A mega list of my 2023 favorites
Sharing the most impactful books, songs, movies, and other resources from the past year
I love making lists. I have lists for everything: local points of interest I want to check out, U.S. states I’ve visited, NorCal activities I’d like to try, books I hope to read. I list out my monthly highlights, my weekly highlights, my daily highlights. (I now realize I just made a list about the lists I’ve made — woah!)
Do I have a problem? Most likely. Yes.
But something about lists is deeply satisfying, therapeutic even.
I realized I sort of dabble in lists for this newsletter (as seen with the “Content Corner”). However, I haven’t made a list — the list. You know, a newsletter that, in and of itself, is a list.
So, here I am, ready to do just that.
In this newsletter, I’m sharing a giant round-up of all of my favorites from 2023: books, songs, movies, articles, YouTube videos, podcasts, apps, virtual creative spaces.
Feel free to come back to this any time you need inspiration — it’s definitely not meant to be a one-and-done read. (Oh, and if you find something that really resonates with you, let me know! I’d like to better understand the types of resources to share with you all in future posts.) Also, do leave a comment or respond to this email and let me know what some of your own favorites were this year.
Finally, this will be my last newsletter for 2023, so as we wrap up the year, I just wanted to say THANK YOU to each and every one of you for being here. I’m so grateful that you take the time to read these emails, given the million other things vying for your attention. It warms my heart when you reach out to share kind words and/or let me know that you can resonate with what I write. I love hearing about your own journeys and experiences!
Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season and a healthy, joyous, and fulfilling 2024.
Until next time,
Brina
Books
Where do I even begin?! Narrowing the list down was tough, but these books really moved me — and in some cases, saved me — during the pretty chaotic year that 2023 turned out to be. Some of these I read for a second time, while others were brand new. Take a look and see which books you’d like to add to your own 2024 reading list.
Nonfiction (Memoir)
Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah (a hilarious yet eye-opening recollection of the esteemed comedian’s experiences as a biracial child in post-apartheid South Africa)
Around the World in 80 Trains: A 45,000-Mile Adventure by Monisha Rajesh (a British journalist’s travel stories from a seven-month train journey that took her to countries such as North Korea, Kazakhstan, and Canada — special thanks to Dimple for the recommendation!)
The Fortune Teller’s Prophecy: A Memoir of an Unlikely Doctor by
(with vivid, emotive prose and a story that spans across Sri Lanka, Ghana, the U.K., and the U.S., Dr. Pia shares her arduous path to becoming a psychiatrist)Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by
(with her signature wit and soulfulness, Gilbert invites us to explore the concept of creativity and reimagine our relationship with it)
Nonfiction (Educational)
All the Gold Stars: Reimagining Ambition and the Ways We Strive by Rainesford Stauffer (while ambition often gets a bad rap these days, thanks to hustle culture, Stauffer invites us to channel this concept into more meaningful areas of our lives, such as relationships and passions)
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by
(this book is an absolute must for introverts, as it validates many of our struggles and encourages us to acknowledge our strengths in a world that tends to overlook them)Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends by Marisa G. Franco (Dr. Franco’s science-backed strategies provide a clear understanding on how to make strong and intentional connections in adulthood)
Real Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness by
(though common societal beliefs equate self-care with bubble baths and yoga retreats, Dr. Lakshmin encourages us to embrace its true essence, which involves setting healthy boundaries, examining our values, and treating ourselves compassionately)Moving on Doesn’t Mean Letting Go: A Modern Guide to Navigating Loss by Gina Moffa (a NYC-based therapist and grief expert offers a compassionate guide to coping with loss, whether that’s the death of a loved one, a breakup, or a health challenge)
Fiction
Mika in Real Life by Emiko Jean (I typically don’t read rom-coms, but this one involved a very touching reunion between a mother whose life is in shambles and the daughter she gave up for adoption 16 years ago)
The Map of Salt and Stars by Zeyn Joukhadar (with a beautifully poetic writing style, Joukhadar tells the parallel stories of modern-day Nour, a young girl fleeing mounting violence in Syria, and Rawiya, a mapmaker’s apprentice living over 800 years earlier, who faces her own life-threatening obstacles)
Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks (set in 1666, this story follows a plague outbreak in a rural English village, and sheds light on the harsh realities one woman must face in order to save as many lives as possible)
Songs
I love discovering new artists on Spotify and getting a first peek at what my favorite musicians have released. And 2023 proved to be a year full of many discoveries and new playlists. Here’s what I spent the most time listening to.
“Melting” by Kali Uchis (along with her newest album, Red Moon In Venus —R&B/Soul)
“Temptation” by Raveena (R&B)
“No Less” by SG Lewis and Louis Mattrs (Dance/Electronic)
“Misery Moon” by Luna Li (Indie Pop)
“Invincible” by Omar Apollo and Daniel Caesar (R&B)
“KTMBK” by Zaeden and Hanita Bhambri (Indian Alternative/Pop)
“Talk Talk” by Cannons (Alternative/Indie)
“Funny Thing” by Thundercat (Jazz/Soul/R&B/Funk)
“Baby Girl” by Disco Lines (Dance/Electronic)
“Snooze” by SZA (R&B)
“Horario” by Jaeden Camstra (Lo-Fi/Hip Hop)
“I Want You Around” by Snoh Aalegra (R&B/Soul)
“Lonely Soul” by Ab-Soul, Punch, and SZA (Hip Hop/R&B)
“la luz(Fín)” by Kali Uchis and Jhayco (Reggaetón/R&B)
Movies/Documentaries
I went to the movies four times this year! And I realized just how much I miss that big-screen experience, with the smell of buttery popcorn and reactions of fellow moviegoers filling the air. Netflix had a pretty great selection, as well. Here’s what I enjoyed the most (a mix of English-language and Hindi-language films).
