The Bookish Mindset

2023 may already feel like an age away but I want to look back on what I loved last year and share my favourites with you.

Literary is one of those genres that can really make you feel. You can be following a story similar to yours or one that couldn’t be more different, but you’ll follow those characters and laugh and cry with them. And for that, it’s one of my favourite genres. So get your TBR lists ready and let’s get stuck in. In no particular order –

Yellowface – Rebecca F Kuang. One of the most important voices of the modern age in my opinion, Yellowface shocked and delighted us all last year. The story is a satire of the publishing industry and it’s inherent racism. Shocking but brilliant.

Maame – Jessica George. Now this is one of those that I was talking about above, you’re going to feel everything that Maame goes through in this and you’ll just want to hug her. Incredible debut by Jessica George and I’m excited to see what comes next from her.

The Things That We Lost – Jyoti Patel. From one stunning debut to another – Jyoti Patel’s generational novel about families and the pain we go through was incredibly moving. Another that I can’t wait to see more from.

Someday, Maybe – Onyi Nwabineli. If you need a book to get the tears flowing, let me recommend Someday, Maybe. Set after her partners suicide, Eve is dealing with grief in all it’s forms. Heart-breakingly beautiful. Her second novel is out later this year and is set to be another great one.

Wandering Souls – Cecile Pin. A family is split up on their escape out of Vietnam to Thatcher’s England. The book follows them through refugee camps to government housing and the relationships they forge along the way. Another delicate and stunning piece of writing.

Hungry Ghosts – Kevin Jared Hosein. Set in Trinidad, this is a tale of dark mystery and drama, commenting on the racial and class separations in society. A really addictive read, I definitely recommend.

I’d love to know which of these you’ve enjoyed or what you choose from the list, leave a comment below!

Buy all these and more through my Bookshop.org storefront here.

Last updated 04/02/2024