December Book Review
Welcome to my December 2023 Monthly Reading Wrap-Up!
Before diving in, you might want to check out last month’s reading wrap-up here.
My reviews will have a fluid structure, reflecting my genuine thoughts and feelings about each book. Some reviews will delve deeply, teeming with opinions, while others will be more succinct. This diversity in my reviews is precisely the reason I embarked on this book review journey. I'm passionate about reading and craved a space where I could articulate my reflections without restraint.
This month, I delved into four books, presented in the sequence I read them. As is customary for me, there's a blend of fiction and nonfiction titles.
Ok wow.
You guys, WOW!
Like, wow, you guys!!
This was… WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I finally read the third and final installment of the Green Bone saga that I have been raving about all year. I am… blown away.
Speechless.
At a loss for words.
Amazed.
This book, and the whole series, was superb.
Wonderful.
Spectacular.
Incredible.
For fantasy lovers this series is a MUST! For readers who love a good book regardless of genre, these books are a MUST! If you think fantasy isn’t your thing (like I thought!) these books will for sure change your mind (like they did for me!)
Other reviews are calling these books a ‘pillar of the fantasy genre’ and I wholeheartedly agree. The breadth, the depth, the expanse… it has it all. Not one step is missed. Not one element is out of line. Not a single thing is lacking.
This saga stands as the best fantasy series I have ever read, one of my favorite series of all time, and the best discovery of 2023. Fonda Lee is a genre defining writer and I am in awe. 1000 stars.
Caitlin Moran certainly tried, but unfortunately, she missed the mark. This book had the potential to be stellar, addressing a deeply important and intriguing topic: the examination of how our society's patriarchal structure is harmful not only to women but also to men. Men suffer uniquely under a cultural structure that allows only for certain types of manhood. I would have preferred a more sociological and academic approach to this subject. However, Moran opted for an anecdotal and humorous tone. This isn't necessarily a fault, as it aligns with the platform she is known for and the style of her previous books. It simply wasn't my preferred approach or the flavor of presentation I enjoy.
Much of what I had hoped Moran would address was already covered in Self Made Man by Norah Vincent. If you're seeking a more sociological and in-depth analysis of the topic, I recommend that book instead. I'm not upset with What About Men for what it is; I just wish it had been something different. Overall, I give it 3 stars.
Britney Spears is like God to me. She's not just a pop icon; she's a personal obsession. I've meticulously followed her career, standing at the forefront of the #FreeBritney movement, and eagerly consumed every detail about her conservatorship battle. When news broke of her memoir, The Woman In Me, my excitement knew no bounds. This book has rightfully earned its place among my top 5-star memoir reads of 2023.
In The Woman In Me, Britney invites readers into her world, tracing her journey from a young girl in Louisiana to becoming the defining pop sensation and global superstar of the 2000s. She doesn't shy away from discussing the intense media backlash and scrutiny she faced throughout her life. Her narrative candidly addresses her pre-fame family struggles, the peak of her career, and the harrowing abuse she suffered under her conservatorship.
Her story emerges at a pivotal moment, echoing the broader societal critique of how women, particularly in the media during the 2000s, were subjected to rampant sexism and misogyny. A striking aspect of her memoir is the raw and unfiltered disdain she expresses for her family, especially her father, who was the primary enforcer of the oppressive and exploitative conservatorship. She details how her family profited immensely while controlling every facet of her life, from her diet and medications to her social interactions and wardrobe, all while denying her access to her own finances and autonomy. Britney's palpable anger is justified; the complete erosion of her freedom and personhood, especially under the relentless public gaze, is unimaginable.
My only critique of the book concerns the use of a ghostwriter, which, in my opinion, slightly dilutes the personal essence of the narrative. Unlike memoirs like Pamela Anderson's, where the unique voice of the author is unmistakable, Britney's story at times feels as though it's being recounted by someone else. This isn't a significant flaw – it's a common aspect of using a ghostwriter – but it does differentiate the memoir from others where the celebrity's voice is more directly present.
Despite this, I'm profoundly relieved that Britney's story has been brought to light. She deserves every bit of peace and healing available in this world, and The Woman In Me is a testament to her resilience and strength.
Aesthetica sits at the same table as my previously reviewed Natural Beauty in offering a poignant critique of society's obsession with appearance, highlighting the extreme lengths to which people will go to conform to aesthetic trends. This book delves into the impact of our social media-obsessed culture, the proliferation of photoshopped and filtered selfies, and the increasing reliance on plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures to meet ever-changing beauty standards.
The narrative follows Anna, a 19-year-old Instagram model hopeful in 2017, who views the world of social media influencing as a gateway to money, power, and freedom. Fast forward to a 35-year-old Anna, who harbors deep regrets about the sacrifices she made and what she lost in her pursuit of youthful perfection. What I appreciated most about this book is the nuanced critique it offers. It avoids the clichéd condemnation of a 'stupid, vain, young bimbo obsessed with looks.' Instead, the characters are portrayed as real and multidimensional, with motivations and choices that are both grounded in reality and relatable, fostering a compassionate understanding of their struggles and experiences.
Aesthetica was the very last book I read in 2023, and I am pleased to conclude the year on such a high note. I am awarding it 4.5 stars.
And that concludes my reading journey of 2023! I have read and reviewed dozens and dozens of books on the blog this past year and I am excited to continue expanding my diverse reading portfolio in 2024.
Check out all three of my 2023 Book Awards blog posts!
The 14 best 5-star fiction books.
