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Best Books I Read in 2023

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Best Books I Read in 2023

Best Books I Read in 2023

I feel like I’ve spent the whole last month scrambling to catch up on the things I didn’t get to in December, which means that my January tasks have also gotten pushed back a little later than normal. But, at last, here we are: talking about the best books I read in 2023.

Last year was a really great one for me in terms of books. I read a lot of books that I very much enjoyed, and even more that I thought were good. I’m hoping to feature even more of them in lists over the next few months. We’ll see how that pans out. But, for now, here’s my list of the best books I read last year.

Note: This post contains affiliate links that do not cost anything for you to use but do generate support for this blog when you use them for your shopping.

Best Books I Read in 2023

My Dear Henry: A Jekyll and Hyde Remix by Kalynn Bayron

Review | Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This was the first book in the Remixed Classics series that I’d read, and wow. I thought Bayron nailed the style and tense feel of the original story while delivering a novel both fresh and compelling. I loved it.

Stateless by Elizabeth Wein

Review | Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I love the way this author creates historical fiction centered around women– especially women pilots! This one had me on the edge of my seat and rooting for its characters from start to finish.

The Descendant of the Crane by Joan He

Review | Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This book has had quite a journey, so I was delighted to see it find a home with a new publisher. It’s a beautiful, complex story artfully told and my favorite of the author’s work.

Greymist Fair by Francesca Zappia

Review | Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I’d only recently been introduced to Zappia’s writing, but I was hooked, and when I saw this book listed for release last year, I knew I had to read it. The story is broken into parts, each part narrated by a single character. The parts reveal a mystery that threatens the lives of the whole village. I could not put this down.

Spell Bound by F. T. Lukens

Review | Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This is definitely not the kind of book I’d grab off the shelf on my own– it reads a bit like a paranormal mystery, but with magic– but I couldn’t get enough of the writing and immediately fell in love with the characters.

Hamra and the Jungle of Memories by Hanna Alkaf

Review | Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I remember seeing a blogger talk about how much they loved Alkaf’s books, so when I got the opportunity to review this one, I squeezed it into my schedule, and I’m so glad I did. This is a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood with Malaysian folklore, and it’s incredible.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

Review | Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I bought this when it came out, but by the time I got around to reading it, I’d read WITH THE FIRE ON HIGH and THE POET X and loved them both. I didn’t think Acevedo could top those, and yet here we are! This is a masterful, heartbreaking tale of sisterhood, grief, and courage.

No Perfect Places by Steven Salvatore

Review | Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: Steven Salvatore has to be one of the most under-the-radar authors in YA. Every book of theirs I read becomes my new favorite. I laugh. I cry. Every. Time. And every book gets better somehow! In this one, the narrative follows a brother and sister who deal very differently with the death of their father and the existence of a brother they did not know about.

The Shadow Sister by Lily Meade

Review | Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: Okay, I love sister books, so I couldn’t resist this one. Estranged sisters. One goes missing and returns… different. The other scrambles to figure out whether she’s losing her mind or something more sinister is going on. Absolutely brilliant.

Greenwild: The World Behind the Door by Pari Thomson

Review | Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This is the kind of portal fantasy you can completely lose yourself in. I loved that the magic involved plants. The characters are amazing, especially the cat! I loved this one.

Something Close to Magic by Emma Mills

Review | Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: So, I’ve read some contemporary romance by Emma Mills, and I think she’s hilarious– so I was curious but nervous to see her take on fantasy. I shouldn’t have been nervous at all. If you like the kind of fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this is definitely one you’ll want to read!

Into the Bright Open: A Secret Garden Remix by Cherie Dimaline

Review | Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: THE SECRET GARDEN is one of the childhood classics I’ve read more than once, so I was nervous about seeing it redone with some of the plot changes (mainly the possible poisoning). However, once I got into the book, I felt completely immersed. Though many things about the story are different here than in the original, I felt like this story preserves Mary’s personal journey and the power that the garden has in her transformation.

The Forest Grimm by Kathryn Purdie

Review | Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I went into this book expecting another lovely fantasy romance with fairytale vibes, and it has all that. The friends-to-lovers romance was so sweet, and I felt like I was on edge waiting for them to realize their feelings for each other. I loved the dangerous forest and twisted fairytales they encountered.

Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez

Review to Come | Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I remember wanting to read this back in 2020 when it came out, but I had no idea how powerful a story it was then. It focuses on the journey of a young soccer player in Argentina who keeps her playing a secret because there could be harsh consequences for her otherwise. Filled with powerful storytelling, heartbreak, and triumph. Such a fabulous story.

Give Me a Sign by Anna Sortino

Review | Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: Summer camp stories have a special place in my heart, but this one is at the top of my list. I loved the friendships and romance in the book, but I also really enjoyed the commentary on what it’s like to be Deaf or Hard of Hearing in the world today.

What were the best books you read in 2023?

Now that you’ve seen my list of the best books I read in 2023, it’s your turn to tell me about yours. What were the books you read last year that you couldn’t put down? What changed your life?

Have you read any of the books on my list? What did you think about them?

Leave a comment and let me know. I would love to talk more about what you read and what you thought about it.

20 Most-Anticipated Young Adult Books Coming Winter 2024

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20 Most-Anticipated Young Adult Books Coming Winter 2024

I’m scurrying to catch up from a long Christmas celebration with family and friends, but at last– here I am with a list of young adult books coming out in January and February that I can’t wait to read.

As you can tell from the list, my interests generally land somewhere near contemporary romance and fantasy. I’m also trying to catch up on the Remixed Classics series, which I’ve only read a couple of novels from so far. (I loved both the books I read.)

Note: This list contains affiliate links that don’t cost anything for you to use but do generate support for this blog when you use them to do your shopping. Thanks!

20 Most-Anticipated Young Adult Books Coming Winter 2024

Diary of a Confused Feminist by Kate Weston

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Fifteen-year-old Kat journals her adventures pursuing a feminist mindset, something she’s still trying to wrap her brain around. Hilariously awkward and relatable.

Published January 2, 2024 | My Review

Sky’s End by Marc J. Gregson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A seventeen-year-old desperate to save his family joins a team of elite hunters tasked with taking down the giant monsters threatening the floating cities of his people. Packed with adventure and high-stakes danger.

Published January 2, 2024 | My Review

Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Theater. After school jobs at the family business. Dungeons and Dragons. Fake dating. I think I’ve always been okay with fake dating as a trope, but this book made me love it.

Published January 9, 2024 | My Review

Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A young adult reimagining of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE in which a transgender boy longs for freedom to be himself and finds the unexpected possibility of solace in a wealthy young man named Darcy. Part of the Remixed Classics series, a project I want to follow more closely.

Published January 23, 2024 | My Review to Come

The Summer Queen by Rochelle Hassan

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: In the sequel to THE BURIED AND THE BOUND, Leo, Aziza, and Tristan face a new threat from the fairies of the Summer Court. I devoured the first book in the series and must have more.

Published January 23, 2024 | My Review to Come

Destroy the Day (Defy the Night #3) by Brigid Kemmerer

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Prince Corrick, a captive with few options, must ally with a rebel leader to escape. Tessa, his love, is stranded unless she agrees to her own unlikely alliance. Back at home, Corrick’s brother is on the run and unable to help anyone. I’ve followed this series since the beginning and I have to know how it ends.

Published January 23, 2024 | My Review to Come

My Fair Brady by Brian D. Kennedy

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Wade agrees to help shy Brady learn to be popular in a bid to get his ex back that could backfire when Wade realizes he may be falling for Brady. The cover copy describes this one as MY FAIR LADY meets SHE’S ALL THAT. Wouldn’t it be loverly!

Published January 23, 2024 | My Review to Come

The Dark Fable by Katherine Harbour

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A lonely orphan is invited into an elusive magical family only to learn there are dangerous secrets within. I’m getting CARAVAL vibes maybe? I need to check this one out.

Published January 30, 2024 | My Review to Come

No Time Like Now by Naz Kutub

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Described as a “timely twist” on A CHRISTMAS CAROL, this is about a boy with the ability to give more life to any living thing… who gave away more than he has left and now has to collect some of the time back. Sounds super unique.

Published February 6, 2024 | My Review to Come

All This Twisted Glory (This Woven Kingdom #3) by Tahereh Mafi

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The thrilling conclusion to a trilogy that’s packed with betrayal, magic, romance, and possibly revenge. I’ve only recently started reading this series, and I’m unbelievably hooked.

Published February 6, 2024 | My Review to Come

The Cursed Rose (Bone Spindle #3) by Leslie Vedder

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: This is the finale I’ve been long anticipating to a gender-bent reimagining of Sleeping Beauty with a bit of a Little Red Riding Hood mash-up. The Spindle Witch has our four heroes in her sights. Fi, who broke the prince’s curse, is caught by a curse of her own. I absolutely cannot wait for this book.

Published February 6, 2024 | My Review to Come

The Absinthe Underground by Jamie Pacton

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Hailed as a MOULIN ROUGE meets Holly Black sapphic romantasy. I’ve loved everything Jamie Pacton has written so far.

Published February 6, 2024 | My Review to Come

The Boyfriend Wish by Swati Teerdhala

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A wish for the perfect boyfriend appears to deliver him right next door. Ooh, and there’s a prank war! This is a rom-com for me.

Published February 13, 2024 | My Review to Come

Call Me Iggy by Jose Aguirre and Rafael Rosado

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A boy tries to win over the girl of his dreams with advice from the ghost of his grandfather. For fans of THE MAGIC FISH, which I adored.

Published February 13, 2024 | My Review to Come

With a Little Luck (Fortuna Beach #2) by Marissa Meyer

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A boy with magic lucky dice seems to have it all until he loses them. How can he win the girl of his dreams now? Sounds like a sweet music-filled romance.

Published February13, 2024 | My Review to Come

This is How You Fall in Love by Anika Hussain

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Fake dating– maybe friends to lovers? Since those are two of my favorite rom-com tropes, I predict I’m gonna love this one!

Published February 13, 2024 | My Review to Come

The Someday Daughter by Ellen O’Clover

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: An estranged mother and daughter reconnect on her mom’s book anniversary tour, where she faces truths and possibly finds love? O’Clover’s debut absolutely blew me away, so I can’t wait for this.

Published February 20, 2024 | My Review to Come

A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A teahouse by day becomes a vampire haven by night, and its owner will do whatever it takes to save her establishment. This promises swoony romance and a dangerous heist. All I can say is, “Yes, please!”

Published February 20, 2024 | My Review to Come

Where the Dark Stands Still by A. B. Poranek

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The cover copy is giving me some Beauty and the Beast vibes. A girl is sentenced to a year in a secluded castle after breaking an anti-magic rule. She’ll only survive by uncovering her host’s secrets and facing his past.

Published February 27, 2024 | My Review to Come

Daughter of the Bone Forest by Jasmine Skye

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A princess desperate for magical allies in a war teams up with a magical girl desperate to save her grandmother. Romance, political intrigue, dark fantasy. I am intrigued!

Published February 27, 2024 | My Review to Come

What are your most-anticipated young adult books coming winter 2024?

Are any of the books I listed above on your reading list? What’s coming soon that you can’t wait to read? Is there anything I need to add to my reading list?

Leave a comment and let me know!

Top Ten Tuesday: Best New-to-Me Authors of 2023

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Top Ten Tuesday: Best New-to-Me Authors of 2023

2023 was such a wild year for me, reading-wise. I feel like I spent all year struggling to throttle back my review commitments while simultaneously wildly self-sabotaging every time a publisher sent me a new catalog offering review copies of books I desperately wanted to read. Too many good books is one of my favorite problems to have– except when it adds real stress to my life. It is a wonderful problem to have because you’ve discovered new authors you love, which I absolutely did. In fact, today, I’m sharing a list of the best new-to-me authors of 2023.

Note: Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl. Each week, participants share a list of their top ten books in a particular topic. This week’s topic is the best books we read in 2023 by authors who were new to us.

Also note: This post contains affiliate links that don’t cost you anything to use but help to support my blog when you use them for your shopping.

Top Ten Tuesday: Best New-to-Me Authors of 2023

Ellen O’Clover – The Seven Percent of Ro Devereux

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: THE SEVEN PERCENT OF RO DEVEREUX is a debut novel, so Ellen O’Clover isn’t just new to me; she’s new to young adult readers everywhere. Ha. The tricky relationships and friends-to-enemies-to-lovers trope hooked me from the first chapter and had me reading all the way to the end. It’s also got a STEM girl whose dating app goes viral and lands her a chance at her dream job. Waiting for the relationship to turn the corner from enemies to lovers was agony for me in this book. I think readers who like Emma Lord or Jenn Bennett will love this one.

Published January 17, 2023 | My Review

Tim Probert – The Girl and the Galdurian and Shadow of the Bird

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I’m pretty sure I saw another blogger raving about how great this series is, and I just had to check it out. The illustrations are so whimsical and fun– and the story is just the same! Bea (the girl) has anxiety, which the author represents in the panels as a cloud surrounding her and separating her from her allies. I loved that visual representation and the encouraging way that Bea’s partner, Cad, offers her his friendship and support. I’m a pretty hardcore fan of this series and already pre-ordered the third book, which should be out in April.

Published 2020 (Book 1) and 2022 (Book 2) | The Girl and the Galdurian Review | Shadow of the Bird Review

F. T. Lukens – Spell Bound

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I had completely missed out on this author’s work before the offer to review this book came my way via the publisher. Looking at the cover, it’s probably not the first book I’d grab off the shelf, but once I started reading… I knew Lukens was going to be an author I needed to add to my auto-buy list. Basically, this is about two apprentices who work for two rival sorcerers. They’re responsible for handling calls about hexes or cursed objects, and they decide to team up when one’s mentor goes missing. I loved the back-and-forth between these two characters and the weird/wild magical world Lukens created here. I think I already bought their other books, and I really want to read them.

Published April 4, 2023 | My Review

Hanna Alkaf – Hamra and the Jungle of Memories

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This is another book that I read based on another blogger’s recommendations. (I need to keep better track of where these recs come from.) The description of this Malaysian folklore-based reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood had me so curious. And once I got into the book– the writing and rich setting absolutely swept me away. This isn’t Hanna Alkaf’s first book, either, so she’s another author whose backlist is calling to me even as I watch for news of upcoming books.

Published March 28, 2023 | My Review

Claribel Ortega – Witchlings and The Golden Frog Games

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I bought a copy of GHOST SQUAD when it came out, but I still hadn’t managed to read it when I saw an invitation to a blog tour from Rockstar Book Tours for THE GOLDEN FROG GAMES. Tour participants also received a PDF version of the first book in the series, so I figured I’d start there and review both. I loved the village and all the pageantry surrounding becoming a witchling and part of a coven. It felt fresh and clever and reminded me a bit of CATTYWAMPUS by Ash Van Otterloo, which I also loved. I heard another book influencer talk about the way that Ortega writes middle grade without ever talking down to readers, and I totally agree. The books feel young, as they should, and yet bear a wisdom beyond the years of the characters that never interferes with the joy of reading them.

Published 2022 (Book 1) and 2023 (Book 2) | Witchlings Review | The Golden Frog Games Review

M. R. Fournet – Brick Dust and Bones

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I’m a pretty squeamish reader, so I don’t read a lot of horror, but there is something about this book. Maybe it’s the old New Orleans setting with its fog of ghostly, dangerous creatures. Maybe it’s the sweet, determined main character who is absolutely in over his head but can’t stop until he finds a way to save his mom. It could also be the poignant writing that I couldn’t stop thinking about, even when the book ended. This is another debut novel, and still one more author whose books I’m anxiously anticipating. Because the cover is a little extra creepy, I went into this book thinking I’d just sample a chapter or two, and before I knew it, I’d been carried away all the way to the last page. I’m super excited for the sequel, which should be out this summer.

Published July 18, 2023 | My Review

Francesca Zappia – Katzenjammer and Greymist Fair

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I’ve been aware of Francesca Zappia’s books since 2015, but for some reason, I’d never read any until last year. KATZENJAMMER is a pretty surreal book, maybe somewhere in the vein of Nova Ren Suma or A. S. King? I loved the storytelling, though, and the way Zappia made me feel what the characters were experiencing and think about things in a different way. When I saw GREYMIST FAIR, I had just finished reading KATZ, so I was really curious how this author would do a more traditional fantasy story. I loved the way the story is split into parts, and each one reveals more about what’s happening in this small, isolated village. If you like darker fairytale stories, closer to the original Grimm Brothers tales, definitely grab GREYMIST FAIR.

Published 2022 (Katzenjammer) and 2023 (Greymist Fair) | Katzenjammer Review | Greymist Fair Review

S. Jae Jones – Zhara: Guardians of the Dawn

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This is another author I’ve been aware of for a long time, and yet somehow never managed to read until last year. (Insert facepalm.) I actually own a copy of WINTERSONG, which is the author’s debut and looks fabulous. Anyway. This year, I dove into this beautiful, intense series opener about a girl with forbidden magic that may be the key to saving her world. I am guessing, based on the title of this and the sequel, that each book will focus on a different character with a different kind of magic, and they’ll all have to work together somehow to save the world. I’m really excited to read the sequel, AMI, which will be out later this year.

