Favorite Books of 2023

I’ve already done a couple posts throughout the year doing a roundup of my reads but now that 2023 is a wrap, I wanted to share my overall favorite books from the past year. I spent quite a bit of the summer re-reading one of my all time favorite scifi/fantasy series’ but for this list I’m going to focus on more current release books, and a couple new-to-me but older releases.

Fiction

Divine Rivals

This was a really fun read that is set in a fantasy world with some element of magic but ultimately the vibe of the setting is more early 1900’s, which I think is a cool time period to do fantasy within. Tons of fantasy novels tend to exist in the medieval-ish realm, which is enjoyable, but the change in venue and the way the magic elements were incorporated felt new and interesting. The love story is really sweet and it does end on a bit of a cliffhanger (not too painful), but no worries because the second book just came out last month! Ruthless Vows is the second book and I’ve downloaded it but haven’t started it quite yet!

Seven Days in June

This book wasn’t on any TBR list of mine, but it breezed into the free little library we have at our house mid-summer and I had just finished a book and it looked like an fun read so I snagged it. I don’t tend to read a lot of fiction set in contemporary times with the exception of my favorite crime novel series, and I definitely haven’t read any romance type books set in a current urban setting, so it was a departure from my normal reads, but I thoroughly enjoyed it! I loved the characters, the love story was interesting and sweet, with plenty of interest and a little bit of spice, and it had a very satisfying ending.

Destroyer (and Sanctifier)

This one is special to me because it’s by my friend Meg! Destroyer is her debut novel and it’s a duology, so the second book is coming out this spring! I, however, got to read an ARC of book two, Sanctifier, and it was just as wonderful as Destroyer, and tied up the story wonderfully. This is another fantasy novel, with a sort of 1800’s vibe, and while it included magical elements, the main character is an archeologist, so it has a cool mixture of science, magical skepticism, and lots of intrigue. Meg also has another fantasy novel coming out early 2024, a standalone novel titled The Frost Queen

Fourth Wing + Iron Flame

Probably unsurprising that these books are on the list since they’ve topped charts all year long, but after blazing through the Sarah J Maas universe (ACOTAR, Throne of Glass, and Crescent City), it felt somewhat difficult to dive into a new fantasy series that I fell in love with as much as I’d loved those books. I read Fourth Wing shortly after it came out and started getting glowing reviews, and fell for it just as much as the rest of the world (it seemed). Sweeping fantasy world, epic storyline, compelling characters, and some steamy spice made these two books potentially my favorites from this past year. I’m only halfway through Iron Flame thus far so no spoilers please! But even having not finished it yet, I feel confident in putting it on this list as well. If you loved the Sarah J Mass books, this series is a no brainer.

After That Night

The long awaited next book in the Will Trent series! I was introduced to Karin Slaughter many years ago with one of her standalone novels, but quickly fell into her Grant County/Will Trent series. Karin’s mystery/detective writing is absolutely brilliant and her attention to detail is so incredibly thorough, it really makes her books feel immersive and compelling. The pacing of her novels always feels quick and snappy, but in a way that allows you to fully absorb the story. I’m always impressed with how she brings a new and intriguing mystery to each of the installments in this series. The books never feel repetitive, despite the characters remaining largely the same. If you’re looking for a crime series with lots of books to devour, the Grant County/Will Trent Series’ are great.

Non Fiction

What Kind of Woman

I suppose poetry falls under the Non-Fiction umbrella? Either way, I’ve been following Kate J Baer on instagram for many years, and have even bought this book of poems as a gift for a friend, but never had my own copy. Well, I decided to treat myself to it while I was picking up Christmas presents at the local bookshop last month and it’s just such a wonderful collection of poem that speak to life experience as a women. Obviously they’re poems from her life perspective, and include details about her own life, but her writing feels so deeply universal. Her poetry feels relatable, conversational, raw, and approachable. It’s not pretentious in the slightest, or something you feel like you need a degree in english literature to comprehend. Just lovely, real life poetry.

The Confidence Code

I grabbed this book to read on the plane as it headed to a content creator retreat earlier in the year, and it was a surprisingly eye opening book that dug into the science of confidence, how women experience it differently (often less) than men, and how women can tap into confidence in a way that feels authentic to their lived experiences rather than as a replication of how toxic masculinity presents it. I deeply appreciated the science and studies behind the stories and recommendations the authors shared, which I think made the book feel less fluffy-self-help-y, and more prescriptive. It definitely helped me reframe some things surrounding my own experience with confidence

The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine

As the events of October 7th sparked debate globally surrounding Palestine, I wanted to fill in some gaps in my regional history, and this book in particular is recommended universally, so I immediately picked it up. It’s a mixture of history dating back to the late 1800’s, and the author’s own experience as a Palestinian with the impacts of the Israeli occupation on his own family. I highly recommend if you’re interested in learning more about the history surrounding the current occupation and Palestinian resistance effort.

