Saying I have mixed feelings about 2023 is an understatement. It has been a whirlwind of a year and it was rough all the way through—although I feel like this year it’s been universally so across the board. There were a lot of excitements, but also a lot of turbulences along the way. Many, many goodbyes and many, many temporary hellos. Ultimately, this year I made a decision that changed my life forever again. Somewhere in between, though, I barely had the chance to catch up on my reading—and yet was able to surpass my goal.
Just like last year, in 2023 I managed to finish a total of 36 books so far and surpassed my initial Goodreads goal of 30 books—this should give me time to relax about reading in the next week. Statistically, the books I picked this year vary greatly. Around 47% were German books, 39% were graphic novels, 22% were classics and another 22% were nonfictions. As you can tell, I really milked my membership to Goethe Institute Library this year. I should think reading all these graphic novels ultimately inspired me to make the biggest move of the year. Let’s head on over to the countdown of the best books in 2023!
Saying I have mixed feelings about 2023 is an understatement. It has been a whirlwind of a year and it was rough all the way through—although I feel like this year it’s been universally so across the board. There were a lot of excitements, but also a lot of turbulences along the way. Many, many goodbyes and many, many temporary hellos. Ultimately, this year I made a decision that changed my life forever again. Somewhere in between, though, I barely had the chance to catch up on my reading—and yet was able to surpass my goal.
Just like last year, in 2023 I managed to finish a total of 36 books so far and surpassed my initial Goodreads goal of 30 books—this should give me time to relax about reading in the next week. Statistically, the books I picked this year vary greatly. Around 47% were German books, 39% were graphic novels, 22% were classics and another 22% were nonfictions. As you can tell, I really milked my membership to Goethe Institute Library this year. I should think reading all these graphic novels ultimately inspired me to make the biggest move of the year. Let’s head on over to the countdown of the best books in 2023!
#10: Der Traum von Olympia
by Reinhard Kleist
As mentioned above, I have been on a total graphic novel kick this past year—thanks to Goethe Bibliothek! Generally, the graphic novels I borrowed from Goethe are either a graphic retelling of a classic literary work or the memoir of an underrated public figure. This book, in particular, talks about an issue that has been a hot topic in Germany for years: refugees.
The book follows the life of Samia Yusuf Omar, a one-time Olympic athlete from Somalia, as she goes in search for a better life away from her war-torn homeland and seeks refuge in Europe. A tragic and eye-opening story about the unbelievable struggle refugees have to go through in order to survive. It begs the question: if we want to help these refugees, why are we making it very difficult for them to reach us?
#10: Der Traum von Olympia
by Reinhard Kleist
As mentioned above, I have been on a total graphic novel kick this past year—thanks to Goethe Bibliothek! Generally, the graphic novels I borrowed from Goethe are either a graphic retelling of a classic literary work or the memoir of an underrated public figure. This book, in particular, talks about an issue that has been a hot topic in Germany for years: refugees.
The book follows the life of Samia Yusuf Omar, a one-time Olympic athlete from Somalia, as she goes in search for a better life away from her war-torn homeland and seeks refuge in Europe. A tragic and eye-opening story about the unbelievable struggle refugees have to go through in order to survive. It begs the question: if we want to help these refugees, why are we making it very difficult for them to reach us?
#9: Das Parfum
by Patrick Süskind
Around the time the film came out in 2006, it went practically viral—back before being viral was a thing—because of its outrageous story. You may have heard about it or you may have seen it. The story follows a man who goes on the hunt to kill young women and harvest their scent to be made into perfume. However, that is actually only a tiny percentage of the story, as the book revealed to me.
In the book, apparently, we follow the life of a particular Jean-Baptiste Grenouille who was born with a keen olfactory sense and the ability to remember scents perfectly. His whole life is about scents, which sooner or later led him to a very gruesome obsession. I find the story very enjoyable and reminds me a lot of A Series of Unfortunate Events—although a way more disturbing version, I suppose.
#9: Das Parfum
by Patrick Süskind
Around the time the film came out in 2006, it went practically viral—back before being viral was a thing—because of its outrageous story. You may have heard about it or you may have seen it. The story follows a man who goes on the hunt to kill young women and harvest their scent to be made into perfume. However, that is actually only a tiny percentage of the story, as the book revealed to me.
