FOUNDLUX

for the love of BOOKS

My Insane 2023 Reading List that truly started at the end of 2022 but…It actually spilled into 2024 *sigh* (uff what a mouth full)


Before delving into the extensive list of books, let me recount the rekindling of my passion for reading. The truth is, my love for books has always been a flame flickering within me, fueled by the unraveling of stories held within their pages. However, as the years progressed, reading morphed into a seemingly obligatory task, overshadowed by the looming deadlines of academia. The association between reading and the academic grind cast a shadow over my once-beloved pastime. It became an obligation, tethered to essay deadlines, project completions, and the relentless cycle of quizzes and exams. In the midst of this academic whirlwind, the joy of leisurely reading slipped away. It wasn’t until I found moments of free time that I realized the genuine pleasure of immersing myself in the world of books had been obscured by the demands of formal education. Yet, in reclaiming those stolen moments, I rediscovered the sheer delight of reading for the pure joy of it, reigniting a fervor that had been temporarily dimmed.


Ah, THE year of 2020, marked by a notorious lockdowns and a collective quest for new or rediscovered hobbies. In my case, that year became a chapter dedicated to the resurgence of my love for reading. It began with dipping into short stories and revisiting old literary friends, including the companions from my school days. There was a revelation in each familiar tale—an acknowledgment of the genuine enjoyment these stories brought me and a poignant recognition of the void that had formed during the years of neglecting my reading habits. Despite this newfound awareness, breaking free from the shackles of other distractions proved to be a challenge. The allure of social media, Netflix, and the endorphin rush from workouts often competed for my attention. The struggle between the instant gratification of digital platforms and the slower, immersive pleasures of a good book persisted, creating a balancing act in the pursuit of meaningful leisure.

Fast forward to December 2022, and a transformative journey awaited me in the bustling streets of London during a visit to my sisters. The change of scenery, the palpable history lingering in the air, and the captivating clash of the old and new infused a fresh perspective into my soul. It was as if the city itself held the key to unlocking a newfound passion for literature within me. Perhaps it was the need to escape, allowing my mind to wander freely amid the ancient architecture and modern vibrancy. Or maybe, as I navigated the charming city, the pages of “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” intertwined seamlessly with my footsteps, creating a harmonious symphony of literary and real-world experiences. Whatever the catalyst, London became the enchanting backdrop to a chapter in my life where the joy of reading fully rekindled, transforming mere words into vivid adventures that mirrored the dynamic essence of the city itself.

Besides the incredible story, I experienced a profound sense of achievement in reading a book purely for enjoyment after many years. The motivation behind it was simple — I wanted to read without any specific reason. It dawned on me that there’s no need to feel embarrassed about embracing genres like romance, murder mystery, fiction, ect. If these genres are the ones that ignite my passion for reading, then I wholeheartedly accept them.

Needless to say here is the list, I’ve also typed it out below

This list is not in the exact order in which I read the books but close enough

Leave a comment