How I ended 2022 and started 2023 bookish-wise (spoiler – some pretty amazing books in here)

Hello and Happy New Year! I might be a bit late with the New Year wishes, but I still want to wish you all a lovely 2023, full of wisdom, beautiful adventures, and lots of learning!

This winter I took a small break from blogging, disconnected to re-reconnect with myself. Enjoyed a beautiful holiday, spent time with my dear ones, and did a lot of self-discovery on the way. Aaand I also read, quite a lot! So let’s get to the bookish business!

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Currently reading

I am reading Aué by Becky Manawatu. It is the story of two young Māori brothers who lost their parents and learn how to manage the new reality. As vibe, it reminds me a bit of The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki (my review).

It is a book I bought from New Zealand and I was very excited to read, but it might not be the best match for me at the moment. I’ll try a few more chapters, and if it does not click, I will put it aside and try something a bit more cheerful 🙂

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Finished reading

First I read The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak. It is an absolutely gorgeous story set in Cyprus and London, about love, war, discrimination and cultural heritage … and an unusual narrator, a fig tree!

I kinda’ knew Elif Shafak is one of my favourite writers, and now I am certain of it! Other books I read by Elif Shafak are Three Daughters of Eve, Forty Rules of Love (my review), and Honour.

Thank you, Diana, for the recommendation!

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The second book I read was A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki. What a book!! Love and family, being close while being apart, and so much emotion! The whole story revolves around the diary of a teenage girl, washed ashore after the 2011 tsunami from Japan.

I enjoyed it so much more than the other book I read by Ozeki – The Book of Form and Emptiness (my review).

Thank you, Tierney, for telling me about this book!

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Then, guess what?! I read another book by Elif Shafak – 10 Minutes and 38 Seconds in this Strange World. It tells the story of Leila and her friends, a reverse story that starts when the main character is already dead (even though it might sound creepy, it is not, trust me).

Such a touching and powerful story about the realities of being an outcast in Istanbul.

Thank you, Diana, for another awesome recommendation!

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Next I read The Mermaid of Black Conch by Monique Roffey. It tells the story of a woman’s transformation, both physical and mental, in order to fit the cultural standards … mermaid or not, I think it’s a story we can all relate to.

The book is now at the book swap shelf in a camping in New Zealand (close to Abel Tasman National Park), so more people will enjoy the magic story while being actually close to the ocean 🙂

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My reading journey continued with Mrs. England by Stacey Halls. Set in the 1900s in England, the book tells the story of a young governess, Ruby May, who needs to manage the dynamics of her new employers – a wealthy family that *seems* perfect.

Once again, Stacey Halls did not disappoint! I also read and loved her other two books – The Foundling and The Familiars (my review).

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I also read some non-fiction – How to Invest in Index Funds (A practical investment guide for anyone in Europe) by Mário Nzualo. If you are interested in investments or just curious to understand how it works, this book takes you from zero to hero! Super easy to understand, with lots of explanations and practical advice on how to decide on your strategy.

Mario also has a blog about investment in index funds – https://indexfundinvestor.eu/ – you might want to give it a try, as well 🙂

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Reading next

Oh, I have so many plans for what books to read next! I will start with some more non-fiction – Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday and then continue with a lot of fiction – the highest priority is definitely The Sentence by Louise Erdrich 🙂

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How are doing? What are you reading? I’d love to hear from you!

Till next time … happy reading!

Georgiana

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Cover photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash