Embarking on a journey through the captivating world of literature, 2023 revealed itself as an enthralling odyssey, marked by the exploration of over 60 audiobooks. Attempting to condense this literary abundance into a concise top 3 list for a blog, I found myself irresistibly pulled into the magnetic charm of stories spanning various genres, viewpoints, and human depths. What started as a humble compilation swiftly expanded into a robust top 20, showcasing the richness of the literary landscape woven throughout the year.
At the zenith of this literary journey stands "The Patriarchs: The Origins of Inequality" by Angela Saini. As an ardent admirer of the author of "Sapiens," I found Saini's exploration of patriarchy as a nuanced, multifaceted phenomenon utterly enthralling. In her eloquent prose, Saini meticulously unravels the threads of patriarchal structures interwoven through diverse cultures, presenting a mosaic of power dynamics and existing systems of inequality.
Jenny Odell's "Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond the Clock" emerges as a masterful work that has propelled the author to the forefront of my favorite writers. Odell's exploration of time transcends the conventional, seamlessly weaving together philosophy, science, and art into a tapestry that challenges our eurocentric, labor-intensive perception of time. Amidst a world ensnared by the grasp of capitalism, Odell beckons readers to contemplate a non-linear existence, inviting us to "garden" time rather than hoard it. Her profound reflections on the interconnectedness of time with race, class, colonial inequities, and the looming climate crisis serve as a clarion call to reassess our relationship with time. Above all, Odell's principle of solidarity and collective action resonates as a guiding beacon, steering us away from the illusory pursuit of progress.
In the domain of wit and wisdom, Michael Schur's "How to Be Perfect: The Correct Answer to Every Moral Question" stands as a beacon of humor-infused enlightenment. Schur's adeptness at transforming a dense subject into a comedic masterpiece is a testament to his narrative prowess. As the pages unfurl, Schur's wit guides the reader through a labyrinth of moral questions, offering not just answers but a delightful journey of introspection and laughter.
Delving deeper into the literary cosmos, the top 10 presents an array of literary gems. John Valliant's "Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World" emerges as a poignant and indispensable narrative, resonating with personal nostalgia for those acquainted with life in Fort McMurray. Jeremy Bobel, MD's "Project UnLonely: Healing Our Crisis of Disconnection" serves as an inspirational work, intertwining community, art, and creativity as antidotes to societal loneliness. Costanza Casati's "Clytemnestra" breathes contemporary life into Greek mythology, capturing the essence of a complex character with grace and finesse. Brandon Sanderson's "Tress" follows the journey of a female protagonist, unwavering in her pursuit of authenticity amidst a captivating narrative, while Sue Lynne Tan's "The Daughter of the Moon Goddess Series" adds an enchanting dimension to the literary landscape. Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking by Mehdi Hasan offers practical advice and unconventional strategies for mastering the art of persuasion, drawing from his experiences as a journalist. Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld provides a humorous and insightful look into the world of SNL and navigating the complexities of womanhood and career.
The top 20 is like a mixed bag of goodies, each audiobook bringing its own unique flavor to the table. Suzanne Simard's "Finding the Mother Tree" delves into groundbreaking research, proving the true connectedness of the Mother Tree to the forest, nurturing it in the profound ways that families and human societies nurture one another, and how these inseparable bonds enable all our survival. Leah Lakshmi Piepzna's "The Future is Disabled" is a heartfelt collection of love letters to other disabled QTBIPOC, offering recipes for survival, questions about care, and wild brown disabled femme joy in the face of adversity. Richard Wagamese's "Embers" provides accessible wisdom, a book that invites readers to return for its profound insights time and again.
Michael Easter's "Scarcity Brain" blends scientific reports and life lessons to illuminate the impact of scarcity on the human psyche. "The Art Thief" by Michael Finkel offers a riveting narrative that defies belief as it unravels the incredulous tale of cultural larceny. R.F. Kuang's duo of "Babel" and "Yellowface" embarks on a thought experiment exploring the colonization power of language, offering fresh perspectives in contemporary literature. Luna McNamara's "Psyche and Eros" is a joyous and subversive tale of gods, monsters, and the human heart and soul, captivating readers with its vivid characters and spellbinding prose.
