My Favourite Reads of 2023
I’ve had a much quieter reading year for two reasons. One, I got a new job which has been amazing yet tiring. And two, later in the year I lost enthusiasm to read and could only consume audiobooks. I hit a wall creatively and in terms of my desire to read - which has never happened before! Despite this, I did read some great audiobooks later in the year including my #1 read of 2023 - The Bee Sting.
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In no particular order, does not include proofs of 2024 novels.
Thirsty Animals - Rachelle Atalla
Another triumph from Rachelle Atalla! In another novel of claustrophobic, captivating world-building, Atalla explores a near future Scotland - now an independent country - where water is scarce and expensive (a bottle of spring water costs around £15), but outside the border, conditions are worse. Tension is high, the atmosphere bleak and uncomfortable, but there is always a sense that survival is possible.
Death of a Bookseller - Alice Slater
I’d wager almost everyone in the book world knows Alice for her wit, cocktail making and enthusiasm for books. Her debut was a huge smash and I loved it. A delicious, intense slow-burn of a thriller.
More addictive than a true crime podcast, this novel is the most gripping thing I’ve read in ages. Part satire and take down of the inner workings of the publishing industry and part commentary about racism in the literary scene.
A crushing memoir about a teenage boy who was groomed by his female teacher. Incredibly absorbing and thought provoking. There are reasons why there’s less detail about his adulthood but I would love a follow up.
The View From Down Here - Lucy Webster
Perhaps one of the most important non-fiction books of 2023 and one I’d urge everyone to read. Lucy Webster captures what it’s like to be a disabled woman perfectly. I’ve never felt so represented.
Speak of the Devil - Rose Wilding
A clever, feminist thriller so good it’s impossible to believe it’s a debut. The novel opens with a decapitated head which then links seven powerful women. Fantastic.
I gobbled up this novel as fast as I could. Written like true crime, this novel explores teenage girls and violence and internet culture in a frighteningly real way. A genius book, stomach turning in parts and yet I couldn’t put it down.
My favourite book of 2023 and my personal winner of the Booker. On audio this was a masterpiece, performed exceptionally by brilliant actor. Both darkly comic and tragic, this novel follows an Irish family heading for destruction. It’s a car crash in slow motion and I never wanted it to end.
A beautifully written historical novel looking at the impact of men on women’s lives throughout the ages. I thought the way the women were linked and intertwined was deftly done.
This Time Tomorrow - Emma Straub
A smart, emotional time travel/time loop story - which I always love. Read this in January and it’s stayed with me. A gorgeous portrait of a father/daughter relationship too.
Carrie Kills a Man - Carrie Marshall
Profoundly moving. It is both a personal, deeply moving and life affirming story of one woman’s journey towards happiness and herself but also an accessible, heartfelt rallying cry for trans’ rights. Every page is beautifully written, empathetic and sensitive and I’m so glad to have read it.
Reach for the Stars - Michael Cragg
The most entertaining behind the scenes look at British Pop between 1996 to 2006. Every group from 5ive to S Club 7 is featured, including ones who never quite hit those heights. The book moves chronologically giving the reader an oral history of the formation, fame and everything going down in flames.