Books I Read In 2023

I am proud of my reading list from the past year. In addition to some captivating fiction, I also ventured into non-fiction, a trilogy, and a classic book. I had set a target of 15 books, and I'm happy to report that I achieved it.

Here are summaries, ratings and my reviews of each of the books.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Genre: Science Fiction

Rating: 5/5

Summary:

Nora Seed is a thirty-something woman who is tired of her life. She decides to commit suicide as her life reaches a peak of alienation and despair. But between the life and death state, she encounters a midnight library. This is a large library that gives her a chance to explore all the different versions of her life. From a rockstar to an Olympic swimmer and wine producer, she starts to jump from one version to another undoing her regrets one at a time.

Review:

The Midnight Library is my first book of 2023, and I couldn't have picked a better one. I believe that it takes a unique set of skills to write a self-help book without writing a self-help book. And Matt has been able to achieve that. It is an inspiring book with a lot of different paragraphs and quotes that will stick with me for a long time. Matt has used simple language throughout with a few repetitions to reiterate his main message and have a greater impact on readers. A must-read especially for people going through anxiety and depression.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Genre: Thriller Mystery

Rating: 5/5

Summary

Rachel takes the same train every day to and from London. During the journey, she watches the people and makes up a fantasy story for one couple, whom she calls Jess and Jason. One day, she sees Jess with another man, and a few days later, Jess disappears. Soon, she gets deeply entangled in the investigation and the lives of everyone involved.

Review

This book had been on my list for a long time, and I finally got a chance to pick it up. And I have to say that it is easily one of the top mystery thriller books I have ever read. It was so hard to put down that at night I would have to force myself to stop reading to make sure I woke up on time the next day. Yes, the story and plot were that good. Hawkins has used simple language throughout that enhances the reading experience. Additionally, she dedicated different chapters to the three main characters, which helps the readers get a deeper insight into them without compromising on the pace of the story.

Don Tillman Series by Graeme Simsion

Genre: Romance

Rating: 5/5

Summary

The book series follows the story of Don Tillman, a brilliant yet socially awkward genetics professor who embarks on a journey to find love and companionship. In the first book, Don creates a questionnaire to find his perfect wife but unexpectedly falls for Rosie, a woman who doesn't fit his criteria. In the second book, Don and Rosie are married and face new challenges. The third book sees Don and Rosie's son, Hudson, facing his challenges, and Don working to help him.

Review

The book series is a must-read for fans of contemporary and romantic fiction. It is packed with humour, heartwarming moments, and thought-provoking themes that leave readers with a deep appreciation for the complexity of human experiences. Simsion has masterfully explored important topics such as the challenges faced by those on the autism spectrum, the value of diversity and inclusion, and the power of love and human connection. The series features a witty writing style, unpredictable plot twists, and a cast of multidimensional and diverse characters that keep the readers turning one page after the other. Overall, the Don Tillman book series is an enjoyable and insightful read that is sure to capture the hearts of readers.

Verity by Colleen Hoover

Genre: Romance Thriller

Rating: 5/5

Summary

Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer, is presented with a life-changing opportunity when Jenny Crawford, husband of renowned author Verity Crawford, approaches her to complete his wife's book series. Lowen accepts the offer and moves into the Crawford residence where she starts developing feelings for Jeremy. However, while conducting research for the project, she discovers unsettling secrets about the Crawford family hidden in Verity's autobiography.

Review

As someone who has read only two books by Colleen Hoover, I can confidently say that this is one of the most outstanding books I've ever read. Given Hoover's usual genre, it was quite unexpected for her to excel in writing a gripping thriller. The book boasts all the hallmarks of a great thriller - darkness, suspense, and gripping scenes that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The twist in the plot was the cherry on top for me. By the time I finished the book, I was left with a pleasant confusion and completely satisfied that I chose to read it.

The Forest of Enchantments by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Genre: Mythological Fiction

Rating: 5/5

Summary

The Forest of Enchantments presents. unique renditions of the Hindu epic, Ramayan, by retelling it from the perspective of Sita. It delves into the intricate complexities of women's roles within a patriarchal society, challenging conventional notions of their duties toward their husbands and families. Moreover, it strives to illuminate the often overlooked female characters of the mythology, such as Kaikeyi, Ahalya, Surpanakha, and Mandodari, bringing their stories out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

Review

Having thoroughly enjoyed The Palace of Illusions, I approached this book with great anticipation, and I can confidently say that it was a fantastic decision. Despite having heard the Ramayana story numerous times since my childhood, experiencing it from Sita's perspective breathed new life into the narrative. Divakaruni's use of simple language and sentences effectively maintained an engaging storytelling style. Her skilful execution effortlessly captured the innermost thoughts, emotions, and challenges of the female protagonist within one of the most renowned Hindu mythologies. It was a beautiful and fulfilling presentation of Sita's journey.

