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Kimberly King Parsons has done it again. We Were the Universe is just as aching and poignant as Black Light, with a messy main character so fully formed she could walk off the page.
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 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.
All the Little Bird-Hearts is a refreshingly authentic portrayal of autism by an autistic author (amidst the “finest fiction” Booker-esque literary canon, anyway). I enjoyed it, I found it hard to put down, and I think it’s very much worth your time.
The Wren, The Wren is a beautifully written novel that's all characters, little plot. Enright is a master of the craft. I personally found that it didn't hold my attention well, but I think that was me and not the book.
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 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!
I didn’t go into The House of Doors with any expectations outside of those that go with its Booker Prize nomination, and yet I still found myself pleasantly surprised. It had a lot of momentum — I was invested and really enjoyed it.
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!
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.
This is a sweeping, magical story perfect for fans of magical realism and travel. I found its meditation on purpose and relationships and what it means to live well to be quite powerful.
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.
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.
Sunbringer is a solid sequel to the much-loved Godkiller, although it does have a bit of second-book syndrome. That said, it definitely set us up for an epic third book.
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!
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.
A Spell of Good Things was longlisted for the 2023 Booker Prize. I think it does what it sets out to do effectively. Unfortunately, I just didn’t personally jive with the book. But you might!
Faebound was a great time! Excellent and creative worldbuilding, beautiful and complicated sisterhood, and sapphic rivals to lovers. My only complaint was that it was a bit too fast-paced. Still, I liked it a lot!
While I still think The Tiger’s Wife was Obreht’s masterpiece, I really enjoyed this one too. I’m also just a sucker for any literary fiction that promises hints of magic.
I’m so glad Rowland decided to self-publish this little novella so the fans of ATOGAI could have it. It was so lovely to be back with these characters, even for a little while.