In the book, apparently, we follow the life of a particular Jean-Baptiste Grenouille who was born with a keen olfactory sense and the ability to remember scents perfectly. His whole life is about scents, which sooner or later led him to a very gruesome obsession. I find the story very enjoyable and reminds me a lot of A Series of Unfortunate Events—although a way more disturbing version, I suppose.
#8: In China
by Sascha Hommer
The discovery of this book was actually all thanks to Agung who picked it off the bookshelf almost without thinking and recommended it to me without any prior information as to the content—and, for that, I am eternally grateful. What drew me into the graphic novel instantly was the unique character design. Despite taking inspiration from the author’s own experience, none of the characters are portrayed as humans. They are all random creatures of varying physical makeup—with the main character (the author) donning an interchangeable mask. Seeing that, I was hooked and had to check it out for myself.
The story follows the author’s experience of going back to China for work in 2011—supposedly, he had been to China previously, although it is not part of the book’s story. It is told in three different formats. The first one is the chronological and pretty much literal story of the author’s experience—or, you know, the main format, you could say. The second one is the online correspondence the author conducts frequently with a loved one in Germany. The third one is the visualisation of a story the author narrates during work as a voiceover artist. I love how the author respectfully portrays China as a jarring experience—creating a stark contrast with Germany’s more orderly hubbub. This book later on led me to read 3 more of Sascha Hommer’s works.
#8: In China
by Sascha Hommer
The discovery of this book was actually all thanks to Agung who picked it off the bookshelf almost without thinking and recommended it to me without any prior information as to the content—and, for that, I am eternally grateful. What drew me into the graphic novel instantly was the unique character design. Despite taking inspiration from the author’s own experience, none of the characters are portrayed as humans. They are all random creatures of varying physical makeup—with the main character (the author) donning an interchangeable mask. Seeing that, I was hooked and had to check it out for myself.
The story follows the author’s experience of going back to China for work in 2011—supposedly, he had been to China previously, although it is not part of the book’s story. It is told in three different formats. The first one is the chronological and pretty much literal story of the author’s experience—or, you know, the main format, you could say. The second one is the online correspondence the author conducts frequently with a loved one in Germany. The third one is the visualisation of a story the author narrates during work as a voiceover artist. I love how the author respectfully portrays China as a jarring experience—creating a stark contrast with Germany’s more orderly hubbub. This book later on led me to read 3 more of Sascha Hommer’s works.
#7: Tirai Menurun
by Nh. Dini
If you frequent this space pretty reguarly, you might remember this book from here or here. Yes, this book was bought by Agung for my birthday 3 years ago—and I just got around to reading it earlier this year. He let me pick it out in a bookstore and I just couldn’t resist an Nh. Dini book that I haven’t read yet. She is such a legend!
We follow the story of a wayang wong troupe—not unlike a theatre troupe, but imbued with the traditional Javanese culture—through the lives of its members. It opened my eyes to the inner workings of such troupes and how popular it was back in the ’70s. At the same time, I was watching the Netflix series Makanai—which portrays a similar story for Geisha. The parallels are just inescapable to me.
#7: Tirai Menurun
by Nh. Dini
If you frequent this space pretty reguarly, you might remember this book from here or here. Yes, this book was bought by Agung for my birthday 3 years ago—and I just got around to reading it earlier this year. He let me pick it out in a bookstore and I just couldn’t resist an Nh. Dini book that I haven’t read yet. She is such a legend!
We follow the story of a wayang wong troupe—not unlike a theatre troupe, but imbued with the traditional Javanese culture—through the lives of its members. It opened my eyes to the inner workings of such troupes and how popular it was back in the ’70s. At the same time, I was watching the Netflix series Makanai—which portrays a similar story for Geisha. The parallels are just inescapable to me.
#6: Hillbilly Elegy
by J.D. Vance
After watching the film in 2020, I was intrigued by the entire story straight away. The story somehow became controversial, as it shows the underbelly of a white trash community. Personally, I find the story to be liberating, among the race-focused narrative of the USA. When I saw this book at a used bookstore, I just had to get it.
