The post Troubleshoot Your Reading: A Guide to Overcoming Reading Slumps appeared first on Independent Book Review.
]]>by Shelly Foreshaw
Some books meet you where you are. Others require a little strategy.
If your reading life has felt off lately—distracted, sluggish, or strangely joyless—you’re going to want to diagnose the problem. The right fix might be simpler than you think.
Here are some common causes for a reading slump and how to fix them.
#1. You’re having trouble concentrating.
Diagnosis: Narrative Attention Deficit
You sit down to read, but your mind flickers elsewhere. Paragraphs blur. Sentences slide past. Your attention span isn’t ready for long form content, the book isn’t holding you—and maybe nothing will. So you get up to eat. You do the dishes again. You pick up the book and put it down, then pick up the book and put it down, then pick up the book and put it down.
Prescription: Find the narrator who insists on taking you with them.
Some books are designed to grip you from the first line, with prose that’s urgent, lean, and emotionally direct. When my own concentration falters, I turn to Bret Easton Ellis—not for moral instruction, but for pace. His narrators don’t wait for you to catch up; they just go. A great indie author pick for fast-paced fiction is Sherri L. Dodd and her Murder, Tea, and Crystals trilogy.
Some books feel like films. Chuck Palahniuk once said he set out to write for people who loved video games—not traditional readers. The result was Fight Club. Books like this aren’t just fast; they’re immersive, built for people whose attention is pulled in all directions. (RPG fantasy fans: Check out Veil Online!)
And seriously—keep an eye on debuts! Something written before the author had the luxury (or burden) of refinement. In my reading life, their books always seem to move so fast—because they must!—and the energy is contagious. When in doubt, follow the momentum. Boxcutters by John Chrostek fits that mold!
#2. You just can’t seem to get started.
Diagnosis: Entry Resistance
You’ve picked out the book, maybe even opened it once or twice—but somehow, starting feels like such a task. The first page hasn’t drawn you in, and the thought of returning to it already feels like work.
Read past the resistance. Commit to a minimum page count on your first attempt—fifteen pages, twenty, maybe forty if you’ve got the time. Enough to cross the initial threshold and allow the narrative to begin unfolding. Often, the real problem isn’t the book itself but the inertia of beginning. The second time you pick it up, the world of the story will already be faintly familiar, and that makes returning easier.
Extra, Spicy Tip: Skip the prologue or introduction. Don’t waste your reading energy on the preamble—save it for the actual text. You can always return to it later, once the book has had a chance to speak for itself.
Need more convincing to get started? Here are some of the biggest benefits of reading.
#3. It feels like you don’t have enough time.
Diagnosis: Literary Delusion
We are made up of time. It never changes. 24 hours, every day. There are moments, there are small pockets; these are the little times.
Those books you’ve been wanting to read might feel too daunting. The chapters might be too long. You might feel like you can’t commit at the outset to finishing a full book in a specific amount of time.
Prescription: Reach for short stories. They offer the satisfaction of completion without the long-term commitment. They are so often spaces for authors to take creative risks—testing ideas, styles, or narrative experiments. The best of them come with sharpness: a sense that the story is being held taut by its brevity.
They also linger! Since the author doesn’t have space to expand on every detail, you end up doing some of the imaginative work yourself—filling in the emotional terrain, sketching out the lives that unfold just beyond the final line, while you’re doing your busy work around the house or in your life. It’s a kind of co-authorship. This not only activates your inner world, but it also leaves you with compact, vivid narratives that tend to resurface days later in conversation or thought.
Best of all, short stories can lead you back to longer reading. They awaken the part of you that craves story, and once the appetite returns, reaching for a novel feels less like a chore and more like a continuation. You have the time; you just have to make it. Smartly.
Plays can also offer something unique. Unlike short stories, which can be jagged or experimental, plays often dwell in deep emotional and psychological space. They are less concerned with the outer plot than with what the characters are wrestling with internally. There’s immediacy to them—dialogue, tension—that creates a vivid sense of life unfolding.
Anton Chekov and the American classics are especially good here. Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller are often described as psychological writers—not in an academic sense, but in an intuitive, emotional one. Their work grips you not because of the plots, but because of the emotional clarity and quiet devastation they manage to evoke in just a few acts. You leave not just with a story, but with a mood that stays with you.
#4. You are bored by your current book.
Diagnosis: Narrative Drift
The prose stretches on without much movement—neither in plot nor in cadence. You find yourself drifting, rereading the same lines, or worse, skipping ahead without really absorbing anything.
Prescription: If you’re reading leisurely, don’t be afraid to move on. I don’t care if you’re 200 pages into your 400 page book. It’s still going to feel too long if you’re not enjoying yourself. Sure you can’t add it to your finished pile for the year, but sometimes reading slumps are specific to the book. Move on. There’s better books waiting for you, like these ones.
If you’re reading as an assignment or feel like you have to read the book, go for a walk. Pace up and down your room, your hallway, your garden—anywhere that allows for a bit of steady, uninterrupted movement. The physical rhythm can help impose structure where the writing offers none. It keeps you alert and engaged, and paradoxically, heightens your focus. With the mind slightly occupied by movement, your attention on the text sharpens. What seemed shapeless on the page starts to take on a rhythm of its own.
#5. You feel like you’re lacking momentum.
Diagnosis: Passive Absorption Mode
Some books don’t offer natural pauses—long chapters, no section breaks, no clear arc. You’re not reading to savor the prose; you’re reading to understand, to absorb, or simply to finish.
Prescription: Read in public. A subway ride introduces “organic” interruptions—someone getting on or off, a shift in the carriage, a dog barking in the distance. These interruptions, rather than breaking your focus, can create a strange, dreamlike absorption. The plot lodges itself more firmly in your mind, and you often retain more than you expect. Alternatively, the ambient distractions can produce a kind of tunnel-vision concentration—as if your mind is working harder to hold onto the thread of the story.
This approach works especially well for lighter or less stylistically rich books, the kind you don’t necessarily want to sit down and savor, but still want to read through with momentum.
If you’re prone to dizziness or public transit isn’t an option, replicate the effect in a café or bar—ideally in the evening, when the hum of conversation is steady and low. The surrounding life creates texture and contrast with the text.
#6. You’re feeling intimidated by the classics.
Diagnosis: Literary Stage Fright
You’ve been meaning to read them—Dostoevsky, Proust, & co—but something about their reputation, the page count, or the way people talk about them makes you hesitate. You want to admire but are afraid you won’t understand them—or worse, that you might not enjoy them.
Prescription: Begin with the author’s shorter work. Novellas, short stories, essays. Just get a sense of their voice, concerns, and style. A single story can introduce you to the atmosphere of their work without requiring a major commitment. It builds familiarity and, more importantly, appetite.
Once you’ve had a taste, you may find you want to read the longer works—not out of obligation, but curiosity. Most of these stories are available online or in collected editions. Think of them as literary aperitifs—sharp, suggestive, and much easier to approach.
If you want to read Robin Wall Kimmerer for example, author of the hefty but incredible Braiding Sweetgrass, start with The Serviceberry.
#7. The book you have to read is too difficult.
Diagnosis: The Comprehension Stall
You’re reading the same paragraph for the third time and still can’t quite tell what it’s trying to say. The prose is dense, the terminology unfamiliar, and the argument elusive.
Prescription: Begin with the conclusion of the chapter or section—this is where the author often distills their central claim. Once you know where they’re headed, you’ll be better prepared to trace the path they take to get there. Next, skim the chapter to identify key terms that you don’t yet know. Take the time to look these up before your proper read to not interrupt your flow later.
When you return to the full chapter, you’ll find the argument clearer, the reading smoother, and your focus far less fragmented.
#8. You’re reading the wrong format.
Diagnosis: Paperback Inaccessibility
I love physical books. New book smell, old book smell; I welcome it all. I love to listen to the gentle swishing of the page as I turn it to find out what happens next. I love placing it face-out on my bookshelf or nightstand and carrying it by my side as I venture to my comfy spot.
But you don’t always feel uncomfortable reading in public, or you need to turn the light off because your partner is asleep.
Prescription: Experiment with a new format.
E-readers can be great for public reading. Not only might some of them fit in your pocket, but if you whip out your Kindle at your kid’s sporting event, it might just look like you’re on your phone like so many others.
E-readers are excellent to fall asleep by too. If you read a paperback, you need the light on. With e-readers, you can lie in bed, read with only one hand, and fall asleep naturally without having to interrupt it by turning off the light. (Be warned though: you may drop it on your face.)
And audiobooks open up a whole new world of possibilities for readers! The time-sensitive reader can do the dishes, put the clothes away, even go to the gym while they’re reading. Nonfiction books make for great audiobooks because it doesn’t matter much if you tune out for a paragraph or two. Give it a shot!
What’s causing your reading slump? Let me know in the comments!
About the Author
Having worked as a playwright in Berlin, Shelly Foreshaw now splits her time between Germany and the UK while working as a freelance writer. She’s currently in the process of publishing her first novella.
Thank you for reading “Troubleshoot Your Reading: A Guide to Overcoming Reading Slumps” by Shelly Foreshaw! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.
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Devil On My Trail
by Daniel DiFranco
Genre: Literary / Music / Occult & Supernatural
ISBN: 9781963115307
Print Length: 342 pages
Publisher: Unsolicited Press
Reviewed by Lauren Hayataka
A collision of music and myth leads one musician down a path where riffs and redemption intertwine.
Daniel DiFranco’s Devil on My Trail is a rock and roll fairytale about soul-bartering, cosmic riffs, and the supernatural forces lurking behind music history. The novel’s premise—a guitarist accidentally summoning the Devil by playing a forbidden chord—could have easily fallen into predictability, but DiFranco spins it into an inventive, high-octane adventure that bridges the worlds of rock legends, occult lore, and cosmic mischief.
At the center of the novel is Marc, an aspiring guitarist who, in a moment of reckless playing, unlocks a secret only a handful of rock legends—Jimi Hendrix, Robert Johnson, and even Keith Richards—have ever known: a chord so powerful it calls forth the Devil himself.
A whirlwind adventure follows as Marc scrambles to collect legendary musical artifacts to prepare for the inevitable showdown with Lucifer. By Marc’s side are his pop-culture-obsessed drummer Bollocks, rock journalist Maybelline, the occult expert Tanner, and his ghostly mentor, Keith Richards.
DiFranco sets his stage with equal parts humor, mythology, and music lore, as Marc’s road trip becomes a fantastical journey through the annals of rock history. Armed with a magical guitar, a leather jacket rumored to have belonged to Elvis, and a guitar pick from Johnny Newman, Marc battles personal and literal demons in his attempt to outplay the Devil.
Marc, as a protagonist, is a relatable everyman driven by a lifelong obsession with music. His backstory—losing his parents, finding solace in his Fender Stratocaster, and being raised by an uncle who introduced him to the chaotic world of The Rolling Stones—adds depth and a nostalgic edge to his character. His complicated relationship with music is one of the highlights of the novel. Marc finds freedom in the electric guitar, yet he’s haunted by whether it’s worth risking his soul to pursue artistic greatness—a dilemma that resonates with anyone chasing a dream at all costs.
Keith Richards, who sold his soul years ago for rock immortality, takes on a dual role as mentor and cautionary tale. Richards’ ghost, constantly dropping in with a sardonic quip or cryptic lesson, is one of the novel’s most memorable characters, and his regret for trading his soul adds a poignant undercurrent to the otherwise high-energy plot. The humor in Devil on My Trail is biting and can be sacrilegious, from references to Colonel Sanders being on the Devil’s list of soul-sellers to the running gag that the Devil doesn’t accept Venmo.
The novel’s pacing is sharp, with DiFranco deftly alternating between Marc’s childhood memories and his present-day, reality-bending quest. The cast of characters is colorful—Maybelline, the African American journalist whose own ambitions lead her to Rolling Stone, and Tanner, a witch whose knowledge of the occult gives Marc a fighting chance.
But it’s the inclusion of music lore that makes the world of Devil on My Trail enthralling for music lovers. From Easter eggs about legendary musicians to an impromptu pilgrimage to the site of Jeff Buckley’s tragic death, the novel is steeped in a reverence for the raw and often surreal power of rock and roll.
Behind the humor and chaos lies an exploration of deeper themes. DiFranco questions the price of fame, the destructive allure of artistic ambition, and the lengths people will go to leave a legacy. Marc’s internal struggle is mirrored by his journey to reclaim Keith Richards’ soul, adding emotional weight to an otherwise rollicking plot. It’s not just about facing off with the Devil—it’s about the sacrifices made to pursue greatness and whether those sacrifices are worth the cost.
Ultimately, Devil on My Trail celebrates music, myth, and misfits, a fast-paced, irreverent ride through rock history’s most iconic moments and beyond. DiFranco expertly mixes humor, heart, and soul (literally), crafting a novel that’s as rebellious and unpredictable as rock and roll.
For anyone who’s ever obsessed over the legends of music or wondered if there’s more to the chords we strum than meets the ear, Devil on My Trail is a head-banging, thought-provoking trip you won’t want to miss.
Thank you for reading Lauren Hayataka’s book review of Devil On My Trail by Daniel DiFranco! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.
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]]>The post The 17 Best Book Apps for Every Kind of Reader appeared first on Independent Book Review.
]]>by Jaylynn Korrell
Technology and books: Friends or enemies?
If there’s one thing that book lovers love, it’s books! More of them. No matter how they find them. Ebooks, audiobooks, paperbacks. The more chances to read the better. And with the right book apps, they can be totally free!
You don’t have to worry about feeling like you’re betraying your beloved paperbacks! Think of these apps as an extension of your love of literature or a portal into even more literary engagement!
But not all of these book apps are simply for reading books.
There are apps that allow you to browse & buy brand new titles, read reviews, log your reading, track your patterns, and even keep your kid reading. The options are all endless so long as you have the right digital resources.
So check out these awesome book apps!
(Everything on Independent Book Review has been selected by a very picky group of people. As affiliates we may earn a commission on items you purchase through our links.)
There’s no better place to start than my absolute favorite cheap & free eBook app! BookBub’s got unbeatable deals with author updates, handpicked recommendations, and truly some of the best indie & big-five books available. If you haven’t tried BookBub yet…you’re welcome.
The Kindle is definitely one of my favorite e-readers, but it’s also a great app to have on your phone or iPad. Not only can you find & download nearly every eBook on the internet, but it’s extremely readable as well. You’ll always have access to your favorite books with the Kindle app, and the app will keep track of where you left off on a different device and save it in the cloud so you’ll never lose your place.
Ummm…you’ve heard of Goodreads already? No surprise! This is the world’s largest site for readers and book recommendations. Readers can search their database of books to find people’s honest reviews before buying anything. Or, they can join the conversation and write their own reviews!
Classic books are classics for a reason. People have loved reading them forever. But a lot of people find them difficult to get through, even if they end up loving them. Serial Reader gives readers a more digestible way to read Classic books by dividing them up into 20 minute sessions. You can read an unabridged 20 minute portion of these books daily with this free book app, and slowly but continuously check some classics off of your “to be read” list.
Find yourself too busy (or homebound) to take a trip to the library? Check out this extensive digital document library! Book apps like Scribd provide readers with access to over 170 million documents, while also allowing people to upload their your own documents. It allows readers to keep a number of useful audiobooks and ebooks in one place: a truly great learning and sharing resource for readers and writers.
