeenshire, bookshop on their website.
The top two books I read were A Master of Djinn by P. Djeli Clark and Leviathan Falls by James S.A. Corey. Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher was up there as well. The plotting in that book was nearly perfect. Some under the radar books included To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose, The Magnetar by Jo Boone, and Blood Over Bright Haven by M. L. Wang. Also, it was great to get all of the secret projects from Brandon Sanderson.
Thanks for asking about books, Hannes. I hope you are and will be good.
Two books I’m reading that I like – ‘Flannery O’Connor’s Radical Reality’ edd. J. Gretlund & K. Westarp and ‘Sermon on the Mount’ by Amy-Jill Levine.
The first title I mentioned, Hannes, is an academic book about mostly religious/spiritual aspects of O’Connor’s fiction. I appreciate O’connor’s realism in imagining stories taking place in southern U.S. and how she indirectly, subtly, brings religious ideas into her writing. She was an ardent Catholic. The second book, by Jewish New Testament scholar Levine, brings a Jewish legal & spiritual perspective to Jesus’ teaching in sermon on the mount (Matt 5-7) that is down-to-earth, very understandable.
mylittlehawkNovember 8, 2023
Animal by Lisa Taddeo and Rifqa by Mohammed el-Kurd, LOVED them!
Thereâs a good essay about this by John Mullan in the latest edition of The London Review of Books. He discusses how close it tracks (and diverges from) Dickensâs âDavid Copperfieldâ.
There are so many good books! I enjoyed Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major, The Valor’s Child series by Kal Spriggs, Dark Matter by Blake Crouch, and Primary Inversion by Catherine Asaro.
Strangely, only this week I listed everything Iâd read this year so far, as well all the audiobooks I have listened to. My favourites have been âIn Memoriamâ by Alice Winn, described by Maggie OâFarrell as âAssured, affecting and movingâŠa devastating love story between two young men on the Western Frontâ; âOlive Againâ by Elizabeth Kitteridge – read my Robertjamesrobbins.blog to find out why. Also, Priscilla Morrisâs âBlack Butterfliesâ about an artist struggling to survive in war torn 1990s Sarajevo. Finally, a joyful re-read of Julian Barnesâs âA History of the World in 10 1/2 Chaptersâ. My favourite living author. Finally, any and all of Michael Connellyâs âLincoln Lawyersâ audiobooks. Iâm an addict.
Haven’t been reading recently, had been an avid reader, can never forget my first book read, The count of monte cristo by Alexandre Dumas when I was a nine year old.
‘The Road Less Travelled’ by Scott Peck is my absolute best read right now! Psychotherapy! It’s a life saver for me. So well written and so true. Get it people!
Hi Hannes, it is indeed and it is opening my eyes to the human condition, what is love, how the family unit forms our view of the world, and so much more. I grew up in a household where my parents drank a lot and us 3 kids are now working through our childhood pain, where the parents were too busy partying and having hangovers to be fully present for us! Chat soon…
Hannes van EedenNovember 13, 2023
It’s wonderful to hear that you and your siblings are now working through your childhood pain. I hope you are able to make peace with it and grow from it. Even if the scars stay, you can heal from it.
Sometimes people might press on those scars, and it will hurt. You might then act out, or respond in a way you won’t normally. This is the “mental” scars. Which can sometimes be difficult to spot because they aren’t always physically in front of us. It only shows when someone is accidently or on purpose pressing on them.
The good thing is, you can then become aware of them, and hopefully take care of those scars and then heal them.
And of course, easier said than done. It does take time.
It’s wonderful to talk with a fellow South African! Thank you for sharing some of your insights and experiences on your website.
wendyNovember 10, 2023
American Cosmic, Experiencers, Premonition Man, Raymond, The Life Beyond Death and The Scole Experiment … a few recent favorites.
I don’t like the clipped style in modern books. For example I enjoyed And the Mountains Echoed but I hatedThe Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared and I want stories with details, description and life. Books I want to keep for ever. I like Verne because his attention to detail is astounding. He creates believable if not astonishing, worlds. If The Graveyard Book had been written by MR James that would have been amazing. But Gaiman shirks on fleshing out the story. Two of my favorite modern books are Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell and Glassbooks of the Dream Eaters. They are incredible in detailing.
