As I say every year, I’ve adapted this from The Perpetual Page Turner’s End of Year Survey!
2023 READING STATS
Number of Books You Read: 95
I didn’t quite hit my 100 book goal this year (first time since 2013, when I started tracking), but that’s okay. I had a lot going on!
(Plus, I read over 65 picture books and 1 manuscript, neither of which are included in Goodreads, but I track them in my spreadsheet–though I think I missed some picture books this year.)
Number of Re-Reads: 3
I finally reread the Three Dark Crowns series so I could actually finish it. I loved the final book, and I’m frustrated with myself for putting it off for so long. I really need to break that final-book non-reading habit!
Genre You Read The Most From: Fantasy/Paranormal
Books by Month:
My reading was definitely up and down by month. I’m mourning the days I had time to read a lot more (and blog more!), but I just have to face that this is my reality these days. Between working at Barnes & Noble and working on my writing, I’m stretched pretty thin.
No surprises when it came to age range. I’m sticking mostly to MG, since that’s what I’m currently writing. I think I read more genres this year than normal, though, so that’s a good thing I guess.
Favorite Book You Read in 2023?
Am I really doing this? I didn’t think I could narrow it down, but when I went over my Goodreads Year in Review, I kept coming back to my very first read of the year. I think of this book often, and I recommend it to people all the time at work. The fact that, a year after reading it, I still reflect on this read makes me think it must be my favorite read of the year, right?
Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone by Tae Keller is a book that stands out to me because it’s told from the perspective of a girl who is involved in bullying. This book shows all sides of a situation and makes kids think about how they might be contributing to someone else’s pain. Everyone involved in bullying isn’t necessarily a typical “mean” kid–going along with a crowd can be toxic and it can bring out the worst in people.
Favorite Cover of a Book You Read This Year?
I wrote a whole post about the cover artist for TJ Klune’s books because I was so astounded to learn that they’re created from models, they’re not illustrations. Red Nose Studio is incredible, so go read that post to learn about the artist’s process!
Most Surprising Book You Read?
I’ve known about Love That Dog by Sharon Creech for years, but apparently I knew nothing about it beyond the fact that it was an early example of a middle grade verse novel (first published in 2001). So, I was really shocked to learn it was such a sad (but powerful) story, masterfully woven through poetry!
Most Memorable Character?
I’m going with Will from A Work in Progress for this one. It’s obvious that Jarett Lerner put a lot of himself into this character, and the illustrations throughout the novel in verse make Will’s emotions and fears that much more palpable.
Most Beautifully Written Book?
The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo is a beautifully told fairy tale. I’m almost ashamed to admit that this is the first novel I’ve read by DiCamillo, and now I understand what I’ve been missing out on.
Best Book in a Genre You Don’t Usually Read?
I don’t read many adult titles anymore, and I almost never read adult thrillers, but the timebending aspect of Wrong Place, Wrong Time (by Gillian McAllister) made me think I should take a chance on this one, and I’m very glad I did. I recommend this one at the bookstore all the time now.
Most Thought-Provoking Book?
They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, and Steven Scott, illustrated by Harmony Becker is incredibly thought-provoking. It gives a (very sad) historical perspective I hadn’t seen in a book before.
Book You Can’t Believe You Waited Until 2023 to Finally Read?
Well, I kind of already answered this one up at the top. I am astounded that I took so long to finally finish the Three Dark Crowns series. But, yes, I absolutely loved Five Dark Fates by Kendare Blake!
Best Book You Read in 2023 that You Read Based SOLELY On a Recommendation from Somebody Else/Peer Pressure/Bookstagram, Etc.:
Everyone was raving about I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy (it sold out in a flash at B&N), so I thought I’d see what all the fuss was about, even though I never watched iCarly. Well, it turns out I didn’t need to know much about McCurdy to appreciate the things she went through as a child actor. The wit and intelligence with which she tells her story are incredibly engaging.
Best 2023 Debut you Read?
I’m going with Good Different by Meg Eden Kuyatt for this one. I think this NIV did a great job of showing the world through the eyes of a girl on the autism spectrum. (Technically, I think Meg had technically self-published under a different name before? Or maybe published with a very small press under another name? But I’m still counting this as a debut.)
Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting in a Book You Read This Year?
Between Monsters and Marvels by Alysa Wishingrad sets up a unique monster-filled world that I loved!
Most Beautiful Graphic Novel?
I loved Global by Eoin Colfer, illustrated by Andrew Donkin. This climate change graphic novel told a moving story, and it was gorgeously illustrated.
Best Retelling of the Year?
Why did I wait so long to read Little Thieves by Margaret Owen? This book is a dark YA fantasy reimagining of the classic Grimm’s Fairy Tale, “The Goose Girl,” told from the villain’s perspective, and it’s fabulous!
Book that Put a Smile On Your Face/Was the Most FUN to Read?
I’m going with the same series I used for this question last year. One Girl in All the World by Kendare Blake was such fun to read because I got to once again revisit my friends from Buffy the Vampire Slayer!
Most Action-Packed/Thrilling/Unputdownable Book of the Year?
I don’t know why I didn’t read The Luminaries by Susan Dennard last year (you can read about the number of copies I had in my 2022 wrap-up), but I’m sure glad I read it in 2023! Now I just need to keep it up and read the sequel.
Hidden Gem of the Year?
Spell Sweeper by Lee Edward Fodi was a random pick for me (I think I listened to an event with the author and then sought his book out). It was a delight from start to finish, with great worldbuilding and an action-packed plot! Why didn’t I hear more about this book in 2021?
Best Writing Craft Book You Read?
Write Your Novel from the Middle. This little gem of a craft book is super short, but that makes it easy to put into practice, which I find very helpful. It helped me think about my latest WIP from a new perspective.
Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship of the Year?
Twins Maya and Chaya from Mirror to Mirror by Rajani Larocca win this category. I was riveted by their story and the challenges to the strong bond between them.
Best Indie/Small Press/Self-Pubbed Read?
I’m going with Food Fight by Linda B. Davis, which was pubbed by Fitzroy Books. I hope that Fitzroy improves their cover art because I think it’s holding them back – the books I’ve read from this publisher are really impressive!
Best Picture Books You Read?
I had to add this category this year because there were a couple of picture books that I absolutely loved! I highly recommend The Knight Snacker by Valeria Wicker, which is just so funny and delightful. And you also need to read Real to Me by Minh Lê, gorgeously illustrated by Raissa Figueroa, which has a truly fun twist!
SOME MORE GRAPHS:
I listened to a higher percentage of books this year, probably because I struggled to find time and energy to read. I did read a slightly higher percentage of books that I actually purchased, though, so that’s good!
As you know, I don’t post books that would get less than 4 stars (this very occasionally includes books that would round up from 3.5 stars), but I do still rate them in my spreadsheet for my own information purposes. Now you can get a glimpse of those ratings too!
Favorite Post You Wrote in 2023?
I wrote a roundup of MG VERSE NOVELS TO READ DURING NATIONAL POETRY MONTH (AND BEYOND!) and a few other posts where I featured favorites of a certain type or genre. I’d like to do even more of these types of posts–they’re a great reference even for myself when I’m looking for recommendations for people at B&N.
Favorite Bookish-Related Photo You Took?
Love these pics of my new bookcases!
View this post on Instagram
Best Moment of Bookish/Blogging Life in 2023?
I mean, there’s no doubt that working on my upcoming debut novel is the best thing that’s happened to me and will probably be the best thing to happen until THE SONG OF ORPHAN’S GARDEN debuts on January 21st, 2025!!
I also created my new author website (which is linked above), which was very exciting!
Most Challenging Thing About Blogging or Your Reading Life This Year?
Once again, balancing reading, writing, blogging and life. This is only going to get worse, honestly.
One Book You Didn’t Get To in 2023 but Will Be Your Number One Priority in 2024?
I started listening to Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros in 2023, but my audiobook expired before I could finish it. Since I caved to pressure, I own two copies of this book (both the original with the dragon-painted edges and the special edition), so I have no excuse for not finishing it ASAP! (And then moving on to the sequel, which I also own–it’s the one with the black sprayed edges).
