Omg, hello, hi! So sorry for the absence – I got called out by a friend that my blog posts have been missed lately (hi, C! 😉), so here I am, peer-pressured to get back on the blogging game, haha. How are you these days? I hope 2023 is treating you with heart, health, and sun!!

I definitely want to write a catch-up-with-me soon here, but in short, I am doing just SPLENDID (not in a sarcastic way!!). I have not felt this alive and excited about life (thank you, art) in quite some time. Anyway, today I wanted to share what I’ve been reading so far in 2023! I’ve read 25 books so far this year, and my goal this year is 60. I was telling C – aforementioned above – that I never try to brag or make it a numbers game when talking about books read; there are truly just SO many books I want to get to in my lifetime that I gotta make it work for me. Just know that however much reading YOU get done in a week, a month, a year is AMAZING. Proud of you no matter what that “number” is!! Just important that you’re reading <3

Also, you can always add me as a friend on Goodreads or follow for real-time updates on what I’m reading 🙂

So far in 2023, I’ve read a wide range of genres! Some non-fiction, a lot more Young Adult (“YA,” the nostalgia is hitting this year..), some graphic novels, and of course, literary adult fiction. For the sake of brevity, I’ll talk about the highlights so far here, but you can see everything I read so far on my Goodreads here!

In no particular order..

DEVOTIONS by Mary Oliver

You guys… if you ever thought poetry was too hard to get into or have any doubts about poetry, start here. Mary Oliver’s poems are mostly focused on observations of nature and life, generally, but it’s so so calming and therapeutic to read. I’m a huge fan. Her poems are the perfect kind to take to a park and read on a picnic blanket on a gorgeous sunny day… I know I’ll be reaching for her poems time and time again.

HEARTSTOPPER Series by Alice Oseman

I had to include the Heartstopper comics on this list! I fell in love with the TV show (on Netflix) last year and knew I had to read the graphic novels. This is the sweetest high school queer love story – I am obsessed. If you want something heartwarming and realistic, this series is for you!!

IONA IVERSON’S RULES FOR COMMUTING by Clare Pooley

A charming little British story about the daily tube commute in London and the types of people who start off as strangers but become friends. This story was so delightful – it was beautiful to read about how these strangers became intertwined with each other’s lives through the quirky and free-thinker, Iona Iverson.

BEASTS OF A LITTLE LAND by Juhea Kim

I picked this one up hoping for a gripping, epic saga like Pachinko; Beasts of a Little Land is definitely different but carries the same vibe. It wasn’t as hard-hitting as Pachinko, but it’s still an adventurous and touching story that explores the history and occupation of Korea in the 20th century.

THE NEXT AMERICAN REVOLUTION by Grace Lee Boggs

I’m in my activism era (and hopefully it’s here to stay). This book came strongly recommended by my twin sister who’s an educator, and it was truly so eye-opening. I’ve been looking to supplement my political education and this one points to great resources and key historical figures to know. Highly recommend.

OPHELIA AFTER ALL by Racquel Marie

Another lovely young adult LGBTQIA+ story. This one deals with your classic high school angst: deciding what to do post-graduation, prom, friendships, romance.. I love highlighting these queer YA novels since these were lacking when I was an actual teen, and I’m so happy these books have a place in the publishing industry now. Representation matters, y’all.

LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY by Bonnie Garmus

This one took the best books of 2022 lists by storm, y’all. It’s about a female scientist trailblazing her way through the 1950’s and defying social norms. My expectations were sky high and while they weren’t 100% met, I definitely see the appeal. It was compulsively readable.

ESSENTIAL LABOR: MOTHERING AS SOCIAL CHANGE by Angela Garbes

Another fantastic semi-autobiography and non-fiction book that supplemented my political and social education. Garbes is a local Seattle author and I loved what she had to say through her perspective as a POC mother. A must-read for all!

BRAIDING SWEETGRASS by Robin Wall Kimmerer

This is my bible for the year (and probably many more years to come). This observational and poetic telling of the world around us will quite literally open your eyes. I am so gracious to people like Kimmerer for doing the work of discovery, preservation, and sharing. And she does it so stunningly!! Will definitely be reaching for this one throughout my lifetime as well.

Do tell me – what have you been reading lately?

Jen x