The God of the Woods
The God of the Woods is the latest literary mystery from Liz Moore, and it delivers! People have been calling this the book of the summer for a reason, and I liked it a lot.
The Heart in Winter
I absolutely LOVED Night Boat to Tangier, so imagine my excitement to hear that Irish powerhouse Kevin Barry had written not only an American western, but a LOVE STORY. Did it live up to the hype? You bet your bookloving butt it did.
The Road to the Country
There’s no denying that Chigozie Obioma is one of the best to ever do it. With The Road to the Country, he proves it once again — enough this time to finally win him the Booker Prize, IMO. He deserves it.
In Ascension
This ended up being one of my favorites from the 2023 Booker Prize longlist. I’m also glad I read this with a book club, because holy moly is there a LOT to process after that ending.
Enter Ghost
I loved this tender and propulsive look at the warfare in Palestine through the lens of relationships between Palestinians.
Soldier Sailor
I’m glad that Soldier Sailor was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, because that’s why I read it. What a novel, and what a look at motherhood — raw, emotional, sharp, and a million other adjectives besides.
The Emperor and the Endless Palace
What I expected: a M/M reincarnation romantasy novel rooted in Asian mythology. What I got: a smart, epic, unputdownable, surprisingly literary story that examines the double-sided beauty and potential toxicity of soulmates.
Running Close to the Wind
Running Close to the Wind is a ROMP and a HOOT and very queer and piratey. It was occasionally a little overly horny (even though it’s closed door), but hell if it isn’t a ton of fun.
The Ministry of Time
This book is like the best kind of meal you make from whatever’s in your refrigerator — a ton of ingredients you love, not too much brain power required, and a tasty result in the end. Call it the literary beach read of the summer.
Real Americans
Real Americans is a compulsively readable, three-timeline, multigenerational family saga that would make an excellent book club pick (especially during AAPI Heritage Month). I flew through its 400 pages in 24 hours!
To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods (To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods, #1)
To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods was a solid start to a new fantasy trilogy! The magic system is unique and the worldbuilding is imaginative and a strong metaphor for history/colonialism. I look forward to book 2!
Some Desperate Glory
Honestly, I can’t believe Some Desperate Glory wasn’t on my radar until it was nominated for the Hugo, especially with such blurb power. But wow am I glad it showed up!! One heck of a story.
Fed Is Best: The Unintended Harms of the "Breast Is Best" Message and How to Find the Right Approach for You and Your Baby
If you are expecting a baby, this book is required reading. Full stop. I’m currently pregnant with my first, and I went looking for science and evidence to inform my path forward with breastfeeding. That is exactly what I got here. Please read it.
Funny Story
I probably don’t even need to tell you this, but Emily Henry has indeed done it again, y’all. I devoured this (via audiobook) in one sitting, and I loved every second.
The Extinction of Irena Rey
This was book was not only totally engrossing, but also so incredibly smart. I couldn’t put it down. I inhaled it in 36 hours. I absolutely loved it and you must read it!
The Bullet Swallower
What a genre-mashup delight this book was! Part antihero western, part dual-timeline family saga, with a sprinkling of magical realism (including a very mysterious book), The Bullet Swallower has something for everyone.
Like a Mother: A Feminist Journey Through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy
This great book is part examination of current research and guidelines, but also part memoir. Garbes tells us about her experiences, and it’s clear that she’s framing things through that lens, so she never comes off preachy.
The Familiar
Our queen has blessed us once again. Boy, does Leigh Bardugo know how to sweep us away, how to write a love story, and how to knock an ENDING (!) out of the park.