Like many things in life, I have always wished I was more of a reader than I am in reality. Blame the speed of modern life, the abundance of screens, or just general laziness; I’ve never been great at sitting down and reading a book. And so it’s only been recently that I’ve given myself a free pass to “read” books via audiobooks, and it has been a game changer. And now I do consider myself a reader — or listener — of books.

Statistics

I read a total of 47 books. I favor nonfiction and heavily favor audiobooks 😄. The total was 17 fiction and 30 nonfiction. I actually only “read” 8 books if you don’t count audio - 2 digitally and 6 on actual real paper.

Of interest, one stat that isn’t tracked here but that I tallied myself is that I read more male authors than female authors this year. But as I finished this blog, I realized that every author I featured is female. Do with that what you will.

Best and Worst

Best Fiction: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

As an enthusiast of the Hunger Games series, I can confidently say that this book stands out as the best yet. Particularly for those familiar with the storyline of the entire series, this prequel is not just a compelling narrative in its own right; it also skillfully interweaves elements that foreshadow future events.

Best Nonfiction: Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Admittedly, I might be among the last to uncover the remarkable journey of Glennon Doyle and her extraordinary family. However, I gladly share this revelation if it guides even one more person to her inspiring book. This narrative is a masterclass in self-discovery, comprehending the nuances of love, and the art of nurturing family bonds.

Worst: The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

Britney Spears’ “The Woman in Me” falls short in terms of its writing quality. As someone who is a strong supporter of Britney and shares the millennial nostalgia for her era, it’s disappointing to acknowledge that this book doesn’t quite meet expectations.

Must Read for Parents: Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy

While I may be a recent arrival to the Dr. Becky Kennedy fandom, her impact is undeniably profound. “Good Inside” stands as the most practical, relatable, and actionable parenting book I have encountered. In a world full of platitudes and “must dos” in parenting advice, Dr. Becky actually delivers actionable, relatable, real-world practical advice.

Must Read for Technologists: Engineering Management for the Rest of Us by Sarah Drasner

Having been an admirer of Sarah Drasner’s work for many years, I approached “Engineering Management for the Rest of Us” with considerable expectations. Remarkably, the book surpassed them, thanks to Sarah’s profound expertise in both the human and technical facets of software engineering.

Must Read for Families: When Life Gives You Pears by Jeannie Gaffigan

Jeannie Gaffigan, co-architect of the comedic brilliance evident in Jim Gaffigan’s stand-up, navigates the dual roles of a working professional and mother to five children. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she confronts a daunting medical diagnosis: a pear-shaped brain tumor. In “When Life Gives You Pears,” Jeannie showcases resilience, drawing strength from her family, faith, and an inexhaustible well of humor.

Highly Recommended Fiction

• Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
• The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
• Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
• The Guest List by Lucy Foley
• The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
• The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

Highly Recommended Nonfiction

• Devil in the Grove by Gilbert King
• Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup
• Better Living Through Birding by Christian Cooper
• The Culture Map by Erin Meyer
• Brotopia by Emily Chang
• Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
• The Woman Who Smashed Codes by Jason Fagone

What’s Next?

Books I have on my radar include:

• Oath and Honor by Liz Cheney
• High Growth Handbook by Elad Gil
• Radical Candor by Kim Malone Scott
• Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
• The Martian by Andy Weir

A huge “thank you” to The StoryGraph - an independent alternative to Goodreads that helps me track all of these great books and statistics.