Finding this app was a game-changer for me. If you’ve got a library card, you’ve probably got access to Hoopla (or Libby). Hoopla allows you to access books found in your library’s database, as well as audiobooks, comic books, and even movies. So much free content!
Looking for somewhere to read original works of fiction? Wattpad has over 90 million subscribers who are reading and uploading fiction works and connecting with other readers and writers. This may just be the place to find your next favorite author before their writing career takes off. These are not always published books like you’d find on Kindle, so you’re finding some real hidden gems here.
Love poetry? Check out these gifts for poets & poetry lovers!
There are ways to read books without opening your eyelids or flipping a page. Audible the dominant force in audiobooks. This app offers monthly membership subscriptions or individual purchases so that you can listen to new, old, and bestselling audiobooks while doing household chores. Try a free trial!
How long does it take you to read? This book app is a valuable tool in helping you reach your reading goals by tracking your reading progress, maintaining an organized catalog of your completed books, and helping you set monthly or even yearly reading goals. It even provides you with personalized stats in real-time so you can track your progress. People who are trying to develop a good reading habit will like this!
Blinkist caters to those who don’t have the time or maybe even the interest to read an entire book. With this book app, you can get a summary of thousands popular nonfiction books in 15 minutes or less. So if reading isn’t your thing but you want the information from some of the best nonfiction books, Blinkist is the way to go.
Have you ever wished for a better way to pick the perfect next book? StoryGraph might be the way to do it. This app takes tracking to the next level by taking into account your mood and the mood of the books you’re usually reading (emotional, lighthearted, relaxing, etc). You can also view how your stats progress overtime to give you more insight on what books you should pick up next.
Unlike Blinkist, Summary Z provides a short summary of fiction books as well as nonfiction. So if you’ve got work to do for class and could use a refresher on a novel, check this one out! Summary Z is a great reference.
Poetry lovers, unite! Apps like Poetizer allow people to read, write, publish, and buy poetry. Poetry collections can be delivered to your doorstep and then promoted on your personal Poetizer platform. It’s an excellent app for writers & poets.
After you read a really great book, it’s hard to not want to talk about it with everyone you come in contact with. Having the community to do that with is rare. But it doesn’t have to be! Litsy is a place to share blurbs, reviews, your favorite quotes, and more. It’s my preferred social media account for book lovers!
Make your book club experience a lot easier by downloading this essential bookclub app. This app is excellent for those looking to simplify every aspect of being in a book club, from setting up meetings to picking your next book club book. Look up top book club books of the week or use their discover tool, and don’t forget to ask good book club questions!
Book apps aren’t just for adults. Kids book apps like Epic exist just to engage readers 12 and under. Epic is the largest digital library just for kids who love to read. It has over 40,000 kids titles to choose from, and they have audiobooks and learning videos available too. This app is free for educators and students to use during the school day.
A book subscription box is a great way to gain access to new releases easily. Aardvark Book Club’s app allows subscribers to choose three new released books from a curated list of 4-5 newly published books to have delivered to their doorstep each month. Then you can discuss your favorites on their app in their discussion community. It’s just like having a bookstore and a book club in your pocket!
So which of these book apps will you be downloading? Let us know in the comments, and tell us if there are any you think we missed!
About the Author
Jaylynn Korrell is a nomadic writer currently based out of Pennsylvania. In addition to her writing and reading for Independent Book Review, she curates lists at GoodGiftLists.com.
Thank you for reading Jaylynn Korrell’s “17 Best Book Apps for Avid Readers” If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.
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In the Name of Family
by Cynthia Coppola
Genre: Historical Fiction / Family
ISBN: 9798989174607
Print Length: 316 pages
Reviewed by Chelsey Tucker
An authentic exploration of love, devotion, and unconventional family dynamics during an era of conformity
In the Name of Family delves into the lives of two central characters: Ruth, a conservatively-raised Jewish woman, and Tony, an Italian Catholic. Their journey begins when Tony musters up the courage to ask Ruth out on a date one day while at work at The Hoffman Shoe Factory in the year 1950. Over the next few months, the more time spent together, the deeper their bond grows. However, their lives take an unexpected turn when Ruth becomes pregnant and they both must reveal long-held secrets from their pasts.
This narrative successfully explores the intricate tapestry of love and life. It unfolds against the backdrop of a conformist era. In the face of societal norms, Ruth and Tony defy conventions to discover love, happiness, and joy while trying to create an environment where family comes first. In the Name of Family vividly illustrates how children within the same families can lead radically different lives based on how the people around them navigate pivotal life moments and family conflicts.
Ruth’s upbringing, deeply rooted in conservative Jewish values, encounters challenges that her brothers do not, “As a female in my family, I haven’t been able to make too many decisions for myself.” The Orthodox Jewish community’s cultural norms and her parents’ unwavering dedication to tradition make her journey all the more complex. In stark contrast, Tony is blessed with parents who are concerned primarily with his well-being and happiness. The narrative unfolds as Tony and Ruth strive to forge a life together, guided by love and a family-first philosophy, all the while attempting to heal the wounds of their pasts.
The narrative navigates the passage of time by highlighting the month and year at the beginning of every chapter; readers are never left feeling lost or confused. The story cleverly employs well-placed cliffhangers too, leaving the reader desperate for the next move. The characters are well-developed with distinct personalities and embroiled in their own high-stakes situations: some of which are life or death, making it easy for us to become emotionally invested.
In the Name of Family exudes authenticity, precisely catering to the desires of readers interested in this time & place. It weaves in elements such as the presence of Italian mobsters, like Joe Bonanno, in New York during the 1950s and how dangerous it was to associate with men like him. The story also highlights Orthodox Jewish ideology, including excommunication as a consequence for bringing shame upon the family: “You have made your choices, and you are dead to me! Get out! Get out of my house and don’t ever come back. You are not my daughter.” The narrative delves into themes of values and religion while defying stereotypes, offering a unique perspective on a life that deviates from expected norms.
In the Name of Family beautifully illustrates that even amidst the most tumultuous and challenging lives, happiness can flourish. The story stands as a testament to the enduring power of love and family bonds, offering a resounding message of hope and resilience.
Thank you for reading Chelsey Tucker’s book review of In the Name of Family by Cynthia Coppola! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.
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The Book of Reading
by Eric Larsen
Genre: Historical Fiction / Time Travel
ISBN: 9798891320338
Print Length: 376 pages
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Reviewed by J.B. Leddington
Can love and truth survive when history and memory collide?
The Book of Reading by Eric Larsen is an ambitious, engaging, and sometimes even mind-boggling exploration of the profound impact of literature, the complexities of history, and the enduring power of love. At its core, the novel presents an unusual yet strangely convincing thesis—namely, that works of literature possess the innate ability to serve as guardians of the American nation and people, thereby shielding both from the imminent dangers posed by the wider world.
Of course, a phenomenon that momentous, that potentially earth-shattering, cannot occur organically; rather, it has to be set in motion by an individual or group of individuals able to see beyond the mundane and risk grasping the extraordinary. In this case, the driving force is Malcolm Reiner and his reticent discovery of the possibility of time travel: “I’d been in Iowa City for a month-and-a-half or two months when I discovered that time there existed not in a single plane, as it did everywhere else, but in two parallel planes separated from one another by thirty years.”
This discovery allows Malcolm to travel from the Iowa City of 1963 to the Iowa City of 1933. Once there, good fortune causes him to meet Eveline Stahl, a fellow graduate student, albeit one born some 33 years before him. Still, despite the decades that should customarily separate them, the pair feel an instant attraction and determine to engage in a time-defying relationship. What’s more, Eveline’s unwavering belief in the power of literature coupled with Malcolm’s knowledge of how history will unfold inspire them to pursue a truly bold enterprise.
Convinced that they are better able to steer the fate of the United States than those who originally did the job, Malcolm and Eveline set out to change the timeline and so avert the catastrophe that they feel the nation faces. To accomplish this, they have to prevent two great disasters: the establishment of the Central Intelligence Agency, which they consider to have triggered the Cold War, and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, which they feel launched the country on the path to dictatorship and decrepitude.
“Eveline and I were being given the opportunity to undo an immense wrong. If we could succeed, then other subsequent wrongs, even greater ones, could in turn be avoided.” As their quest for both change and preservation intensifies, the story seamlessly transitions between pivotal historical events and the intimate moments shared by Malcolm and Eveline. Here, Larsen’s eloquent prose not only evokes the pair’s unique sense of patriotism but also delves into the intricacies of human emotions, underlining the enduring nature of love and sacrifice in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The gifted and spirited Eveline fervently believes in the ability of literature not only to connect all aspects of life but also to protect her, Malcolm, and the country they both love from harm. “In this sense of a connection, at whatever distance, lay the seeds of Eveline’s later perception of the earth-protecting tendrils. The sense of communion or connectedness, the sense of touching another being… the touch going both ways, from the reader all the way back to the originator of the book, and from the originator all the way back to the reader.” Alongside the determined and passionate Malcolm, she unhesitatingly embarks on a daring mission that spans decades, attempting to alter the course of history and shape the destiny of their nation, and despite the hubris of their plan, they largely remain a likable and stalwart pair.
Through a neat blend of intricate storytelling and intellectual contemplation, The Book of Reading emphasizes the profound impact that literature can have on individual and national identity. Larsen navigates the complex interplay between literature and history, highlighting the subtle yet potent ways in which the former shapes the political and social fabric of society. His exploration of the transformative power of words serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting legacy of storytelling and its ability to inspire change and resilience in the face of adversity.
In addition, Larsen’s merging of real historical events with the fictional exploits of Malcolm and Eveline, particularly when viewed through their bespoke philosophical lens, renders The Book of Reading highly immersive and surprisingly fast-paced. The novel’s emotional resonance is heightened by Larsen’s vivid depiction of Eveline and Malcolm’s deep connection, revealing the life-changing and redemptive qualities of love against a backdrop of uncertainty and tremendous change.
Given its thought-provoking exploration of love, destiny, and the timeless influence of literature, The Book of Reading is a powerful and resonant novel that explores complex issues with a light touch and always stresses the human element of portentous events. Larsen’s intricate plotting exposes the complexities of history and the enduring spirit of patriotism, highlighting the transformative role of literature.
Thank you for reading J.B. Leddington’s book review of The Book of Reading by Eric Larsen! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.
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]]>The post The Best Books We Read in 2023 appeared first on Independent Book Review.
]]>by Joe Walters & the IBR Staff
What are the best books you read in 2023?
My picks are different than yours. Different than Jaylynn’s, than Tucker’s, than Joelene’s, than Andrea’s, than the New York Times.
I love that about books. We couldn’t possibly read them all, and media outlets couldn’t either. Every list is different because reading is subjective, specific, dependent on real-life availability, experience, past interests, current interests, future goals, you name it. There is no one best book.
And yet, one book is the best book someone has ever read.
There’s so much singularity in this. And so much honesty. Only that person in that circumstance who has read those books before this one can have their specific opinion on their best one ever. And still, some books are chosen by multiple people. Both can exist at the same time.
Want to see our picks for the best books we read in 2023?
The IBR team is awesome and so uniquely them. They love books, they’re smart as hell, and when they tell me that this is the book that wrecked them, I listen. And I love to listen. They read so many books this year, both the ones that contributed to the 400+ reviews we’ve published this year and the ones they choose to read on their own time. If you’re going to listen to anybody’s recommendations this year, let it be this team.
Another plus here is that these are ALL indie books.
While a majority of most bookstores are filled with books published by the same five publishing companies, IBR reviews the digital masses: the indie press & self-published books. If you know an author or publisher in real life, there’s a pretty good chance they published indie. Those are the people we review.
So read indie!
Not only are they the little guy that feels good to support–your neighbor or friend or family member–they publish damn good books. And books that these reviewers have chosen to be among the the best books they’ve ever read.
Here are the best books we read in 2023!
1. Monstrilio
Author: Gerardo Sámano Córdova
Genre: Literary Fiction / Magical Realism
ISBN: 9781638930365
Print Length: 336 pages
Publisher: Zando
If the lung of your favorite person became a monster, could you love it the same?
Magos removes a piece of her son’s lung after he dies, and she keeps it in the closet. And from that point on, her grief exists in the physical world. Not only for Magos but also for Joseph, her now ex-husband.
It stays close to Magos, until it doesn’t. Until it grows. Transforms. Starts wrapping its tail around the bar in the closet and swings. It becomes hungry. Ravenous. And turning into Santiago, their dead son.
The grief is real: monstrous but real. Maybe if they love it, they’ll be able to tame it.
I couldn’t believe this book. How could something with such a heavy topic like a child’s death be so beautiful to experience? I started this thing on vacation with a toddler and finished within DAYS. And let me tell you, I miss it!
It’s so smart and easy at the same time. The analogy for this grief is so fascinating. Not only is it fun to watch new Santiago swing and develop, but we always know he has the power to destroy absolutely everything.
2. I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself
Author: Marisa Crane
Genre: Science Fiction / Dystopia
ISBN: 9781646221295
Print Length: 352 pages
Publisher: Catapult
Shame is a shadow: visible, connected, following or leading you.
In you do something the state considers wrong in this sci-fi dystopia, you are given an extra shadow so you can be ridiculed, outcast, and feared in society.
Or, in Kris’s case, you are given two shadows.
Kris has recently been widowed and is now the single parent of a child she has no idea how to raise. Especially alone. But here she is doing it and in turn, following the kid’s lead.
This book is inventive and realistic and personal and global and important and even visibly appealing. But on top of it, it’s written lyrically, creatively, intimately; it’s even capable of being read quickly. Kris writes the book directly to Beau (her dead wife) and includes love letters, memories, and lists. It feels like a collection of notes to a loved one: heartbreaking, surprisingly plot-happy, and deeply affecting notes.
Any literary sci-fi reader would be thrilled to find this one. As a new parent at the time I was reading this, I got a lot from it. It’s got relatable parenting content in droves.
3. Weather and Beasts and Growing Things
Author: Charlotte Suttee
Genre: Science Fiction / Dystopia
ISBN: 9781590217580
Print Length: 210 pages
Publisher: Lethe Press
Inventive & important. Stylish and bare. An eco-fever-dream.
This dystopian sci-fi meets us in a state of climate disaster at the end of this century. Stevven and Eli are just a couple of growing things trying to take care of a garden at the top of an abandoned apartment building, but they’re not allowed to do that.
When a drone finds them, they are chased out of their home in search of another one, but they’re forced across a bare, dangerous landscape. They hear Sewanee’s got the answer, but who in the world knows for sure where is safe. Stevven doesn’t, that’s for sure.
Weather and Beasts and Growing Things is a stylish dystopia in concept and form. Words are conjoined, like “Stevvenarm,” and articles (like “the” and “a”) are hard to come by. It makes for strong, sharp, needle-like one-sentence paragraphs that give you an image but ask for you to conjure the rest yourself. It makes the violence, the world seem more abrupt, more in-time, and more disorienting.
When I read books about climate & weather, I want to encounter nature writing. And I’m fulfilled here! The nature writing is spare—those one-word, three-word descriptions—but full in specificity, knowledge, and appreciation for our world. For a book to place such importance on keeping a plant alive and to follow it up with good nature writing gave me just what I came here for.
