Top Five Best Reads 2023 (Plus a Bonus)

2023 has been an exciting year. I’ve read many books and I also enjoyed so many. Here are my top 5 best reads for 2023, plus a bonus.

I don’t have a post with the best books from 2021 or 2022, but here are the best books from 2020. So without any further adue, let’s dive in the best reads of 2023.

Photo Credits to Lilly Rum from Unsplash

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab

Kicking off my list is V. E. Schwab’s masterpiece, “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.” Schwab weaves a captivating tale of a young woman who makes a Faustian bargain for immortality but at the cost of being forgotten by everyone she meets. The novel’s exploration of the human desire for legacy and the consequences of an extraordinary life is both haunting and beautiful.

What sets “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” apart is its extraordinary departure from the familiar narratives I’ve encountered in the past. Schwab’s ability to intertwine elements of fantasy, romance, and existential exploration creates a reading experience unlike anything I’ve delved into before. As someone who often finds comfort in the familiar, this novel’s unique premise and the poignant exploration of forgotten memories challenge the conventions of storytelling in a way that resonates deeply. It’s a refreshing departure from my usual literary choices, and the haunting beauty of Addie’s journey has left an indelible mark on my appreciation for narratives that boldly defy expectations.

You Were There Too by Colleen Oakley

Colleen Oakley’s “You Were There Too” takes us on an emotional rollercoaster exploring the complexities of relationships and the impact of choices on the course of our lives. The story revolves around Mia and her encounters with a man she keeps dreaming about. Oakley skillfully delves into the intricacies of love, fate, and the fragility of human connections.

What truly resonated with me in Colleen Oakley’s “You Were There Too” was the ingenious use of dreams as a narrative device. Oakley masterfully integrates Mia’s recurring dreams, creating a captivating thread that weaves through the complexities of the plot. The idea that dreams can transcend the realm of subconscious thought and influence the course of one’s life is brilliantly explored. As a reader who often contemplates the mysterious influence of dreams, this aspect added a layer of intrigue and a touch of magical realism to the storyline. Oakley’s exploration of how dreams intertwine with the characters’ lives, impacting their choices and relationships, adds a thought-provoking dimension that lingered in my mind long after I turned the last page. It’s a testament to the author’s skill in seamlessly blending the ethereal with the tangible, making “You Were There Too” a standout in my literary journey of 2023.

The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka

In “The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida,” Shehan Karunatilaka transports readers to a vibrant world where a young girl embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets of her family’s past. The novel seamlessly blends folklore, mystery, and a touch of magic, creating a rich narrative that explores the power of storytelling and the ties that bind generations together.

Diving into “The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida” marked a thrilling introduction to the works of Booker Prize winners. Exploring the vibrant world crafted by Karunatilaka was a literary adventure like no other. The novel’s seamless blend of folklore, mystery, and a touch of magic captivated my imagination from the first page. What stood out prominently was the author’s ability to construct a narrative that not only unveiled the intriguing secrets of Maali Almeida’s family but also underscored the profound power of storytelling.

The Cafe on the Edge of the World by John Strelecky

John Strelecky’s “The Cafe on the Edge of the World” invites readers to reflect on life’s purpose and priorities. The protagonist, facing a crisis, embarks on a journey of self-discovery at a remote café. Strelecky’s simple yet profound storytelling prompts introspection, urging us to reconsider our values and live a more meaningful life.

Listening to “The Cafe on the Edge of the World,” I found myself not just listening to an audio book, but embarking on a personal journey of introspection. The protagonist’s quest for meaning and self-discovery struck a chord, prompting me to reflect on my own life and priorities. Strelecky’s simple yet profound storytelling acted as a catalyst for contemplation, urging me to reassess the values that shape my decisions and the path I tread. In a world filled with constant noise and distractions, this literary gem served as a gentle reminder to pause, ponder, and truly understand what is important in life. The narrative resonated with a universal truth—that sometimes, in the quiet moments of reflection, we unearth the clarity needed to lead a more meaningful and fulfilling existence. Strelecky’s work is not just a book; it’s a guide that encourages readers to navigate the complexities of life with a renewed perspective and a deeper understanding of their own journey.

The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy

“The Power of Your Subconscious Mind” is a transformative guide that explores the incredible potential of our subconscious in shaping our reality. Murphy provides practical insights and techniques to harness the power within, empowering readers to overcome challenges, achieve goals, and cultivate a positive mindset.

This book proved to be a transformative gem in my literary collection. Murphy’s exploration of the immense potential residing within our subconscious mind is not only enlightening but also empowering. What particularly captivated me was Murphy’s unique approach to interpreting stories from the Bible, infusing them with practical insights that resonate with the challenges of modern life. His ability to draw connections between ancient wisdom and contemporary struggles added a layer of depth and relevance that I hadn’t encountered before. Through this lens, the timeless narratives became valuable lessons, guiding readers toward harnessing their inner strength, overcoming obstacles, and fostering a positive mindset. Murphy’s work is not just a guide to unlocking the power of the mind; it’s a testament to the enduring wisdom found within the pages of ancient texts and its applicability to the complexities of our present reality.

Bonus: Return to the Why Cafe by John P. Strelecky

As a delightful sequel, John P. Strelecky takes us on another enlightening journey in “Return to the Why Cafe.” Building on the themes of purpose and fulfillment from his previous work, Strelecky offers fresh perspectives and thought-provoking insights. This bonus read serves as a perfect encore, encouraging us to revisit the fundamental questions that guide our life choices.