Hannes van EedenNovember 13, 2023
Ahh. You enjoy being invited and pulled into a world the author is creating? With all the books you’ve read, what would you say makes a timeless book? In your opinion.
Eva ChatterjiNovember 13, 2023
I think a timeless book is Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell. It translates well through different times, genres and ages. A book, to be timeless should not lose its relevance. For example I like Evelyn Waugh but he wrote about his generation. Someone who doesn’t have a basic understanding of the years between the 2 wars might find his books mystifying. We might have read Far From the Madding Crowd by Hardy but we need to understand the social context of the book to understand it. Nowadays an heiress marrying a sheep farmer would not be odd but it was scandalous in the 19th century. Bathsheba made terrible choices in the context of her times. The soldier who ditches his pregnant girlfriend in the book does so because she dishonored him by being late to the wedding. Again, the concept of honour etc is a little lost on us nowadays. But in the 19th century his behavior though cruel was not shameful. So I think timeless in books is what Verne gives us – he allows his books to work for the reader no matter when they read them. The Nautilus is still cool over 150 years later.
Hannes van EedenNovember 14, 2023
Unfortunately I’ve never read any of Verne’s books, although I’ve heard about him many times. Where would you suggest I start?
Eva ChatterjiNovember 14, 2023
I think 20’000 Leagues Under the Sea is a good start.
Hannes van EedenNovember 15, 2023
Thank you. Then that’s where I will start!
Robert M. BlevinsNovember 13, 2023
‘Earhart – Flight Into Yesterday’ by Captain Laurance Safford. It’s the most complicated book by the smartest guy to ever explore the Earhart disappearance. The research is downright amazing, the illustrations and tech stuff are mind-blowing. The original MS was written years ago by Safford but published later.
It’s also when someone like Captain Laurence, takes the time and effort to create such a book with all the smallest detail and illustrations, and then to put it into terms and language most people can understand. That is a whole different type of intelligence.
I reread more books than ever this year. One new book that stands out is “Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents” by Dr Lindsay C. Gibson. It was a short read, but packed with loads of interesting things.
That sounds like an incredible read. Thank you for mentioning it. Coincidently I wrote a thesis about the effect of child abuse and growing up in a high stressful environment and how it affects the individual as they grow up, especially in regard to how they perceive and deal with stress.
It was really interesting. I never wrote any more posts about it, but I think it’s a good addition to your reference library.
allysonyjNovember 14, 2023
I second Robert James-Robbins’ admiration of Julian Barnes – his “A Sense of an Ending” packs more into 150 pages than most authors can convey in 500. “A History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters” changed my worldview. I just finished “Arthur and George” – a completely different style from the other two books- a historical novel meticulously researched, and focusing on one of my earlier favorite authors as a protagonist.
I think my standout book of 2023 hasn’t changed since I read it earlier in the year, you know when you read the ONE and you just know – it is a thing of unique beauty and depth and solace and slightly surreal and yet feels totally real.
Things They Lost By Okwiri Oduor.
It’s a book that perhaps flew under the radar of many, but her talent was noticed clearly, in her nomination for the Dylan Thomas Award.
Tess of the DâUrberville, not that this was the best book that Iâve read this year. But it evoked the most emotion. Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future; live him or hate him, this book was well written. Vance held no punches with his look into the life of Musk up until that point.
Tess of the DâUrberville sounds quite interesting, especially for the fact that it was written such a long time ago. What emotions did it evoke within you?
The best book I have ever read is the power of positive thinking. It has helped me grooming my inner thoughts. Teens should read this book to develop the sense of conversation.
Some of my favorites this year was Holler, Child by Latoya Watkins, My Voice (A Memoir) by Angie Martinez, Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, and Walking In My Joy In These Streets by Jenifer Lewis
Because for more than 10 years I have been looking for how to anchor Peace on earth. When I read the Book (in english it is “Mother, The spiritual teaching of the Amazon forest” , I felt a possibility of finding how to make the heart of Humanity vibrate.