Except for Palestine: The Limits of Progressive Politics

This is another book that’s on most lists for folks looking to gain more context on the current occupation of Palestine. This one offers some interesting insight into why liberals and progressives often will leave Palestine out of their efforts towards equality and liberation. It unpacks a lot of the zionist arguments surrounding Palestine, and I think it’s a really solid book for anyone with lingering questions about Palestinian resistance and liberation efforts or anti-semitism as it relates to the arguments against zionism.

best podcasts of 2023

I wouldn’t call myself a podcast aficionado by any stretch of the imagination, but I do have a few podcasts that I listen to consistently and enjoy, so I thought I’d share a short list of my favorites that I’ve voraciously devoured over the course of the past year. Based on my TV interests, I’d think that I’d gravitate towards the true crime serial type shows, but I actually don’t listen to any true crime podcasts, oddly enough. I think I’ve found that my sweet spot is learning/unlearning things paired with snarky shit talking.

5-4 was a new podcast for me in 2023, and it became one of my absolute favorites. It’s one of the only podcasts that I actually pay for the subscription to access bonus episodes and since I’m fully caught up, I’ve been delving into the archives to get even more 5-4. Oddly enough (for me, I suppose) 5-4 is a podcast about the Supreme Court. More specifically it’s a podcast about how much the supreme court sucks. Having grown up in a conservative household and worldview, I never thought much about the supreme court or the decisions of the supreme court being positive or negative. I think I probably had the opinion that it was a protective body upholding the constitution. But I’ll admit outside of landmark cases like the recent Dobb’s decision, the Supreme Court wasn’t something I thought about much, especially in the context of my current leftist perspective. Learning from Michael, Rhiannon, and Peter — all left leaning lawyers— about notable supreme court decisions that have helped (negatively) shape legal precedent and US society has been really illuminating. And their hilarious commentary and snarky take downs make the podcast something I’ve laughed out loud to on many occasions, not something I would have thought I’d do listening to a podcast about the supreme court.

Maintenance Phase has been a staple in my podcast lineup since 2022. It’s essentially a podcast about debunking junk science and cultural ideas about health and weight. The hosts, Michael and Aubrey, take turns each podcast teaching the other about a topic, book, or public figure that has made an impact on the cultural discourse or widely accepted “science” surrounding weight, nutrition, and health. And while the hosts themselves are absolutely hilarious to listen to (again, a podcast I regularly laugh out loud to) they actually do a remarkably thorough amount of research for each episode. In a way I feel like it’s sneaky the way they spoon feed me so much incredible information and research because the podcast is a brilliantly enjoyable listen. Michael and Aubrey have the wittiest rapport with one another and, like 5-4, their humor is snarky and biting— right up my alley. These two are doing some serious heavy lifting in dissecting and debunking so much in the realm of fatphobia, and have been instrumental in a lot of my own personal unlearning in that area.

You might recognize the names of the hosts of If Books Could Kill— Michael is a host on Maintenance Phase and Peter is a host on 5-4. My podcast taste is a little incestuous it seems. What really happened is that I listened to Maintenance Phase and then Michael announced his new podcast If Books Could Kill and I knew that I’d enjoy it because I love Maintenance Phase so much. Then I listened to If Books Could Kill and enjoyed Peter so much, when I discovered he was on 5-4, I started listening to that. So there you go.

If Books Could Kill is essentially a podcast debunking and, you got it, talking shit about the runaway bestselling books that America has fallen in love with and potentially fallen for some bullshit ideas wrapped in the shiny cover of a seemingly life-changing book. So think… your Atomic Habits, The World is Flat, The Five Love Languages, The Coddling of the American Mind, The Secret, etc. This podcast has a similar format to Maintenance phase where each episode one of the hosts basically teaches the other one about a book or topic that they’ve read and deeply researched (though Peter will admit, Michael does the lion’s share when it comes to research). It’s wildly entertaining and oddly educational.

We Can Do Hard Things is a podcast that I don’t find myself listening to each and every episode of, but I do enjoy quite a few of their guests, so I’ll cherry pick here and there when they’ve got a guest who I’m interested in hearing. Most recently I listened to the newest Liz Gilbert episode, and the Dr. Becky Kennedy episodes are some of the most impactful parenting information/perspective I’ve gotten from a podcast. The format is typically the three hosts conversing with a guest, but they do have quite a few episodes where it’s just the hosts— Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle. Glennon and Abby are married, and Glennon and Amanda are sisters, so they all have a fun dynamic. It’s a super heartfelt podcast that often has a deep spiritual and life-lesson-y focus, but they’re more irreverent and funny than, say, your Oprah SuperSoul podcast. They have lots of big-name guests on the show, including Kamala Harris, Michelle Obama, Brene Brown, etc. If you’re doing some deep shadow work and emotional healing in 2024, this might be a podcast you find helpful!