Book You Are Most Anticipating for 2024?
So many!! But a quick glance at Goodreads brought Free Period by Ali Terese to mind–this book looks like it’s going to be so much fun, and I can’t wait to read it!
A 2024 Release You’ve Already Read & Recommend to Everyone:
I’ve already read (and loved!) The Mystery of Locked Rooms, Courtesy of Cupid, and The Curse of Eelgrass Bog. You should be picking up all three of these!
Oh, and of course, my Author Mentor Match mentee’s book is coming out in February! Not the Worst Friend in the World by Anne Rellihan is absolutely fantastic (it’s been getting starred reviews!!). You definitely don’t want to miss it!
If you’d like to see my Goodreads Year in Books, click on the link!
Wow what an awesome survey, and how do you do the graphs!!!? Do you have a spreadsheet of your reading?
Yes, I have a spreadsheet that I’ve used for years. I originally got it from Kal @ Voracious Reader, and I’ve adapted it over time.
Actually, I just checked out her site and noticed she has a new one up for 2024, and the graphs are prettier now. I might try to see if I can use that one! I definitely recommend checking it out – I delete some of the tabs because I don’t care to track all the blogging stuff, but it’s a fantastic resource!!
I did not know that about Klune’s cover. You have me looking at it differently now. My daughter loved Creech. I read Walk Two Moons not that long ago. It was very good.
I was fascinated when I learned about Red Nose Studios – I’ve always loved Klune’s covers, but I had no idea how they were created!
I also really loved I’m Glad My Mom Died. In way of celebrity memoirs I thought McCurdy did a great job at utilizing her writing skills to tell a very traumatic story.
I definitely agree. I was impressed.
Love that Dog is such a good book! I’m going to actually get your favorite book of the year to give my niece who is in middle school this year for her birthday next month, thanks for that suggestion! I ended up counting some picture book in my total to try to reach my goal, but my original 200 goodreads goal was not met either. So many good books on here and I’m loving all of your publishing journey as you share it with us!
I’m glad my recommendation helped you find a book for your niece – I hope she loves it!!
I loved seeing your books and graphs. Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s hard to juggle your writing, blog, work, and reading. I love your cover, and your website looks good.
Thanks, Natalie! I’m definitely trying to keep in mind that it’s natural to have less time for blogging and reading with everything else going on, and I really do have to focus on writing as much as I can. But it’s still bittersweet to feel like the relationships I’ve built up over 10 years of blogging are fading in recent months, even if it’s a reality I can’t completely avoid.
And thanks for the compliments on the new website! The cover for my book hasn’t been revealed yet (it’s in the works!) – the picture I included here is just a graphic I created when we decided on a title change so I could announce the new title. I’m glad you like it, though!!
I love graphs! I’m glad you enjoyed the Tae Keller book. I still need to read that one because The Science Of Breakable Things is one of my favorite MG books.
Oh my goodness, your end-of-the-year survey is so much more inviting than mine. I felt so invited in to explore books titles and blog posts. Thank you. Hope 2024 is just as wonderful for you.
Let’s discuss ranking books
Wow where to begin!? You have so much information, displayed so well! I am always in awe of the graphs, really. I downloaded this reading spreadsheet, though you and I both know I will likely never actually fill it out. I even went to the “lazy” one she recommends but… it’s me, after all. I also bought Fourth Wing because it was pretty heh. Maybe we’ll both get to it one of these days! And I LOVE your bookshelf! So pretty and organized!
THREE DARK CROWNS!! Those books got me through the first month or two of the pandemic. Typically I also have a “final-book non-reading habit” but those books were a lifesaver at the time, haha. Glad to hear you enjoyed the conclusion! BETWEEN MONSTERS AND MARVELS sounds like just my kind of middle grade – I’ll have to try to pick it up this year. What a nice surprise to see SPELL SWEEPEER as a hidden gem! I quite enjoyed that one, especially as Canadian middle grade of that short is in short supply. Your bookcases are lovely – all that colour is great to see 🙂 That’s so wild your debut is only just a year away. I’m excited to check it out. 😀