my favorite books of 2023 !!

Lexi introduces her 2023 reading journey, having read 119 books, which is three less than her goal. She discusses her reading habits, including her focus on romance due to TikTok themed series. Lexi shares her reading stats, noting a dip in March and April due to her college thesis. She highlights her genre preferences and the gender distribution of authors she read. The video will cover her top 10 favorite books of the year, followed by a separate video on her least favorites. Lexi also mentions her data tracking methods and shares graphs of her reading habits. She ends the paragraph with a sponsor mention for Wild, a sustainable deodorant company.

Lexi starts her top 10 favorite books of 2023 with 'Cersei' by Madeline Miller. She describes the book as a modernized retelling of the story of Cersei from The Odyssey, focusing on her magical powers and personal growth. Lexi was initially bored but eventually became deeply invested in Cersei's journey. She praises Miller's ability to breathe new life into old stories and characters. Lexi also shares some impactful quotes from the book and mentions that Miller is working on a new retelling, which she eagerly anticipates.

Next on Lexi's list is 'Juniper and Thorn' by Eva Reed, a fantasy horror retelling of the Juniper Tree fairy tale. The story follows Marlin Chan, who lives with her abusive wizard father and sisters. Marlin's life changes when she sneaks out to see a ballet, leading her to confront a serial killer and her own trauma. Lexi appreciates the book's atmospheric writing, gruesome content, and its exploration of coping with trauma. She notes that the book is not a romance but has romantic elements, and she emphasizes its slow pace and character-driven nature.

Lexi discusses 'You Again' by Kate Goldbeck, a romance novel that stands out in her year of reading many romances. The book is a gender-swapped retelling of 'When Harry Met Sally', featuring Ari, a commitment-phobe, and Josh, a chef. Their relationship evolves from antagonistic encounters to friendship and deeper feelings. Lexi appreciates the book's banter, humor, and the characters' flawed yet relatable personalities. She also mentions the book's mixed reviews and her personal enjoyment of the story.

Lexi's seventh favorite book is 'Actor AG Eve Brown' by Talia Hibbert. This is the third book in the Brown Sisters Trilogy and follows Eve Brown, a trust fund baby with ADHD, who is cut off by her parents and ends up working at a bed and breakfast run by Jacob. Despite their initial dislike, they form a bond over their shared autism spectrum disorder. Lexi praises the book's representation of autism, banter, and the development of the characters' relationship. She highlights the book's warmth and humor, making it a standout in her list.

Lexi's sixth favorite book is 'Bloodmarked' by Tracy Deonn, the sequel to 'Legendborn'. The series follows Bri, who gets involved with a secret society based on Avalon and King Arthur's Knights. These descendants have superpowers tied to their corresponding Knights and are in an eternal war against demons. Lexi emphasizes the book's exploration of racism, violence, grief, and resilience. She notes that while 'Bloodmarked' is not as good as the first book, it still holds a special place in her heart.

Lexi's fifth favorite book is 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir. The story revolves around Ryland, who wakes up on a spaceship light years away from Earth with no memory of his mission. Lexi praises the book's accessible science, engaging narrative, and emotional depth. She describes the book as an adrenaline-pumping adventure that leaves a lasting impact. Lexi also mentions her excitement about a potential movie adaptation.

Lexi's fourth favorite book is 'What My Bones Know' by Stephanie Foo, a memoir about her diagnosis of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) and her journey towards healing. The book is divided into five sections, starting with her childhood abuse and continuing through her adult life as she learns to cope and heal. Lexi is moved by the book's emotional depth, Foo's resilience, and the exploration of generational trauma in immigrant communities.

Lexi's third favorite book is 'Babel' by R.F. Kuang, a story about Robin, a Chinese boy sent to study under a famous Oxford professor in an alternate historical fantasy world. The magic system is based on the concept of lost in translation, where the difference in meaning between words in different languages can be made real. Lexi is captivated by the book's exploration of oppression, the British Empire, and the struggle for a better future. She praises Kuang's consistent brilliance as an author.

Lexi's second favorite book is 'Beartown' by Fredrik Backman, set in a small Swedish town where the local ice hockey team's success is crucial for the community's pride and economic future. The story explores the impact of a tragic event that divides the town and forces its residents to confront their values and morality. Lexi is deeply moved by the book's emotional depth, the interconnected characters, and the exploration of community dynamics.

Lexi's number one favorite book of 2023 is 'Betty' by Tiffany McDaniel, a semi-biographical novel inspired by the author's mother. The book follows the life of a biracial Cherokee girl, Betty, from birth to adulthood, exploring the various forms of violence she and her family endure. Despite the heavy themes, the book is imbued with hope and resilience, anchored by Betty's father's philosophy of kindness. Lexi is deeply moved by the book's emotional journey and its portrayal of complex love and acceptance.