There were a lot of key differences between the film and the book. Primarily, in the storytelling. In the book, J.D. Vance’s goal in sharing his story was to shed light to the dysfunction of his entire community—not making himself out to be the wonder kid. He blames nobody for his upbringing and experiences. In the end, his achievements are thanks to many parties—not just his grandma.
#6: Hillbilly Elegy
by J.D. Vance
After watching the film in 2020, I was intrigued by the entire story straight away. The story somehow became controversial, as it shows the underbelly of a white trash community. Personally, I find the story to be liberating, among the race-focused narrative of the USA. When I saw this book at a used bookstore, I just had to get it.
There were a lot of key differences between the film and the book. Primarily, in the storytelling. In the book, J.D. Vance’s goal in sharing his story was to shed light to the dysfunction of his entire community—not making himself out to be the wonder kid. He blames nobody for his upbringing and experiences. In the end, his achievements are thanks to many parties—not just his grandma.
#5: Der Vorleser
by Bernhard Schlink
Also known as “The Reader,” here is yet another book that has been adapted into film—and one I’ve watched before reading the book. But, actually, this book made it into this list at all thanks to my friend Katha‘s recommendation a while back. At first I was reluctant to pick it up, since I remembered it simply as a story about an inappropriate relationship between a young man and much, much older woman who couldn’t read. I knew there was talk of Nazi involved in the story, but didn’t remember how. Needless to say, I wasn’t prepared for the emotional wreck this story was going to put me through. It was undoubtedly a remarkably unique story set in the post-WWII era Germany, that bridged the disconnect between Hitler’s reign and today’s Germany.
For those of you who have watched the film and remember only Kate Winslet’s practically naked body—like me—this book deals with so much more than sex and romance. The story is supposedly written by Michael Berg himself when he is older and able look at his experience with Hanna with hindsight. He writes with so much emotion, it is hard not to care for him in a way nobody in his life has—including Hanna. It is so harrowing and haunting how his seemingly fleeting attachment to Hanna ended up leaving him tethered to her his whole life. So heartbreaking. Through his writing, we can also see how Germany is handling the Nazi situation, just as they are surfacing from the trauma—and now it seems to parallel their behaviour towards the Israel-Palestine conflict.
#4: Sprache und Sein
by Kübra Gümüşay
I’ve mentioned this book before, so I don’t really want to talk into too much detail on it anymore. Just a few things to note: Firstly, Kübra Gümüşay is one of the most inspirational figures for me—especially as a Muslim woman who’s lived in Germany. She has always been very outspoken about the Muslim experience in Germany, in particular the women’s, and it’s hard not to admire her for it. Now, this is her first book—as far as I can tell—and it does not disappoint.
Basically, this book opens up my eyes—and I’m sure a lot of readers’ too—to the influence our language has on our view of the world and vice versa. It explains why translations can never be exact to the source material—because how, say, the Germans see the world and how the Turks or how the Nigerians see the world are so different yet so close to the language in which they speak. It shows me how language both liberates us—by putting a name to things we wouldn’t otherwise understand—and restricts us—by not having the expression to everything we may experience or feel. But should these linguistic pros and cons get in the way of us understanding each other?
#5: Der Vorleser
by Bernhard Schlink
Also known as “The Reader,” here is yet another book that has been adapted into film—and one I’ve watched before reading the book. But, actually, this book made it into this list at all thanks to my friend Katha‘s recommendation a while back. At first I was reluctant to pick it up, since I remembered it simply as a story about an inappropriate relationship between a young man and much, much older woman who couldn’t read. I knew there was talk of Nazi involved in the story, but didn’t remember how. Needless to say, I wasn’t prepared for the emotional wreck this story was going to put me through. It was undoubtedly a remarkably unique story set in the post-WWII era Germany, that bridged the disconnect between Hitler’s reign and today’s Germany.