Pamela Anderson's "Love, Pamela" offers a candid and insightful look into her life, narrated by Pamela herself, providing a unique perspective on her outlook and journey. Jessica Johns' "Bad Cree," though occupying a last-place position for its chilling essence, serves as a testament to the power of cultural exploration, challenging readers to confront their fears while appreciating the rich tapestry of Western Canada's landscapes.
Here's my top 20 in list form:
The Patriarchs: The Origins of Inequality by Angela Saini:
Angela Saini delves into the intricacies of patriarchy, unveiling its diverse manifestations across cultures and challenging conventional perceptions.
Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond the Clock by Jenny Odell:
Jenny Odell invites readers to embrace a nonlinear existence, transcending eurocentric perceptions of time and savoring each moment with mindfulness.
How to Be Perfect: The Correct Answer to Every Moral Question by Michael Schur: Michael Schur offers a humorous exploration of morality, blending wit with profound insights to navigate life's ethical dilemmas.
Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World by John Valliant:
John Valliant's narrative delves into the realities of a changing climate, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing environmental challenges.
Project UnLonely: Healing Our Crisis of Disconnection by Jeremy Bobel, MD:
Jeremy Bobel, MD, advocates for the power of community and creativity in combating loneliness, offering inspiration and practical solutions.
Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati:
Costanza Casati breathes new life into Greek mythology, capturing the complexity and resilience of the legendary character Clytemnestra.
Brandon Sanderson crafts a captivating tale of self-discovery and perseverance, following a female protagonist on a journey of courage and determination.
The Daughter of the Moon Goddess Series by Sue Lynne Tan:
Sue Lynne Tan immerses readers in a world of divine intrigue and mortal challenges, weaving together mythology and storytelling in a compelling series.
Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking by Mehdi Hasan:
Mehdi Hasan offers practical advice and unconventional strategies for mastering the art of persuasion, drawing from his experiences as a journalist.
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld:
Curtis Sittenfeld provides a humorous and insightful look into the world of SNL and navigating the complexities of womanhood and career.
Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard:
Suzanne Simard uncovers the interconnectedness of forests, nurturing survival and growth akin to human families.
The Future is Disabled by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna:
Piepzna offers a heartfelt collection of love letters and survival recipes, celebrating disabled QTBIPOC joy and resilience.
Embers by Richard Wagamese:
Richard Wagamese shares accessible wisdom and profound insights, inviting readers to reflect on life's journey and lessons.
Scarcity Brain by Michael Easter:
Michael Easter blends scientific research with life lessons, exploring the impact of scarcity on the human psyche.
The Art Thief by Michael Finkel:
Michael Finkel unfolds a captivating narrative of cultural larceny, challenging beliefs and captivating readers with its incredulous tale.
Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators' Revolution by R.F. Kuang:
R.F. Kuang sparks contemplation on language and colonization, offering fresh perspectives and thought-provoking insights.
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang:
R.F. Kuang takes readers on an emotional journey, challenging preconceptions and offering a contemporary perspective in a compelling narrative. I picked up this book because of Babel, and although it is very different, and not my usual type of book, I am glad I read it.
Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara:
Luna McNamara dazzles with vivid characters and spellbinding prose, exploring trust, sacrifice, and the essence of heroism.
Love, Pamela by Pamela Anderson:
Pamela Anderson offers a personal and reflective journey, sharing insights and perspectives on life and love.
Jessica Johns crafts a gripping exploration of fear and culture, inviting readers to confront the unknown while appreciating the landscapes of Western Canada.
In this literary expedition, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Banff Park Library and the invaluable platforms of Hoopla, Libby, and Clouddrive for facilitating my journey into the realms of audiobook wonder. Each page turned, each word heard, has been a privilege and a gift, transforming the mundane moments of life into a symphony of literary delight. As the echoes of these narratives linger in the corridors of my mind, I eagerly anticipate the forthcoming chapters that literature, in its infinite generosity, holds in store for me.