Hannes van EedenNovember 18, 2023
Wow. That sounds so incredibly poetic and beautiful.
Obel’IsaNovember 18, 2023
Thanks Hannes. it must be said that the forest was there before us, it saw us born and grow đ
Overthinking AmbivertNovember 16, 2023
Obsession by Nora Roberts
Fool me once by Harlan Coben
I read quite a lot, and alhough this hasnât turned out to be the best year for me for fantastic books, there was one: Following Atticus by Tom Ryan. This is a memoir of Ryan and Atticus, a miniature schnauzer who together attempt to climb all forty-eight of New Hampshireâs four-thousand-foot peaks twice in one winter while raising money for charity. I laughed; I cried; I loved this book.
I read a few books by Vex King which really helped me and my mindset. Also read a few business based books by Maria Hatzstefanis who is the found of Nip and Fab and Rodial. She detailed the rollercoaster of running a business and how she felt throughout the whole process and her top tips. So refreshing as these days, all you seem to see is a highlight reel. It’s nice to know it’s not all sunshine and daisys!
I have done far more listening to books this year than actually reading; it helps me get through the mundane of milking cows – I go through about a book a week and can’t remember all I have listened to but some really great books. “H” is for Hawk, Waking the Dead, The Dun Cow Rib, The Soul of an Octopus, The Making of the Atomic Bomb, and so many more.
The best I have read: Horizon, In a Sunburned Country, Trippin’ Through My 60s, After the Ice Age. And although I haven’t finished it, Silent Spring Revolution.
I enjoyed discovering The Penderwicks, The Cat Who series, The School of Essential Ingredients, and The Lost Bookshop. And since I’m an Army, the BTS book has to figure as one of my faves for this year. đ
My favorite this year was The Midnight Library by by Matt Haig. It inspired me to consider the many possible paths in life and not get stuck trying to make the “right” move. Enjoyed reading these comments and adding a few more to my reading list.
The main character is given many choices, to essentially open each of many stories that could have been her life, had she made a different choice at any moment of her life. She gets to see how they would have played out, not as âbetter or worseâ but just âthis or that.â
SandCastleBoyNovember 21, 2023
I am hoping my book will be on your list next year. Great job
Hi Hannes,
our favourite book we read this year was ‘The Other Name’ by Jon Fosse. We read it before he got Nobel Prize. As Dina is Norwegian we read several of his books during the last years and always liked them. Our second favourite is by Geling Yan ‘The Secret Talker’
Happy weekend
The Fab Four of Cley
đ đ đ đ
I was turned onto Kindred by my cousin. The book is incredible and Octavia Butler has written some other gems as well. She was an amazing author. If you want a great sci fi fantasy author to read look for anything written by Octavia Butler.
Hmm my three favorites this year were probably “All Systems Red”, “New Watch” (#5 in the Night Watch series, nothing to do with timepieces), and “Perhaps the Stars”.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, Elizabeth Gilbert
The Fraud, Zadie Smith
Lost and Found, Kathryn Schulz
The Covenant of Water, Abraham Verghese
Demon Copperhead, Barbara Kingsolver
The Galaxy, and the Ground Within (and the rest of the trilogy), Becky Chambers
The big surprise this year was “Faith, Hope and Carnage” – the unflinching interviews with Australian punk rocker – Nick Cave (by Sean O’Hagen). A close second is the anthology of in-depth essays on personhood in “Sources of the Christian Self” edited by James Houston, and Zimmermann.
1. The History of Wild Places by Shea Earnshaw
2. Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright (a collection of 365 poems with fabulous illustrations)
3. The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Zadie Smith is great
But please read “Milkman” by Anna Burns
I enjoyed Vonnegut, then W.G. Sebald “Unheimliche Heimat” (about Austrian writers), Murakami “Kafka on the Beach”, “Die Verwandelten” by Ulrike Draesner, “Kairos” by Jenny Erpenbeck, “Three Trapped Tigers” by Cabrera Infante…
Top favorites for always will be
1) The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
2) Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
3) When Breath becomes air by Paul Kalanithi
4) Men vs Women by Haruki Murakami
5) The Silent Patient by Alex
6) The Women in the Window by AJ Finn
7) On Earth We are Briefly gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
8) Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Thank you. Have a great day ahead!