American Symphony (a deeply moving story about
’s lukemia relapse, alongside her partner Jon Batiste’s record-shattering career wins, which centers around the themes of love and creativity)Barbie (no explanation needed at this point, but even if you’re totally Barbie-averse, America Ferrera’s monologue is incredibly powerful and worth a read/watch!)
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (an exuberant son from a traditional Punjabi family and a well-educated Bengali journalist from a more open-minded upbringing fall in love, though they quickly struggle to reconcile their stark differences, especially around gender expectations)
Jawan (this action film tells the story of a prison warden seeking justice from the Indian government for its failure to address systemic inequalities, which most strongly affect the economically underprivileged; along the way, he faces an unexpected reunion)
Taare Zameen Par (a nine-year-old boy with undiagnosed dyslexia is constantly reprimanded by his parents and teachers for falling behind academically; after his father sends him away to boarding school, the boy meets a kind-hearted art teacher who identifies his learning disability and gives him the support he needs)
Dear Zindagi (a coming-of-age story about an aspiring cinematographer whose relationship struggles push her to finally see a psychologist; throughout her mental health journey, she confronts many of her limiting beliefs and develops a more balanced outlook on life)
The Archies (basically the Bollywood version of Riverdale, this musical set in the 1960s follows a group of teenagers as they set out to protect a beloved city park from demolition by money-hungry developers)
Articles/Newsletters
I am amazed at how much brilliant writing is out there! This section most definitely calls for its own newsletter, but for brevity’s sake, here are some of the long-form reads that really resonated with me.
“Is Reading the Hottest Thing You Can Do as a Single Person?” by Gina Cherelus (The New York Times)
“How to Heal From a Toxic Job” by Michele Lando (Career Contessa)
“I’m Convinced the Cure for Loneliness Is More Surface-Level Friendships” by Ashley Oerman (Wondermind)
“Stop trying to have the perfect vacation. You’re ruining everyone else’s.” by Rebecca Jennings (Vox)
- (these are the types of stories that make me happy to be alive!)
- (if you’re almost at your breaking point, wondering whether you should quit “the thing” — whatever that looks like for you — this so relatable!)
“The Root of Over-Meeting Culture” by
(a spectacular essay that chronicles the counterproductive role of our meeting-driven workplaces)“Admit it…are you jealous of Gen Z?” by
(Anita wonderfully articulates what so many of us millennials have faced when it comes to the lack of representation growing up, and how seeing more of it now brings up bittersweet feelings)“Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul” by
(it can be incredibly hard to strike a balance between caring for our emotional needs and advocating for the needs of others; this interview based on the eponymous book acknowledges the strengths sensitivity offers, especially in the social justice space)“Dating apps are a hellfire — but the alternatives feel worse” by
(I know so many of us can relate to this, and though there’s no clear-cut answer, it’s reassuring to know that we’re in it together)“Love Continues To Save Me” by
(Andrea’s work will restore your faith in humanity and make you believe in miracles)
YouTube Videos
I can honestly spend hours on YouTube (and sometimes, I do!). The following video essays and interview-style videos were really thought-provoking and made me reconsider some of my own beliefs and lifestyle habits.
“Finding Love in the Modern Dating Culture (with Nathaniel Drew)” by Lana Blakeley
“How Company Loyalty Keeps You Poor” by Cara Nicole
“asking strangers how many friends they have” by Katherout
“The Hidden Cost of Doomscrolling” by Struthless
Podcasts
I didn’t listen to a ton of podcasts this year, but I found myself most often returning to these three.
Thriving Together with Nitika Chopra (chronic illness advocate and NYC-based entrepreneur, Nitika Chopra, encourages us to reimagine the ways we thrive and live a life that supports our growth — this podcast is like having a conversation with a dear friend!)
No Backup Plan by Nathaniel Drew (I’ve always admired Nathaniel’s storytelling abilities and worldviews; in this podcast, he interviews fellow digital creators and artists to bring to light many of the messier aspects of being human)
The Career Contessa podcast (if you’re looking for career advice without all of the girl boss rhetoric and hustle culture messaging, this is it!)
Virtual Writing and Creative Platforms
I’m amazed at how many virtual spaces now exist for us to connect with writers and creatives from across the globe. These three platforms offer free events and help bridge a lot of the loneliness that can come up, especially with remote work.
Shut Up & Write! (each day, this organization hosts virtual and in-person writing sessions, which last at least an hour; I’ve found everyone at the events to be incredibly supportive, and the communal work environment holds me accountable to actually getting stuff done)
Creative Mornings (I find so much joy in the “Virtual FieldTrips” this community hosts, which span diverse topics such as marketing advice for solopreneurs, painting and drawing workshops, reflective writing sessions, calming mindfulness practices, and so much more)
Focusmate (this virtual coworking platform pairs you up with a partner, with whom you’ll have a 50-minute session to quietly devote to your respective projects or tasks; you’ll have a couple minutes beforehand and afterwards to check in and chat)
Apps
I’ve decluttered my digital space this year, which has meant deleting a lot of apps. However, the following three have been immensely useful and educational in numerous ways.
Waking Up (this mindfulness app blends Eastern wisdom with modern neuroscience to provide a ton of inspiring and transformational content — shoutout to my girl Christine for the recommendation!)
SkyView Lite (I used this in place of an actual telescope while stargazing earlier this year in Joshua Tree, and am impressed with the amount of stars and constellations it identified)
Duolingo (for about a month, I’ve been learning how to read/write/become more fluent in Hindi, and while there’s certainly room for improvement on this app, it offers a solid foundation and keeps you motivated by allowing you to visualize the progress you’ve made)
I love lists and write them all day long haha
This is so useful! And thanks for including me xx