Stephen King refers to books as “portable magic.” Books enable readers to engage with the world beyond our own limitations and experiences. In early December, someone asked me how many books I had read this year. I had no idea. Beginning last year, I did start keeping track in the NOTES app on my phone, so later I checked and discovered I have read 23 in ’23. I am not a fast reader, nor do I compete with other readers or attempt to break records. I am a careful reader. I write in books and I work to remember at least some of what I read. I welcome book recommendations…