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.

I loved this tender and propulsive look at the warfare in Palestine through the lens of relationships between Palestinians.

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.

I was excited to finally see what Martha Wells, author of the Murderbot books, is capable of in fantasy. Unfortunately, I’m in the same camp as a lot of other readers: this book had a lot of potential, but it was missing the spark.

I’m 37 weeks pregnant and felt like this was a gift to me from Finck. Plus, it was dang funny.

You can tell Kent has a lot of experience writing for the web, where attention is low and the need to provide value is high. The book is extremely readable, filled with helpful advice without ever getting bogged down.

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.