Tina Athaide's 3 favorite reads in 2023

• 2023
• 2024

This book is the sparkling gem out of all the books I read this year. It also made it onto my shelf of books that I read and reread yearly or, in this case, throughout the year.

Stepping into 2023, I craved a space where I didn’t feel like my life was moving a million miles an hour. This book was a welcomed pause button, nudging me to slow down and appreciate the little things, helping me to truly see the value in living life in the moment.

The book is packed with real-world tips and practical advice (something we all love) from some of the world’s longest-living individuals and from centenarians in Okinawa. What I think makes this book so popular is that the authors have a way of discussing these deep concepts without making it feel like a dense lecture.

Every time I pick up the book to read a story or a snippet, I’m reminded of mindfulness, simplicity, and being present in today’s fast-paced world. A genuine gem!

Set in the eighteenth century, with a rich cast of characters and an intriguing plot, this book was a feast!

I stumbled upon Tania James’ book at the airport and devoured more than half of it during the three-hour flight home. The story interweaves romance and adventure and serves as a “sliding door” into the lasting impact of colonialism.

The hero of the story is seventeen-year-old Abbas, the finest woodcarver in his hometown of Mysore, India. He is snatched up by the sultan to work with a master French watchmaker to create an unforgettable automaton to celebrate the return of the Sultan's sons from being held hostage by the English.

Tipu's Tiger is a wonder, and Abbas is completely enamored with learning to create mechanisms and opportunities for learning with the Frenchman Lucien Du Leze. There were so many interesting characters and crisscrossing plots that I was glued to every page.

And here’s a little tidbit if you are still unsure about reading this book: Tipu’s tiger in the book truly exists and resides in the Victoria and Alberta Museum in London.

I love finishing a book, knowing there is a film or limited series to watch. This book is written by the author who brought us A Man Called Ove. In this case, I stumbled on the program first and then read the book.

The book is set in a small Swedish town and centers around eight anxiety-prone strangers who are taken hostage while attending an open house. The story takes place inside the apartment, revealing the anxieties, secrets, and interconnected lives of each character.

The story made me laugh out loud. But, at its core, it made me stop and reflect on human nature and the ways in which people connect and find hope in challenging times.