What I Read in 2023
As the new year starts, it’s time for another annual recap of what I read in 2023, or in other words, where my curiosity led me this year.
2023 Favourites
I Never Though of it That Way - Monica Guzmán (Non-Fiction)
Overview: "I Never Thought of it That Way" by Mónica Guzmán explores effective communication and bridging conversations in a divided world. Gaining traction in a conversation involves three key elements: reach (focus on learning something new), grip (focus on connecting with others), and balance (respect different viewpoints). The book emphasizes the importance of curiosity, honesty, and understanding when engaging in conversations with people who hold different perspectives.
Why it’s a favourite: I think we need to normalize understanding what people are saying without feeling that we have to agree with them. This book helps you to do just that. Our world has grown increasingly polarized and it’s becoming more and more difficult to have dialogue around contentious topics. We navigate our relationships trying to convince people that our position is right, before we have any curiosity around what they think and what has led to those beliefs. We don’t have to agree with people to understand them, and it has been proven that people are more open to hearing opposing ideas when they feel understood. This book provides practical tools to engage hard conversations with curiosity.
The Myth of Normal - Gabor Maté (Non-Fiction)
Overview: In “The Myth of Normal,” Gabor Maté critiques how the things we consider as normal — like stress, adversity and trauma — wreak havoc on our bodies and can lead to disease. While laying out his case, he offers a pathway to healing through compassionately identifying and addressing the underlying issues and wounds.
Why it’s a favourite: Another thing I would love to see normalized - processing our traumas (big and small). This book presents another case for curiosity in our relationships with others and ourselves. Instead of looking at the symptoms on the surface, a trauma informed lens will ask “What happened to you?” rather than, “What’s wrong with you?” In conflict work, it’s critical to first go inward and understand “the self” before engaging in the issues at hand. This book gives a powerful case for why that’s important and strategies for how to do it.
A World of Curiosities - Louise Penny (Fiction)
Overview: Set in the Quebec town of Three Pines, Inspector Gamache uncovers a hidden attic space with a world of curiosities. The head of homicide soon realizes there’s more in that room than meets the eye. There are puzzles within puzzles, and hidden messages warning of mayhem and revenge. In unsealing that room, an old enemy is released into their world. Into their lives. And into the very heart of Armand Gamache’s home.
Why it’s a favourite: I think I’m a late convert, but I was introduced to the world of Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and I’m hooked. I couldn’t put this down and finished it in two days. Somehow this book is both cozy and suspenseful. I would recommend this book to everyone (And it just so happens to be on theme: curiosity).
Let me know what’s driven your curiosity this year — Comment below what books you’d recommend!