Honorable Mentions:
- Hashtag Good Guy With a Gun by Jeff Chon (Bookshop | Amazon | Review)
- The Museum of Human History by Rebekah Bergman (Bookshop | Amazon)
1. The Tenement Nurse
Author: Kate Gemma
Genre: Historical Fiction
ISBN: 9798393246679
Print Length: 280 pages
The time period, the setting, the characters, the storylines: they’re all sure to enrapture you.
This enthralling novel set in NYC during the roaring 20s follows Millie, who devotes herself to her chaotic job as a nurse in a tenement building made up mostly of immigrants. But things take a turn when one of her pregnant patients dies at the hands of her alcoholic husband. That’s when Millie creates her own idea of justice. It’s up to her to decide what a woman should and should not do.
This book is fantastic: I was constantly engaged, constantly questioning what was going to happen next. Millie finds herself in increasingly dangerous situations, and her circumstances are always changing. I was pulled along by the freshness of each succeeding chapter. She always has the option to disappear into the life of a housewife, and each avenue we take along the way ends up being as entertaining as the last. There’s not one paragraph I wanted to skip.
2. At the Edge of the Woods
Author: Kathryn Bromwich
Genre: Literary Fiction / Thriller
ISBN: 9781953387318
Print Length: 220 pages
Publisher: Two Dollar Radio
A spellbinding debut set in a lush natural world
Laura lives in a remote cabin in the Italian Alps. Her days consist of exploring the woods behind her home, tutoring young children from the nearby town, and translating documents for money. It’s all quite cozy, until someone from her past knocks on her door, shattering the illusion that Laura is simply a person who needed a change in life.
The reality of her situation is a bit darker, and as it catches up with her, our understanding of her present situation begins to untangle. And with it comes chaos and freedom.
Survival in the natural world, isolation, not having children–I love so much of what Bromwich is able to do with this novel. But my infatuation all starts with her protagonist Laura, a woman after my own heart. Just when we get comfortable with her, the narrative flips our understanding on its head. I never knew what was going to happen.
Still, it’s Browmwich’s effortless nature writing that may shine brightest here. The natural world is captured in gorgeous description. It brings a sense of calm to the reading experience even when situations are tense. About as close to a walk through the real world as a book can be, these descriptions simultaneously communicate the beauty of nature while never over-glorifying the reality of her way of living.
If you read this book, you’ll feel the underlying fear for a woman alone in the woods just as you’ll admire her constant ability to overcome it. This is a book to be remembered.
Give to yourself this holiday season! Here are the BEST gifts for book lovers.
1. To Refrain from Embracing
Author: Jeffrey Luscombe
Genre: Historical Fiction / Coming of Age
ISBN: 9781590217481
Print Length: 438 pages
Publisher: Lethe Press
A smartly indelicate fiction exploring every aspect of a boy’s weird trauma
At first, this story seems to be about Ted Moore, who’d enlisted at 17, became a UN Peacekeeper in the Congo, and recently self-injured in front of his 10-year-old son. “I don’t consider it my best hour,” he admits of his suicide attempt, “but that’s what happened and that’s that.”
As the novel leads us into the woods, the drama recenters onto Ted’s son, Josh. For him, the way to impress an older neighborhood boy is to divulge a really good secret. Fortunately (or not), Josh has a few of those.
A big achievement of this novel is how it investigates overlapping strands of identity. Josh’s mother grew up on a reservation in Minnesota, and his Aunt Doris in particular values her Indian heritage. On his father’s side, his aunts are fanatical born-again Christians. So who might Josh grow up to become?
It’s a twisted tale with touching moments that are meant to feel awkward. To Refrain From Embracing is an apt title insofar as the novel is about people who spend more time trying to control themselves and each other than to listen and connect.
Luscombe keeps piquing our curiosity into this weird kid born into an even weirder family, and he weaves an elaborately detailed world that’s ultimately left open-ended. He gives us an extended peepshow of Josh’s formative—perhaps de-formative—year.
2. Opening to Darkness
Author: Zenju Earthlyn Manuel
Genre: Nonfiction / Spiritualism
ISBN: 9781683648611
Print Length: 240 pages
Publisher: Sounds True
An ordained Zen priest delivers a sensitive, compelling exploration of a slippery philosophical topic: the vast amount we don’t know or can’t know.
In a dark place, we may feel stuck or in pain, but we may still find support and gain insight there. It’s the most fertile ground, and we can encourage our mutual work there. Manuel says she writes especially for those whose skin, like hers, is racialized as “dark,” and she also says her message is for everyone. Darkness doesn’t destroy light; it’s an essential part of our existence, and it shows us what light is.
3. La Syrena
Author: Banah el Ghadbanah
Genre: Poetry
ISBN: 9781950539444
Print Length: 160 pages
Publisher: Dzanc Books
An impressive debut poetry collection that will give you a new way of seeing
Spoken word poet & scholar of Syrian women’s creative work, Banah el Ghadbanah addresses war, ecological crisis, and revolution. Just as the title plays on words for “mermaid” and “Syrian,” so do the poems consistently weave layers of mythic consciousness: ancient Babylonian goddesses, modern refugees, linguistic shift, playfulness with gender, and the fluidity of all identity. La Syrena is sensual, visually inventive, and inspirational.
1. A Seat for the Rabble
Author: Ryan Schuette
Genre: Fantasy
ISBN: 9798988598602
Print Length: 468 pages
Masterful storytelling and epic worldbuilding make this a must-read for fans of political fantasy.
Ryan Schuette weaves a complex world of political intrigue, class conflict, and the pursuit of power in this enthralling epic fantasy.
Set in the richly imagined world of the Kingdom of Loran, the story begins with the death of King Hexar, throwing the realm into a tumultuous struggle for succession.
At the heart of the narrative is Jason Warchild, the illegitimate son of the late king. Despite his uncertain origins, Jason is driven by a noble purpose: to bring equality to the people of Loran.
One of the many strengths of A Seat for the Rabble is the relevant themes reflecting modern day issues. The intricate political landscape, mirroring our own challenging political systems, reflects the power struggles seen in today’s world. Furthermore, the novel delves into the pressing issues of class conflict and social inequality, drawing parallels with contemporary societal challenges.
Ryan Schuette’s writing style is rich and immersive, drawing readers into the vividly detailed world of the Kingdom of Loran with its knights, magic, and powerful griffons. As the narrative unfolds, the book mixes in plenty of action and suspense too, reminding me of the Game of Thrones series.
2. The Mystery Next Door
Author: Michael Rodney Moore
Genre: Middle Grade / Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
ISBN: 9798393679699
Print Length: 259 pages
There’s something about southern mystery that brings out a childlike wonder.
The Mystery Next Door becomes addictive when Moore brings out old tales of piracy and long-lost treasure. It’s the type of adventure one would recognize from movies such as The Goonies (1985) and Tom & Huck (1995). Whose inner child didn’t wish they could find secret treasure in their own backyard?
Moore’s book begins with young Zoey Morganton as she moves into a small town with her mother in North Carolina. It isn’t long until she learns about the mysterious plantation not too far from her home: Oak Harbor. The house is covered with many secrets, ranging from a crazed slaveowner to a secret pirate treasure.
As Zoey Morganton delves deeper into the history of Oak Harbor, readers are treated to an alluring journey through time. Readers become engaged with the golden age of piracy and life in the South (before and after the Civil War). Although the characters in these times are fictional, it does provoke educational interest as Moore’s research shines through the pages.
Middle school readers who are exploring the American South in other classes and those who relish in satisfying mysteries and adventure are going to love this story.
3. Ferren and the Angel
Author: Richard Harland
Genre: Fantasy
ISBN: 9781922856296
Print Length: 242 pages
A fast-paced and engaging dystopian fantasy with loads of fascinating lore
What will happen in the next thousand years? Some people believe there will be significant alterations, some that it will be eerily similar, and others think there will be no Earth at all.
Author Richard Harland has some other ideas. The future depicted in Ferren and the Angel shows angels and humans in an epic never-ending battle for dominance.
The worldbuilding here is addictive. You won’t want to miss any developing details about what the world will look like in this future.
What will break young Ferren out of his humdrum life at the start of this book? Watching an angel fall from Heaven. Miriael, the Fourth Angel of Observance, has no way of returning to her ethereal realm. Her powers have faltered since she arrived in the material world, but she cultivates a new friendship in Ferren. Unfortunately, it has to be kept secret, and it doesn’t stay that way for long.
Honorable Mentions:
- Oversight by Dennis Batchelder (Bookshop | Amazon | Review)
- The White by Matt Micheli (Amazon | Review)
1. To the Woman in the Pink Hat
Author: LaToya Jordan
Genre: Science Fiction / Feminist
ISBN: 9781619762367
Print Length: 100 pages
A powerful exploration of racial inequality through the lens of feminist sci-fi
In the near future, a horrifying organization has risen. Posing as a health center that conducts birth control studies, it instead steals the uteruses of young women of color who seek its services and transplants them into women who are willing to pay.
Jada Morris had been leading the SU’s, a resistance movement against the company, until she was incarcerated for a violent crime. Now she has been transferred to The Center, a rehabilitation program aimed at helping her confront her past and getting her back into society.
Speculative fiction has long been a vehicle for exploring cultural and social issues in the world, and Jordan uses it to its full potential here. Echoes of Marge Piercy’s feminist masterpiece, Woman on the Edge of Time, flicker within these pages.
This novella packs a powerful punch for something so succinct. It doesn’t flinch from the dark places science will go if left unchecked, but there is also warm compassion and, above all, hope. To the Woman in the Pink Hat is a heavy and often confronting read with lovely sparkles of light scattered throughout, a wonderful addition to the shelf of anyone with an interest in social politics, race theory, or feminism.
2. Montecito
Author: Michael Cox
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense / Crime
ISBN: 9798987960264
Print Length: 340 pages
Dark secrets lurk beneath the glittering veneer of this slow-burn thriller.
Moving to wealthy Montecito seemed like a fantastic idea to Hollis Crawford and his wife Cricket. When an obscenely rich family moves to the area, they bring with them Hollis’s last hope in the form of a spectacular job offer. Not everything is as it seems in this luxurious, glittering world, however.
Montecito is difficult to categorize into a particular genre. It could fit under psychological thriller or domestic mystery; it even has aspects of family drama. Whatever the genre, it is an astoundingly good read.
How could this be a debut? The execution is too deft and confident. Nothing is over-explained or hammed up. In fact, there’s a rare degree of subtlety to the writing. Everything in this story unfolds at its own pace, revealing secrets upon secrets until the final page.
Montecito is like an exquisite little machine where all the moving parts slot impeccably together. The story couldn’t stand without the setting or characters, and Hollis’s specific flaws are the force that drives the narrative.
3. Soiled Dove Murder
Author: Sherilyn Decter
Genre: Historical Fiction / Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
ISBN: 9781777515140
Print Length: 479 pages
Clever, nuanced, entertaining, and fun all at once.
School is out for the summer. Schoolteacher Lucie Santoro and Delores Bailey, her incongruous moonshiner companion, are using the break to help one of Lucie’s old pupils.
The once-impoverished student is now running a bordello of prostitutes in Virginia City. When one of her so-called “soiled doves” goes missing in suspicious circumstances and law enforcement doesn’t care, Ruth turns to Lucie, the one person she knows will help.
As a teacher in the 1920s, life is a delicate balancing act for Lucie. Being seen with the owner of a bordello would be enough to shatter her reputation and destroy her career. Little does Lucie know that losing her career may be the least of her worries. On this holiday, she’ll be in danger of losing her life.
As with all of the books I’ve read from Sherilyn Decter, the historical attention to detail is remarkable. From the very first bumpy, exhausting bus ride to the portrayal of Chinese immigration in 1920s USA, it’s clear how well Decter understands the world she’s writing.
What I love about these novels is that the protagonists aren’t immune to the values of their time. They judge and misstep, but they are fully rounded empathetic characters and the more they experience, the wider their understanding becomes.
Honorable Mentions:
1. Cursebreakers
Author: Madeleine Nakamura
Genre: Fantasy
ISBN: 9781939096128
Print Length: 284 pages
Publisher: Canis Major Books
Cursebreakers is nonstop action, pierced with so much heart and heightened emotion on both ends of the scale.
The book follows Professor Adrien Desfourneaux, who finds himself entangled in the life-threatening position of preventing a magical coup linked to a rapidly increasing number of comatose victims—while he is experiencing a significant flare-up of his bipolar disorder symptoms. The book’s characters come alive off the page in a way that is rare and precious and will no doubt fuel the rise of a powerful fandom.
Cursebreakers is outrageously good—phenomenal, even. This is a novel as electric as the lightning-bolt magic its protagonist wields, filled with curses, destruction, and piercing heartache. It’s an ode to true, enduring friendship and a call to believe in our capacity for good.
2. Just Wide Enough for Two
Editors: Kacey M. Martin
Genre: Historical Fiction / LGBTQ
ISBN: 9798218116293
Print Length: 328 pages
A love story between childhood best friends Emily Dickinson and Susan Gilbert, spanning years of complicated life changes and passionate connection
Emily Dickinson is wild and offbeat, more comfortable running around outdoors and speaking out of turn than she is in any stereotypical “ladylike” capacity.
Between vivid descriptions of the ever-changing natural landscapes, seductive descriptions when looking at each other, and the secret-coded letters slipped between breasts before sneaking off to rendezvous, open-hearted Emily and Susan always take center stage.
Just Wide Enough for Two feels like a classic romantic comedy filled with grand gestures of love in a charming historical setting. There’s a powerful sense of longing and suspense while reading, as we cannot imagine how the women may achieve their happily ever after under these circumstances, but trust that they will.
A long-lasting romance with steady beats of delicious sapphic sexual tension, this book makes sure that even readers who are unfamiliar with the story of Emily Dickinson’s life will be pulled in by the beautiful, sincere, and poetic love depicted.
3. I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself
Author: Marisa Crane
Genre: Science Fiction / Dystopia
ISBN: 9781646221295
Print Length: 352 pages
Publisher: Catapult
Like paging through a beautifully rendered therapy exercise that was designed to remain in the closed-door confines of the psychiatrist’s room.
It’s easy to imagine, when reading Crane’s gorgeous, heartbreaking prose, that Kris is sitting amongst the cluttered dishes and take-out wrappers, writing her heart out to the person she loves and misses more than it seems her body was built to hold.
You’ll need an assortment of colored pens when reading I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself. This novel is so full of sharply observed gut-punches and painfully human truths (about love, loss, desire, bureaucracy, fear mongering in the media, loneliness, kink, queerness, and new motherhood) that you’ll be thinking about Crane’s magnificent, evocative phrases for a while.
I highlighted and underlined more in this book than I ever have before, often pausing to really let the words sink in before I continued reading. Writing about inequality with a clarity and creativity this rich is always going to feel relevant and important.
Equal parts queer, devastating, precious, and thought-provoking, I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself is an unforgettable experience, exploring what it means to be human and illuminating the healing significance of finding community in the depths of your despair.