For those of you who have watched the film and remember only Kate Winslet’s practically naked body—like me—this book deals with so much more than sex and romance. The story is supposedly written by Michael Berg himself when he is older and able look at his experience with Hanna with hindsight. He writes with so much emotion, it is hard not to care for him in a way nobody in his life has—including Hanna. It is so harrowing and haunting how his seemingly fleeting attachment to Hanna ended up leaving him tethered to her his whole life. So heartbreaking. Through his writing, we can also see how Germany is handling the Nazi situation, just as they are surfacing from the trauma—and now it seems to parallel their behaviour towards the Israel-Palestine conflict.
#4: Sprache und Sein
by Kübra Gümüşay
I’ve mentioned this book before, so I don’t really want to talk into too much detail on it anymore. Just a few things to note: Firstly, Kübra Gümüşay is one of the most inspirational figures for me—especially as a Muslim woman who’s lived in Germany. She has always been very outspoken about the Muslim experience in Germany, in particular the women’s, and it’s hard not to admire her for it. Now, this is her first book—as far as I can tell—and it does not disappoint.
Basically, this book opens up my eyes—and I’m sure a lot of readers’ too—to the influence our language has on our view of the world and vice versa. It explains why translations can never be exact to the source material—because how, say, the Germans see the world and how the Turks or how the Nigerians see the world are so different yet so close to the language in which they speak. It shows me how language both liberates us—by putting a name to things we wouldn’t otherwise understand—and restricts us—by not having the expression to everything we may experience or feel. But should these linguistic pros and cons get in the way of us understanding each other?
#3: Worn
by Sofi Thanhauser
As someone who has been a great advocate for slow fashion and loudspeaker against fast fashion, I am a little bit ashamed to say that this was practically the first book I read on the subject—I’m not counting Fast Fashion: Die Schattenseite der Mode, because it’s technically an exhibition companion book.
Again, I’ve already mentioned this book before, so I don’t really want to repeat myself. But let me just say a few words in regards to this book. It made me realise several things: One, that the practice of cloth-making has become evil long before prêt-à-porter was a thing. Two, slavery not only hasn’t been abolished yet, it is thriving. Three, that clothes that include animal by-products (i.e. wool) can be eco-conscious and good for the planet too.
#3: Worn
by Sofi Thanhauser
As someone who has been a great advocate for slow fashion and loudspeaker against fast fashion, I am a little bit ashamed to say that this was practically the first book I read on the subject—I’m not counting Fast Fashion: Die Schattenseite der Mode, because it’s technically an exhibition companion book.
Again, I’ve already mentioned this book before, so I don’t really want to repeat myself. But let me just say a few words in regards to this book. It made me realise several things: One, that the practice of cloth-making has become evil long before prêt-à-porter was a thing. Two, slavery not only hasn’t been abolished yet, it is thriving. Three, that clothes that include animal by-products (i.e. wool) can be eco-conscious and good for the planet too.
#2: Sentient
by Jackie Higgins
I remember seeing Seth Hughes on social media say:
“People seem to think I’m into nature, but I’m not really. Is a fish into the ocean like its own environment is a weekend hobby? This way of talking about our world as if it’s something you can choose to be interested in is the beginning of our disconnection.”
As humans, we tend to forget that we are as much part of nature as any other living being on earth. We are not better than the animals, plants, insects or molluscs roaming the planet—and that’s what this book will remind us as it takes us from one animal to the next to learn more about our own physical capabilities and limitations. I’ve talked in greater detail about this book before, so hop on over there for more.
#2: Sentient
by Jackie Higgins
I remember seeing Seth Hughes on social media say:
“People seem to think I’m into nature, but I’m not really. Is a fish into the ocean like its own environment is a weekend hobby? This way of talking about our world as if it’s something you can choose to be interested in is the beginning of our disconnection.”
As humans, we tend to forget that we are as much part of nature as any other living being on earth. We are not better than the animals, plants, insects or molluscs roaming the planet—and that’s what this book will remind us as it takes us from one animal to the next to learn more about our own physical capabilities and limitations. I’ve talked in greater detail about this book before, so hop on over there for more.