I don’t if my comment got posted or not so re-posting it
My favorites are
“The Silent Patient”, The Midnight Library, Men vs Women by Haruki Murakami, On Earth We are Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong, Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho, and Before the Coffee gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi.
Mr. Maybe and Towards Zero! I’ve written a review of Towards Zero by Agatha Christie on my blog, check it out if you’re interested đ https://shreyarantswithpurpose.wordpress.com/2023/03/05/towards-zero-agatha-christie/
My reading list for 2023 was exhaustive. It started with Will the autobiography of actor Will Smith. Green lights by actor Matthew McConaughey, Win Your Inner Battles by Darius Foroux, Beyond Thoughts by Joseph Nguyen, Donât Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen, At Play In The Fields Of The Lord by Peter Matthiessen, Imagination Creates Reality by Neville Goddard, Wake Up and Live by Dorothea Brande, 12 Notes by Quincy Jones, The Practice by Seth Godin, The Artistâs Way by Julia Cameron, The Five Negro Presidents by J.A.Rogers, Tools of Titans by Tim Ferris, The Amazing Power Of Deliberate Intent by Abraham Hicks, Think Like A Monk by Jay Shetty, Super Attractor by Gabrielle Bernstein, Focal Point by Brian Tracey, Maximum Achievement by Brian Tracey and I have started at least a dozen more.
,
Good question:
I read some wonderful nature books, such as: William Niall’s (2021) “In Kiltumper: A Year in an Irish Garden” as well as the thought-provoking “Divide: The Relationship Crisis Between Town and Country” by Anna Jones (2022). My favourites were about the art of creativity, such as Philippe Petit’s 2015 memoir “Creativity: The Perfect Crime” and Henry Threadgill’s 2023 memoir “Easily Slip into Another World: A Life in Music.” Creativity and nature – two ways I slip out of the noise of the world and into a calming or inspiringly peaceful world. – Martina Nicolls
My book of the year is Rachel Carson’s Sense of Wonder.
The more I read, the more deeply moved I am by her writing, which expresses the beauty and awe of nature with a rich sensitivity.
It is also a good book that helps children understand how important contact with nature is in their development.
It is a book that makes me feel very happy!
The Fifth Estate: The Power Shift of the Digital Age, which is my book!
Instead of favourite I wanna say hmm it’s more of the book that I keep rereading throughout the entire year – it’s my own debut novel Empty Crown (Chinese Fantasy in English)
Books by Abraham Verghese: Cutting for Stone, Covenant of Water, and My Own Country.
I gravitate toward sci-fi and fantasy fiction. This year I read the Skyward series by Brandon Sanderson which I enjoyed, but also found it to be more YA reading than I like. I also read the Theft of Swords trilogy by Michael J. Sullivan, which was very well-written, it just drew me into the world of Elan. I just started the prequel, The Crown Tower, and am grateful to be able to read the “origin story” of the characters I’d grown to love.
My Book of the year is Norwegian Wood by Murakami. Itâs a re-read but none the less, it still won me over.
Other books that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this year are:
1) Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman.
2) The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera.
3) Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman
4) A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman.
5) Emma by Jane Austen.
I love books that weave together thoughts, clothing minds in fabrics that guide everyday choices and actions. Thus, no single book trumps another, but in concert, they help us enjoy the lifelong journey.
âAll That Remainsâ by Sue Black – absolutely fascinating.
âPoems to Save the World Withâ – chosen and beautifully illustrated by Chris Riddell, a pleasure to browse through.
âThe Survival of Thomas Fordâ by John A A Logan – written by a local author I met at a literary group. Found it quite disturbing at first, have never read language like it, but once I got used to that it was a great story, very well written. Couldnât put it down.
I see that others have put their own bookâŠso Iâll include mine too!
âWee Stories by Irisâ available from Lumphanan Press in Aberdeenshire, bookshop on their website.
‘An English Lady in Cordova – the Alternative Guide’ is informative, illustrated and humorous too!