Published August 1, 2023 | My Review

Aden Polydoros – Wrath Becomes Her

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I’ve now read at least four books that explore the Jewish folklore about the creation of a golem, and each one is SO different. It’s been really cool to see how different authors write about it. Aden Polydoros is another author that had been on my radar for a long time, but I just hadn’t managed to read it until last year. And, wow, I’m so glad I did! While this is probably the darkest version of the folklore stories that I mentioned, I loved the depth of heart and feeling that Polydoros brought to the page here. It’s got this terrible sadness– kind of the way FRANKENSTEIN does– and a strange kind of beauty emerges out of that sorrow. I don’t know. I’m not explaining it well, but it’s a story that will definitely stick with me.

Published October 10, 2023 | My Review

Abigail Johnson – Every Time You Go Away

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This is one of the last titles released by Inkyard Press, which was one of my favorite imprints, so it’s extra sad that I only just discovered one of their authors. Looking over my list so far, there’s so much fantasy on here that it’d be easy not to realize how much I love a good, solid contemporary romance. This one centers on an aspiring jewelry artist and wheelchair user who has long been in love with her best friend. The one who keeps disappearing whenever his mom shows up to rip him away from his grandparents’ house. It’s achingly sad and yet so sweet and hopeful. I loved it and would love to read more by Abigail Johnson.

Published December 5, 2023 | My Review

Darcy Little Badger – Elatsoe

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: Thank you, Backlist Reading Challenge, for helping me finally get to read this book! I bought ELATSOE when it came out, and I heard so many amazing things about it. Before finally getting to read this novel, I read a short story by Darcy Little Badger in the anthology MERMAIDS NEVER DROWN, and I really enjoyed the writing and how much character development was packed into so few pages. I finally read ELATSOE, and though it wasn’t love at first page, I definitely got swept away in this reimagining of modern-day America with magic and magical creatures. I loved the back-and-forth between the past and present and how the tales of Elatsoe’s six-great grandmother connected to the dangers she and her family faced in the present.

Published August 25, 2020 | My Review

What are the best new-to-you authors you read in 2023?

Did you discover any new authors last year that have become favorites? How did you find out about them?

If you’ve read books by any of the authors on my list, please let me know. I’d love to hear what you thought about them.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books Still on My TBR After 2023

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Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Books Still on My TBR After 2023

Well, 2023 came to a much more chaotic end than I anticipated, which left me with kind of a disorganized mess at the start of this new year. I have been trying to sift through the rubble and make sense of what I left mid-process and what things still need to be done. One of the things this means is taking stock of the books I meant to read last year and did not get to, AKA books still on my TBR after 2023. Here’s my list.

Notes: Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl in which bloggers are invited to share a list of their top ten (or however many) books in line with the week’s theme. This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost anything for you to use, but they help support this blog.

Ten Books Still on My TBR After 2023

The Fire Next Time
James Baldwin
Vintage (reprint)
Published December 1, 1992

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What It’s About: Two letters written to Baldwin’s nephew about the state of race relations in America at the start of the Civil Rights movement and America’s history with racism.

Why I Want to Read This: I think I first heard about this book from Mara at BooksLikeWhoa a few years ago when she included it in a list of books she enjoyed. I’d been thinking about broadening my experience reading classics, especially classics by women and BIPOC, and Mara’s description of this book pretty much had me sold. I’ve actually read the first half of the book already. The writing is a little bit dense, with some longer sentences. It’s frank; it’s deep; it’s absolutely unapologetic, and I absolutely want to finish it this year. I can’t believe it’s still on my TBR after 2023.

So Many Beginnings: A Little Women Remix (Remixed Classics #2)
Bethany C. Morrow
Feiwel & Friends
Published September 7, 2021

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What it’s about: This reimagining of LITTLE WOMEN follows the four daughters of a Black family living in the Freedpeople’s Colony of Roanoke during the Civil War.

Why I Want to Read This: Last year, I read LITTLE WOMEN for the first time and then read a book offering background on the author’s life, the journey the book has taken since publication, and why the story still resonates with us so deeply. With all of that fresh in my mind, I really wanted to read this reimagining of the original story. I love what this series is doing, and I’ve loved both the books I read in it so far. I love this idea, and I am so glad Bethany C. Morrow wrote it. I loved the writing in A SONG BELOW WATER.

