I treated myself to a Kindle Paperwhite at the beginning of 2023 and it has been an absolute game-changer. I’ve been motivated to read so much more. And thanks to finally figuring out the Libby app, I’m plowing through books and audiobooks left and right.
I’m trying to create more of a habit of reading and I think it’s finally sticking. While I usually write this blog post at the end of the year, I’ve gone through so many books that we’re breaking it up into part one and two. Here’s what I read so far in 2023 as my Part 1.
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What I Read In 2023
Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci
I’m such a fan of Stanley Tucci and love his show, Searching For Italy. This book is a look at his life through all the incredible meals and experiences he’s had around food. I wanted to listen to this book, but the audiobook version wasn’t available yet. Even so, I could hear him in my head when I read it and it was kind of lovely. This book left me hungry and wanting to make something delicious in the kitchen.
MY RATING ★★★★★
Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape by Jenna Miscavige
Anything Scientology I’m 100% down to read or watch. Jenna is the niece of the leader of the Church of Scientology. Her experience was both horrifying, but unique thanks to her last name. This was one of the most damning looks inside the church from what I’ve seen and read. If you’re into cults or Scientology stories, this book was fascinating.
MY RATING ★★★★★
The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This book came highly recommended by my cousin and I was excited to check it out. I wasn’t sure what to expect but quite quickly I was hooked. I wanted to learn more and more about the love life and marriages of Evelyn Hugo. But mostly, I had to know why this story was even being written. I knew something was going to be twisty and wild and it didn’t disappoint. Really loved this book.
MY RATING ★★★★★
All The Missing Girls by Megan Miranda
A psychological thriller that takes you backwards during a 2 week period of a girl going missing. I really liked the unique take on reading this day by day counting back to when it all started. But I felt like it was a little long and wanted a little more thrill.
MY RATING ★★★★
Eight Perfect Murders By Peter Swanson
I really loved Peter Swanson’s “The Kind Worth Killing” and wanted to check out more of his books. I enjoyed this mostly but felt like it got a little weird. It’s about a bookshop owner who is helping an FBI agent figure out if a few local murders are related based on a list of books that were, according to the book shop owner, the 8 perfect murders.
MY RATING ★★★
Me vs Brain by Hayley Morris
If you’re not following Hayley Morris on Instagram, do it now. She is hysterical. And her book did not disappoint. It was a fun read highlighting how we all have the same crazy thoughts running through our brains. This is definitely no self-help book, but it makes you feel a lot less alone that we all have some weird shit happening in our brains at all times.
MY RATING ★★★★★
Nobody Will Tell You This By Me by Bess Kalb
I didn’t know what this book was about but as soon as I started reading it, it was like a book about my family in a sense. A Jewish grandmother and her grandaughter share stories about their history and lives. I teared up multiple times reading this book realizing how little time we have with loved ones.
MY RATING ★★★★
What Books I Listened To In 2023
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell
I love to learn all about cults, Scientology in particular is a favorite. This book goes into detail on how language in particular helps to influence cult mentalities. From Scientology to Jonestown, and yes, even cult fitness studios like SoulCycle. I found it all really fascinating and it was also a quick and enjoyable listen.
MY RATING ★★★
SPARE by Prince Harry
I’m definitely Team Meghan & Harry and had to read this book. It was a detailed look into his childhood of loss and grief, experience in war, and finished with finding love. As a fan of the royal couple, I knew many of the stories, but there were definitely some more details and surprises. If you’re a fan of Prince Harry, I’d suggest reading it.
MY RATING ★★★★
Atomic Habits by James Clear
If you’re looking to create habits, look no further than this book. James Clear really shows you how easy it can be to create long lasting habits. It’s not some crazy secret either. It’s simple, straight forward, but just takes a bit of creativity. Atomic Habits is a must-read I think for anyone who has ever struggled in creating a new habit.
MY RATING ★★★★
Live Wire by Kelly Rippa
I have always been a Kelly Rippa fan. I remember my mom watching All My Children and loving Hailey and Mateo. As a fan, I was excited to dive into this book. Being honest, if you’re not a fan of her, I don’t think this will be for you. I enjoyed most of the stories and feel like it got more interesting about half way through. She shares short stories throughout her career and it was a fun look behind the curtain.
MY RATING ★★★
How Y’All Doing by Leslie Jordan
This was a really quick listen, just around 4 hours. A look at Leslie’s childhood, career and experiences in Hollywood. I liked this, wanted to LOVE it thinking I’d be laughing out loud the whole time. Still enjoyed it.
MY RATING ★★★
Man Up by Ross Matthews
I’m a big fan of Ross Matthews and loved his second book, Name Drop, which I loved. Man Up is more about his childhood and his Hollywood story. I just adored this book. I laughed out loud, I also teared up hearing about his big break. Which somehow I did not know about. A really fun read.
MY RATING ★★★★★
Lies My Mother Told Me by Melissa Rivers
How I miss watching Joan Rivers on the red carpet and her witty commentary. This book written by her daughter, Melissa Rivers, was a good giggle. She recounts many elaborate lies and stories her mother told her over the years. It was a fun look at their relationship, and the wild life and absolute gem of an icon that Joan Rivers was.
MY RATING ★★★★
Love, Pamela by Pamela Anderson
After watching the Pamela Anderson documentary, I had to download this book. It took you through a deeper look at her life growing up in Vancouver, making it big in Hollywood and the fascinating animal activism she was involved in. I really enjoyed a look at her life and would recommend it if you’re even remotely a fan of hers.
MY RATING ★★★★
Featured image by KVC Photography
