Rating the books I read in 2023

I told myself I was going to try to read 1 book per month in 2023. I knew it was a lofty goal but I set it anyway. I didn't read 12 books, I read 6, not too shabby right? That's one book every other month. I think part of the hang up was that whenever I had free time, I'd listen to one of 50 podcasts that I'm current enthusiastic about.

Nonetheless, getting through 6 books in one year is an accomplishment for me and next year I have the same goal of 1 per month and I believe I will accomplish it this time!

Without further adeiue I present you with the 6 books I read and my thoughts on them.

1. Nowhere for Very Long, by Brianna Madia - I LOVED this book! I loved that it was entertaining , that she was transparent and vulnerable & I loved that was able to make me emotionally invested in her life. It was very easy to get through, in fact, I zipped through this book in about 3 days. Overall, I give this book a 5/5!

2. Money Mysteries from the Master, by Gary Keesee - overall, I give this book 5/5!

3. Made for the Journey, by Elizabeth Elliott - This book was very interesting in that I actually got to hear the story of how someone I've looked II to for years ends up where she was when I "found" her. Her takes in the jungle were entertaining, her sense of humor surprised me and the way God was able to teach me lessons just through the story of her life was refreshing. I found myself pausing and reflecting often. Overall, I also give this book 5/5!

4. Becoming Orthodox, by Peter E. Gillquist - very inspiring actually and made me interested in exploring the Orthodox Church more in history and in person. 5/5

5. The Grace Filled Honestead, by Lana Stenner - I have mixed feeling about this book. I love that she gives tips at the end of each chapter and that it was lighthearted and easy to read but I think that as soon as I heard her recommend yoga, I had some serious red flags go up. No judgement from me, I was deceived for many years myself but knowing where she is in at least part of her walk with the Lord, made me very cautious as I read the rest of the book. Comparing EVERYTHING she penned against the word of God rather than just reading with some level of trust that she might be grounded in the word God. Please keep in mind, that if she wasn't a proclaimed Christian, I wouldn't be holding her to this standard of trust. Overall, I give this book a 3/5.

6. Deep, by James Nestor - this book was absolutely FASCINATING and gripping!!! I loved how he approached es h chapter with a new depth rather than "chapter 1"; I had never seen anything like that dive before and I found it to be very unique and creative. Not only was this book well written and entertaining, it was also extremely informative and inspiring. There aren't many books that have it all like this. I hugest it felt like her teleported me to another world with each chapter. I felt like I was there and I was inspired even more to continue to pursue my free diving hobby. To push my physical limits and live a more exciting life. He made it feel so-able to a normal person like myself. :) Overall, I give this book a 5/5!

So although I only got through half of the books I hoped to read this year, I am really pleased with the fact than I thoroughly enjoyed most of them and none of them felt like a waste of time.

What did you read in 2023 that you would recommend I add to my 2024 list? Have you read any of the books I read? If so, how would you rate them?