#1: 1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows
by Ai Weiwei
For years I’ve admired Ai Weiwei as an artist, although if I’m being honest I can’t even remember where I knew him from or what his works look like. I just remember that I read something about his recent works—or maybe not so recent?—and I was smitten by it completely, because it was so powerful and fights for the kind of cause I support as well. Only after reading this book was I able to put my finger on it—it was the Safe Passage installation from 2016, raising awareness around the refugee crisis that overtook Europe at the time. Very recently, I saw that his exhibition in London has been cancelled due to his show of support for Palestine. Without blinking, that made me pick up this book and finally read it.
From the first paragraph alone I could instantly understand why Ai Weiwei would support Palestine. As someone whose family has been oppressed for generations, Ai Weiwei must understand very well what it feels like to be silenced, to be terrorised and to have their narrative changed in the eyes of the public. The book deals not only with his own life story—in fact, it starts out with his father’s life.
Much like his son, Ai Qing was an artist who speaks out against oppression and injustice. As if inheriting this trait from his father, Ai Weiwei grew up to become an outspoken person who deviates from the norm and fights injustice through his art. Both his father’s and his story—which are so deeply intertwined, by the way—are so inspiring and opened my eyes to the (ongoing) situation in China. The only thing that breaks my heart is knowing that Ai Weiwei and I could almost meet, if only I had arrived sooner or left later. Delusional, I know, but a girl can dream.
I think what truly influenced my reading portfolio this year is my Goethe Institute library card. Although that card was basically made at the second half of last year, I didn’t really take full advantage of it until this year—and decided to continue on with it. This easy access to free books was such a gold mine for me, that the majority of books I read this year ended up coming from that library—in fact, one book was read in literally one sitting on the spot. Crazy, right?
Aside from that, I’ve also been loving loads of classics this year. I took a reference from Romancing the East a few years ago and this year, in particular, I crossed off a lot of books from that list. Additionally, graphic novels have invaded my reading list more and more now. They give additional values through the visuals. I find myself looking very closely at the art style and technique to take away for my own craft. Hope to read more of those soon!
What did your reading look like in 2023?
Share an interesting title you’ve read this year in the comments!
#1: 1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows
by Ai Weiwei
For years I’ve admired Ai Weiwei as an artist, although if I’m being honest I can’t even remember where I knew him from or what his works look like. I just remember that I read something about his recent works—or maybe not so recent?—and I was smitten by it completely, because it was so powerful and fights for the kind of cause I support as well. Only after reading this book was I able to put my finger on it—it was the Safe Passage installation from 2016, raising awareness around the refugee crisis that overtook Europe at the time. Very recently, I saw that his exhibition in London has been cancelled due to his show of support for Palestine. Without blinking, that made me pick up this book and finally read it.
From the first paragraph alone I could instantly understand why Ai Weiwei would support Palestine. As someone whose family has been oppressed for generations, Ai Weiwei must understand very well what it feels like to be silenced, to be terrorised and to have their narrative changed in the eyes of the public. The book deals not only with his own life story—in fact, it starts out with his father’s life.
Much like his son, Ai Qing was an artist who speaks out against oppression and injustice. As if inheriting this trait from his father, Ai Weiwei grew up to become an outspoken person who deviates from the norm and fights injustice through his art. Both his father’s and his story—which are so deeply intertwined, by the way—are so inspiring and opened my eyes to the (ongoing) situation in China. The only thing that breaks my heart is knowing that Ai Weiwei and I could almost meet, if only I had arrived sooner or left later. Delusional, I know, but a girl can dream.
I think what truly influenced my reading portfolio this year is my Goethe Institute library card. Although that card was basically made at the second half of last year, I didn’t really take full advantage of it until this year—and decided to continue on with it. This easy access to free books was such a gold mine for me, that the majority of books I read this year ended up coming from that library—in fact, one book was read in literally one sitting on the spot. Crazy, right?
Aside from that, I’ve also been loving loads of classics this year. I took a reference from Romancing the East a few years ago and this year, in particular, I crossed off a lot of books from that list. Additionally, graphic novels have invaded my reading list more and more now. They give additional values through the visuals. I find myself looking very closely at the art style and technique to take away for my own craft. Hope to read more of those soon!
What did your reading look like in 2023?
Share an interesting title you’ve read this year in the comments!