Honorable Mentions:
- Smash the World’s Shell by Daniel Fliederbaum (Bookshop | Amazon | Review)
- Fated Sworn by Kristin L Hamblin (Bookshop | Amazon | Review)
1. A Boring Book
Author: Seth McDonough
Genre: Humor Fiction
ISBN: 9781777092528
Print Length: 500 pages
A charming read about taking on the dull challenges of life with good will, grace, and a keen eye for inscrutable human behavior
A Boring Book presents itself as the ghostwritten autobiography of Canadian John Smith, growing up in the not-so-distance past, from childhood through young adulthood.
Written as a first-person account, John frequently interjects comments on the “ghostwriter’s” prose as well as third-wall-breaking direct address to the reader. These devices, along with the engaging voice, are intriguing and pull the reader into this everyman’s tale. With a dry, subtle wit and spot-on characterizations of the various actors in John’s mundane life, the tale is both amusing and compelling.
I was impressed by this “boring” story’s ability to infuse the mundane situations of life with tension and conflict. The stakes matter to the protagonist, and so the reader is engaged. We identify with the protagonist, and the mundane is made interesting. I found this book a real page-turner, actually, without any car chases and fires.
Readers who enjoy a unique take on narrative and characterization will be glad to spend some time with Mr. John Smith. There’s plenty of nostalgia here, as we relive the common, everyday experiences of growing up seen from a gently humorous perspective.
2. A Moonserpent Tale
Author: Rosemarie Montefusco
Genre: Fantasy
ISBN: 9798766900832
Print Length: 352 pages
Danger, adventure, magic, and romance: What else could you want out of a high fantasy?
A Moonserpent Tale tracks a young witch (Araina), her guide (Sol), an elf, and a pigeon on a quest through a barren, peril-fraught land.
Along the way, the characters grow, change, and develop through a number of challenges. They bond as a team and then must deal with the heartache of misunderstanding and betrayal. The book’s worldbuilding is thorough and thoughtful, and the description is immersive. A Moonserpent Tale’s sweet, slow-burn romance is perfect for these characters in this situation.
Readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy fiction such as the fantasy novels of Lois McMaster Bujold will be impressed with A Moonserpent Tale. This is a tale both thoughtful and entertaining, a true pleasure to read.
3. Making Comics
Much more than the curriculum for a comics class
Making Comics digs up and examines the roots of childhood creativity: that time and mental space where the line is the story, no matter if it represents an image, a letter, a numeral, or simply the joy of mark making.
Through a series of fun, accessible exercises and assignments, Making Comics breaks down the barriers that adults tend to put up between ourselves and storytelling through visual art.
Much of this head-and-heart work is applicable to any creative endeavor. Our authentic art must sprout from self-confidence and trust in the message rather than our technical skills.
Honorable Mentions:
- Heliophobia by Christopher X. Ryan (Bookshop | Amazon)
- Swedish Cults by Anders Fager (Bookshop | Amazon)
1. Half a Cup of Sand and Sky
Author: Nadine Bjursten
Genre: Literary Fiction
ISBN: 9789198861617
Print Length: 402 pages
Publisher: Alder House Books
A sweeping story of Iranian people, poetry, and politics, spanning three decades
Nadine Bjursten’s debut novel Half a Cup of Sand and Sky follows Amineh, a young Iranian woman who has moved to Tehran for university from the small village of Qamsar. An aspiring novelist, Amineh longs to tell her parents’ story as rural rose farmers, even as she is caught up in the air of revolution surrounding the death of a classmate which is sparking protests against the Shah.
Amineh is pulled between the traditional and the revolutionary as she survives through turbulent times. She struggles between realizing her dreams of a novel, coming to terms with what it means to be a wife and partner to her husband, and mothering her children in a country fraught with war and loss, all while nurturing her independent spirit. Her emotional intelligence and strength through the various seasons of her life make Amineh a well-developed narrator that readers will root for through her highest and lowest moments.
Half a Cup of Sand and Sky was a finalist for the PEN/Bellweather Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction in 2016, and it’s easy to see why. From beautiful images of Iran, Sweden, and the UK, to heavily researched historical events, and to characters that are deeply human in their joys, mistakes, and dreams, Nadine Bjursten has written an exceptional book. This is a necessary story of maturity and resilience told from a perspective that is often overlooked by Western readers. Half a Cup of Sand and Sky will captivate folks of all genres and ages with its craft, vitality, and wisdom.
2. Meet Me Tonight in Atlantic City
Author: Jane Wong
Genre: Nonfiction / Memoir
ISBN: 9781953534675
Print Length: 288 pages
Publisher: Tin House Books
A book of rage and nourishment, action and healing, of celebrating chosen and blood family
Jane Wong’s verdant, nonlinear memoir, Meet Me Tonight in Atlantic City tells the story of a Toisanese-American girl coming of age in New Jersey. The fragments of this memoir-in-essays are held together by Wong’s abundant and tender relationship with her mother. (Excerpted from a print review at Rain Taxi).
3. Obit
Author: Victoria Chang
Genre: Poetry
ISBN: 9781556595745
Print Length: 120 pages
Publisher: Copper Canyon Press
A book shaped by grief, unforgettable in its stark lines and the way it encapsulates the death of one’s parents
It took me almost two years to get through this book, because it is meant to be digested very slowly, to be sat with. The speaker’s depth of love and pain is rendered so artfully, so precisely, so rightly. This is a handbook for loss like no other.
Honorable Mentions:
1. Gone to Ground
Author: Morgan Hatch
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
ISBN: N/A
Print Length: 321 pages
A suspense novel like an ornate mirror, reflecting what needs to be changed
Gone to Ground follows Javier Jimenez, a smart, young kid on the brink of graduating high school. Javier’s struggles are echoed in his community of Horseshoe Barrio; many are stuck in an unforgiving poverty loop. To make ends meet, Javier often works with his sister Betzaida, towing cars and trucks. During one of their jobs, Javier innocuously pockets a phone found in one of the cars. Without realizing it, Javier becomes entangled in a gentrifying bloodbath scheme to devour his community and regurgitate a tech community. He’s determined to put an end to it, but the cost could be fatal.
The writing is bewitching from the first page. After this explosive beginning, the book switches to Javier pondering his future. One of the many things that Hatch does well is make Javier’s mind a fascinating hub of observation and emotion.
Gone to Ground delivers in all aspects of suspense too. Jones, the antagonist, is calculating, threatening, and yet scarily familiar. He is nearly omnipresent, representing the greedy, lecherous system that prioritizes quick profit well.
I was quite amazed by Gone to Ground. It’s a suspense book that captivates while it brings forth an important conversation about shelter, community, and commodity.
2. Word Petals
Author: Carla L. Ibanzo
Genre: Poetry
ISBN: 9791220128827
Print Length: 114 pages
A lovely collection that serves as a portal to many different worlds
From life in Japan to life back home in Jamaica to reflections on tradition, this book is expansive yet succinct, thought-provoking and surprising.
Like petals on a flower, the words beautify the narrative and color it. There are poems centered around religion while others ruminate on growing older and enjoying the present. A lot of the poetry is also meant to be inspirational and to push the reader to take risks despite hesitations. There’s a nugget of wisdom in each poem that will leave a lasting impact.
3. Please Write
Author: Lynne M. Kolze
Genre: Nonfiction / Writing
ISBN: 9781643436739
Print Length: 320 pages
Publisher: Beaver’s Pond Press
Like an intricate wax seal, concealing a wonderful surprise inside
Please Write by Lynne Kolze is an impassioned plea to get you to return to writing letters. It is evidence of just how meaningful the act can be—for writer and recipient. This book can inspire readers to become more compassionate through their own words, and there’s supplementary material, like real letters that were preserved in Kolze’s family, along with pictures and stories. Each chapter spearheads a separate but vital aspect of letter writing to make it special and accessible in this new wave of technology.
The premise of this book excited me. I thought of writing letters as a bit dusted over, didn’t you? But as I read on, I found myself resonating deeply with Kolze’s purpose and narrative. The writing, when centered around Kolze’s personal reasons for loving letter writing, is emotionally pulling to the point where I found myself replicating those emotions.
Please Write also includes a lot of fascinating history regarding letters. The “Dear John” letters call to me especially. Receiving a letter can be a touching event, but other times it can be heartbreaking. The wide scope of letters covered in this book make it that much more engaging; like an unopened box, whatever is inside can contain so much.
Honorable Mention:
1. The Joy of Costco
Author: David & Susan Schwartz
Genre: Nonfiction / Coffee Table Book
ISBN: 9781959505006
Print Length: 272 pages
Beautifully illustrated and just bizarre enough to adorn your coffee table
The Joy of Costco won’t just sit pretty in your living room. It will have you enraptured with fun facts and inspire you to leave right now to buy a wholesale box of cashews.
Costco enthusiasts David and Susan Schwartz, sparked by their love for the versatile superstore, spent seven years researching the history and fun facts of Costco. They did this by traveling to at least one Costco in each of the 46 states that housed a facility and multiple Costcos outside of the U.S.
The book is in a fun A to Z format, but the alphabetization of the topics is playfully organized, ultimately giving readers the experience of the structured chaos that Costco attendees often feel when roaming the store themselves.
The Joy of Costco is engaging for Costco fans and intriguing for those who have never stepped foot in the store.
2. Landscapes
Author: Christine Lai
Genre: Literary Fiction
ISBN: 9781953387387
Print Length: 230 pages
Publisher: Two Dollar Radio
Lai captures the intersectionality of art, feminism, and environmentalism in this moving debut novel
A major focus of this novel is destruction and what it means to create anew; destruction often is not the end but a site for rebirth. Though Penelope has devoted so much of her life to the preservation of [an art archive], in its demolition, she is able to transition into a new future… Landscapes is beautiful, provocative, and accessible. It will remind you that destruction is rarely the end and that we all must continue forward.
3. Dreaming in Chinese
Author: William Tsung
Genre: Nonfiction / Memoir
ISBN: 9798987452707
Print Length: 248 pages
An act of resistance and self-preservation; an ode to the resilient human spirit.
One can tell a lot about a country from the way it treats its most affluent citizens; one can tell a whole lot more from the way it treats its lower class citizens. William Tsung’s memoir goes on the offensive, toe-to-toe with the Taiwanese penal system. The memoir captures the grim reality that Taiwanese prisoners experience day-to-day for multiple years and for some, even decades. Tsung took the challenge of making sympathetic characters out of criminals and felons and thoroughly succeeds in his endeavor. Dreaming in Chinese challenges the reader’s understanding of fair punishment by highlighting the corruption of a system that benefits from prisoners’ forced labor.
Dreaming in Chinese is a condemnation of a system designed to see and even benefit from under-resourced people failing. In Tsung’s experience with Taiwan’s prisons, this book also calls into question America’s penal system. I highly recommend this book to those dedicated to social justice.
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1. Second Best
Author: David Foenkinos
Genre: Literary Fiction / Humor
ISBN: 9781913547592
Print Length: 240 pages
Publisher: Gallic Books
What does it take for one to decide to live differently?
Martin Hill is the 10-year-old boy who wasn’t chosen to be Harry Potter. This slim novel is the story of his life, tracing his crippling anxiety alongside the chance encounters and happenstances that shape his world. I was utterly swept up in the book’s short, poignant chapters. Each have a distinct melody and sensibility that is unexpectedly joyful to read.
2. Hate Hunters
Author: Mari Georgeson
Genre: Literary Fiction / Satire
ISBN: 9798987204900
Print Length: 364 pages
Combining biting satire with deep insight into the human condition—a timely novel of ideas about tolerance and the folly of extremism
In a not-so-distant future where the United States has been divided into the Virtuous Federation and the Patriot States, Hate Hunters follows a large cast of characters struggling to live in accordance with the Virtuous Federation’s exacting moral standards.
Ambitious and multi-voiced, individual narratives and fictional texts are woven into an immersive tapestry-like world that is at once unsettling and extremely recognizable.
Impressive in ambition and philosophical scope, Hate Hunters stands out for its expert plotting, beautiful writing, and an intricately designed structure. This is an exceptional book that enrages, enlightens, and above all, affirms the humanity of every individual regardless of their beliefs.
3. The Moon and the Bonfires
Author: Cesare Pavese
Genre: Literary / Historical
ISBN: 9781590170212
Print Length: 176 pages
Publisher: NYRB Books
A devastating, gorgeous, pensive look at the country’s postwar politics and identity
After making a fortune in America during WWII, a man is drawn back to his impoverished childhood town in Piedmont to reflect on his brutal childhood as an orphan and search for what he has missed while being in America. A sense of loss and dislocation animates the book. Lyric and philosophical musings conjure the bucolic landscape in its harsh beauty. Intense hardly does the book justice, it dives headlong into the battered psychology of its unnamed narrator and that of the country at large.
Honorable Mention:
1. The Mill House Murders
Author: Yukito Ayatsuji
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
ISBN: 9781782278337
Print Length: 288 pages
Publisher: Pushkin Vertigo
A chilling locked-room mystery that unfolds within the ominous walls of the remote Mill House, a setting shrouded in both secrecy and tragedy
Ayatsuji builds a compelling tale of intrigue around the eccentric Fujinuma Kiichi, the consequences of his accidental disfigurement, and his annual house party for a very select group of guests. When a killer strikes, brilliant amateur sleuth Kiyoshi Shimada sets about unravelling the complex web of secrets and lies that led to the perplexing crime. Ayatsuji is a master at combining the macabre with the mysterious, creating a tense work of crime fiction that is packed with alarming events, red herrings, and psychological insights.
2. Beasts of England
Author: Adam Biles
Genre: Literary / Satire
ISBN: 9781913111458
Print Length: 288 pages
Publisher: Galley Beggar Press
Adam Biles’s modern reimagining of Animal Farm chronicles disturbing if all too believable events at a version of the farm restyled as the country’s premiere petting zoo.
Rather than being raised and ultimately sacrificed as farm animals, the residents of this zoo are subjected to being gawped at, poked, and prodded by visitors seeking an amusing distraction from real life.
Mirroring the tumultuous landscape of contemporary politics, as if being put on display to the general public isn’t bad enough, the animals also face rigged elections, factional strife, societal chaos, and a mysterious epidemic that threatens to kill them all.
Satire at its best, Biles’s work presents by turns distressing and amusing glimpses into a world that is not different from reality, even if it can serve as a warning of things that might be to come.
3. Mild Vertigo
Author: Mieko Kanai
Genre: Literary Fiction
ISBN: 9781646033492
Print Length: 192 pages
Publisher: New Directions
An unrestrained exploration of the human condition
Meiko Kanai’s captivating storytelling renders this an engrossing account of the unexpected depth of housewife Natsumi’s outwardly ordinary life. Kanai uses elegant prose and a rich portrayal of Natsumi’s inner world to reveal surprising conflicts with the outer world she must interact with and conform to. And this ensures that her protagonist’s musings and reflections are always rewarding and sometimes disturbing. Kanai’s ability to evoke emotions and provoke thought about even the most seemingly insignificant detail is a marvel. The book as a whole provides an introspective account that delves deep into the complexities of human emotions.
