Everything I Read in 2023

Comedic and grim, Jam is a strangely enthralling tale about a sea of man-eating jam covering Australia. It follows a group of nit-wit, whacky, slightly fourth-wall-breaking group of survivors as they try to survive this strange event.

Not only does it take the cake as the first book I finished reading inside of 2023, it also made me realise that I can enjoy silly and self-aware fiction. Definitely worth looking into if you’re curious.

A beautiful and deep novel that plays it slow. I have nothing but positive things to say about this understated and marvellous piece of literature, even if it did take a chapter or two to make me appreciate its extremely humanised narrator.

The Remains of the Day prevails as my all-time favourite Ishiguro novel, or maybe just in general. Easily my best read of the year, and a novel I consider a must-read for all fiction enjoyers.

Clearly I was a tad infested with the ‘Ishiguro Fever’ around this time, as this was the fourth book of his I read within the span of two months.

Klara and the Sun is an interesting read, shining with Ishiguro’s unique vision of the near-future, funnelled through the eyes of a cute, child-like android narrator. If you liked Never Let Me Go, or simply enjoy fiction that toys with human bonds, you have to give this touching novel a try.

Perhaps the most bizarre and confusing piece of literature I’ve ever read, People From My Neighbourhood was a solid few hours of fun.

Whimsical, insane, and stupefying are all appropriate ways to describe this work — yet, none seem to do its bizarre nature enough justice. I can’t possibly begin to list anything that even occurs, but let’s just say this is one eventful neighbourhood. It was a great two-hour read.

I initially found Norwegian Wood to be quite boring, but it grew on me with time. It was lengthy and well-written, but just didn’t fully encapsulate me across the entire story.

Nonetheless, it was still a solid read and managed to put Murakami on my radar. I liked the fairly grim outlook and dry humour it possessed. And, truth be told, the more I age and reflect on this novel, my opinion grows more positive towards it.

Good Children Don’t Kill was a book I spontaneously read. I was effectively unaware that it existed until I had it in my hands and was working my way through its chapters.

Whilst not ground-breaking, it is an entertaining tale of how three kids become entangled in a murder after a ‘practical joke’ goes wrong. I like to think of it as a partly light-hearted thriller, perhaps ideal for pubescent readers.

Quite a cosy and thoughtful story. Hoover’s descriptions of the natural world are sincere and intimate, showing her love for the life away from the big city.

A Place in the Woods is a non-fictional story based upon the author’s life after leaving Chicago in pursuit of natural living. It showcases the struggle and effort required for wilderness living, but gives ideas of fleeing urbanity considerable allure.

A charming story about a semi-reclusive woman falling in love with her elderly teacher, Sensei, despite initially feeling indifferent towards him and the concept of relationships as a whole.

Although odd and slightly taboo, I found Strange Weather in Tokyo to be a pretty good read. It had no profound impact upon me—and, dare I say, it was a tad boring here and there—but remained a solid novel that explored a strange romance.