Sapiens: A Brief History of Mankind by Yuval Noah Harari

Genre: Non-fiction

Rating: 4/5

Summary

Exploring the history of our species, Homo sapiens, the book takes readers on a journey, starting from the emergence of Homo sapiens in Africa over 70,000 years ago through the agricultural revolution, the scientific and industrial revolutions & into the present day.

It delves into topics such as the emergence of money, the rise of religions, the impact of imperialism, & the role of science in shaping our world. It offers a comprehensive understanding of how humans became the dominant species on Earth and raises questions about our future.

Review

I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it was a great and informative read. It offered a fresh perspective on our species and the evolution process we have undergone. The most intriguing aspect was his stand that things like money and religion don't exist but they rule our lives. And that's the reason, our species have survived: the ability to make up stories. However, on the other hand, it was also a heavy read. It took me a long time to complete the book, as there were moments when it became tedious for me. Also, some sections of the book definitely went over my head.

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

Genre: Romance

Rating: 5/5

Summary

Catalina Martin is desperate to find a date for her sister's wedding in Spain, which is just four weeks away. The problem is that she fabricated a story about having an American boyfriend to her family back home. Now, she's trapped in a web of lies, with everyone eagerly anticipating the arrival of her imaginary partner, including her ex.

To her surprise, Aaron Blackford, an annoying and unbearable colleague, offers to be her date for the wedding. Despite her initial refusal, as the wedding day draws closer, Catalina realizes that perhaps Aaron might just be her best bet.

Review

I picked up this book, and 12 hours later, I finished it. Yes, it was that interesting. The Spanish Love Deception is an easy-to-read romance novel that is lighthearted, funny and cute: all at the same time. Elena Armas has weaved together a tale using simple language mixed with vivid imagery to keep the readers thoroughly engaged. Overall, it was a beautifully written book. However, if you are looking for a romance novel that is different or unique, you might be a little disappointed. But if you're in the mood for a charming, laid-back read, then look no further—this book is perfect for you.

The Paper Menagerie by Ken Liu

Genre: Fiction

Rating: 5/5

Summary

The Paper Menagerie is a short story centring on a boy named Jack, who faces the challenges of growing up with a mixed heritage - his mother is an immigrant from China, and his father is American. The main theme of the story follows Jack's relationship with his mother and her ability to bring origami animals to life, despite the language barrier. It delves into themes of cultural identity, family bonds, and the complexities of mother-son relationships, making it a celebrated work in contemporary speculative fiction.

Review

This book was suggested to me during a writing course, and after reading it, I can vouch that it is an amazing piece of work. Liu has created a thought-provoking and touching story that tugs at the heartstrings. The writing style is simple and heartfelt, with vivid imagery evoking emotions and empathy from the readers. Upon finishing the book, I found myself contemplating the estranged relationships in my own life, and pondering how things could have been different. It was a reflective and introspective experience that lingered with me long after I turned the last page.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Genre: Comedy Fiction

Rating: 5/5

Summary

The Little Women is based in the quiet Massachusettes town where four sisters - Meg, Jo, Beth & Amy - are raised by their mother, while their father serves in the army during the American Civil War. Having recently lost their fortune, they struggle to keep their household running and support themselves, Soon, they befriend their wealthy neighbour's grandson, Theodore Laurence, also called "Laurie".

A work based on the author's life, the book traces the life of the four sisters as they transition from childhood to womanhood.

Review

I am pleased that I picked up this book because it was an absolute joy to read this. The writing and the plot line were simple and straightforward without any kind of tragedy or drama. Perhaps, that’s the reason it is considered a masterpiece. The best thing about the book was the diversity of characters. Each of the characters possesses a distinctiveness that allows varied readers to connect with them. Furthermore, the author has creatively explored the feelings, emotions and personalities of these characters in depth, which enriches the narrative without compromising the essence.