The top two books I read were A Master of Djinn by P. Djeli Clark and Leviathan Falls by James S.A. Corey. Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher was up there as well. The plotting in that book was nearly perfect. Some under the radar books included To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose, The Magnetar by Jo Boone, and Blood Over Bright Haven by M. L. Wang. Also, it was great to get all of the secret projects from Brandon Sanderson.
Bill Bilston âDays like theseâ poetry. Very clever and funny.
Thanks for asking about books, Hannes. I hope you are and will be good.
Two books I’m reading that I like – ‘Flannery O’Connor’s Radical Reality’ edd. J. Gretlund & K. Westarp and ‘Sermon on the Mount’ by Amy-Jill Levine.
Thank you for your suggestions Paul. What stands out to you from these two books?
The first title I mentioned, Hannes, is an academic book about mostly religious/spiritual aspects of O’Connor’s fiction. I appreciate O’connor’s realism in imagining stories taking place in southern U.S. and how she indirectly, subtly, brings religious ideas into her writing. She was an ardent Catholic. The second book, by Jewish New Testament scholar Levine, brings a Jewish legal & spiritual perspective to Jesus’ teaching in sermon on the mount (Matt 5-7) that is down-to-earth, very understandable.
Animal by Lisa Taddeo and Rifqa by Mohammed el-Kurd, LOVED them!
I read a book âA cage went in search of a birdâ few weeks back and this impacted me someway by opening the endless possibilities of viewing the world and finding myself. My review for the book is posted on my blog, when you get a chance please check it out. https://lifebookfolio.com/2023/10/20/book-review-a-cage-went-in-search-of-a-bird-by-cary-fagan/
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. Absolutely fantastic!
Thereâs a good essay about this by John Mullan in the latest edition of The London Review of Books. He discusses how close it tracks (and diverges from) Dickensâs âDavid Copperfieldâ.
I made a note of some of the suggested books . Thank you.
There are so many good books! I enjoyed Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major, The Valor’s Child series by Kal Spriggs, Dark Matter by Blake Crouch, and Primary Inversion by Catherine Asaro.
Strangely, only this week I listed everything Iâd read this year so far, as well all the audiobooks I have listened to. My favourites have been âIn Memoriamâ by Alice Winn, described by Maggie OâFarrell as âAssured, affecting and movingâŠa devastating love story between two young men on the Western Frontâ; âOlive Againâ by Elizabeth Kitteridge – read my Robertjamesrobbins.blog to find out why. Also, Priscilla Morrisâs âBlack Butterfliesâ about an artist struggling to survive in war torn 1990s Sarajevo. Finally, a joyful re-read of Julian Barnesâs âA History of the World in 10 1/2 Chaptersâ. My favourite living author. Finally, any and all of Michael Connellyâs âLincoln Lawyersâ audiobooks. Iâm an addict.
Haven’t been reading recently, had been an avid reader, can never forget my first book read, The count of monte cristo by Alexandre Dumas when I was a nine year old.
Did it have a big impact on your life as you grew older?
‘The Road Less Travelled’ by Scott Peck is my absolute best read right now! Psychotherapy! It’s a life saver for me. So well written and so true. Get it people!
Thank you for mentioning it! Just looked it up on Goodreads. It seems like a valuable read!
Hi Hannes, it is indeed and it is opening my eyes to the human condition, what is love, how the family unit forms our view of the world, and so much more. I grew up in a household where my parents drank a lot and us 3 kids are now working through our childhood pain, where the parents were too busy partying and having hangovers to be fully present for us! Chat soon…
It’s wonderful to hear that you and your siblings are now working through your childhood pain. I hope you are able to make peace with it and grow from it. Even if the scars stay, you can heal from it.
Sometimes people might press on those scars, and it will hurt. You might then act out, or respond in a way you won’t normally. This is the “mental” scars. Which can sometimes be difficult to spot because they aren’t always physically in front of us. It only shows when someone is accidently or on purpose pressing on them.
The good thing is, you can then become aware of them, and hopefully take care of those scars and then heal them.
And of course, easier said than done. It does take time.
It’s wonderful to talk with a fellow South African! Thank you for sharing some of your insights and experiences on your website.
