My Top Reads - 2023
I haven’t typically reflected on a year’s worth of reading. I have, my whole life, read and moved on. I did enjoy the process. I guess it’s good to reflect on what we might be learning especially since I am always talking about the power of books and writing to anyone forced to listen. I found after these 7 that many books hit in a similar way, so 7 is the number I chose. I didn’t do a summary of each title here; they can be found in my initial reviews on the blog, but instead included what I liked most about these titles.
My favorite read of 2023 is:
An easy but not so easy choice. I have to go with the complexity and the beautiful nod to the power of text and reading to change lives. Otherwise, why would I read so much? Featuring five; characters over multiple timelines that span 600 years, this book is just technically amazing. This novel is one of the rare ones that I have both read traditionally and through audiobook.
The next five in no particular order are:
While I am no longer in the full time teaching game, I need to work toward educating myself more clearly about the issues raised in Demon Copperhead. Early in the book I felt like Kingsolver was being heavy handed, and now I’m thinking maybe she is heavy handed because as a culture we just aren’t getting what is happening in Appalachia and to the kids who are growing up there (or maybe I just felt it was heavy handed because I didn’t know) . We need more Junes and Mr. Armstrongs and Stacys. We need to find ways to do education differently. I’ve known that for a bit and am not sure what the answer is, but I do think all educators should get to know Demon. I. And although these are not my areas of expertise, perhaps doctors, case workers, and politicians should read it too. Policy - imagine taking the time to create actual policy to support communities.
Through her excellent plotting and structure, her thorough historical research, and exceptional character development - Brooks has created in me a more profound knowledge of that which I don’t fully understand. I am reminded that I need to read more, find more opportunities for conversation, and challenge myself to look for tangible ways to try and improve race relations. Time has changed. People have changed. The similarities in how we treat and respond to others though is painfully the same. I won’t presume to know exactly what Brooks was hoping to illustrate, but that message very much resonated with me.
We are always looking for ways, I think, to process the loss that death brings. Some of my favorite books - The Book Thief, The Midnight Library - even The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue that features the inability to die - explore the topic from a variety of perspectives. For me what seems so special about this one is that it ultimately affirms the value of a life well lived. I am slow to change - I fear it. I appreciated Brammer's patience with Clover. I appreciated the cast of characters who love and support her. They remind me to be patient with myself. In a season of change, I don’t have to cross every bridge quickly, but trusting in my friends and challenging my fears - while always moving forward is really just good enough.
I admired and learned from these characters. Modern people have a pretty easy life in 2023 in many ways in terms of transportation and communication and generally just knowing what is going on in the world and with the people we love. In fact, I often bemoan constant texting and worry about the damage it can cause in relationships. However, Mary and John are plagued with delays and miscommunication often with heartbreaking results. What I admire is that they simply forge on. They live with the results of their decisions and their mistakes and while devastated, they live with honor and with hope. I admire their fortitude. I have much to learn from it.
Tom Lake kind of makes me want to revisit the big moments in my life or perhaps I mean the small ones - those I overlooked and didn’t appropriately appreciate. I long a bit for the certainty that my life was lived fully, and rather than being mistakes, all of my experiences combine to bring me to a present joy. I like very much what Lara chooses to keep and what she chooses to let go.
I listened to this beautifully written memoir read by the author. She captures the magic and the misery of her child and walks the reader through how each shaped her into the force of a woman she’s become. She navigates some tricky waters with both grace and humor. She offers hope in a world where hope can be difficult to find. Over the years I worked with so many kids who needed to hear this story told in this way. I am grateful to Moore for doing so.