Book Review: November 2023
Go figure, I could read even more while on a social media break during November. My (nerdy!) goal was to consume (physical or audio book) 75 books in 2023 and with these 7 under my belt, I’m on pace to hit that goal with the December books. Did you have a book goal for the year? If so how did you do? Or am I the only nerd out here?
"Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity" by Dr. Peter Attia
4 stars
Deep, nerdy AF and so very helpful! It took me forever to get through but I loved the cutting edge ideas and science. Of course not all of this advice will be accessible to everyone and the lit review did lean towards men (as all medicine seems to do) But if you like to go into the depth, this book will take you there.
"Butts: A Backstory" by Heather Radke
4 stars
When I told folks I read this book the immediate response often "I would like that book!" And I guess that's because everyone is interested in butts? It was funny and clever, history meets social commentary. If you have a butt, consider reading this book, just for fun.
"The Strays" by Emily Bitto
5 stars
I loved this book, as I am often fond of coming-of-age stories. The deep and formative experiences of childhood, the betrayals and (would be) redemptions. A weird family, a boring family, love and anger all through the hazy memory of a younger person. I loved the character development, prose and scene descriptions. Commune life, art, wealth, love, class dynamics, what actually makes a family, etc. So many themes to explore and I was sad when the book was over. Not bad for a pull from a "Free Little Library" in Canton
"Mating in Captivity" by Esther Perel
5 stars
Esther Perel is the best! I heard her on Brene's Brown's Unlocking Us Podcast and then making the rounds on other podcasts and I just couldn't get enough. She is direct yet caring, open and creative, everything you would want your therapist to be. A look at couples from her practice and how they overcame obstacles for a loving relationship offered a mirror to my own marriage. No two relationships are the same, or should they be. I'll be talking about this book with my therapist next week!
"Hello Beautiful" by Ann Napolitano
5 stars
A really lovely fiction novel tracking the lives of 4 sisters. It reads like a modern "Little Women," each sister with a different archetype. The complex and deep relationships between sisters, their parents, lovers and children made this a quick and enjoyable book. A rich family drama that moved quickly with humor and joy despite sorrow and loss. One to read for sure!
"On Our Best Behavior: The Seven Deadly Sins and the Price Women Pay To Be Good" by Elise Loehnen
4 stars
At the intersection of religion, gender roles and social reform is this interesting novel. Two quotes really hit me: "We are so consumed with the doing—and the not doing—that we have forgotten how to be." I often teach the power of "being" and not "doing" in yoga so it was cool to see this concept getting some traction. The other quote that resonated was, "We (women) have been trained for goodness. Men, meanwhile, have been trained for power.” I have felt this in the education system, at work and in my marriage. Also I don't know if I've ever been "good" but I certainly have been trained for it. A feminist read for modern times
"The Law of Divine Compensation" by Marianne Williamson
5 stars
I am floored by this book. It challenged me to consider many old narratives I was holding onto about money, freedom and power. This book was assigned reading for the Sound Healing training I am enrolled in, but I would suggest it to anyone who has a troubled past with their relationship with money. I am reminded that money is just one currency, like time or energy. And that it flows through us for the betterment of all beings. I wrote in the margins (a lot!) and journaled on this book a bit in the 2 weeks that it took me to finish it. Really fascinating, deeply spiritual.
Monthly book total: 7
Annual book total: 73