American Cosmic, Experiencers, Premonition Man, Raymond, The Life Beyond Death and The Scole Experiment … a few recent favorites.
From these 6, if you had to choose, which one would it be? Or does all 6 hold a different meaning to you?
I’m a fantasy reader and I enjoyed reading books from Michael J. Sullivan, I’ve actually read his whole collection of books.
What are some of your favorite books by him?
I rarely read anything modern as I don’t like the style of many of the books I have come across. So I am re-reading Jules Verne.
What is it you don’t like in modern books? And what is it what you do like in older books, such as Jules Verne?
I don’t like the clipped style in modern books. For example I enjoyed And the Mountains Echoed but I hatedThe Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared and I want stories with details, description and life. Books I want to keep for ever. I like Verne because his attention to detail is astounding. He creates believable if not astonishing, worlds. If The Graveyard Book had been written by MR James that would have been amazing. But Gaiman shirks on fleshing out the story. Two of my favorite modern books are Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell and Glassbooks of the Dream Eaters. They are incredible in detailing.
Ahh. You enjoy being invited and pulled into a world the author is creating? With all the books you’ve read, what would you say makes a timeless book? In your opinion.
I think a timeless book is Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell. It translates well through different times, genres and ages. A book, to be timeless should not lose its relevance. For example I like Evelyn Waugh but he wrote about his generation. Someone who doesn’t have a basic understanding of the years between the 2 wars might find his books mystifying. We might have read Far From the Madding Crowd by Hardy but we need to understand the social context of the book to understand it. Nowadays an heiress marrying a sheep farmer would not be odd but it was scandalous in the 19th century. Bathsheba made terrible choices in the context of her times. The soldier who ditches his pregnant girlfriend in the book does so because she dishonored him by being late to the wedding. Again, the concept of honour etc is a little lost on us nowadays. But in the 19th century his behavior though cruel was not shameful. So I think timeless in books is what Verne gives us – he allows his books to work for the reader no matter when they read them. The Nautilus is still cool over 150 years later.
Unfortunately I’ve never read any of Verne’s books, although I’ve heard about him many times. Where would you suggest I start?
I think 20’000 Leagues Under the Sea is a good start.
Thank you. Then that’s where I will start!
‘Earhart – Flight Into Yesterday’ by Captain Laurance Safford. It’s the most complicated book by the smartest guy to ever explore the Earhart disappearance. The research is downright amazing, the illustrations and tech stuff are mind-blowing. The original MS was written years ago by Safford but published later.
Thank for sharing Robert. I also enjoy a bit of mystery, although I’ve never heard about her. I will have a look online.
It’s also when someone like Captain Laurence, takes the time and effort to create such a book with all the smallest detail and illustrations, and then to put it into terms and language most people can understand. That is a whole different type of intelligence.
I’m struggling to pick! I really enjoyed Yellowface and Preloved
Yellowface, a phycological fiction. It sounds like it was interesting. What were some of the highlights and low lights for you?
I reread more books than ever this year. One new book that stands out is “Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents” by Dr Lindsay C. Gibson. It was a short read, but packed with loads of interesting things.
That sounds like an incredible read. Thank you for mentioning it. Coincidently I wrote a thesis about the effect of child abuse and growing up in a high stressful environment and how it affects the individual as they grow up, especially in regard to how they perceive and deal with stress.
It was really interesting. I never wrote any more posts about it, but I think it’s a good addition to your reference library.
I second Robert James-Robbins’ admiration of Julian Barnes – his “A Sense of an Ending” packs more into 150 pages than most authors can convey in 500. “A History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters” changed my worldview. I just finished “Arthur and George” – a completely different style from the other two books- a historical novel meticulously researched, and focusing on one of my earlier favorite authors as a protagonist.
I think my standout book of 2023 hasn’t changed since I read it earlier in the year, you know when you read the ONE and you just know – it is a thing of unique beauty and depth and solace and slightly surreal and yet feels totally real.
Things They Lost By Okwiri Oduor.
It’s a book that perhaps flew under the radar of many, but her talent was noticed clearly, in her nomination for the Dylan Thomas Award.
I completely understand when that happens. What made the book so special for you?
