Vered Neta's 3 favorite reads in 2023

The Golem and the Djinni is an exhilarating tale that captivates you, making you reluctant to part ways with its beloved characters. It's a literary adventure that enchants every time you dive into its pages.

As a historian, reading this book felt like stepping into a time machine, immersing myself in the vibrant tapestry of early 20th-century New York. The vivid imagery painted by the author transformed history into a living, breathing movie. Every word vividly depicted the evolving cityscape, its pulse echoing through the ages.

The seamless blend of history and intimate relationships entranced me. Wecker masterfully wove the threads of human connection against the backdrop of a changing world. Yet, what truly stole my breath was the brilliant fusion of two distinct mythologies, bringing forth the Golem and the Djinni into the bustling heart of the modern world.

It's been a long time since a book captured me, holding me hostage well into the early morning.

Bonnie Garmus wove Elizabeth (and Calvin) with a brilliance that threw their complexity into the spotlight, oddly finding reflections of my own struggles in their distant personas.

Lessons in Chemistry transcends the label of a mere book; it's a blazing celebration of women's empowerment, a roaring testament to the unwavering pursuit of dreams, and a fiery rebellion against the chains of societal expectations. I found a character oozing with aspirations, dreams, and the unshakeable courage to carve her own path. 

And oh, the dance it performs on the edge of humour and heartache, a tightrope act that keeps you both charmed and devastated, is a relentless whirlwind of emotions that lifts you up even as it breaks you down.

I love stories about those offbeat, quirky characters who defy the usual mould, and Britt-Marie fits the bill like a superstar.

Despite her quirks and a tangled web of complexities, she effortlessly wove her way into my heart while transforming an entire village in the process.

Books that spotlight women in their '60s embracing new chapters in life are rare gems, and Britt-Marie's unlikely journey is an exhilarating testament to human resilience.

The fact that she, the most unexpected of heroes, took charge of her destiny and carved a new path for herself is nothing short of awe-inspiring. It reminds me that even at my ripe age, I, too, can kindle change not just within my own life but within the tapestry of lives around me. Britt-Marie showed me that the sky's the limit, no matter the age on the calendar.