2023 in Books

Ever wondered why anyone bothers to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard? I grappled with this question, delaying the publication of my year in books note last year. A tradition I've upheld for years, I almost succumbed to the skepticism this year too– does the world truly need another pontification? In the sea of "me too" content inundating social media, posting seems akin to a stray relieving itself on a bustling city street.

?To avoid a repeat of last year's hesitation, I turned to my newfound advisor, Jeeves (Microsoft co-pilot & Chat GPT), for guidance. His wisdom persuaded me that writing is not a necessity but a pleasure, an avenue for expressing oneself and engaging with others in these tumultuous times. Inspired by his eloquence, I gave in and here’s my reading journey this year.

I started the year in a black note with Iris Murdoch’s convoluted The Black Prince. After last years, dalliance with Murdoch, this was an early fall out for me. I loved the jolt of the unreliable narrator as different perspectives unfold, almost like a trusted friend jilting you during trust reverie! Beyond that I just couldn’t keep up with the debauched moral compass in the book, did Murdoch go overboard with unleashing the unsaid.?

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Venturing into the so-called classic "Don Quixote of Lamancha" left me frustrated, questioning if its acclaim was a case of collective enthusiasm. Turning to the comforting embrace of Asimov's "Second Foundation" proved a wise choice, reaffirming his ability to deliver a captivating tale amid galactic turmoil.

A series of good reads followed, including "Book of M" by Peng Shepherd, "Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow" by Gabriel Zevin, and Murakami's extensive "IQ84." Novelist as a Vocation, Trillion Dollar Coach, and Same As Ever marked unexpected forays into non-fiction, each with its own surprises and disappointments.

?Standouts this year were Dumas' timeless "The Count of Monte Cristo," Varghese's epic "Covenant of Water," and Adjei-Brenye's vicariously delightful "Chain Gang All Stars." However, my best read of the year undoubtedly goes to Daniel James Brown's "The Men in the Boat," a gripping historical nonfiction about the resilience of nine American rowers at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

?I am contemplating an eclectic list for 2024, would love to explore diverse genres and authors. Your recommendations and thoughts are always welcome. Here's to another year of discovering the magic within the pages.