Tess of the DâUrberville, not that this was the best book that Iâve read this year. But it evoked the most emotion. Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future; live him or hate him, this book was well written. Vance held no punches with his look into the life of Musk up until that point.
Tess of the DâUrberville sounds quite interesting, especially for the fact that it was written such a long time ago. What emotions did it evoke within you?
https://byjolenerice.wordpress.com/2023/10/19/tess-of-the-durbervilles-by-thomas-hardy-its-all-her-fault/ Hope my link works. Iâm still learning what all this platform can do. If the link works, this is my review.
Excellent book
What were some of your favourite books that you read this year?
The best book I have ever read is the power of positive thinking. It has helped me grooming my inner thoughts. Teens should read this book to develop the sense of conversation.
I couldn’t agree with you more. It all starts with our mindset and beliefs. Especially self limiting beliefs.
Yes, but I need some thing needs thing to encourage me. And it’s all your choice which thing is continously motivating you.
You’re right. It is our choice.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
It’s incredible to see so many old books recommended. What made this book so special for you?
White Burgers, Black Cash by Naa Oyo A. Kwate
What stood out to you from the book that made it your best one?
I do love the book posts!
Boundless by Lori Lambert Williams about developing remote viewing skills. đœ
Some of my favorites this year was Holler, Child by Latoya Watkins, My Voice (A Memoir) by Angie Martinez, Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, and Walking In My Joy In These Streets by Jenifer Lewis
Wow! That’s quite a few. What will you remember and carry with you from these 3 books?
Wow! Thatâs quite a few. What will you remember and carry with you from these 3 books?
Holler, Child: Hold on to a piece of yourself amid internal and external changes. (Cutting Horse)
My Voice (A Memoir): Show up and do the work.
Their Eyes Weâre Watching God: Embrace and own who you are.
Walking In My Joy In These Streets: Donât dim your light. Use the platform you are given to serve.
I always make pages and pages to relook at and review later.
MĂšre By Laurent Huguelit
Why was it your best book for this year?
Because for more than 10 years I have been looking for how to anchor Peace on earth. When I read the Book (in english it is “Mother, The spiritual teaching of the Amazon forest” , I felt a possibility of finding how to make the heart of Humanity vibrate.
Wow. That sounds so incredibly poetic and beautiful.
Thanks Hannes. it must be said that the forest was there before us, it saw us born and grow đ
Obsession by Nora Roberts
Fool me once by Harlan Coben
Which one was your absolute favorite?
One if my favorites was a book called Not All Heroes
It was really good!
What was your favorite part of it?
Interesting post đč
What are some of your favorite books?
I read quite a lot, and alhough this hasnât turned out to be the best year for me for fantastic books, there was one: Following Atticus by Tom Ryan. This is a memoir of Ryan and Atticus, a miniature schnauzer who together attempt to climb all forty-eight of New Hampshireâs four-thousand-foot peaks twice in one winter while raising money for charity. I laughed; I cried; I loved this book.
The pathless path by Paul Millerd had to be one of my favorite, this year.
An unexpected favourite this year was Juliet E McKennaâs new title The Green Manâs Quarry. Liked it enough to review it.
I read a few books by Vex King which really helped me and my mindset. Also read a few business based books by Maria Hatzstefanis who is the found of Nip and Fab and Rodial. She detailed the rollercoaster of running a business and how she felt throughout the whole process and her top tips. So refreshing as these days, all you seem to see is a highlight reel. It’s nice to know it’s not all sunshine and daisys!
So far HOW SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE THINK and GOALS! they are great books
A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson, this book has given me a different perspective of the energy of love
Tough one, but I would say Rikers: An Oral History by Graham Rayman.
Fresh Water for Flowers by Valérie Perrin and Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor
I have done far more listening to books this year than actually reading; it helps me get through the mundane of milking cows – I go through about a book a week and can’t remember all I have listened to but some really great books. “H” is for Hawk, Waking the Dead, The Dun Cow Rib, The Soul of an Octopus, The Making of the Atomic Bomb, and so many more.
The best I have read: Horizon, In a Sunburned Country, Trippin’ Through My 60s, After the Ice Age. And although I haven’t finished it, Silent Spring Revolution.
