My Top 2023 Books and 2024 Reading Plans
When I reflect on 2023, I could comment on many things that made it great. My relationship and friendships thrived, I continued to work in my dream role at one of my favourite brands, I got to return to study… But another standout factor is that I read some incredible books. In fact, it was a brilliant year for reading overall.
Not only did I reach my Goodreads Reading Challenge goal of 52 books, I feel like I developed as a reader, discovering more authors to live, continuing an author study and taking in even more from what I did read. I’m thinking of writing a post or two about ‘developing as a reader’ next month, so let me know if you’d like to see that.
As I’m always being asked for general book recommendations, I wanted to collate all of my top reads from 2023 in one giant post for easy reference, alongside some bitesize reviews and commentary. I’ll link to the review round-ups, for anyone that wants something more in-depth! Also, as a sidenote, I read a lot of backlist titles, so these are not necessarily books that were released in 2023.
Novelist as a Vocation by Haruki Murakami
One for my fellow writers, aspiring novelists and any fan of Murakami. I keep a copy of this on my desk to reference on screen breaks aaalll the time! In fact, I’m considering a reread in 2024.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
If you haven’t already heard me wax lyrical about this one, then I shared a rare standalone review here. Just SO good.
The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula Le Guin
A little science fiction one that centres on a man who is experiencing dreams that can alter reality. Has some interesting philosophical themes, plus power play, manipulation and social commentary.
Wandering Souls by Cecile Pin
An emotional read sharing the emotional and physical struggles of the Vietnamese Boat People. Beautifully and heart-warmingly written. (You might, like me, cry at this!)
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
I just love books about books, and this one is gorgeous. Syrup-slow, wonderful characters and an unbelievably cosy setting: a second-hand Japanese bookshop set in Tokyo’s book neighbourhood.
The Strange Adventures of H by Sarah Burton
Really enjoyed this jam-packed historical fiction set in 17th century London. Excellent protagonist and wider cast of characters, great historical touchstones and Burton’s way with words is just lovely.
Wild Swans by Jung Chang
Maybe my favourite non-fiction of the year, and I’ve read a LOT.
Damnation Spring by Ash Davidson
This eco-fiction is set in a logging town in California, following the Gunderson family as the navigate a town-dividing issue.
Now, onto my reading plans for the year ahead! So far, 2024 has gotten off to a sloooow bookish start because I’ve been preoccupied with other hobbies and tasks to do. (A big one being the campaign launch for our & Chai Lunar New Year collection!) But that’s okay, I want to focus on getting the balance right in my personal life, and that includes a bigger variety of the fun stuff. In 2023, I feel like I achieved a brilliant reading pace and a more discerning eye for the books that I read within that. This made it nice and easy to set some bookish goals for the upcoming year.
My 2024 bookish and reading goals
Keep to a year-long book-buying ban
In late November, I did a bit of a review and reshuffle of my bookcases. I wanted to reset them to an alphabetical setup, so it’d be easier to find books, and it made me realise just how many unread books I have lurking on my shelves. I’ve typically been really good with reading the books I own – a rarity in the bookworm community! I operate on a one-in-one-out system for my wardrobe and similar applies to my books: one read means one new. In 2024, I’m committing to zero books bought, including from my Kindle. (But feel free to donate a book to this book lover! Heh!)
Continue to use my Kindle
By far, the best discovery of my 2023 was the Kindle. I had some expiring John Lewis vouchers to use, so I ordered a refurbished Kindle Basic (2022). Since then, I’ve read countless eBooks and firmly become an eReader girlie. I even created a series of custom Kindle lock screens and carry that thing with me everywhere. I’m a physical-copy reader through and through, but there’s just something about a Kindle, isn’t there?
Improve my reviewing skills
You’ll soon notice that I’m no longer planning to publish my monthly book round-ups on Daisybutter. Between SEO best practices and the fact that I was starting to condense my thoughts, I thought it’d be nice to switch to standalone reviews for the books I feel are worthy of a shoutout. Hand in hand with that, I’m hoping to improve my reviewing skills. Got tips for me? Leave them in the comments.
Visit the library at least once a month
Since I’m quitting book-buying, I want to visit my local library more often. I have plenty of owned books to keep me company, but supporting our local amenities is really important. And, hopefully I can discover more new-to-me reads.
Read all of my physical TBR books (32)
Last year, I spent FAR too much money on books. Gulp. I spent a long time considering each of my purchases, though, so at least I know that they’re all books I want to read. So, I want to read them all in this year. I’m sure at least one or two may end up being DNF books, but it’s time I fully used my personal library.
Reroute some reading time to my beloved K-dramas
I’m not sure I’ve seen many bookish friends say they want to swap reading time for TV time, but I think I definitely got the balance wrong in 2023. I gobbled up 80 books, but hardly watched any TV series or my beloved K-dramas. And, I still haven’t finished the newest season of Jujutsu Kaisen, for goodness’ sake! In 2024, I plan to spend a few evenings a week watching K-dramas, while keeping up with my reading plans.
Read 60 books
Finally, the one everybody has been waiting for – unless you’re friends with me on Goodreads, in which case you’ll have already spotted this – and it’s my total books reading challenge. This year, I’m hoping to read 60 books. This one feels manageable to me, as I’ve exceeded my reading goals for the past few years. 60 books, no more, no less.
What are you hoping for from your reading year of 2024?