A highly recommended read!

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass By Frederick Douglass

Genre: Autobiography

Rating: 4/5

Summary

Frederick Douglass escaped from slavery in the 19th century and became a prominent abolitionist, writer and orator.

Published in 1845, the book is an autobiographical account that details his experiences as a slave, his struggle for freedom, and his eventual journey to becoming a literate and empowered person.

The narrative provides a vivid insight into the brutality of slavery, the complexities of human rights, and the courageous efforts to gain freedom.

Review

Let me begin by saying that this was a powerful piece of work. Douglass has detailed the harrows of slavery including the beatings, hunger, oppressive masters and the horrific living conditions. He has not omitted any of the details (except the escape route as it was written at the time when slavery existed), which helps the readers gain a deeper understanding of the immense suffering endured by Douglass and his fellow slaves. However, I did not give it a 5-star rating because while the writing style was simple overall, certain analogies and words went over my head and required a massive Google Search. Overall, a must-read by all, as it offers a glimpse into a dark chapter of history.

Who Killed Me by Irfan Khan

Genre: Mystery

Rating: 3/5

Summary

Who Killed Me tells the story of Nikhil Kumar, who is discovered dead with a gunshot wound to the head in the Himachal Pradesh town of Sugaoni. Narrated from the point of view of Nikhil, the book showcases the deceased following the inspector around to unravel who murdered him. The inspector, on the other hand, has no eyewitnesses or the murder weapon and is left with a bunch of mysterious emails that guide him in the case. While the emails point to Nikhil's wife, the circumstances point to his business rival.

Review

The book has an intriguing plot that kept me guessing the killer’s identity until the very end. Both the wife and the business rival had a good motive for killing Nikhil. But the ending was still unexpected. While the plot and the mystery element kept me hooked, I couldn’t give it a 5-star rating because of grammatical mistakes and inconsistencies throughout the book. Errors like sudden shifts from Nikhil's point of view to a third-person perspective and incorrect names used in certain situations were quite off-putting for me as a writer and reader. Furthermore, I found it unrealistic that Nikhil was narrating how other characters were feeling, as people can’t know how the other person is feeling. Lastly, the “show don’t tell” technique used by writers was not followed, as the author described the situation rather than letting us imagine it.

Hostage by Clare Mackintosh

Genre: Mystery

Rating: 5/5

Summary

In "Hostage" by Clare Mackintosh, readers are taken on a gripping journey alongside Mina, a flight attendant on a high-stakes flight from London to Sydney. The atmosphere is tense as rumours circulate about the presence of influential figures in business class.

However, the situation quickly takes a turn when Mina receives a note that asks her to make an impossible choice: save the lives of thousands or protect the life of someone important. As the clock slowly ticks, Mina must rely on her wit and resourcefulness to navigate this harrowing situation.

Review

Hostage is an exhilarating thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat, as I flipped through the pages. Initially, the book appeared to be like any other hostage mystery book (but still amazing). However, it exceeded my expectations in the last 2 chapters with its mind-blowing conclusion. The ending has been etched into my mind forever. In terms of writing style, the author has taken a straightforward approach, prioritizing the reader’s entertainment above all else. And let me tell you, it has achieved it successfully. Without a doubt, the book can be devoured in one sitting, as it will keep you engrossed until the very last word.

Massacre at the Palace by Jonathan Gregson

Genre: Non-fiction

Rating: 5/5

Summary

On June 1, 2001, Crown Prince Dipendra opened fire during an intimate royal family gathering, killing his parents, siblings, close relatives and ultimately himself. This tragic event marked the bloodiest and most horrifying incident during the 10-year reign of the Shah Dynasty. But why did the prince commit such an act? In his book, journalist Jonathan Gregson provides a thorough perspective on the history of Nepal's royal family, shedding light on their past and present, including the origins of the Kingdom of Nepal.

Review

When I came across the book, I picked it up to understand the motivations behind Crown Prince Dipendra’s actions. The author immediately acknowledges that the real reason can never be known, as the exact answer went away with the crown prince. Despite that, Gregson offers a deeper view of the royal family and Nepal’s history, which provides the readers with various reasons why the crown prince took such a step. The author has done a fabulous job of explaining the royal family's history from the start to the entire 10-year rule. It is a must-read for people wanting to learn about the royal family and the tragic incident.