In summary, these five books, along with the bonus 😊, have left an indelible mark on my literary journey in 2023. Each one, in its unique way, has enriched my understanding of the human experience, making them must-reads for anyone seeking inspiration, introspection, and a touch of magic in their reading list.

What were your favourite reads this year and why? Let’s make a reading chain and inspire each other.

A book for the end of the year

I haven’t written any posts lately, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been reading. One book that is just perfect to read at the end of the year is 2024… The Year of More.

You can read the synopsis and purchase the book here.

This book is just what you need to set your goals for 2024, to set the New Year’s Resolutions straight. We all want a 2024 filled with abundance and success, but that needs resilience, work and discipline. And we’ll likely need to do some exercises in order to obtain what we want. Noah William Smith found the perfect format for his book. Each chapter has a designated section for Exercises, Motivational Takeaway and one for Notes.

Being a dreamer, I resonated the most with the chapter about dreams, but I agreed with all the chapters since they were a reminder of the things I once knew, but almost forgot. If you follow the exercises and questions, the chances to have the year of your life are really high.

What I really liked about this book is the positivity that each chapter brings; that uplifting feeling you get when reading about positive things, when planning a holiday, a great trip or a delicious meal. Small things make us happy, bring us joy and create better versions of ourselves. In other words, they can change our lives in better, and same will happen if you apply the pieces of advice found in this book.

2024… Your Year of More is a book worth reading, meditating and journaling on. It asks vital questions for your health, happiness and wealth. To a 2024 filled with wonderful achievements!

A book like a long session of meditation

Becoming Flawesome by Kristina Mänd-Lakhiani

Birds are loudly chirping in my neighbour’s apple tree, I am on my sun lounger, watching the butterflies as they fly from flower to flower in search of nectar. I just finished Becoming Flawesome by Kristina Mänd-Lakhiani and it’s like I’m in a state of trance. 

The synopsis goes like this : Being described as “10 years worth of therapy in one book,” Becoming Flawesome by Kristina Mänd-Lakhiani is a celebration of our whole selves, warts and all, and the glory that is to be found in living in our truth. In the book, Kristina shares her own journey from being on top of a personal growth empire like Mindvalley to stepping aside, conscious uncoupling from her husband, and walking her path towards being more honest with herself. – and this is so true plus much more. 

This book is like meditation, like a deep state of trance where you get in touch with your subconscious. You cannot speed or skim read it as it loses meaning and substance. You have to rummage it after each chapter, close it and analyse the words you’ve read so far. Then it’s time to go in the introspective mode. This may vary, but it will usually take between 10 to 30 minutes or more. Sometimes, you, like myself, will find yourself thinking about it before you go to sleep. 

That’s why is good to have a journal as Kristina herself always advises and write down your thoughts. The Reflection Points are a brilliant addition to each chapter. They are your moment, when you can embrace everything you’ve read and put it down on paper.

Some of the highlights of this book are: the dark, controversial side of ‘personal growth,’ and the insecurities that thrive on it, what authenticity actually is, beyond the buzz, self-care vs self-love, and why you need both, the ‘Hermione Syndrome,’ and how to diagnose if you’re secretly suffering from it, how to create aligned lifestyle habits that stick and plenty more, that I’m not going to reveal them yet, because you need to go and buy this book now.

I could identify so much with Kristina’s story. Growing up in a post communist country, the values that were instilled in me as a young child were the same as Kristina’s. I grew up with ‘Hermione’S syndrome’ without even knowing it and same as Kristina I learned to grow and become my true self.

You’ll learn so many things by reading this book. Some vital things for living your life in peace and blissfulness. If you are lucky enough you’ll discover many hidden things about yourself as well, things that you buried deep down in your subconscious. But these things don’t want to be buried anymore. They want to come to light and shine. And that is how the magic of Becoming Flawsome works. After finishing this book you will be a transformed person. A new you will materialise before your very own eyes. This might be a bit scary at first, but be patient, trust the process and embrace your flaws. Because they are going to make you flawesome – The only person who’s rejection you have to fear is your own. As long as you can accept yourself, the world has no choice but to accept you as well. And if it doesn’t, you won’t give a damn anyway.

Gaining back your confidence was never that easy

Better Self Image for Young Men: Learn How to Subscribe to Your Own Self Confidence by Dean Frost

Project 36 (Thirty-six)

This is the last shot of the series, so this is all about thanks.

First and foremost I’d like to thank The Photographic Eye YouTube Channel who inspired me to start this project in the first place.

Project 36 (Thirty-five)

Crushing the Earth under colourful boots.

It’s nearly the end of the Project 36 and I’m pretty pleased with all the ideas and shots. It was quite challenging at times, but ideas are everywhere, we just have to look for them.

Project 36 (Thirty-four)

Seeing the Earth through a small window.

I wanted to replicate the airplane’s windows, even though the spaceship windows look totally different. It’s more of an abstract idea😀

Project 36 (Thirty-three)

Lit with multiple light colours, I find the result quite pleasing.

Project 36 (Thirty-two)

In the outer space 😀… Using a space background.

Project 36 (Thirty-one)

I love the fluorescent vibe. What do you think? Does it look too scary like an apocalyptic scenary, we see in movies? Would love to hear your opinion.