Honorable Mentions:
- In the Silence of Decay by Lisa Boyle (Bookshop | Amazon | Review)
- The Molossus of Old Man Moyer by Joe Lyon (Bookshop | Amazon | Review)
1. Rearranged
Author: Kathleen Watt
Genre: Nonfiction / Memoir
ISBN: 9781956474343
Print Length: 384 pages
Publisher: Heliotrope Books
A lyrical memoir chronicling the life-altering vicissitudes of cancer
Kathleen Watt pulls back the curtain on the Metropolitan Opera, giving readers an inside look at the competition, the backstage behaviors, and the culture of the opulent and expansive productions at the famous New York City Opera House. With her pursuit of being in the Extra Chorus finally realized, Kathleen looks forward to celebrating with her partner, Evie, on their ski vacation, but a bump on her gumline brings up the concern that’s usually coupled with any new bump or pain: What is this? Am I overthinking this? Should I be worried? After trips to several dentists and then a few doctors, she learns of her shocking prognosis: cancer.
Her journey to find not just her singing voice, but her voice in her world and the world at large is a testament to the difficulty of putting one’s life back together after a trauma like battling a chronic illness.
Rearranged is a bel canto of a book, full of lyrical language, the crescendo and decrescendo of cancer, and the universal search for one’s voice.
2. How to Monetize Despair
Author: Lisa Mottolo
Genre: Poetry
ISBN: 9781956692785
Print Length: 102 pages
Publisher: Unsolicited Press
A reverie of memory and the existential wonderings on life and loss that make us human
In How To Monetize Despair, Lisa Motollo captures the intricate and sometimes random thoughts and feelings that arise when dealing with life’s most difficult chapters: trauma, grief, loss, and the mundane.
This collection beautifully balances the vulnerabilities and agonies of grief with the dark humor and odd realizations that come with experiencing trauma. But it also muses on the anxieties a person can feel attending a party or during everyday activities like making a sandwich.
Life is full of many experiences that we either don’t want to discuss or even know how to discuss, but How To Monetize Despair is a beautiful example of how to start and navigate those conversations.
Honorable Mention:
1. No God Like the Mother
Author: Kesha Ajọsẹ-Fisher
Genre: Literary / Short Stories
ISBN: 9781942436553
Print Length: 168 pages
Publisher: Forest Avenue Press
A raw look at those crucial moments when the realities of life are laid bare
No God Like the Mother by Kesha Ajọsẹ-Fisher is a story collection that explores pivotal moments in the lives of women and girls. Though the settings and details of the stories vary widely, from naive young girls in Nigeria to grieving mothers in Portland, each one functions as a glimpse of the defining moment of a person’s life story.
In all, No God Like the Mother is a quietly devastating and frank look at the interplay between hope and grief that is experienced by someone whose body can produce life. It is also about the way others throughout the world have historically reacted to that ability with fear, desire, shame, or a combination of those and more.
2. Invitation to a Hanging
Author: Karin Rathert
Genre: Historical Fiction / Western
ISBN: 9781639887262
Print Length: 318 pages
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
A meditation on the life and death of a lawless town in the waning days of the Wild West
When Adam’s parents moved to Mondak early in the 19th century, it was a frontier boom town and a symbol of unlimited potential. Now, with both his parents long dead, the town is nothing more than a reminder of things that had been. People are moving away or dying, and businesses are closing. All that is left are those with no place else to go and the town bosses who oversaw its fall, presiding over a place with more dead than living.
The author does a stellar job of evoking the atmosphere of the Wild West and the forces at work in the country at large at that time. There are rumors of coming war and the upheaval that comes with train tracks being laid. There are remnants of forts and graveyards of soldiers and civilians. There’s reckoning with the ongoing unimaginable treatment of the people forcibly removed from their land when settlers moved in, and that is still going on with their incarceration in “hospitals” that are worse than prisons.
Invitation to a Hanging is an artful portrait of a young man discovering the magic of self-determination. The people it depicts strive to carve a life out of whatever circumstances they might find themselves in. It is about quiet persistence in the face of greed and evil intentions, of choosing when to fight and when to walk away.
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1. Pure Cosmos Club
Author: Matthew Binder
Genre: Literary / Absurdist
ISBN: 9781736912812
Print Length: 272 pages
Publisher: Stalking Horse Press
A hallucinogenic satire of the worlds of art, fashion, and cults.
Penned with the wisdom of a philosopher and laugh-out-loud wit, this novel follows Paul, a struggling artist and his best friend, a dog named Blanche, as they hop from parties to art and fashion shows, maneuvering through a directionless life. Paul finally finds meaning in a new age cult called The Pure Cosmos Club, but the cost of admission becomes more than he can handle.
Binder’s prose sings all throughout Pure Cosmos Club, parrying anxiety with hilarity and the bizarre with a touch of the sober and sane.
2. The Red-Headed Pilgrim
Author: Kevin Maloney
Genre: Literary / Humor
ISBN: 9781953387288
Print Length: 242 pages
Publisher: Two Dollar Radio
Review originally published in Cleveland Review of Books
Heartbreakingly witty, Kevin Maloney’s The Red-Headed Pilgrim captures the coming of age of an idealistic man-child as he tours the united states in search of meaning.
While it’s difficult to argue that a true “Western”—whether it be prefixed by “Acid” or “Anti”—can be limned outside of the setting of the Wild West, Maloney’s revisionist treatment of Western themes make The Red-Headed Pilgrim at least the offspring (dare I say red-headed step-child?) of the Acid Western genre. And I don’t believe it’s overly generous to say that The Red-Headed Pilgrim is the next iteration of the Western, one with enough music and heart to propel the genre into the twenty-first century and beyond.
3. The Nature Book
Author: Tom Comitta
Genre: Literary / Nature Writing
ISBN: 9781566896634
Print Length: 272 pages
Publisher: Coffee House Press
A bold exploratory work; a canonical collage of the natural world
In The Nature Book, Tom Comitta compiles descriptions of the natural world from 300 canonical English texts into a vibrant literary collage. In the foreword, Comitta tells the reader that the following text is “closer to a YouTube supercut than a Burroughsian collage novel.” They categorize the excerpted texts into four sections, The Four Seasons, The Deep Blue Sea, The Void, and The Endless Summer, each of which features language poached from the pages of writers from Charles Dickens to Cormac McCarthy and beyond. With surgical precision, Comitta lifts phrases from Louisa May Alcott, Zora Neal Hurston, and Stephen King, and combines them into a single sweeping tale, often ruminative, but with its share of conflict and tension.
Though no human characters disturb the natural world of The Nature Book, Comitta reminds the reader that nature isn’t tranquil. Storms rage. Lightning strikes. One such storm leaves several pheasants slaughtered. Nature fears for its life, whether it is “the river’s babbling (which) sounded like the call of a liquid throat waiting, just waiting for the world to end,” or the beaver that seeks escape from the otter.
The language often tends toward the apocalyptic; the end of the world is mentioned at least five times in the novel. But beginnings also proliferate, such as the river which was “like traveling back to the earliest beginnings of the world, when vegetation rioted on the earth and the big trees were kings.” In short, the language reflects the scope of the novel, which is epic, spanning from the lowest depths of the ocean to the outer reaches of the universe, from darkness to darkness, creation to apocalypse.
Honorable Mentions:
- Bardo by Joseph Edwin Haeger (Bookshop | Amazon | Review)
- Other Minds and Other Stories by Bennett Sims (Bookshop | Amazon)
1. The Cabinet
Author: Un-Su Kim
Genre: Science Fiction
ISBN: 9780857669179
Print Length: 304 pages
Publisher: Angry Robot
Definitely the strangest, most surreal, and most innovative book I’ve read in 2023
The titular filing cabinet, which is watched over by harried Seoul-based office worker Kong Deok-Geun, contains files on all the known “symptomers,” that is, all those people who exhibit peculiar powers and report experiencing preternatural phenomena. As Kong’s work brings him into contact with an eclectic cast of oddballs, he finds himself engaged in a mind-bending catalogue of events and recollections that pokes fun at the delightfully absurd occurrences that can be found hiding behind the mundane elements of modern life.
2. Golden Age Detective Stories
Editor: Otto Penzler
Genre: Mystery / Anthology
ISBN: 9781613162163
Print Length: 312 pages
Publisher: Penzler Publishers
Top-notch examples of the various non-official folks who have been called upon to solve crimes that have perplexed the police, including a magician, a publisher, a nun, and more.
Featuring stories by Golden Age greats such as Ellery Queen, Erle Stanley Gardner, Clayton Rawson, and Mary Roberts Rinehart, Golden Age Detective Stories is a very welcome addition to the sublime American Mystery Classics series. The crimes are generally not gory, although they’re certainly far from cozy, and the puzzles involved are sufficiently complex to get your little gray cells going as you attempt to identify the culprit before the relevant amateur detective does.
1. The Catch of a Lifetime
Author: Alexandra Neville
Genre: Romance
ISBN: 9798857020920
Print Length: 210 pages
Sparks fly in this endearing romance about a once in a lifetime love
The Catch of a Lifetime offers an intoxicating blend of passionate romance, relatable characters, and heartwarming moments that will leave romance aficionados enchanted.
When Becca Linton decides to give Colt Mason—her best friend’s twin brother—a chance, she doesn’t expect things to move as quickly or as intensely as they do. With her budding career as a yoga instructor and Colt’s commitment to hiking mountains in different continents, Becca doesn’t think of it as a serious relationship or that long distance would affect her much.
Alexandra Neville really brings the heat in this one! Colt and Becca are such a heartwarming, relatable couple. I love how both of them, despite the other commitments or past trauma they had, try so hard to make their relationship work. Through Colt and Becca’s relationship, we get to see the amount of effort, trust, and open communication that goes into a long-lasting relationship.
However, Colt and Becca’s love story isn’t the only awe-worthy relationship within these pages. The Mason family radiates genuine warmth and affection, effortlessly endearing themselves to readers. What makes their family remarkable is not just their closeness but their welcoming and inclusive nature, extending warmth and kindness to all—be it friends, employees, or strangers.
2. The Violence of Reason
Author: Pete Planisek
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense / Historical
ISBN: 9780985098285
Print Length: 202 pages
Publisher: Enceladus Literary
Fate plays a cruel, twisted game in this compelling historical thriller.
A beguiling mystery with a web of secrets and shocking twists, The Violence of Reason is first a tale of freedom and survival. The novel delves into the intricate nature of trust and loyalty during a time of war. It shows that battles aren’t just fought on the frontlines but also in our neighborhoods, homes, and workplaces, where our friends suddenly become our foes and trust becomes a deadly commodity.
The Violence of Reason follows Norill Haugen, a Norwegian spy during the Nazi occupation of Norway. Norill joined the Milorg, the Norwegian resistance, as a way to help liberate and free her country. She works as a translator and courier for the resistance with other members of her resistance cell. Things were going as normal as they could be in a time of such uncertainty and turmoil.
But when Nazi soldiers show up to schedule piano lessons with Norill’s teacher—the house of Vinni Nases, which serves as their resistance cell—things take a turn. Has Norill’s cover been compromised? Are they here to arrest Norill and the other members of the resistance? Has someone betrayed them?
1. The Baron’s Ghost
Author: Kyro Dean
Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy / Thriller
ISBN: 9781957475134
Print Length: 244 pages
Pirates, spires, treason—The Baron’s Ghost is an escapade to remember.
Christina Rushing has had her fair share of adventure, and that was before she became a spy. Forced to marry a horrible baron and left with nothing upon his death, she finds herself taking on deadly missions to make ends meet.
When her latest mission provides evidence that her late husband might not be dead after all, Christie is set on a far different path—and is there really a big difference between espionage and piracy anyway?
The characterization is impeccable. I couldn’t help but fall in love with their snark and passion. The mystery is satisfying and successful too, filled with plenty of little twists and turns. And if pirates, spies, and adventures aren’t enough, the Victorian and steampunk vibes are there to help this book overflow with things to enjoy.
For all you romantics out there, Dean includes a bit of a love triangle with Christina caught in the middle. Christina’s desire for independence after a checkered past and her inherent need for a sense of security is something that resonates and adds greatly to the romantic payoff.
2. Curse of the Anito
Author: Isabelle R. Duffy
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy
ISBN: 9780645854916
Print Length: 204 pages
A thought-provoking novel of ancient evils buried just beneath the surface
Angela has spent the summer with her family in the Philippines, learning about her culture and seeking some sort of belonging. When her grandmother says that she will help Angela learn the family’s healing practices, she is overjoyed.
However, a dark and ancient power has a far different plan for Angela. She wakes in the night to find the Anito, an old God, at the foot of her bed, telling her she has been chosen, that she has a destiny to fulfill.
This is the first of a number of terrifying encounters for Angela, ones she cannot escape even when she flies back home to Australia. If given the chance to learn more about where you came from, would you take it? Would you take it even if it meant accidentally awakening an ancient deity? Isabella R Duffy sends readers on a captivating adventure alongside Angela in Ancestral Shadow: Curse of the Anito.
Duffy’s novel is full of self-discovery, familial love, and the need for cultural connection. In Angela’s storyline, readers feel the push and pull of what is modern and what is tradition.
This journey of self-discovery will have young adult readers thankful for its nuance and ever-looming danger.
1. Geographies
Author: Carmelinda Blagg
Genre: Short Stories
ISBN: 9798891320253
Print Length: 212 pages
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Through fleeting encounters and lasting impressions, these stories capture the essence of places as ephemeral homes, where the heart finds refuge in unexpected corners.
Carmelinda Blagg’s short story collection, Geographies, explores the enduring impact of places, and our feelings and relationships with the people within them. Tucked away in our hearts are the memories of everywhere that we have been before, and may never truly escape from; regardless of whether they represent a blissful sanctuary or a place crumbling with regret.
Blagg has an exceptional ability to create characters that are more than words on a page; they truly leap from the pages as if they are living, breathing souls made from flesh and blood. Each and every character is searching for the place inside them that they recognize as home. This search, intertwined with grief and nostalgia, forms a poignant undercurrent, echoing the constant in their lives—change, inevitable and heart-wrenching. This theme of change, depicted through various lenses—a fall leading to assisted living, the transformation of a childhood monster into a frail old man—emerges from every story, wrapped in grief; an emotion that Blagg expresses in ways that others never have.
Reading Geographies is more than a literary experience; it is an introspective journey, one that invites you to look to the hidden places within your heart. This collection of stories doesn’t just evoke ache and wonder; it is unrelenting in its bold—almost brutal—sentiment and intentions. Yet, every probing question Blagg asks finds its answer within her narrative, steadfast in its unwavering pursuit to explore the uncharted territories within her characters. What lingers is the unexplored place within you, tethered to your heart and your lungs, patiently waiting to be acknowledged and understood.
2. Numamushi
Author: Mina Ikemoto Ghosh
Genre: Fantasy / Fairy Tale
ISBN: 9781941360774
Print Length: 112 pages
Publisher: Lanternfish Press
Step into a realm of vivid characters, haunting realities, and the legacy that words leave behind.
Mina Ikemoto Ghosh’s fairytale, Numamushi, beckons readers into a mesmerizing realm where reality and enchantment intertwine seamlessly. Set in post-World War II Japan, Numamushi, a child marked by the scars of napalm, becomes an unlikely protagonist, raised by the guardian spirit of a river, blurring the boundaries between humanity and nature.
