Mid-Year Check in

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us."

Jul 12, 2023

Please enjoy this special content while I'm away from social media during the month of July; I'll be returning with more nonfiction lists in August.

2023 is more than half over. How has this year treated you? It's been a roller coaster of ups and downs for me, but overall, I've learned a lot and grown personally. There have been unexpected challenges as well as some exciting opportunities. I'd say 2023 has pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me discover new strengths and passions.

In light of that, here are my top 12 books from this year, listed in no particular order. I gave each of these 4 or 5 stars. I found them to be compelling and authentic, and I heartily endorse them to anyone looking for their next outstanding work of nonfiction. A quick mini-review is included below.

Lifelines: A Doctor's Journey in the Fight for Public Health by Leana Wen (2021) | My Thoughts: This book offers an eye-opening account of the challenges and triumphs faced by a doctor in the field of public health. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand how complicated our healthcare system is and how important it is to put public health first.
Sorry, I'm late. I Didn't Want to come. One Introvert's Year of Saying Yes by Jessica Pan (2019) | My Thoughts: This memoir offers a unique perspective on the power of stepping out of one's comfort zone. She chronicles her year-long journey to challenge her introverted nature and embrace new experiences. It encourages us to push past our own limits and embrace the unexpected joys that come with saying "yes" to life.
The Life Council: 10 Friends Every Woman Needs by Laura Tremaine (2023) | My Thoughts: This new book provides insights into the importance of a diverse network of friends. She reminds us that our friends can give us different points of view and that having a diverse group of friends can greatly improve our overall well-being.
The Happiest Man on Earth: The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor by Eddie Jaku (2022) | My Thoughts: "The Happiest Man on Earth" by Eddie Jaku is a powerful memoir that chronicles the incredible resilience and positivity of an Auschwitz survivor. Jaku's story is a reminder of how strong the human spirit is and how important it is to find joy even in the worst of times.
We Should Not Be Friends: The Story of a Friendship by Will Schwalbe (2023) | My Thoughts: "We Should Not Be Friends" is a memoir that explores the challenges and sacrifices that come with maintaining a friendship through the years. Through his story, he shows us that real friendships can last, even when people are very different and have different goals.
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The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet by John Green (2021) | My Thoughts: In this essay collection, the author examines the impact of human activity on our planet. He gets people to think about the world around them, and it can start conversations about how we have a duty to protect and keep the Earth safe for future generations.
Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion by Gregory Boyle (2011) | My Thoughts: Father Gregory Boyle talks about his time working with gang members in Los Angeles and shows how compassion can change people. He challenges social stereotypes and encourages people to see the humanity in everyone through his heartwarming and heartbreaking stories. This compelling and emotional memoir shows how even the worst situations can be turned around.
100 Things We've Lost to the Internet by Pamela Paul (2021) | My Thoughts: Pamela Paul talks about how the digital age has changed our lives in big ways. She talks about the longing for life before the Internet and how technology has changed our relationships, attention spans, and sense of privacy. She uses humor and insight to get people to think about the trade-offs we've made in order to stay connected all the time.
The Tender Bar: A Memoir by J. R. Moehringer (2006) | My Thoughts: "The Tender Bar" is a memoir about the author's childhood in a Long Island bar. He does a beautiful job of capturing the sense of community and camaraderie, while also exploring themes like identity, family, and the search for a place to belong.
In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss by Amy Bloom (2023) | My Thoughts: In Love is a memoir that recounts the emotional journey the author takes with her husband, Brian, who chooses to end his life after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. With raw honesty, she explores the intricacies of relationships, the challenges of caregiving, and the grief that accompanies such a personal decision.
The Golden Ticket: A Life in College Admissions Essays by Irena Smith (2023) | My Thoughts: This new title gives us a unique look into the world of college admissions from the point of view of someone who has spent years reading and judging hundreds of essays. It shows the pressures and expectations that students face and stresses the importance of being yourself and growing as a person. The author's personal reflections and anecdotes offer a perspective for both students and parents alike.
This Isn't Going to End Well: The True Story of a Man I Thought I Knew by Daniel Wallace (2023) | My Thoughts: In this memoir, the author shares his personal experience with a man he thought he knew—his childhood hero and future brother-in-law. After William's suicide, Daniel tries to figure out how he feels about the man who had such an impact on his life but ended up battling his own demons. It serves as a reminder that our understanding of others is frequently limited and that it is crucial to approach interpersonal relationships with empathy and compassion.

📚✨ Share a nonfiction book outside of your usual comfort zone that surprised you and became a favorite. Let's celebrate stepping out of our literary bubbles!