2023: Books of the Year
Hello.
This year for me has been one with a lot of reading. I promised to read more this year and I'm happy to say I stuck to my word. I read over 20 books this year. Woohoo!
I thought to share my books of the year and potentially inspire others to read more books. There is research indicating that successful people read more because they are constantly learning and challenging their brains. People who read more are typically more creative as well.
My book journey began when I was thinking about a book I read a long time ago in elementary school. It's called Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. This book was so captivating to me and it's also one of the books on my list. It's important to note that if you're not really a reader, I think finding a book either from your childhood you may have liked or finding a book that talks about your interests is a great starting point.
So... let's dig in.
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
I love reading books from my childhood. Published in 1986, this book shows the journey of a 13-year-old boy named Brian who survived a plane crash and now must survive in the Canadian wilderness.
The story immediately begins with Brian getting on the plane and his mother gives him the gift of a hatchet before boarding on the plane. He travels alone to visit his father and during the plane ride the pilot has a heart attack and dies. When Brian is the only survivor of the crash, he is placed in the middle of nowhere in the Canadian forest.
The reader follows the journey of Brian building a fire, hunting, fishing, and creating shelter. The twisting turn of events and near-death experiences make this book so thrilling. Reading this book as an adult makes you truly understand how terrifying it would be to be a young child trying to survive a harsh environment.
If you're into survival books or just wilderness in general, I highly recommend this book.
Ghost Boy by Martin Pistorius
This one was a rather unusual book I'd pick up. I found it in a stack of books at Goodwill when I went shopping with a friend. There was a sale and I thought well why not. I'm glad I picked it up because as soon as I started reading it reeled me in and I couldn't stop.
Ghost Boy follows the true story of Martin who at 12 years old had what was at first thought to be the common cold was actually Locked-In Syndrome, a rare disorder that puts you in a coma-like state. For over a decade, Martin was placed into a home to help people who were like him where he experienced horrific abuse and trauma. All while being conscious but unable to move or communicate.
The book tells through the stages of his childhood memories, being in the home and the life after. It's truly horrifying yet inspiring. It'll expand your mind and make you feel like you're right in his shoes with the detailed storytelling and the vulnerability of Martin's thoughts.
Stiff by Mary Roach
Okay, I know I sound like I'm sponsored by Mary Roach, but truly I just love her books (review series coming soon).
Stiff explores the world of cadavers, which is a little dark but I didn't realize how much a dead body can be used. I was shocked to learn how much our deceased bodies change and the biggest differences but also similarities compared to when our bodies are alive. Cadavers are used in many industries, from medical to car companies to even random scientific research at Universities across the world.
It's a little morbid, but once you get past the fact of the idea that there's more than just rotting decomposed bodies in the world, it's a very compelling read.
Jaws by Peter Benchley
Yes. Like the movie. But really, the movie is like the book.
This book was also another random one I found at a book sale. I don't remember much of the movie but I remember I didn't like it much but I thought maybe I'd like the book. I was right.
Jaws is very different compared to the other books I've read in the past. It's a lot more dynamic, showing the struggles of relationships and family along with trying to prevent this shark from killing a popular tourist spot and struggling small town.
This book is a little shorter than I thought, but it's perfect on a rainy Sunday when you've got nothing else to do.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
I know there's this big rule of "Don't judge a book by it's cover" but this book, I did. In the best way possible. The bright orange octopus alone attracted me to read it. I was on a trip in the UP and at this local book shop they had this book on one of their display shelves and I didn't even know what the book was about, but I wanted to read it.
It starts with an older lady explaining her life living in a town she loves, working at an aquarium and becomes friends with an octopus. It then dives you into the mind of the octopus and what his experience is like living at the aquarium. The rest of the story follows the lives of the lady, the octopus and another character who gets wrapped up in the town. It's an intriguing read.
Who wouldn't want to read a book about the view point from an octopus? A funny one at that.
There are a few other books I could go on and on about, but I'll leave you to explore the world of books. I'd love to hear some suggestions if you have some!
Keep exploring.
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