Numamushi stands out as a precocious and delightful main character, bridging the gap between a world of wonder and hate, one dominated by both man and beast. Many authors struggle to create a child protagonist that resonates with mature audiences while maintaining authenticity and sincerity. However, Ghosh deftly navigates this challenge, portraying Numamushi with a personality that never loses its charm.
The story blurs the line between the world of beast and man, but it does not question or compare the nature of each and make the reader consider which is more brutal. Instead, Ghosh allows the story to breathe and intertwine around the themes of love, forgiveness, and pain: raw and unforgiving pain. And with pain comes healing, as Numamushi reflects: “If snakes had venom to fill and protect the stomachs that made them snakes, then humans had tears to protect and clean the hearts that made them humans.”
hosh’s ability to blend enchantment with stark reality, coupled with their skillful characterization and thoughtful prose, creates a world that lingers in the reader’s mind. With its rich thematic depth and compelling storytelling, Numamushi stands as a testament to Ghosh’s literary prowess, offering readers an incredibly lovely yet bittersweet escape.
1. Between the Mountains
Author: Jeremy Campbell
Genre: General Fiction / Animals
ISBN: 9798986645728
Print Length: 322 pages
A heartwarming tale that underscores the important bond between animals and humans while exploring themes of friendship, forgiveness, and community
Between the Mountains is a compelling read for those who adore dogs, but it also delves into the themes of second chances, healing, love, and loss.
The prose flows beautifully, maintaining a consistent and suspenseful tone throughout. Each sentence effortlessly transitions into the next, drawing readers in with unexpected perspectives, such as that of a dog. “Scars of the past and worries of the future sit out of mind, like spectators on the riverbank, while a canine’s present needs race through his head as fast as water gushes through Morgan’s Cove after a summer rain.” The result is an emotionally charged tale that keeps readers hanging on to every word, even when exploring typically mundane moments.
2. In the Name of Family
Author: Cynthia Coppola
Genre: Historical Fiction / Family
Print Length: 285 pages
An authentic exploration of love, devotion, and unconventional family dynamics during an era of conformity
In the Name of Family delves into the lives of two central characters: Ruth, a conservatively-raised Jewish woman, and Tony, an Italian Catholic. Their journey begins when Tony musters up the courage to ask Ruth out on a date one day while at work at The Hoffman Shoe Factory in the year 1950. Over the next few months, the more time spent together, the deeper their bond grows. However, their lives take an unexpected turn when Ruth becomes pregnant and they both must reveal long-held secrets from their pasts.
This narrative successfully explores the intricate tapestry of love and life. It unfolds against the backdrop of a conformist era. In the face of societal norms, Ruth and Tony defy conventions to discover love, happiness, and joy while trying to create an environment where family comes first. In the Name of Family vividly illustrates how children within the same families can lead radically different lives based on how the people around them navigate pivotal life moments and family conflicts.
In the Name of Family beautifully illustrates that even amidst the most tumultuous and challenging lives, happiness can flourish. The story stands as a testament to the enduring power of love and family bonds, offering a resounding message of hope and resilience.
3. Invisible Sun
Author: Andrew H. Housley
Genre: Literary Fiction
ISBN: 9798891320260
Print Length: 172 pages
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
An intense, raw, and quite beautiful exploration of trauma and grief
Invisible Sun opens with Ian revisiting the traumatic scene where he discovered his brother Hugo, who had taken his own life. The room is still stained with blood, and Ian is engulfed by a torrent of emotions—pain, guilt, anger, and sorrow. In addition to grappling with this emotional turmoil, Ian is burdened with the practical responsibilities of arranging for cleaners, claiming Hugo’s body at the morgue, and packing up the family home. Amid this chaos, he is haunted by the relentless question of why this tragedy occurred.
Beneath the surface, the novel delves into the intricate dynamics among three brothers, shaped by a shared history of abuse and control imposed by their tyrannical father.
Invisible Sun unflinchingly navigates the complexities of loss, guilt, and despair, which could prove emotionally taxing for some individuals in certain situations. Nonetheless, these weighty themes provide valuable insights into the multifaceted personalities of the characters within the narrative. The novel skillfully observes the convergence of philosophy, emotions, and the human psyche when confronted with death, encapsulated in the haunting notion that, “The dead have it easy; they don’t have to live with the guilt.”
What were the best books you read this year? Let us know in the comments!
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Numamushi
by Mina Ikemoto Ghosh
Genre: Fantasy / Fairy Tale
ISBN: 9781941360774
Print Length: 112 pages
Publisher: Lanternfish Press
Reviewed by Lauren Hayataka
Step into a realm of vivid characters, haunting realities, and the legacy that words leave behind.
Mina Ikemoto Ghosh’s fairytale, Numamushi, beckons readers into a mesmerizing realm where reality and enchantment intertwine seamlessly. Set in post-World War II Japan, Numamushi, a child marked by the scars of napalm, becomes an unlikely protagonist, raised by the guardian spirit of a river, blurring the boundaries between humanity and nature.
When a war-weary stranger named Mizukiyo enters his life, Numamushi’s curiosity about mankind is sparked, leading to a unique bond forged over a shared taste for frogs and the written word. Their friendship deepens, transforming the world around them into something that neither one is prepared for, making them question everything they once knew.
Numamushi stands out as a precocious and delightful main character, bridging the gap between a world of wonder and hate, one dominated by both man and beast. Many authors struggle to create a child protagonist that resonates with mature audiences while maintaining authenticity and sincerity. However, Ghosh deftly navigates this challenge, portraying Numamushi with a personality that never loses its charm. In a memorable scene where Mizukiyo is upset by a visitor, Numamushi’s endearing nature shines through: “Did he steal your frogs? Shall I go and bite his ankles?” This innocence and loyalty make Numamushi a character worth cherishing.
Alongside Numamushi are the ones he comes to love and sees as his family, like his close friend Mizukiyo and the guardian spirit of the river. Despite the limited cast of characters, Ghosh masterfully brings them, as well as their world, to life. Using two sentences where others may use ten, Ghosh describes their characters in wonderfully vivid ways: “If Mizukiyo’s voice was the river, Tora’s was the mountain. When he talked—which was constantly—his words were firm and sunlit, cutting solidly through haze and rain.”
The narrative’s fundamental theme revolves around the significance of words, and their influence on man and beast. Ghosh’s careful selection and placement of words underscore the story’s essence. When Mizukiyo praises Numamushi for being mindful of his words, he imparts a valuable lesson: “Words are water, after all, and water is precious. Easily wasted.” No one knows this lesson more than Ghosh, and it is a lesson that other writers should take note of.
Words, too, are shown meaning something different to each character. For Numamushi, they are a lure into a world that he has never known, one that he embraces without question. For Mizukiyo, words are a link to the past, and for Tora, they represent the present, as he grapples with his career and where life in post-war Japan has taken society. And for the guardian spirit of the river, words, especially names, mean less to him than a human could ever imagine for: “The land and its creatures all knew what they were and didn’t care so much for who. It was only humans who asked for names and gave them to everything they feared to lose.”
Underscoring Numamushi is how it is unafraid to embrace the harsh reality that exists in fairytales, something that many forget—or choose to ignore. There is something terribly sinister about the mutilation of Cinderella’s sister to fit into glass slippers or the evil queen’s demise by dancing in scalding iron shoes in Snow White, yet Ghosh is unafraid to take risks with their story.
Numamushi and Mizukiyo’s intense consumption of small creatures scattered along the riverside, described with a vividness that might seem bizarre or repulsive in the hands of another writer, captivates readers. Ghosh’s adept prose draws them into these scenes, while the gorgeous black and white illustrations found throughout chapters refuse to release their grip, enhancing the story’s unsettling allure.
And the unsettling allure of Numamushi is what allows the story to succeed. It is untraditional in its format, for the story breaks the mold of what fairytales tend to be. There is no princess that needs saving or a dragon to be slayed; instead, there is a curse buried within the home that Mizukiyo resides in and in the heart of each character that comes near. The story blurs the line between the world of beast and man, but it does not question or compare the nature of each and make the reader consider which is more brutal. Instead, Ghosh allows the story to breathe and intertwine around the themes of love, forgiveness, and pain: raw and unforgiving pain. And with pain comes healing, as Numamushi reflects: “If snakes had venom to fill and protect the stomachs that made them snakes, then humans had tears to protect and clean the hearts that made them humans.”
Overall, Numamushi is a captivating novella that transcends the boundaries of traditional fairytales. Ghosh’s ability to blend enchantment with stark reality, coupled with their skillful characterization and thoughtful prose, creates a world that lingers in the reader’s mind. With its rich thematic depth and compelling storytelling, Numamushi stands as a testament to Ghosh’s literary prowess, offering readers an incredibly lovely yet bittersweet escape.
Thank you for reading Lauren Hayataka’s book review of Numamushi by Mina Ikemoto Ghosh! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.
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Stone Mother
by Malve S. Burns
Genre: Historical Fiction / Coming of Age
ISBN: 9781639889242
Print Length: 282 pages
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Reviewed by Elizabeth Zender
A coming of age story to remember
Marie is a small child growing up in post-war Germany, searching for understanding.She is an insightful and seemingly lonely young girl who clings to the safety of her castle in Falkenburg.
There, she learns how to read with help from her sister and acquires an endless thirst for knowledge. She finds comfort within the stone walls of the castle, even when faced with the tyranny of her mother. The chapel offers a sanctuary along with stories of the past.
Marie’s youth is full of trials and tribulations though. Not only does she lose her beloved castle, she ends up living with unforgiving nuns in a children’s home at the height of her family’s poverty.
Marie faces the terrors of her mother’s unpredictable moods or the orphanage with a desire to understand. She has questions about and compassion for the world she lives in rather than growing cold because of it.
Her insight extends to World War II as well. Sheltered from it at the beginning of her life, Marie still perceives that it is bigger than just a war, saying, “Though [it] had ended years ago, I somehow felt that it wasn’t really over. Like blood under a scar. If you scratch, it bleeds out.” This sentiment echoes throughout the spaces in her life; sometimes the war is inside of your home as well.
Burns masterfully instills the same compassion and understanding in readers as in Marie. The writing in the story is smooth and flowing. Burns breaks Marie’s story down into sections based on locations with their own new challenges and triumphs. It’s a coming of age story featuring a young girl who is wiser than her years and is a testament to what a thirst for knowledge can do for different parts of you.
This story of understanding and acceptance is a great one to get you out of a reading slump. If you need something to get you back on track with your reading goal, you cannot go wrong with Stone Mother. You’re going to love it. It is two parts “growing up” and three parts “coming to terms with life.” Burns has infused the essence of coming of age in this captivating historical drama.
Thank you for reading Elizabeth Zender’s book review of Stone Mother by Malve S. Burns Hattman! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.
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]]>The post 15 Jane Austen Gifts That Fans Will Love appeared first on Independent Book Review.
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Looking for Jane Austen gifts?
I know the feeling! When you’re an Austen fan, it’s difficult not to just make it your whole personality. The swoonworthy romances; the fancy-talk; the Regency dresses & dances; the books, pages, movies, and tv shows! You can fill so many hours with Austen content and transport back in time or fall in love through her stories.
But wait! There’s more than that!
You’re going to love how many awesome Jane Austen gifts exist.
Some of my all-time favorite pieces of Jane Austen merch are in this list, like a purse, a lip balm, and a t-shirt that might be a contender for one of the coolest book shirts on the internet. Any Jane Austen fan would be more than happy to receive one of these gifts.
Here are some of the best Jane Austen gifts for every type of fan!
(PS – We’ve got gifts for writers or gifts for book lovers too!)
(Everything on Independent Book Review has been independently selected by a very picky group of people. As affiliates we may earn a commission on items you purchase through our links.)
1. Jane Austen Complete 7 Book Set
You know you’ve got to have the books! Even if you already own a couple or more of her novels, this box set features beautiful matching hardcovers that is going to make your bookshelf so Austen-tacious. Try seeing this in your collection and not feeling like you could spend time in that world again.
2. Jane Austen Mug
Nice, classy, and moody mugs are hard to come by. That’s why I cling so tightly to this Austen mug! Imagine it now: sipping this classy mug and reading Sense & Sensibility (again) in your comfiest chair. It just feels right, doesn’t it?
3. Marrying Mr.Darcy Card Game
If you every wanted to role play as one of the women from a Jane Austen novel now is your chance. The Marrying Mr.Darcy Game allows players to work on improving themselves so that they are suitable for one of the bachelors from the novel Pride and Prejudice!
4. Pride & Prejudice Purse
As far as Jane Austen merch goes, I couldn’t find one more epic and intricate than this Pride & Prejudice purse. It has the look of an actual book and is able to hold a variety of your finest possessions. It’s useful AND gorgeous, making for one of the best Jane Austen gifts on the internet.
5. Jane Austen Playing Card Deck
Check out this classy, beautifully illustrated card deck of Austen characters! It’s a great excuse to get together with your girls for card night.
6. Sense and Sensibility Coin Purse
Want to mix your historical interests with some nostalgia? Here’s a lovely little coin purse for those who want to start being smarter and classier with their change. It’s also the perfect size for rings and earrings.
7. Pride and Prejudice Tote Bag
There’s nothing like a tote bag for book lovers! A lot of readers carry books around with them and jump at the opportunity to buy new books, so this Austen tote can be as practical as it is classic.
8. Jane Austen Coasters
These Jane Austen coasters are one of my favorite Jane Austen gifts on this list! Each one features the title of one of her books, and they are all so gorgeously designed. They’re great gifts to hand out individually or in a set to one lucky Jane Austen fan. Could be great book club gifts for those hosts who have to deal with a lot of wine glasses!
9. Jane Austen Post Cards
Take yourself back to a time when writing was the main way of communicating with people far away. These epic Jane Austen postcards are a very useful Jane Austen gift to give, and can make keeping in contact with loved ones a little more exciting.
10. “The World of Jane Austen” Puzzle
Puzzle lovers rejoice! This Jane Austen jigsaw puzzle features graphics from a few notable scenes in her stories. I love the bright illustrations that pop out at you when you finish the final piece–if you ever get to it!
11. Jane Austen Candle
This Jane Austen candle is a chance to infuse your home with a scent that reminds you of beautiful settings. Light a candle, drink your tea, and soak in the comfort of a classic Austen novel for the umpteenth time. English teachers could like having this one around for private reading time!
12. Pride & Prejudice Magnetic Poetry Kit
If your Jane Austen fan also has a way with words, they’ll love this gift. It’s a fun fridge or whiteboard game that asks them to come up with their own poetic prose. It’s a great gift for writers in that way!
13. Pride & Prejudice T Shirt
We love a good book shirt! This Pride and Prejudice tee comes in 2 color options and is a great way to bring a little more literary style to your wardrobe.
14. Sewn Notebook Collection
There’s a good chance that your Jane Austen fan likes to jot down their own thoughts and stories every once in a while. These hand-sewn journals make perfect Jane Austen gifts for diarists & writers.
15. Jane Austen Make-Up Bag
From your make-up to your pens to your Austen lip balm, this neat little canvas bag is such a unique and practical gift. I love the handwritten quotes on the bag, and the color scheme is pretty special too.
We loved finding these epic Jane Austen gifts that we know true fans will appreciate. For more great literary gift lists check these out.
About the Curator
Jaylynn Korrell is a nomadic writer currently based out of Pennsylvania. In addition to her writing and reading for Independent Book Review, she curates lists at GoodGiftLists.com.
