My 2023 Reading List 📚

On the books I finished this year and the ways they changed me

I’ve always been a big reader. I’ve had a library card in every town I’ve ever lived in, and it’s the first thing I do when I get settled in a new place after a move. A weekly (or twice-weekly) trip to said library has been part of my routine for pretty much my whole life. Reading is a big part of my life, and now as an adult, I like to keep track of all the books I finish throughout the year. I love data and I’m interested in keeping a record of what I consume. I note the title, author, genre, date completed, and any major takeaways and reactions. I like to read all kinds of things, and I try to read books from diverse authors that feature new and interesting perspectives, so this spreadsheet helps me make sure I’m doing just that.

In 2023, I did not have any specific goals with my reading, except that I wanted to finish more books this year than last. In 2022, I finished 28 books, a third of which were written by women of color– my reading goal met for that year. This year, at the time of writing this, I have also finished 28 books, which means that I am furiously reading several books in an attempt to beat my own score by December 31st. I feel confident that I’ll meet my goal for 2023 and hopefully round out the year with an even 30 books read. 

A trigger warning: several of these books feature themes of violence, discrimination, homo- and transphobia, racism, sexual assault, and at the very least– shifting and changing relationships. Care for yourself as you engage with these books, but consider reading them anyway. Sometimes, it is the stories that make us the most uncomfortable that are the most important.