my top ten books of 2023 (and other news)
Good morning.
As promised, let me share with you my top ten books of 2023. Then, we’ll get into today’s news.
I didn’t read as many novels this year because truthfully, I found myself more entertained and enthralled with article reading and long-form essays. (This is a newer reading style of mine).
I guess my love for print magazines will never die.
In any case, I still love literature, but lately, I’ve been more intentional with the amount of time I choose to invest in books. I’m pickier with my TBR and instead of trying to “read as many books as I can to impress….(who???)” I'm being selective. I’ve also found that I enjoy novels so much more. It creates a deeper relationship between the author and reader.
With all of that said, let’s get into my favorite books of this year.
Top ten books of 2023:
A Breath Of Life by Clarice Lispector
A profound exploration of the creative process, presented as a dialogue between an author and his creation, Angela Pralini. The novel delves into themes of existence, identity, and the blurred boundaries between author and character, offering a deeply introspective and philosophical look at the nature of writing and the essence of life itself.
Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto
An exploration in themes of love, loss, and the healing power of food. It follows the journey of Mikage, a young woman who finds solace in a kitchen after the death of her grandmother, forging a deep connection with a young man and his transgender mother.
The Second Sex by Simone De Beauvoir
A foundational text in feminist philosophy, analyzing the treatment and perception of women throughout history. De Beauvoir explores the concept of 'the Other' and challenges the societal norms that have defined and confined women's roles, advocating for gender equality and women's liberation.
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
An exploration of faith, doubt, and morality, centered around the tumultuous lives of the Karamazov family. The novel delves deeply into philosophical themes through the complex relationships and ethical dilemmas faced by the three brothers, culminating in a dramatic trial that encapsulates the book's exploration of existential questions.
Poems 1962-2012 by Louise Gluck
A comprehensive collection that showcases the evolution of Glück's poetic voice over five decades. The anthology reflects on themes of loss, family dynamics, and the intersection of life and nature, marked by Glück's characteristic introspection and clarity.
Oscar Wilde: Short Stories by Oscar Wilde
A collection of tales by Oscar Wilde, showcasing his unique wit, eloquent prose, and keen insight into human nature. These stories blend fantastical elements with sharp social commentary, exploring themes of love, morality, and the complexities of the human condition.
Agua Viva by Clarice Lispector
An introspective and lyrical exploration of existence, art, and the nature of time. Through a stream-of-consciousness narrative, Lispector delves into philosophical reflections, presenting a profound meditation on life, identity, and the creative process.
Devotions by Mary Oliver
A curated collection of poetry by Mary Oliver, spanning over five decades of her celebrated work. This anthology showcases Oliver's profound connection with nature and her introspective exploration of life, combining both new and classic poems that highlight her observant and thoughtful style.
An Apprenticeship or The Book of Pleasures by Clarice Lispector
A novel that delves into the inner life and emotional journey of Lóri, a primary school teacher in Rio de Janeiro. The narrative explores themes of love, self-discovery, and existentialism, as Lóri navigates her complex relationship with Ulisses, a philosophy professor, leading to profound revelations about the nature of happiness and fulfillment.
Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
A powerful novel that explores themes of identity, heritage, and the African American experience. The story follows Macon 'Milkman' Dead III, from birth to adulthood, as he embarks on a journey to uncover his family history, revealing deep insights into racial issues, family dynamics, and the search for personal meaning.
Yes, I realize Clarice Lispector is there three times. I truly enjoyed her writing and I think you will, too. After Christmas I’ll share some books that are high on my TBR list for 2024.
Today’s tea (not a whole lot, but there will be more tomorrow):
-Why Life Is Faster But Depression Is Lower In Bigger Cities
This article reveals a nuanced relationship between urban living and mental health. Contrary to traditional beliefs that big cities adversely affect mental well-being due to factors like noise and impersonal social interactions, recent studies indicate that larger cities actually have lower depression rates, possibly due to their higher levels of social interaction and diverse opportunities. This paradox highlights the complexity of urban environments, where the accelerated pace of life and increased social connectivity in larger cities might contribute positively to residents' mental health, challenging long-held assumptions about urban living and mental health.
A discussion on the ingenious and ever-evolving strategies of fragrance and beauty branding in the context of urban, high-energy environments. Amidst vibrant city scenes, from exclusive parties to inventive art installations, brands like Byredo and House of Creed are not just selling products but immersive experiences, leveraging scent as a powerful, memory-inducing medium. This approach underscores a shift in marketing towards creating sensory-rich, exclusive experiences that engage consumers beyond traditional advertising, exemplifying the industry's adaptability and innovation in a world increasingly driven by experiential luxury.
-Seeing Other Women as Competition Isn’t Always a Bad Thing
An exploration on the complex dynamics of female friendships and the societal tendency to frame relationships among women as inherently competitive. Despite the common narrative that women are in constant rivalry, especially in professional or social settings, the reality often reveals a deeper layer of mutual admiration and shared experiences. The notion that women must compete for limited spaces, whether in career or personal life, is a reflection of broader societal structures, rather than an intrinsic trait of female relationships. The analysis suggests that acknowledging feelings of envy or competition in a friendship can lead to healthier, more supportive relationships, ultimately revealing that the true competition may be with one's own aspirations and self-image, rather than with others.
-The Makings Of A Literary It-Girl
The journey of a debut female author, navigating the intricate and often gendered dynamics of the publishing world, reveals the tension between personal identity and public perception. From choosing an author photo to expressing gratitude without being labeled as entitled, the author confronts the delicate balance of asserting her artistic vision while adhering to industry expectations, a struggle magnified by the scrutiny and judgment of both critics and readers, encapsulating the complexities faced by women in the literary landscape.
A discussion around the negative impact of labeling children as "smart" and advocates for promoting a growth mindset rather than a fixed one. It highlights how praising kids for their effort and resilience, rather than innate intelligence, can lead to better learning outcomes and address issues like gender inequality in STEM fields.
That’s all for now. Let me know if you’ve read any of these books (or if you plan on reading them in the near future).
Thank you for being here.
Bye <3