I set a goal at the beginning of the year to read/listen to 50 books in 2023. I’m usually reading a book and listening to another at the same time. I can listen to books significantly faster than reading them because I can listen while driving, walking, laundry, etc. By the time I open a book before bed I get in a chapter or two before needing to go to sleep.
I track my books on the Good Reads app and you can follow me @Alixandra Fenton. I get most of my audible books from the Libby app, but also have an Audible subscription for one book a month because sometimes I can’t wait for the book.
Here are the top 6 books I’ve read so far this year:
- The Alice Network
I love historical fiction and not sure why it took me so long to read this book. This will probably be an all time favorite read that I will recommend to anyone who has not read it. It’s a wonderful story that takes place during both world wars and right after WWII. It weaves together a beautiful and heart wrenching story about a spy during the war and a young girl trying to find her cousin after WWII. So so good! - Fourth Wing
I resisted fantasy books for so long and finally broke and listened to this book. The audible is awful because the narrator is sick and snotty and has the worst voices for the dragons- yep I said dragons. I loved the characters in this book and I think I was able to adjust to the fantasy realm because they are human. There is a great romance, dragons, signets, and more. If you’re in the fence about fantasy as I was, I think this is a great starter book to dip your toe into the fantasy word to see if you like it. - American Dirt
This was a tough book to get through because it’s so heavy, but such a good read. The book is about a Mexican bookseller who is forced to flee as an illegal immigrant to the United States with her son. Intense but amazing read. - The Winemaker’s Wife
This will likely be another all time favorite book. Another historical fiction set in WWII and the story deepens and intensifies as it goes on. You’re really invested in the characters and there are a few secrets and plot twists that I didn’t necessarily see coming. - The Four Winds
Another wonderful historical fiction about the Dust Bowl. I learned a lot and it was pretty awful to read how people were treated durning this time and what people had to do and sacrifice to save their families. A heavy, heartbreaking, but wonderful read. - A Court of Thorns and Roses
After I read and LOVED 4th Wing I knew I was ready to take on the ACOTAR series. I listened and read this book at the same time to get through it faster. It’s nice to listen to these books so you. Know how to pronounce certain things, but then read some of it so you can create your own picture. This book is more fantasy than 4th Wing IMO, but I was ready for it and open minded. I loved the story and even more excited for the second book!
I’m currently listening to Every Summer After and just started reading A Court of Mist and Fury I’m already LOVING book #2. It’s a long book, but people have said it’s their favorite book in the series.
xx, A
