A Year In Review

My best reads from 2023

Happy 2024!

Another year gone by, a fresh start, and new things on the horizon. There is something almost sacred about the seasons and the annual chance they offer us to “start again.”

As I reflect on this last year and particularly on my 2023 reading journey, I wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the most meaningful books I read this year, along with what they taught me. If you are looking for a great read to start your new year with, I recommend giving any of these a try.

2023 Reading Highlights

Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber

An imaginative memoir of one woman’s journey from skepticism to faith. Although I am usually initially distrustful of anything in the realm of modern Christian stories, I was first delighted and then deeply moved by this story. It was told in a meaningful and real but beautiful way. Aside from the author’s authentic and vulnerable search for truth, I fell in love with the Oxford setting of the book and the fact that she was studying the Romantics. The literary references were generous and beautiful throughout! A real treat for any book lover. (P.S. The book is much better than the movie!)

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

I don’t think this little paragraph can do justice to the magnanimity of this story. Over and over again, I was struck by the March sisters’ selfless love for their home and commitment to their family. The movies are beautiful, but the book does a unique job of capturing the virtue that the sisters are striving for, amidst their personal struggles. This book touches on everything: life, death, love, loss, growth, romance… but from an incredibly refreshing and wholesome standpoint. It was by far one of my favorite reads this year. We need more coming-of-age stories like this for girls today.

The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald and The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson

These were my two “fairytale highlights” for the year. The Little Mermaid is my favorite fairytale of all time. With that beautiful sadness common in really good fairytales, it treats of the insatiable longing for an immortal soul. Ever since I was a child, I was enchanted by the original story. I also read my first MacDonald book! He writes like a classic fairytale author. I can’t wait to read more from him this year, especially since my husband and I are hoping to plan a trip to his native land.. :)

Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

I know it is a classic for a reason, but I genuinely don’t think there is a better book written about life on the Mississippi. Not only is it accurate and useful from a historical standpoint, it is also truly good (in the sense of virtuous) and absolutely hilarious. Months after finishing the book we are still quoting it on a weekly basis in our house. This is a book that charms you from start to finish. I didn’t think Mark Twain was really my style until I read this book. It is a pure gem.

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Do you want a book that makes you think while also edifying you with the quality of its prose? Look no further. Dickens sometimes gets a bad rap for feeling “depressing,” but I honestly don’t think that is the case. His books portray the range of lower-upper classes of his time very accurately, but in an honest and thoughtful way that doesn’t leave one feeling bereft of hope. He looks into the gutter, but he doesn’t leave you there. I think this book would be a wonderful read for anyone who wants to think about the life choices we make and how those choices affect the formation of one’s character. At least, that is what I got out of it this year.

J.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the Century by Tom Shippey

As much as I absolutely love Tolkien (and trust me, I absolutely love Tolkien), I was curious to see how well Shippey would be able to support his claim that J.R.R. Tolkien was the best author of the entire century. However, after reading his account of Tolkien’s project and his explanation of exactly what Tolkien was doing from a linguistic, historical, scholarly, literary, and philosophical standpoint… I completely agree with him. I have studied Tolkien from a religious, philosophical, and literary standpoint, but I was blown away by the linguistic side of his project. And for all of the fandom surrounding his books, I still don’t think the world has fully grasped the sheer mastery of his project. Also, points to Shippey for writing all of this down in a way that was thoroughly engaging and accessible. I wasn’t bored once.

I hope you have enjoyed this list, and maybe you have found something you would like to read next! I would love to hear from you in the comments what the best book you read this year was. Let me know!

Happy reading!

Maddie