What Are You Reading? (2023 Edition)
It’s the question I ask people the most: What are you reading?
Not only does it tell you a fair bit about the person who answers, but it’s a good source of ideas and inspiration too.
About this time in 2022 I wrote a list of the things I’d been reading, watching and listening to in the year prior. As we approach the end of the year, I’ve had cause to stop and think about the same thing for the year just gone. What’s the stuff I’ve enjoyed the most? What stuff has given me cause to think differently or look at things in a new way?
It might be a little self indulgent to post this stuff. But, if I stopped to think about a lot of what I post, it’d probably be considered self indulgent too. ‘Welcome to Self Indulgence’ could very well be an alternate title for this website.
So here we are. A non-exhaustive look back at the books, films, podcasts and music I’ve the enjoyed most in 2023. I hope you find something that might be of interest. If there is anything you’re desperate to recommend, or something you’ve really loved reading or watching this year, then I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
Books / Fiction
The Player of Games by Iain M Banks
I wish I’d read this at the age of 16. The quality of the world building is incredible.
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Asking profound questions about humanity and our relationship with technology.
The Information by Martin Amis
No one does lowlife like Amis. As i approach middle age, I see more and more of myself in his characters and his writing.
Books / Non-Fiction
Blockchain Chicken Farm by Xiaowei Wang
Looking at web3 through the lens of food production in rural china.
Ed Ruscha: Now / Then edited by Christophe Cherix
The companion piece to the major retrospective at MOMA.
Do Interesting by Russell Davies
Small in stature perhaps, but a book which has had a fairly profound impact on me and the way I’ve approached my work this year. Notice, Collect, Share.
Newsletters, Magazines, blogs & Podcasts
Lets Make This More Interesting by Adam Morgan
Asks whether we find ourselves in an industry which is more interested in minimising failure, or maximising effectiveness. (Link)
Origin Story by Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynsky
Important political and social concepts explained. Complete with a fantastic cackle. (Link)
The Chipping Forecast
The old BBC golf crew reunited. In a Sport which increasingly looks like it’s going mad, this offers a weekly dose of levity and perspective. (Link)
Zine by Matt Klein
The most interesting ‘insight’ into culture and audiences. (Link)
A to Z of Media Planning by Matt Prentis
He’s arrived at Q. A massively useful resource for people in advertising and communications, irrespective of your level of experience. (Link)
Interconnected by Matt Webb
Prolific and always interesting. A great source of ideas and inspiration. (Link)
Web of Weeknotes
As I have begun to explore Week Notes as a productivity tool, it’s been fascinating to see how other people use this format to understand their own work. (Link)
The Fence Magazine
Everyone should subscribe. It’s the lovechild of Private Eye, The LRB… and increasingly a provider of some brilliant investigative journalism and a home to some of the more interesting young journalists to have come up through the ranks of social media and titles like Vice. Please support, subscribe…. (Link)
Film, TV & Music
Top Boy (Netflix)
Conclusion of the long-running British Drama. One of the best commissioning decisions Netflix have made.
The Bargain (Paramount+)
A lazy writer might describe it as ‘this year’s Squid Game’…. Gaming-led aesthetic. High-energy. Unique.
The Bear (Disney+)
Second series. The episode ‘Forks’ is one of the best bits of telly I’ve seen in a long time. Spoiler-free video below.
Tàr (Dir. Todd Field)
My film of the year. I’ve written about why I love it so much already. Asks so much of the audience. Nothing is resolved. It looks beautiful but is menacing. A study of the corrupting effects of power.
Infinity Pool (Dir. Brandon Cronenberg)
Cronenberg Jr getting in on the act with the body Horror. As with his previous film Posessor, a visceral and disorientating watch. Tim Hecker soundtrack is worth a mention too.
Babylon (Dir. Damien Chazelle)
A pressure coooker. From the first scene until the last, it keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Oppenheimer (Dir. Christopher Nolan)
A return to form for Nolan. The soundtrack is incredible. The visuals stunning. The Meme potential vast.
Living Circle by Shida Shahabi
On repeat. The perfect music to work to.
So Extra Bronze Lamp by Imaginary Softwoods
Ambient electronica with soul.
An additional, non media based category: Pen of the year - the Ohto 0.3mm Graphic Liner. Sheer joy.
