I did not do as much reading as I would’ve liked this last half of the year. But am proud that I read so much this year that it needed TWO parts. You can check out my Part 1 reading list of 2023 here.
My reading list included quite a few memoirs. I plowed through Paris Hilton’s and listened to it on audiobook. And also Britney Spears’. Matthew Perry’s was just so sad to listen to.
But there are two books on this list that make me so happy. TWO people I know have written books. I had the pleasure of meeting Anna Kloots on a press trip many years ago. She actually mentions the trip in her book and it made me smile. And my friend Becca Freeman wrote a beautiful book on friendship between four young adults in NYC. It got me so excited for Christmas in NYC. Here’s what I read in 2023, you can read part 1 here.
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What I Read In 2023 Part 2
All The Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham
A child goes missing and you follow the story of how a sleep-deprived mom searches for answers. There were unexpected twists that kept me turning the pages. What you think happened, most definitely is not. I loved the twist and turns of this but it did take a minute to get to page-turner status.
MY RATING ★★★★
Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
I wanted to love this book as it came highly recommended. While I loved the triumph of Elizabeth, the female chemist making it in a man’s world in the 50s, the book shares her struggles and success as she finds her footing. I think I was expecting a big event or more twists, but it was just a lovely story of someone learning and growing.
MY RATING ★★★
Swipe Up For More by Stephanie McNeal
Stephanie is a BuzzFeed News influencer industry reporter and I have always enjoyed her hot takes on the industry. She follows three influencers for two years to learn about their business, struggles and triumphs in the industry.
It was an interesting look into three very different influencers and seeing how they approach their business, critics and brand. I plowed through this book.
MY RATING ★★★★
My Own Magic by Anna Kloots
I had the pleasure of meeting Anna on a press trip back in 2019 and have kept up with her ever since. I had to get my hands on this book to learn more about her wild marriage with a magician.
Watching it all play out in the book, I wish Anna learned about her magic so much sooner. But we all have been in those relationships that are hard to see the reality everyone else does from the outside.
MY RATING ★★★★★
The Woman In Me by Britney Spears
I of course had to read this immediately upon receiving it. I plowed through it and was utterly stunned by all of the things she had to go through. I think the entire media world owes her an apology.
If you’re not a Britney fan, this book probably isn’t for you. But if you ever loved a good Britney bop, this is a must read. My heart is simply broken for her.
MY RATING ★★★★★
The Christmas Orphan’s Club by Becca Freeman
This was my first ever Christmas book. Becca Freeman writes about four friends and their unique annual Christmas traditions living in New York City. Their traditions are unconventional as they all have their own unique story as to being orphans on Christmas.
I enjoyed this heartwarming story of four friends and their relationships and friendships throughout a decade of Christmas traditions.
MY RATING ★★★★★
A Flicker In The Dark by Stacy Willingham
This psychological thriller follows a psychologist whose childhood was traumatized by multiple girls in her town going missing, and her father going to jail for the crimes. She finds herself in the middle of another crime in her adult life and is filled with paranoia, twists and turns.
I felt like I had so many different theories while reading this book and the twists kept coming. It kept me interested from the beginning and I couldn’t read this one fast enough.
My Rating ★★★★
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I was excited to read this book because I loved The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo written by Jenkins-Reid. However, this book was not my favorite. There were too many characters and story lines and it took too long to get to the resolutions.
Malib Rising is a book that follows the children of a famous singer and their complicated relationships. Their secrets unfold at an annual party where truths and surprises come out.
My Rating ★★★
What Books I Listened To In 2023
Paris: The Memoir by Paris Hilton
As a Millennial, I grew up on Juicy Couture tracksuits and watching The Simple Life. “That’s Hot” was a tagline I knew very well. Listening to Paris Hilton recount her fascinating life as an heiress to the Hilton brand was incredible. I was blown away by her tragic experience of abuse at emotional growth boarding schools.
As someone who is viewed as a ditzy rich blonde, it was a deep look into her complicated mind and drive to make change. I loved listening to this book and wanted even more.
MY RATING ★★★★★
Friends, Lovers And The Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir by Matthew Perry
I started this book a few months ago and just hadn’t found the time to dive into it. Chandler was always my favorite character on Friends and I knew he had struggled with addiction. After his passing, I resumed listening. This was an emotional book to listen to after knowing he had just passed.
I truly had no idea about his history with addiction. I just knew he had an addition at some point and that he did go to rehab. The extent of how bad it was was something I was unaware of. This book was heartbreaking to listen to, emotional and sad.
I would still recommend this to anyone as I really enjoyed hearing about his story, his struggles and his life experiences. This book made me more empathetic and understanding with those who struggle with addiction.