Thank you for reading Jaylynn Korrell’s “15 Jane Austen Gifts That Fans Will Love!” If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.
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]]>The post 23 Hidden Gem Kindle Unlimited Books (2023) appeared first on Independent Book Review.
]]>Chosen by the IBR Staff
Kindle Unlimited has over 4 million books to choose from.
How do you know which books are the good ones?
With a Kindle Unlimited (KU) subscription, you pay a monthly fee (now at $11.99 per month) so that you can read multiple ebooks per month without having to pay the full price per book. This includes eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines. There are super popular ebooks in KU (like Hunger Games & Colleen Hoover), but there are a lot of great indie books too.
Single eBooks usually range from about $4.99 to $14.99 depending on what you read (classics vs. new releases, indies vs. major publishers). The membership fee is meant to save you money if you read around 2-3 ebooks per month.
That’s a lot of choosing. So we put together this list.
But wait!
If you don’t have Kindle Unlimited right now, have you used your free trial yet?
Do you want to read these books for free?
Start the free trial (click below), and you can cancel whenever you’re done! Or, if you plan on buying a Kindle anyway, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited free if you click the right button at checkout.
I’ll give you a moment to click! Get that free trial real quick. The books on this list are too good to be free.
Now that you have Kindle Unlimited, check out this research we did for you.
We have 25 reviewers on staff dedicated to finding the best in indie publishing. We have reviewed over 1,000 books since 2018, and we have found some absolute gems in the process. So we put together some of our highest recommended books on Kindle Unlimited.
Since it’s important to sustain a healthy reading diet with a lot of variety, we’ve got recommendations in a number of genres: sci-fi & fantasy, literary & general fiction, horror, mystery-thrillers, nonfiction, and books for younger readers.
Here are 23 great Kindle Unlimited books that you probably didn’t know you needed.
1. The Devil Pulls the Strings
A dark magical quest steeped in musical folklore
Author: J.W. Zarek
Genre: Fantasy / Action & Adventure
ISBN: 9781736401330
Print Length: 252 pages
Recommended by: Andrea Marks-Joseph
What it’s about:
The story follows Boone, a seemingly ordinary boy with a tragic past and fierce friendships. He’s sent on a mission which turns darker and more perplexing with each reveal. Boone innocently travels to an address where he’s supposed to take his friend’s place performing in a musical concert. But when he gets there, it’s a murder scene—happening live—a body and piano falling from the sky, crashing down in front of him.
Whether the characters are running from terrifying monsters, sword-fighting sinister attackers, or fleeing from the scene of bloody murders, there’s always more going on. We wonder along with them: Is this time travel? An accidental trip through a magic portal? A mental break?
Equally reminiscent of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the surreal conversations with classical prodigies in Mozart in the Jungle, and particularly trippy episodes of The Magicians, this novel never stops surprising Boone or its readers.
Why you should read it:
The Devil Pulls the Strings is a twisted, joyous, and bloody shifting kaleidoscope of a fantasy adventure. It is a story so arresting, so action-packed and personality-filled, that even readers unfamiliar with or not usually interested in the historical setting will be enthralled by it.
Is is a charming novel filled with curious characters. There is violence, death, terror, and suspense, but as Boone works to avoid summoning the Devil, the overall mood of the book is upbeat. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable, wholly unique, and brilliant read.
–Andrea Marks-Joseph
2. Commendable Delusions
At once entirely absurd and unsettlingly real
Author: A.T. French
Genre: Short Stories / Magical Realism
ISBN: 9781737950011
Print Length: 308 pages
Recommended by: Joshua Ryan Bligh
What it’s about:
A.T. French’s Commendable Delusions provides a breadcrumb trail of ten magical realist stories, each nestled in some unique nook of dream-tinted reality far from the bustle of cities and quotidian life.
Airplanes, arid planes, and farmlands; each tale takes its venue and gently warps it into something surreal, serving as wholly engaging vehicles for the author’s messages on perception, connection, and our place in a jumbled reality.
Why you should read it:
As with the best of magical realism, French’s stories use the unknown and unreal to provide better understanding of the world around us… French does well to create his individual style and ambiance, but I can’t help but draw comparisons to Jorge Luis Borges or Haruki Murakami, only to better prepare the reader for the joy to come upon reading these stories.
Commendable Delusions is one of those hidden gems, a read that I’m glad has intersected my path. In only ten pieces, it does what the best of stories do: it at once imparts wisdom, inspires the mind, and entertains with a sense of playful joy.
–Joshua Ryan Bligh
3. Season of the Dragon
Magic, dragons, and ancient mysteries
Author: Natalie Wright
Genre: Fantasy
ISBN: 9798987491218
Print Length: 482 pages
Recommended by: Alexandria Ducksworth
What it’s about:
Season of the Dragon opens with Quen, a Solian desert merchant’s daughter. She was born with two different eye colors and two souls. Her other soul is one of a darker nature she must calm with magic. Animals fear Quen whenever she approaches them, and the townspeople keep their distance from her.
One day, a mysterious woman approaches Quen’s father, announcing secrets about Quen and her deceased mother. The angry father casts the woman out of sight before Quen can learn more. Later, a dragon burns down Solia, killing Quen’s father.
The strangest part about this tragic event? Dragons aren’t even supposed to exist.
Why you should read it:
There are some books you wish you could read forever. For me, Natalie Wright’s Season of the Dragon is one of them. The author writes with a deft hand, ensnaring us in the mystery that is our great heroine. Quen is a genuinely inspiring protagonist, and she’s never afraid to fight.
The Indrasi world is absolutely captivating. Wright has created a land with great cities, memorable characters, and curious customs. It feels alive. Those who loved Rachel Hartman’s Seraphina and other beloved dragon fantasies will enjoy this one.
-Alexandria Ducksworth
4. Cul-de-sac
A genre-blending mosaic with an unforgettable atmosphere
Author: Nick Perilli
Genre: Fantasy / Experimental
ISBN: 9781957010175
Print Length: 370 pages
Publisher: Montag Press
Recommended by: Joshua Ryan Bligh
What it’s about:
The Oughtside is here, and it is time to bathe in red. Nick Perilli takes you through a surreallist urban fantasy that dances a shadowy jib across genres as broad as soap opera, haunted house horror, and isekai. Perilli’s inspiration seems pulled from a wide creative interest, weaving together each piece into a singular, unique novel.
When Derek, referred to as “the boy” for most of the narrative, wakes up, he knows something has gone down. He is tipped off by the sky, a strange red hue basking his typically boring suburban cul-de-sac in an otherwordly glow. If that doesn’t close the deal, then the shadowy figure in his hallway sure does, apparating and whisking him away à la A Christmas Carol to serve as Judgment, witnessing the varied lives of his neighbors and either condemning or saving them.
Why you should read it:
Lively and surreal, something born of a Venn diagram of Dali, de Chirico, and David Lynch, Cul-de-sac plays out with fascinating detail as a testament to the author’s imagination and playful style.
There is humor, resentment, passion, longing, missed chances, and more beneath the fragile surface of each of his characters, shining with a grounded clarity in an otherwise phantasmagoric landscape.
Readers who enjoy the odd and spooky (without dipping into the kitsch of gratuitous horror) will find a crisp joy in Cul-de-sac.
-Joshua Ryan Bligh
5. The Bear & the Rose
A brave bearslayer embarks on a quest to rescue her new love in this fantasy novel rich with folklore
Author: E.K. Larson-Burnett
Genre: Fantasy / LGBTQ
ISBN: 9781088084472
Print Length: 366 pages
Recommended by: Andrea Marks-Joseph
What it’s about:
The Bear and the Rose is set in a world where humans shift into bears and community elders make pacts with gods for protection. Rhoswen, the “warrior rose” of her town and the protagonist of this wonderful book, has pledged her allegiance and sworn commitment to protect her village from the vicious bears who attack during the “waking nightmare” that is the season of Spring.
This year, right after the first attack, Rhoswen meets a beautiful woman and all her plans change, almost immediately. Suddenly nothing matters besides freeing her new lover from the curse that keeps her under the torment of a dangerous forest. She ventures out into the world, abandoning her village for the first time, in the fierce hope that the instrument that will free her lover from the forest can also prevent the bears from attacking her people.
Why you should read it:
Written so lyrically that it often feels as though you’re listening to a melodic folksong, author E.K. Larson-Burnett weaves nature and beauty into this imagined world. This novel is bloody murder and befriending beasts. It is at times a brutal fight for love, loyalty, and revenge.
The story is filled with all the wild creatures, dramatic gods, absurd dysfunctional families, and mythical tricksters you could want from a fantasy adventure novel, but it also moves with twists and turns and satisfying payoffs at a quick pace. If you’re looking for a captivating afternoon read that has a refreshing energy and richly woven lore, The Bear and the Rose is such a good choice.
-Andrea Marks-Joseph
6. Welcome to the Free World
A post-apocalyptic page-turner full of feverish exhilaration
Author: Lloyd Raleigh
Genre: Science Fiction / Dystopian
ISBN: 9798218088033
Print Length: 363 pages
What it’s about:
Will Robin is part of a group called “Scalpels,” and they are in opposition of the creators of the AI technology dominating the society he lives in. Scalpels work tirelessly to remove microchips embedded in the brains of individuals in society.
As a part of Scalpels, Will’s job is to help individuals escape a totalitarian government that wishes to survey and control society through a metaverse where the “utopia” is in their heads.
Of course, there are higher-ups who are not very pleased with the nature of Will’s job. Soon he finds himself on the run from assassins, the authorities, and everyone else who is against the work he is doing.
Why you should read it:
The world is so intricately woven together that readers are going to be sucked in from the moment they begin. Everything from the details of how the Aurora technology works to the state of the society has been so cleverly crafted that we always feel a part of the story and world.
Settle in to the comfort of your chairs for this story that grabs you by the throat.
–Chika Anene
7. Tourist Trapped
Unique and abstract—a tale of trust and humanity
Author: J.B. Velasquez
Genre: Science Fiction / Metaphysical
ISBN: 9798987554104
Print Length: 320 pages
Recommended by: Audrey Davis
What it’s about:
Tobias Munch feels stuck. Stuck at a job he hates, in an apartment he hates. He’s recently divorced and looking for solace in the novel he’s been writing for the last eight years.
Enamored with a vibrant barista, Mia, from the café he frequents, he yearns in secret until the night she accidentally hits him with her car. And invites him into her life.
He takes psychedelic drugs with her, desperate to impress her, but their trip takes them to a place called the “the–in-between”—the afterlife between life and death. Tobias is trapped once again, it seems. And it’s up to him to find the answers.
Why you should read it:
Velasquez has a wonderful way of describing the intricate world in which we’re thrown. We see how people communicate through the vastness of this purgatory and spend time with activities they do to stay busy while there. The attention to worldbuilding is refreshing, and it keeps the pages turning quickly.
The author’s background in psychotherapy brings forward a unique perspective on introspection and how every aspect of character development is a type of growth.
–Audrey Davis
Looking to bookify your wardrobe? Check out some of our favorite book shirts.
8. The Old Men Who Row Boats and Other Stories
Stories that take nothing for granted
Author: David Joseph
Genre: Short Stories / Literary
ISBN: 9781735919119
Print Length: 238 pages
Recommended by: Madeline Barbush
What it’s about:
The Old Men Who Row Boats and Other Stories is a collection of perceptive observations on people living on the Iberian Peninsula. A simple moment, like a quiet interaction between strangers, transforms into a captivating tale of lost time or lost love, newfound friendship or newfound hope, under the pen of David Joseph.
Why you should read it:
David Joseph shines as a storyteller. He knows what his stories are about, and he knows how they should be told. His characters are simple but imagined through a lens so romantic, so compelling, that they stand clear in the mind’s eye.
I highly recommend immersing yourself in Joseph’s world of lovers and dreamers, strangers and lifelong friends. Each story offers an opportunity to make a meaningful connection with another human being, serves as a recollection of how intertwined we once were, and will be once again, with each other.
–Madeline Barbush
9. Just Wide Enough for Two
A reimagining of Emily Dickinson’s life as a sweet love letter to deep sapphic love
Author: Kacey M. Martin
Genre: Historical Fiction / LGBTQ
ISBN: 9798218116293
Print Length: 328 pages
Recommended by: Andrea Marks-Joseph
What it’s about:
Just Wide Enough for Two is a love story between childhood best friends Emily Dickinson and Susan Gilbert, spanning years of complicated life changes where their passionate connection remains constant.
Emily Dickinson is wild and offbeat, more comfortable running around outdoors and speaking out of turn than she is in any stereotypical “ladylike” capacity.
Between vivid descriptions of the ever-changing natural landscapes, seductive descriptions when looking at each other, and the secret-coded letters slipped between breasts before sneaking off to rendezvous, open-hearted Emily and Susan always take center stage.
Why you should read it:
Just Wide Enough for Two feels like a classic romantic comedy filled with grand gestures of love in a charming historical setting. There’s a powerful sense of longing and suspense while reading, as we cannot imagine how the women may achieve their happily ever after under these circumstances, but trust that they will.
A long-lasting romance with steady beats of delicious sapphic sexual tension, this book makes sure that even readers who are unfamiliar with the story of Emily Dickinson’s life will be pulled in by the beautiful, sincere, and poetic love depicted
–Andrea Marks-Joseph
10. Navarro’s Gold
Hansen reinvigorates the Western form with Navarro’s Gold
Author: Dustin Hansen
Genre: Historical Fiction / Western
ISBN: 9798375315867
Print Length: 187 pages
Recommended by: Nick Rees Gardner
What it’s about:
Even though he is innocent, Cole Baxter is a wanted man.
After the love of his life, Maggie, chooses Cole’s best friend over him, he seeks out a treasure that he and Maggie have talked about for years in hopes that, with the treasure, he can win her back.
What he doesn’t expect is for his former friend Doyle, Maggie’s husband, to put up a reward for his arrest. As Cole travels from town to town in search of a famous astronomer who can help him read the pirate’s journal to track down Navarro’s treasure, he is tailed by Pinkertons and bandits, making an already fraught hunt even more dangerous, often almost deadly.
Why you should read it:
Hansen’s knowledge of the wild west landscape is matched only by his poetic diction in which he expresses the beauty of the natural world. Navarro’s Gold, is an adventure and treasure-hunting novel that harbors a sophisticated depth. The treasure hunt is not about the gold itself, but the history behind it, and the story of those who try to find it.
–Nick Rees Gardner
11. Morphosis
A haunting horror story fraught with tension in which the monsters aren’t just killers.
Author: AJ Saxsma
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense / Horror
ISBN: 9798218143909
Print Length: 141 pages
Recommended by: Lindsay Crandall
What it’s about:
Ollie Hooper and his family relocate to a rural farm in Larton, home to approximately 3,800 people. Hooper has taken a job with the Sheriff’s Department, leaving his partner, Dwayne Brenner, as the primary caretaker to Hooper’s two children, Jodi Lee and Sam.
In addition to catching a killer dubbed “The Visitor,” Dwayne attempts to guide Jodi Lee through her fledgling adolescence and first crushes in a new town. Unfortunately, Jodi Lee is befriended by the daughter of the town priest. Dwayne’s medicine slowly starts to go missing; his home is being bleached and disinfected daily; and Jodi Lee won’t face him without a mask covering her face.