I am not very good at picking favorites.
I enjoyed discovering The Penderwicks, The Cat Who series, The School of Essential Ingredients, and The Lost Bookshop. And since I’m an Army, the BTS book has to figure as one of my faves for this year. đ
My favorite this year was The Midnight Library by by Matt Haig. It inspired me to consider the many possible paths in life and not get stuck trying to make the “right” move. Enjoyed reading these comments and adding a few more to my reading list.
That sounds like an excellent to add it to anyone’s reading list!
How did they describe or narrate the concept of considering the many possible paths in life and not get stuck trying to make the ârightâ move?
The main character is given many choices, to essentially open each of many stories that could have been her life, had she made a different choice at any moment of her life. She gets to see how they would have played out, not as âbetter or worseâ but just âthis or that.â
I am hoping my book will be on your list next year. Great job
Spin the dawn duology by Elizabeth Lim
Hi Hannes,
our favourite book we read this year was ‘The Other Name’ by Jon Fosse. We read it before he got Nobel Prize. As Dina is Norwegian we read several of his books during the last years and always liked them. Our second favourite is by Geling Yan ‘The Secret Talker’
Happy weekend
The Fab Four of Cley
đ đ đ đ
I think my favourite book I read this year was a Victorian classic, The Moonstone, a great detective story.
I was turned onto Kindred by my cousin. The book is incredible and Octavia Butler has written some other gems as well. She was an amazing author. If you want a great sci fi fantasy author to read look for anything written by Octavia Butler.
I really enjoyed Stephen Kingâs FAIRY TALE this year. (Or was that from last year? Does it matter? I read it THIS year.)
1. The Midnight Library
2. The fourth Wing
3. Iron Flame
4. The Kite Runner
The Once and Future King, by T.H. White
Twice Cursed (short stories)
Miraculum, by Steph Post
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, by Alan Bradley
Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch
Hmm my three favorites this year were probably “All Systems Red”, “New Watch” (#5 in the Night Watch series, nothing to do with timepieces), and “Perhaps the Stars”.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, Elizabeth Gilbert
The Fraud, Zadie Smith
Lost and Found, Kathryn Schulz
The Covenant of Water, Abraham Verghese
Demon Copperhead, Barbara Kingsolver
The Galaxy, and the Ground Within (and the rest of the trilogy), Becky Chambers
I think my favorite book this year was âWeywardâ, by Emilia Hart
The big surprise this year was “Faith, Hope and Carnage” – the unflinching interviews with Australian punk rocker – Nick Cave (by Sean O’Hagen). A close second is the anthology of in-depth essays on personhood in “Sources of the Christian Self” edited by James Houston, and Zimmermann.
Fourth Wing and Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros had me in a chokehold!
1. The History of Wild Places by Shea Earnshaw
2. Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright (a collection of 365 poems with fabulous illustrations)
3. The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
I really enjoyed The Brothers Hawthorne, King of Wrath, and Just Another Missing Person
All Sarah J. Maas books and, Holiday Romance by Katherine Walsh! these are must reads.
Zadie Smith is great
But please read “Milkman” by Anna Burns
I enjoyed Vonnegut, then W.G. Sebald “Unheimliche Heimat” (about Austrian writers), Murakami “Kafka on the Beach”, “Die Verwandelten” by Ulrike Draesner, “Kairos” by Jenny Erpenbeck, “Three Trapped Tigers” by Cabrera Infante…
Awesome list. Thanks!
đđ»
1. Midnight Library
2. Gift of Therapy (professionally)
and I enjoyed both immensely
Thank you so much. I will look them up.
Top favorites for always will be
1) The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
2) Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
3) When Breath becomes air by Paul Kalanithi
4) Men vs Women by Haruki Murakami
5) The Silent Patient by Alex
6) The Women in the Window by AJ Finn
7) On Earth We are Briefly gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
8) Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Thank you. Have a great day ahead!
I don’t if my comment got posted or not so re-posting it
My favorites are
“The Silent Patient”, The Midnight Library, Men vs Women by Haruki Murakami, On Earth We are Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong, Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho, and Before the Coffee gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi.