Top 5 Books 2023 (so far!)
It must be winter in Australia — as I’ve had a bunch of you ask for an updated book list for recommendations. Clearly, no one is going out at the moment — it’s just way too cold! I’ve had a mixed first half of the year of reading — but here are 5 standouts (listed in alphabetical order by title… because why not).
PS. If you’re curious as to where I find new reads — I devour lists like this from LitHub and The Millions
‘Demon Coppperhead’- Barbara Kingsolver (USA, pub 2022) 546pp
Jesus…. If you want some opioid misery wrapped in literary beauty, plus a cast of broken, loveable (some) yet memorable characters — dive right in. Not for those who couldn’t bear the life of poor Shuggie. Did I mention it won the Pulitzer Prize for Literature in 2023? It’s that good.
‘The Heart’s Invisible Furies’ — John Boyne (Irish, pub 2017) 582pp
I was a bit late to the party on this one (about 6 years to be exact), but so glad I got around to it. The author of ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’, Boyne tackles some pretty heavy and depressing subjects, and this book is no different — being gay in the 1950s anyone? What makes this piece so great though are the moments of black humor and twisted comedic elements which both softens the themes, while highlighting their absurdity. I defy anyone not to like this book… unless you are part of the MAGA team.
‘Maame’ — Jessica George (UK/Ghanain, pub 2023) 320pp
As a middle aged, middle class white female living in the mostly insular inner west of Sydney, I have a funny relationship with ‘race’ books. Some have themes I can’t relate to, others are uncomfortable to comment on. With Maame though, it’s a more comfortable read that puts relationships at the front and centre, with a subtle undercurrent of racial themes. Very much a coming of age story for a young woman in the UK, child to Ghanain parents, but learning what it means to become her own self — while dealing with new jobs, flat sharing, drinking and love.
‘The Mother’ — Jane Caro (Australian, pub 2022) 368pp
If your mood is ‘intense physiological thriller’, and you don’t mind some close to the bone mother / daughter relationship strain — then try this on a Friday night. I would never normally read Jane Caro — but it was in a pile of ‘borrows’ from a well respected reading buddy, so thought I’d give it a go. Reminding me of what a Liane Moriarty mixed with some Robert Harris could be, this is an Australian tale of a daughter, her rapidly deteriorating relationship with her husband and the ultimate lengths a mother will go to save her. Yes it’s a bit over the top, and parts are unbelievable — but boy did it keep my eyeballs glued to the pages!
‘Lessons in Chemistry’ — Bonnie Garmus (USA, pub 2022) 400pp
I’m not one to go for the big popular releases, especially one that is touted the Biggest Debut of the Year… yet here I am. While I admit it took me a bit to get the ‘so what’ — this really is a cozy and pleasant book that sneaks a few gut punches in along the way. Part feminist war cry, part family history and part cooking show — it really touches all the right buttons. I think it’s safe to say that no book reviewer will ever be criticised for recommending this book.
