Last week’s newsletter focused on the best books I read in 2023. This week, I’m taking a little different trip down the literary road…
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First, let’s discuss the idea of an “antilibrary” and why it’s important.
An antilibrary, a collection of unread books, is seen as a valuable tool for intellectual growth. It’s a reminder of what you don’t know and a symbol of potential knowledge to acquire. It’s not a sign of intellectual failure but a testament to your curiosity and desire to learn more.
And so, to the dismay of my bookshelves and perhaps my wife, I keep buying books. I’ve tried to switch to only buying ebooks, but there is something about being surrounded by physical books; the reminder that no matter how I try, I’ll never be able to read them all or know them all.
That feeling is similar to the one I get each time I think about Carl Sagan’s Pale Blue Dot. As the earth hangs in a sunbeam, surrounded by the inky blackness of the infinite universe, so do I sit as a small speck of learning in an infinite ocean of knowledge when surrounded by books.
It’s humbling and puts the world in perspective if you let it. Surround yourself with books, even if you’ll never get to them all.
I try to read more books every year, but I’ll never get through them all. I embrace this incredibly Sisyphean task, mostly because I already have a backlog of nearly 3,000 books on my list and because those silly publishers keep putting out new books.
Yet, I persevere.
There are a number of great books published in 2023 that I’d like to get to but haven’t yet—one of them is staring at me now as I write this piece. Here are some of the best books from 2023 I haven’t read (yet), but they’re now in my ever-expanding to-be-read (TBR) list:
This novel by James McBride tells a story rooted in family, faith, and the search for understanding. It explores the lives of diverse characters whose paths intersect at a small grocery store, revealing the complexities of human experience through lyrical prose and deep emotional resonance.
David Grann’s “The Wager” is a gripping tale of adventure and survival. It recounts the harrowing story of shipwrecked sailors in the 18th century, who make a desperate bet for survival. The book is a thrilling blend of history and narrative, showcasing Grann’s talent for uncovering forgotten stories.
“Yellowface” by R.F. Kuang delves into the controversial topic of cultural appropriation in the literary world. It’s a provocative exploration of identity, authorship, and the blurry line between homage and theft, framed within an engaging and thought-provoking narrative.
In “Poverty, By America,” Matthew Desmond offers a groundbreaking examination of poverty in the United States. The book challenges conventional views, revealing how systemic forces and policies contribute to economic hardship and argues for fundamental changes to address this persistent issue.
Lauren Groff’s “The Vaster Wilds” is a beautifully written novel that transports readers into a world of nature and mystery. Set in an enigmatic wilderness, it weaves a tale of self-discovery and connection to the natural world, marked by Groff’s signature lyrical style and deep, reflective storytelling.
Timothy Egan’s “A Fever in the Heartland” is a gripping historical account of the Ku Klux Klan’s insidious attempt to infiltrate American society in the early 20th century. The book also highlights the courageous efforts of those who fought against the Klan, focusing on the pivotal role of one woman.
In “The Art Thief,” Michael Finkel narrates a riveting true story of an infamous art heist. The book blends elements of romance, crime, and suspense, offering an inside look into the high-stakes world of art theft and the obsessive love that drives it, all set against a backdrop of international intrigue.
Benjamin Labatut’s “The MANIAC” is a dark and compelling narrative exploring the mind of a genius on the brink of madness. This novel blends historical facts with fiction, delving deep into the psyche of a brilliant but troubled character, set against a backdrop of scientific discovery and moral ambiguity.
“Victory City” by Salman Rushdie is an epic tale spanning centuries, centered around a mystical city that rises and falls through the ages. Rushdie’s storytelling weaves together history, mythology, and magic, creating a vivid tapestry of human triumphs and tragedies, resilience, and the power of imagination.
Jonathan Eig’s “King: A Life” is a comprehensive and insightful biography of one of the most iconic figures in American history. The book delves into the complexities of his life, exploring his achievements, challenges, and enduring impact on civil rights and social justice, painted with meticulous research.
Alright, there’s the list, although it’s quite incomplete. Hundreds of great books came out in 2023, and it’s our job to go out there, find them, read them, and share them with the world.
Maybe you’ll start building your own antilibrary in 2024. If so, I’d love to hear about it.
See you next year!
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Are you a teacher on summer break looking for the perfect book to read while lounging under a tree with a cold drink in your hand? Look no further! This guide has got you covered for the best summer reads of 2023. We’ve got heart-pumping thrillers, heart-warming romances, and everything in between. Take your pick and get ready for an adventure!
The Importance of Choosing the Right Book
When you’re picking a summer read, it’s super important to choose the right one. The perfect book can take you on a wild adventure, make you feel all the feels, and leave you wanting more. But if you pick the wrong one, it can be a total snoozefest. You’ll be bored out of your mind and regretting your choice. So, take your time and find a book that really speaks to you. Try out different genres and see what you like. Happy reading, folks!
Types of Summer Reads
When you’re trying to find the perfect summer read, there are plenty of genres to choose from. Maybe you’re into heart-pumping thrillers or maybe you prefer heart-warming romance. Whatever your fancy, I’ve got you covered. Let’s check out some of the popular genres for summer reading.
Fiction Novels
Thrillers
Are you someone who thrives on excitement and suspense in your reading? If so, you might want to consider picking up a thriller novel this summer. With their intricate plots and unpredictable turns, these books are sure to keep you engaged and entertained for hours on end. Not to mention the thrill of trying to solve the mystery before the protagonist does! So why not take a chance on a fast-paced, heart-pounding read that will leave you breathless and always wanting more?
Romance
Romance novels are the perfect way to spend a lazy summer day. They take you on emotional rollercoasters and tug at your heartstrings. You can get lost in a tale of love and passion and root for the swoon-worthy hero or captivating heroine as they navigate the ups and downs of their relationship. With so many options to choose from, you can go for sweet and wholesome or steamy and seductive. So, why not just kick back, relax, and indulge in a world of love and romance this summer?
Science Fiction and Fantasy
If you’re looking to escape the boring monotony of everyday life, science fiction and fantasy books are where it’s at! You can dive into immersive and fantastical worlds, complete with magic, technology, and adventure. You’ll get to go on epic quests, unravel political intrigues, and meet all sorts of amazing creatures. The characters are usually super complex, with all sorts of different motivations. Basically, science fiction and fantasy books offer endless possibilities for anyone who wants to get lost in a great story.
Violet Sorrengail, a twenty-year-old, was supposed to live a quiet life in the Scribe Quadrant. However, her mother, the commanding general, orders her to become a dragon rider. This is a problem for Violet because she is smaller and more fragile than everyone else. Dragons don’t bond with fragile humans, they incinerate them. With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. Violet suspects leadership is hiding a terrible secret. At Basgiath War College, everyone has an agenda and only two ways to leave: graduate or die.
Morgan Albright is settled in a nice neighborhood near Baltimore, with help from her friend and roommate Nina and her job as a bartender. But when she hosts a dinner party and a man named Luke shows up, her life is turned upside down. Luke is actually a con artist named Gavin who steals from women and then kills them. After Nina is killed, Morgan learns that she was Gavin’s target all along. She flees to her mother’s home in Vermont and meets a new man named Miles, but Gavin is still out there hunting for her.
Art restorer and spy Gabriel Allon teams up with a master thief to find the world’s most valuable painting. Their mission takes a dangerous turn as they race to prevent a conflict between Russia and the West. Silva’s novel is a must-read for his fans and newcomers alike.
Jack Ryan Jr. is in trouble after a routine surveillance mission goes wrong. He finds himself fighting against an unknown enemy who wants to destroy the Campus. Jack follows the trail to the South China Sea, where a midair collision between rival nations threatens the region. Back at the Campus, a devastating attack leaves Jack as the only operator left standing. As tensions grow and China prepares to invade Taiwan, Jack and his team must prevent a war between the world’s superpowers. But their enemy is still at large, and the Campus is in danger. The cost of their mission is high, and the bill may be too much to pay.
In 1980, a congressman was killed in Rhode Island, causing shock in Washington that still resonates today. Now, a group of global elites wants to take control during a time of war, inflation, division, and assassinations. They believe they’ve eliminated the final obstacle to domination, but they’re wrong. Secrets from the past are coming to light, and former SEAL James Reece is on a mission to stop them. He’s on a warpath, and no one is safe when he’s armed with his tomahawk and sniper rifle.
336 Pages – 05/16/2023 (Publication Date) – William Morrow (Publisher)
June Hayward and Athena Liu were supposed to be twin rising stars. After Athena’s death, June steals her just-finished masterpiece, an experimental novel about the unsung contributions of Chinese laborers during World War I, and sends it to her agent as her own work. She becomes a bestseller under the pseudonym “Juniper Song”. But emerging evidence threatens to bring June’s success down around her, forcing her to protect her secret at all costs.
384 Pages – 06/13/2023 (Publication Date) – Little, Brown and Company (Publisher)
Hollis Shaw has a seemingly perfect life as the creator of a popular food blog and the wife of a heart surgeon. But after a heated argument with her husband, he dies in a car accident, revealing the cracks in their marriage and her complicated relationship with her daughter. Hollis decides to host her own “Five-Star Weekend” on Nantucket, similar to a trip organized by a friend. However, the weekend is far from joyful. Hollis’s childhood friend’s husband arranges for Hollis’s first love to attend, stirring up old feelings. Meanwhile, another friend, Dru-Ann, is struggling to save her career after making online comments about a client’s mental health issues. Brooke is dealing with her husband’s inappropriate relationship with a colleague, and a stranger, Gigi, with many secrets, has reached out to Hollis through her blog.
Fern Brookbanks has spent a lot of time in her adulthood thinking about Will Baxter. They met for just one day in their early twenties but connected deeply over shared secrets and dreams. They promised to meet again in a year, but Will never showed up. Now, at thirty-two, Fern’s life is not what she imagined: she’s back home running her mother’s resort and doesn’t know where to start to fix it. Will arrives nine years late, offering to help, but Fern doesn’t know if she can trust him. He seems like a different person and is hiding something. Can Fern return the favor of the help Will gave her ten years ago?
Prospera, an archipelago hidden from the horrors of a deteriorating world, is home to lucky citizens who enjoy fulfilling lives until their physical and psychological monitors fall below 10%. They retire themselves to the Nursery, where their bodies are renewed, memories wiped clean, and they restart life afresh. Proctor Bennett, a ferryman, shepherds people through the retirement process and enforces it if necessary. But Proctor’s monitor percentage has begun to drop alarmingly fast, and he’s been dreaming – impossible in Prospera. When he’s summoned to retire his own father, who gives him a cryptic message, he questions everything he once believed. Meanwhile, the Support Staff, who keep Prospera running, are questioning their role. Unrest is building, and a resistance group, the Arrivalists, may be fomenting revolution. Proctor finds himself on a desperate mission to uncover the truth.
In 1947, a troubled soldier meets his five-year-old nephew and disappears for twenty-three years. In 1970, the nephew reconnects with his uncle, draws a new version of a comic book they saw together, and becomes an underground comic book artist in Oakland. In the present day, a director discovers the 1970 comic book and turns it into a contemporary superhero movie, with a cast that includes a difficult male star, a wonderful leading lady, an eccentric writer/director, a producer, and a production assistant.
Charlie Reade is a high school kid who excels at baseball and football and is a decent student. But he has been through a lot. His mom died in a hit-and-run accident when he was seven, and his dad turned to alcohol to cope with the grief. Charlie learned to take care of himself and his dad. When he is seventeen, he meets a dog named Radar and her owner, Howard Bowditch, who lives in a big house on a hill with a locked shed in the backyard. Strange sounds sometimes come from the shed. Charlie starts doing jobs for Mr. Bowditch and falls in love with Radar. When Bowditch dies, he leaves Charlie a cassette tape with a story that no one would believe. Bowditch had kept a secret his whole life: inside the shed is a portal to another world.
Non-fiction Books
Biographies and Memoirs
Biographies and memoirs let us peek into the lives of people who have made significant contributions to the world. We can learn from their experiences, decision-making skills, and leadership styles. These books can inspire us to achieve our goals and make a positive change in the world. By reading biographies and memoirs, we can learn about the challenges and triumphs that shaped the lives of remarkable people, and we can be encouraged to follow our dreams with passion and perseverance.
Self-Help Books
Summer is a great time to work on yourself, and self-help books can help you do just that! They can give you awesome tips on how to be more productive, develop better habits, and improve your relationships with others. By taking time to read and think about the advice in these books, you can learn more about yourself and the world. So why not use the warm months to invest in your own growth and happiness?
Travel and Adventure
Summer is the perfect time for travel and adventure, but not everyone can go on a trip. Luckily, books can take you on a journey from the comfort of your own home. Travel and adventure books can give you a unique perspective on different cultures and customs, and let you broaden your horizons. Whether you want to escape the monotony of daily life or get inspired for your next adventure, there are tons of exciting books out there to take you to far-off lands. So, kick back, relax, and let your imagination run wild with the captivating world of travel literature.
The Best Non-Fiction Summer Reads for 2023
The Bathysphere Book: Effects of the Luminous Ocean Depths
352 Pages – 05/16/2023 (Publication Date) – Astra House (Publisher)
This interesting story starts in 1930 when two men entered a tiny steel ball and were lowered 1,000 feet below the surface of the ocean. From that point on, the experiences of naturalist William Beebe, engineer Otis Barton, and biologist Gloria Hollister, who transmitted Beebe’s observations via telephone line, become even more surreal and awe-inspiring.
Beautiful Trauma: An Explosion, an Obsession, and a New Lease on Life
This memoir is about Rebecca Fogg’s struggle to recover after a freak accident left her with a partially amputated hand in 2006. Her fascination with the science of recovery led her to write a book that details her emotional journey and explores topics such as nerve regeneration and pain processing. The memoir is both educational and engaging, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the science of recovery and personal growth.
Alexandra Auder was born at the Chelsea Hotel in New York City, where her mother, Viva, one of Andy Warhol’s superstars, lived. Her father, filmmaker Michel Auder, captured the moments on film. Alexandra had a whirlwind childhood and teenage years, mostly spent on the road with her mother, who had mercurial moods. They lived in Connecticut and Tribeca before moving back to the Chelsea Hotel. Alexandra’s teenage years were spent with her mother’s conservative family. In her book, “Don’t Call Me Home,” Alexandra reflects on being raised by two counterculture icons. She shares stories of walking a pet goat around Chelsea, joining the Squat Theatre Company, co-parenting her younger sister, Gaby, and partying in East Village nightclubs. Alongside her current life as a yoga instructor, actress, mother, wife, and Instagram provocateur, Alexandra weaves a moving and hilarious portrait of her family. She describes the journey from being her mother’s daughter to becoming her own person.
Edison’s Ghosts: The Untold Weirdness of History’s Greatest Geniuses
352 Pages – 05/16/2023 (Publication Date) – Little, Brown and Company (Publisher)
In her book, Edison’s Ghosts, Katie Spalding argues that genius is not always what it seems. While we may never become an Einstein, there are likely things we can do that he couldn’t. Spalding explores famous prodigies who were quite strange, including Thomas Edison, who believed he could communicate with the undead and created a Spirit Phone; Marie and Pierre Curie, who slept next to radioactive material and strapped it to their arms; Lord Byron, who brought a bear to university; Isaac Newton, who looked at the sun without eye protection and was blinded for three days; and Tesla, who fell in love with a pigeon. The book is filled with examples of humanity’s best doing some really dumb things.
The Experience Machine: How Our Minds Predict and Shape Reality
The traditional view that our senses provide direct access to reality has been challenged by new discoveries in neuroscience and psychology. A new theory suggests that the brain actively predicts reality instead of passively perceiving it. Philosopher and cognitive scientist Andy Clark explores this theory, which suggests that reality is a synthesis of sensory information and expectation. Clark illustrates how the predictive brain shapes all human experiences, and how chronic pain and mental illness can result from malfunctioning predictions. The boundary between ourselves and the outside world dissolves, revealing our entanglement with our environments and our perceptions as controlled hallucinations. The Experience Machine offers insight into this significant development in our understanding of the mind.
Flight Paths: How a Passionate and Quirky Group of Pioneering Scientists Solved the Mystery of Bird Migration
For the past century, scientists have been studying bird migration. Birds travel thousands of miles across the earth each fall and spring, fascinating humans with their navigational abilities. Recently, scientists have made significant breakthroughs in understanding these migrations. Flight Paths tells the story of how scientists from across generations, continents, and disciplines came together to study bird migration. The book traces the development of techniques used for tracking migratory birds, from marking individual birds to using DNA markers. Through their work, scientists have made significant discoveries about the flight paths and behaviors of migratory birds. Flight Paths is a fascinating look into the exciting moments of discovery and the power of science when people work together towards a common goal.
The Power of Language: How the Codes We Use to Think, Speak, and Live Transform Our Minds
This groundbreaking book delves into the workings of language in our minds and how we can utilize its vast potential. Dr. Marian explains that our brains can accommodate multiple codes of communication beyond just one language. Learning new languages can improve brain health, creativity, and cognitive control.
Each new language we learn shapes our perception of the world, and how we remember, feel, think, and make decisions. Language is a powerful tool for organizing, processing, and structuring information, leading to remarkable progress.
Research shows that learning a new language can enhance executive function, boost creative thinking, develop critical reasoning skills, delay Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, improve decision-making under stress, and alter our attention and memory.
Under the Eye of Power: How Fear of Secret Societies Shapes American Democracy
The United States has a long history of paranoia, from the American Revolution to modern-day conspiracy theories like the Illuminati and QAnon. These beliefs are not just on the fringes of society but are woven into the fabric of American democracy. Cultural historian Colin Dickey explores this history in his book, Under the Eye of Power, and explains why people, even those in positions of power, continue to subscribe to conspiracy theories. Dickey argues that belief in conspiracies can be comforting in the face of the chaos and unpredictability of history and democracy. By understanding this cycle of paranoia, we can work to break it.
Unlikable Female Characters: The Women Pop Culture Wants You to Hate
Female characters have historically been expected to be likable, leading to cautionary tales for those who show their messy side. Today, unlikeable female characters are becoming more popular in film, TV, and pop culture, being accepted by audiences and receiving industry awards. This shift shows that we are finally acknowledging women as fully-fledged human beings. Unlikeable Female Characters explores the evolution of these memorable characters, examining their popularity and audience reactions, as well as how pop culture is allowing us to celebrate the complexities of womanhood. Film programmer and broadcaster Anna Bogutskaya takes us on a journey through popular media to explore whether society is ready to embrace complicated women.
Palo Alto: A History of California, Capitalism, and the World
720 Pages – 02/14/2023 (Publication Date) – Little, Brown and Company (Publisher)
The history of Silicon Valley, from railroads to microchips, is an extraordinary story of disruption and destruction, told comprehensively in this narrative. Palo Alto is a city with temperate weather, educated and enterprising people, and ambitious corporations that have changed the world. However, it was built on stolen Indian burial grounds and is a haunted toxic waste dump. PALO ALTO, the first comprehensive, global history of Silicon Valley, explains how and why Northern California evolved in its particular way, tracing the ideologies, technologies, and policies that have been engineered over the course of 150 years of Anglo settler colonialism. It tells the story of how a small American suburb became a powerful engine for economic growth and war, leading the world into a surprisingly disastrous 21st century. Palo Alto is a visionary history of how we live now, ending with a clear-eyed, radical proposition for how we might begin to change course.
Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Summer Read
Know Your Reading Preference
When it comes to finding the perfect summer read, it’s important to know what you like. Are you all about fast-paced thrillers, or do you prefer heartwarming romance? Maybe you’re into inspiring biographies. Whatever it is, understanding your preferences can help you pick books that you’ll love. If you’re into thrillers, you might like books with intricate plots and suspenseful twists. If romance is your thing, stories that tug at your heartstrings might be more up your alley. And if you love biographies, stories of people overcoming adversity might be right up your alley. So, figure out what you like and get ready for some awesome summer reading!
Consider the Book Reviews
Book reviews are super helpful when you’re trying to decide what to read. They tell you what the book is about and what the author’s writing style is like. Plus, they can give you an idea of whether the book is any good or not. Basically, if you want to find awesome new books to read, you gotta check out some reviews.
Choose Books from Different Genres
Don’t be afraid to branch out when it comes to reading! Trying different genres can add some variety to your reading list and give you new perspectives. It’s especially helpful if you’re feeling stuck in a reading rut or not getting as much out of your reading as you used to. Plus, exploring different genres can help you discover new authors and books you might not have found otherwise. So go ahead and take a chance on something new – you might be surprised at how much you end up liking it!
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect summer read is a deeply personal and enjoyable process. It involves understanding your preferences, exploring different genres, and considering others’ reviews. In the end, the best summer read is one that captures your interest, matches your mood, and takes you on a memorable journey. Happy reading!
FAQs
1. How can I find the best summer reads? Knowing your reading preferences, considering book reviews, and exploring different genres can help you find the perfect summer read.
2. Can non-fiction books be good summer reads? Absolutely! Biographies, memoirs, self-help books, and travel books can all be engaging summer reads.
3. Should I stick to one genre for my summer reading? Not necessarily. Exploring different genres can add variety to your reading list and expose you to new perspectives.
4. What if I don’t enjoy a book I’ve chosen for my summer reading? That’s okay! Not every book will resonate with you. If a book doesn’t hold your interest, feel free to switch to another.
5. What are some popular genres for summer reading? Thrillers, romance, science fiction, fantasy, biographies, and travel books are all popular choices for summer reading.
The Eclectic Educator is a free resource for everyone passionate about education and creativity. If you enjoy the content and want to support the newsletter, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support helps keep the insights and inspiration coming!