Best DIY Projects of 2023

2023 was a bit of a slower year project-wise but I love what I got to create this past year. These are in no particular order but I think my top three are the library, the fireplace, and the disco mirrors. I’m counting The DIY Awards as a DIY project because, well, it was quite possibly the most intense, stressful, and time consuming DIY project I did all year. Tap on each link to go to the tutorial for that project (and if you click the DIY Awards one it’ll take you to the Awards round up with photos from the event, as well as all the winners!).

I don’t have anything solid planned for 2024 projects, but I’ve had some things that have been needing to be done for many years and I’m hoping to get those projects ticked off this year (there’s a half finished bathroom staring at me right now).

All in all, I’m proud of what I did in 2023, most of all the rest I allowed myself to take. I’m feeling like I’m going into the new year recharged and re-inspired, whereas I basically dragged myself through January last year trying to finish up and put on the DIY Awards event, and then subsequently was burnt out for a good portion of the year.

So here’s to 2023 and her accomplishments, and a fresh new year ahead full of possibility.

01/ The Ikea-hack built-in library

02/ The DIY Modern Garden Trellis

03/ The DIY faux concrete electric fireplace

04/ The Disco Mirror projects

Disco Mirror Jr.

big disco mirror

DIY Disco mirror booties

05/ The DIY Awards

A DIY Minecraft Birthday Party

The two weeks before Christmas are always a little bit of a mad dash since Jack’s birthday is in that time period. Every year I try my best to create a really fun party for him to help ensure his birthday doesn’t get rolled into the busy-ness of the holiday season. This past year he’s gotten super into Minecraft (and TBH our whole family has, which has been a blast), so we obviously had to do a Minecraft themed birthday party.

All three of us were Minecraft characters for Halloween, so I saved those costumes to use as decor for the party (the Ghast below was Dan’s costume). Some of the decor was just Minecraft party decor from Target, like the table cloth, but most of it was DIY! I grabbed some of the printable decor from the Jennifer Maker blog, and then I tweaked some of her downloads in photoshop to add more things.

One of the fun ideas I got from her blog was to incorporate the in-game food as the party food. So we had melon (watermelon), apples, carrots, sticks (chocolate pocky), chicken (chicken nuggets), rotten flesh (beef jerky), and potions (apple juice and koolaid). I usually do a pretty fancy cake and this year’s was one of the harder ones I’ve done, simply because fondant is way harder to apply to a square cake, but we made it work. I did a grass block for the base layer and did green fondant with green food coloring painted squares for the grass, and then brown sprinkles stuck to chocolate frosting for the dirt part. Then the top layer was all fondant frosting and I printed the TNT on paper, cut the letters out, and stuck them on with water.

We made Minecraft themed perler bead patterns as a craft, which is definitely a 7/8 year old and older activity, but it was super fun.

I have a feeling this obsession might continue far into the future so this might not be my last Minecraft birthday party, but it was for sure a fun one!

Abstract art making and attuning to intuition

My comfort in formative art lies in the comfort I feel knowing I’m capable of replicating an object or image realistically. I know that once I choose a subject, I’ll be able to render it sufficiently. Abstract art removes that crutch entirely. In the past I’ve approached abstract art by replicating other abstract art— basically doing the same thing I do with representational art, applying it to abstract art that I enjoy as a viewer. But that’s not my art. In order to make my abstract art, I would have to stop looking outside myself and tap into something inside myself and that, folks, is uncomfy. I’m not great at listening to my intuition. I’d rather take a course, or hire a coach, or follow some kind of template, or, or— instead of quieting all the outside influences and seeing what oozes out of my own intuitive creativity. 

There’s also a guarantee of “goodness” in my representational work. Because I know I’m able to render things realistically, I know that it will turn out “good” or at least good enough to not trigger fear or anxiety. In my representational work I avoid the pain of creating “bad art” to a certain degree. Which isn’t to say that everything I’ve made that is representational and realistic is good art, far from it. But at least the badness about it can at least partially be looked over by the fact that it looks alright from a realism standpoint.

I was painting over this orange monstrosity earlier today, and Dan came over and watched me for a moment before I lamented to him about how abstract art feels so unnatural to me. And maybe that’s true, maybe I’m really not an abstract artist. But he reminded me that I’m new at creating abstract work and that I should expect to be amazing at it first try (how dare he. I must be amazing at all things first try, doesn’t he know?!?).

I was on the verge of completely giving up on the piece, and I may still paint over it completely and start over, but I think I might still try to push into doing abstract work. The above screenshot from my IG story yesterday mentions bringing in typographic elements, and I think I might attempt some mixed media elements. I really l love postmodern and pop art and have since college, and 90% of the art I have hanging in my house is typographic. Maybe it’s the writer side of me elbowing my way in, or the printmaker, but I really really love typography elements in fine art.

So. Here I am. Just a girl, standing in front of a canvas, asking abstract art to come out of my brain and onto the canvas.