Why you should read it:
AJ Saxsma has delivered one of my favorite books of 2023. Morphosis operates with an undercurrent of tension exacerbated by a cast of characters all chasing something. It’s a tense LGTQ horror novel you aren’t going to forget.
-Lindsay Crandall
12. A Perfect Night
A jaw-dropping story about mental and external freedom
Author: Joseph Stone
Genre: Horror / Dark Fantasy
ISBN: 9798439670109
Print Length: 358 pages
What it’s about:
Fran has a gift of seeing spirits, but she also has some terrible secrets. She lives with her Aunt Laura after her mother dies in a terrible car accident and after her father gives up his only daughter and is never seen again.
Fran believes her mother’s spirit is still with her despite the naysayers. Whenever Fran is sad, her mother sends her ladybugs. Other times, her mother disciplines her for wrongdoings.
When a wealthy relative enters her life, she learns that she’s not the only one with connections to spirits. Soon, the spirit that might not be her mother turns malevolent.
Why you should read it:
You think you have read dark fantasy—and then you read A Perfect Night. Stone weaves heavy scenarios you can’t stop thinking about. It’s like not being able to fall asleep after watching a horror movie. Stone really knows how to give us the creeps. Scenes are disturbing yet strangely captivating. Readers may become addicted to the drama. Be warned, A Perfect Night contains plenty of shock matter and death.
Everybody involved in this gripping story has something to reveal, and the results are often jaw-dropping and downright scary.
–Alexandria Ducksworth
13. Unshod, Cackling, and Naked
A treasure trove of creativity; a dynamic story collection
Author: Tamika Thompson
Genre: Short Stories / Horror
ISBN: 9781989206980
Print Length: 261 pages
Publisher: Unnerving Books
Recommended by: Jaylynn Korrell
What it’s about:
In one story, a woman disappears on occasion and leaves her husband questioning how; in another, a man wakes up to discover his town is under siege by bats; another follows a woman as a tree overpowers her body and mind. The ten other stories will take readers on completely different journeys. What they all have in common? They’ll all leave readers with mouths wide open.
Why you should read it:
More than once I thought to myself, “How did she come up with this?” And I have a feeling many other readers will think the same. Thompson displays an impressive range—stories of the supernatural, of hallucinations, of the all-too-real horrors of the human mind. From deeply heartbreaking to inspiring and destructive, anything is possible as these characters question what’s become of their realities.
When I finished this collection, I wanted to clap like the annoying person in a movie theater. To say I enjoyed it would be an understatement.
In a book club? Check out these book club gifts for hosts & members!
14. In the Vanishing Hour
One river. Two tragedies. A mystery slowly unravels with growing unease.
Author: Sarah Beth Martin
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense / Literary
ISBN: 9781645993926
Print Length: 308 pages
Publisher: Encircle Publications
Recommended by: Melissa Suggitt
What it’s about:
Eight years after her brother Mac’s tragic drowning, 20-year-old Frances has never recovered. She became a shell of the girl she once was, and she longs to be something more, to see someone else when she looks in the mirror.
When she meets new model Gwen at the department store where she works, Frances is set down a new path and begins to explore the possibility that there could be more for her out there. But how can she move forward and live a life she dreams of when she can’t outrun her grief or control her newest obsession?
Why you should read it:
In the Vanishing Hour pairs suspense with drama and a touch of romance, for an effect that is pleasant and cozy. What a novel for a rainy afternoon.
Martin expertly moves between characters and timelines, jumping between 1959 and 1974, blending past and present together, all the while slowly unravelling details that keep the reader guessing and on the edge of their seat, desperate to know more.
The writing is poetic and detailed enough to give us a clear picture of this little town and its characters, both in their prime and in their decline. Martin’s dialogue flows so effortlessly and smoothly that you forget you’re not sitting in the moment with the characters.
–Melissa Suggitt
15. Soiled Dove Murder
History, mystery, adventure, and action align as a 1920s schoolteacher takes on mobsters.
Author: Sherilyn Decter
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense / Historical
ISBN: 9781777515140
Print Length: 479 pages
Recommended by: Joelene Pynnonen
What it’s about:
School is out for the summer. Schoolteacher Lucie Santoro and Delores Bailey, her incongruous moonshiner companion, are using the break to help one of Lucie’s old pupils.
The once-impoverished student is now running a bordello of prostitutes in Virginia City. When one of her so-called “soiled doves” goes missing in suspicious circumstances and law enforcement doesn’t care, Ruth turns to Lucie, the one person she knows will help.
As a teacher in the 1920s, life is a delicate balancing act for Lucie. Being seen with the owner of a bordello would be enough to shatter her reputation and destroy her career. Little does Lucie know that losing her career may be the least of her worries. On this holiday, she’ll be in danger of losing her life.
Why you should read it:
I don’t know if you can really have a gripe with this book. It’s clever, nuanced, entertaining, and fun all at once. As with all of the books I’ve read from Sherilyn Decter, the historical attention to detail is remarkable. From the very first bumpy, exhausting bus ride to the portrayal of Chinese immigration in 1920s USA, it’s clear how well Decter understands the world she’s writing.
What I love about these novels is that the protagonists aren’t immune to the values of their time. They judge and misstep, but they are fully rounded empathetic characters and the more they experience, the wider their understanding becomes.
-Joelene Pynnonen
16. Here in the Not Yet
A tale that blends the real with the nightmarish
Author: David Spaugh
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense / Psychological
ISBN: 9798374364569
Print Length: 214 pages
Recommended by: Akram Herrak
What it’s about:
The story opens as our protagonist (Ben) and his father (Mr. Knight) are departing on a road trip like they used to do when Ben was a child. A wholesome and thoughtful conversation is tragically cut short as a car accident claims his father’s life and traumatizing Ben.
After that event, Ben takes a morning jog that disturbs the fates and propels us on a thrilling journey that beautifully combines what is real with what is imaginary. Traumas from the past resurface and take form. How Ben reacts to them will define not only his fate, but his loved ones’ as well.
Why you should read it:
I’m struggling to think of a book that I’ve read in the last few years that resonated with me quite as much as Here in the Not Yet did. David Spaugh writes about trauma, death, separation, fears, and more in a way that makes them palpable.
The constant blend between two worlds lends the story an incredible sense of danger. It doesn’t care for reality or emulating it; it emerges out of the dark and makes its presence known, and with it comes everything that Ben has underneath.
–Akram Herrak
Reading nonfiction is a great way to read multiple books at once! Here are some more tips on developing a strong reading habit.
17. Life, Travel, and the People in Between
An insightful, feel-good travel memoir that shows how following your passion can change your life
Author: Mike Nixon
Genre: Nonfiction / Travel
ISBN: 979-8985945201
Print Length: 316 pages
Recommended by: Joelene Pynnonen
What it’s about:
At nineteen, working in a Comfort Inn motel, and studying at Norfolk State University, Mike Nixon dreams of having a bigger life. One that more resembles the lives of the guests checking into the rooms of his motel every day.
Only when he travels to the Dominican Republic as part of his university’s study-abroad program does he realize what he’s been missing. Visiting new countries and meeting people from different walks of life calls to him. On his return to the USA, Mike’s only concern is how to repeat the experience. As a poor uni student, his options seem limited. But the calling to experience the world is far too powerful to refuse, and soon Mike is doing everything he can to follow it.
Why you should read it:
Life Travel and the People in Between is like an interesting discussion with someone talking about the life they love. It’s accessible, relatable, sometimes funny, and sometimes painful. It’s also one of those books that inspires you just by existing. For someone without a lot of means, either social, professional, or economic, it’s amazing how Nixon manages to build such a fulfilling, enriching life while following his heart.
–Joelene Pynnonen
18. Whole Body Prayer
A tall glass of water for the parched soul
Author: Yan Ming Li
Genre: Nonfiction / Memoir
ISBN: 9798985131512
Print Length: 208 pages
Recommended by: Alexandria Ducksworth
What it’s about:
Yan Ming Li was born and raised during the Maoist China era. There was little freedom, people toiled endlessly in factories, and food was strictly limited. His parents had little time to spend with him and his siblings, as they were busy working 10+ hour days to make sure their children were fed.
Li eventually was introduced to the Light, an inner guide to everything in his life. It told him where to go and whom he will meet. It is the qi inside every one of us, our natural energy system. Li uses this unique energy to heal people.
Why you should read it:
Whole Body Prayer is incredibly inspiring and spiritually magical. The book reads like Yogananda’s The Autobiography of a Yogi and Kosta Danaos’s The Magus of Java. A warm wave of peaceful energy emits from the pages of Li’s memoir.
Whole Body Prayer reveals an important message: we all have a gift to share. Li’s gift was his qi. Not only does he use it to help hundreds of people, he reminds others that they can heal themselves.
-Alexandria Ducksworth
19. The Anthropocene Epoch
About as good of a book on the climate crisis as I could have asked for.
Author: Bruce Glass
Genre: Nonfiction / Climate & Environment
ISBN: 9780578995304
Print Length: 220 pages
Recommended by: Joe Walters
What it’s about:
Author Bruce Glass tells a complete story of how we’ve arrived and where we are going. The earth has gone through extinction-level events before (five to be exact), and we go through each one early on in the book. Then, we arrive at the small fraction of time humans have been on the planet. We may be making our lives more convenient and our standards of living higher, but we have “altered nearly half of our planet’s land surface area.” We have dammed and diverted almost all major rivers. Cut down trees. Filled our air with enough cow farts & burps to rapidly change our atmosphere.
And the earth is responding with warmer climates and catastrophic storms.
What can we do to stop this?
Why you should read it:
The Anthropocene Epoch: When Humans Changed the World is about as good of a book on the climate crisis as I could have asked for. Supremely readable and undeniably informative, it has what it takes to transform everyday citizens from unknowing contributors in the end of the world to enthusiastic and active participants in its possible salvation.
A terrifically important piece on the future of our planet, The Anthropocene Epoch will inspire readers to take an objective view of our choices and to act on them before it’s too late.
-Joe Walters
20. Kingdom of the Silver Cat
An enchanting experience to a land you won’t want to leave
Author: Thomas M. Carroll
Genre: Middle Grade / Fantasy
ISBN: 9781733091701
Print Length: 414 pages
Recommended by: Jaylynn Korrell
What it’s about:
After their school bus travels through a mysterious blue light and ends up in a strange field, a group of kids quickly discover the truth—that they won’t be going to school today. They assume the adult in charge (their bus driver) will figure things out for them, but when he fails to return from searching for help, they soon realize that it’s up to them to get themselves back to where they came from.
But not long after arriving, the kids begin to show unique magical powers. While the world and powers seem exciting, they still know they need to get back home, for the road back is filled with challenges they never could have imagined.
Why you should read it:
I read most of this book with a smile on my face, happy to feel a part of the group that evolves because of this magical bus ride. Ranging in age from 8 to 13, each child is on a personal journey along their trip back home.
Carroll’s imaginative writing really brings the world of Hevelen to life. The way he describes each new aspect of the land gives the reader a clear image that is often exciting and unique to imagine. The fruit he describes makes your mouth water, the animals seem realistic despite their kooky differences, and when danger arrives, the hairs on your neck will stand tall. I feel impressed by the care given to each small detail.
Carroll’s imagination seems to know no bounds, as do the places that this series can possibly go in the future.
-Jaylynn Korrell
21. The Journey to Jumbalot
A spectacular tale of tiny beasts making big differences
Author: Ryan Wakefield
Genre: Middle Grade / Fantasy
ISBN: 9798553853532
Print Length: 198 pages
Recommended by: Samantha Hui
What it’s about:
Fat housecat Alby loves three things: naps, a filled food bowl, and his owner Professor Wizoom. But Wizoom soon disappears through a bright triangular door in the name of science. A mysterious voice from beyond beckons, telling Alby to be brave and leave the safety of his now owner-less home. It’s time for him to take the leap.
On the other side of the door, Alby discovers the bright and fantastical world of Jumbalot and its inhabitants. But he soon discovers that the once-friendly kingdoms of Jowla and Wolvoon are warring over the powerful Gem of Jumbalot.
Why you should read it:
Ryan Wakefield’s Journey to Jumbalot is as entertaining as it is smart, addressing themes of courage, compassion, friendship, and more. It is a classic fantasy tale at heart, but Wakefield brings a delightful originality to it in creating this world and his “jumbo:” the beasts and creatures of Jumbalot who are composed of different Earth animals. Firephants, warthawks, and deermations keep our imaginations churning on this fantasy friendship adventure for the whole family—pets included.
This book is sure to be a bedtime favorite with the family. It is jam-packed with adventure, action, and heart, and it would be a great book to teach your children how to handle problems with love and compassion and show them how to lead with their hearts.
-Samantha Hui
22. Wicked Blood
Part murder investigation, part supernatural feud, all fast-paced Berlin adventure.
Author: Margot de Klerk
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy
ISBN: 9781919621333
Print Length: 322 pages
Recommended by: Andrea Marks-Joseph
What it’s about:
A shapeshifter travels to Berlin in search of her father, where she ends up tangled in a deadly feud with the city’s supernatural creatures.
What at first feels like a novelty, or a result of not visiting the right tourist spots, turns out to be a supernatural crisis: Cynthia hasn’t seen any supernatural beings in Berlin—no vampires, shifters, witches, or hunters—because they have gone into hiding, or worse, may be dying en masse.
Why you should read it:
De Klerk’s worldbuilding is rich with fresh takes on old magic. The fascinating mechanics of being a shapeshifter are by far my favorite. Shapeshifting is described clear as day, as if you’re watching on screen. The rules of Cynthia’s magic create challenges just as exciting as the opportunities they cause. The supernatural in Wicked Blood is wonderfully accessible and conversational, bringing you into the experience with ease.
In this tale of abandoned buildings and misplaced trust, Cynthia finds Berlin’s history entangled with ancient magical theories and creatures. Wicked Blood is easy to sink your teeth into and such a sweet thrill to read.
-Andrea Marks-Joseph
23. Dawn of Deoridium
You’re going to fall in love with the world that Ting has created here.
Author: Jeff Ting
Genre: Young Adult / Sci-Fi & Fantasy
ISBN: 9798406654538
Print Length: 352 pages
Recommended by: Chika Anene
What it’s about:
16-year-old Kaili, who is next in line of the queens of the kingdom of Kalulishi, is no ordinary royal. She possesses electromagnetic power caused by The Shift—an upheaval of the earth’s magnetosphere more than three hundred years ago.
When Kalulishi faces an attack by an outside force bearing the name Iron King, Kaili puts her life on the line and travels to the deadly Dead Lats to find Deoridium—a mythical element that possesses unmatched electromagnetic energy that her father spent a great deal of time searching for while he was alive—in order to save her people.
Why you should read it:
From reading Dawn of Deoridium, one thing is clearest to me—Jeff Ting is one heck of a talented writer.
The descriptions in Dawn of Deoridium are so alive, and the banter shared between clansmen of certain cities during Kaili’s journey, or the little children who eagerly want her to perform tricks with her powers, are great specific details added to the already strong worldbuilding. You’re going to love the world Ting has created here.
–Chika Anene
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