2023 was a year full of amazing reads for me, and it was difficult to choose only ten. But here it is. My top reads of the year! The books that entertained me, made me think, and deeply moved me.
Abeni's Song is a rare gift, a middle school fantasy that feels quite unlike anything else on the market. Rick Riordan-esque mythologies and schools of magic seem to dominate shelves right now, so I was pleasantly surprised to pick up a West African-based fantasy that takes neither of these routes, but instead invites the reader to a world that seems fantastic, but that also seems to mirror our own. In between the action and adventure, the book explores topics such as the slave trade, the exploitation of the earth, and child labor/child soldiers. It can be a heavy book at times, but a fierce female protagonist and depictions of strong female friendships intersperse the darkness with moments of light. A fantastic and thought-provoking read–one that has me interested in reading more from P. Djèlí Clark
The final book in James Herriot's adventures as a vet in the Yorkshire Dales contains all his signature warmth and humor. Presumably knowing that this volume would indeed be the last, Herriot abandons the structure of his previous two volumes and returns to the strengths that made him famous. That is, he stops caring about fitting in parts of his life that are not related to veterinary practice in Darrowby, and instead just focuses on the animals. He even, finally, brings back Tricki Woo. Every Living Thing is a fitting and heartfelt conclusion to the series, though knowing that it is the last volume makes it feel bittersweet.
Sister Novelists uncovers the lost history of Jane and Anna Maria Porter, two of the most celebrated authors of the early nineteenth century. During their lifetimes, they were lauded as literary geniuses and wrote several bestselling works while pioneering the historical romance (now historical fiction) genre that led to Sir Walter Scott's still-remembered Waverly books. Their status as single women, however, complicated their celebrity status and made it harder for them to gain the honors that kept men in the public eye and recognized as national literary heroes. Eventually, history consigned their works to near-oblivion.
And There Was Light by Jon Meacham
It is tempting to think that not much more could be said about Abraham Lincoln. Meacham, however, provides a fresh and nuanced insight into Lincoln's life, times, and influences, helping readers to understand his thoughts and actions in the context of his political and cultural climate. Definitely worth a reread.
The Hunt for the Hollower possesses an old-school charm that raises fond memories of my childhood. Rather than following in the footsteps of Percy Jackson or Harry Potter (currently two of the most common inspirations for middle grade fantasy), it returns to a simple formula: the quest that brings a character to a self-realization. The focus here is not on full-scale battles, but rather on family and friendship, so that the book generally feels uplifting rather than dark (the generous dollop of humor does not hurt). Sometimes, in this market, books can start to blend together. But The Hunt for the Hollower stands out for me as a story I would have read again and again growing up.
This was one of the favorite books of my childhood, complete with its antique language, its dashing heroes, and its brave (but swooning) heroines. Say what you want about the youth not relating to older books–I was swept away by a world where sacrifice, courage, and honor were upheld as virtues, and readers were inspired to emulate the nobility of its protagonists. Today, all my enthusiasm for Jane Porter's masterpiece remains. My soul thrilled once more to the sounds of the horns calling in the morning and to the brave and impassioned speeches of the Scottish patriots. This is a book deeply in earnest– and best enjoyed by those who can enter into its ardor.
I reread the series this year, and it still holds up. Stroud invites readers into an incredibly original world, where children alone have the ability to see--and fight--the ghosts that now menace the living. A mix of suspense, mystery, and humor kept me glued to the edge of my seat to the very end. Even though I knew the end!
Greenwild by Pari Thomson
Greenwild is a wildly inventive tale, full of wonder and magic, adventure and mystery. A love for nature shines through as the characters work to protect both plants and animals. Readers looking for an immersive world with a unique magic system will fall in love with Pari Thomson's book. Review to come.
The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
Well, this is my favorite book, so of course it had to make the list! It feels like a wonderful new adventure every time.
Originally written for Tolkien's children, probably in the late 1920s or early 1930s, J. R. R. Tolkien's Mr. Bliss is a short, humorous story about the titular character's adventures in his new motor car. The quirky tale will delight and surprise fans of Tolkien, who have here more proof of his virtuosity as a writer. The sly humor is found not only in the mishaps of the protagonist, but also in the interplay between text and pictures; often the narrator will comment upon his own drawings for comedic effect. Fans of the Professor will not want to miss out on this lesser-known gem!
What were some of your favorite reads this year?
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