What Souls Are Made Of: A Wuthering Heights Remix (Remixed Classics #4)
Tasha Suri
Feiwel & Friends
Published July 5, 2022

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What It’s About: An abandoned son of an Indian sailor returns to England where he meets a girl being groomed for proper society whose mother was also Indian. Forbidden love, wild emotions, English moors, etc.

Why I Want to Read This: WUTHERING HEIGHTS is among the few classics I had to read in school that I really did not like. (The other is TESS OF THE D’URBERVILLES.) When I saw that the Remixed Classics series was going to tackle this tale and reimagine the whole “outsider” component of Heathcliff’s character, I decided this might be one I want to revisit. I’ve got an audiobook version of the original story, and I might read that first– or try to, anyway– just as a refresher. But I think I’m hoping that a redo on this will be a pallet cleanser and offer me a fresh perspective both on the novel and the original work.

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow
Zoulfa Katouh
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published September 13, 2022

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What It’s About: A speculative novel set during the Syrian Revolution about a girl who helps the wounded at a hospital and the imagined companion who protects her until she realizes what she wants her role in the revolution to be.

Why I Want to Read This: This is one that I heard about from a friend on Twitter, who absolutely loved it. I think this one and HOTEL MAGNIFIQUE were her favorite books of 2022. I managed to read HOTEL MAGNIFIQUE last year, but this one is still on my list, despite the fact that my husband gave me a copy of it two Christmases ago. Of all the books on this list, this is the one still on my TBR after 2023 that I’m most excited about reading.

Bone Weaver
Aden Polydoros
Inkyard Press
Published September 22, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What It’s About: A teen girl adopted by a family of benevolent undead, a boy branded as a witch, and a dethroned tsar team up to protect the empire from a revolutionary leader.

Why I Want to Read This: I remember hearing so much buzz about this book around the time it came out, and I just could NOT fit it in my review schedule. I’ve got a copy, and I read the sample pages available online when the book came out, so I already know I like the writing and at least one of the main characters. After reading another book by Aden Polydoros last year, I’m only more certain I need to read this one!

A Guide to the Dark
Meriam Metoui
Henry Holt & Co.
Published July 18, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What It’s About: Described as The Haunting of House Hill meets Nina LaCour. Two girls in a rural hotel on a spring break college road trip. One’s nightmares of her dead brother spark some investigation, which reveals eight people have died in that hotel room, and the girls need to figure out the connections between them before one of them becomes the ninth.

Why I Want to Read This: For a long time, a book like this would have really been outside my interest, but lately, I’ve been enjoying more books with a bit of a scary edge. I like the sound of the mystery and the connection to a lost sibling, as well as the possibility of romance between the two friends. All in all, this sounds like a fun one to me.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

Eagle Drums
Nasugraq Rainey Hopson
MacMillan Children’s Books
Published September 12, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What It’s About: Described as “a magical realistic middle grade debut about the origin story of the Iñupiaq Messenger Feast, a Native Alaskan tradition.” A boy must climb to the top of a mountain where two of his brothers died. There, a terrifying eagle god confronts him and demands that the boy follow him or face death.

Why I Want to Read This: One of the things I try to consistently pursue as a reviewer is making sure I’m reading books with a broad range of representation. That doesn’t happen without a bit of research and deliberate choosing, and last year when I stopped to evaluate how many books by indigenous authors I reviewed, the number was pretty low. I spent the year trying to find new authors and books to check out and looking for books I’d missed in the past. This one showed up in the mail one day, and I was like, hey this is perfect. Now I just need to read it! This is another one that I can’t believe is still on my TBR after 2023.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

Looking Up
Stephen Pastis
Simon & Schuster
Published October 10, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What It’s About: A lonely girl sees her town changing for the worse and joins forces with a boy who lives across the street to save the places she loves.

Why I Want to Read This: While the illustration style isn’t one I usually find compelling, I think this story sounds really sweet. I love the description of the main character, Saint, as a lover of medieval knights and lost causes. She sounds exactly like the kind of friend I’d want in a middle grade book about saving a town.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

The Bigfoot Queen
Jennifer Weiner
Aladdin Books
Published October 24, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What It’s About: A team of kids, including a girl from a Bigfoot tribe, face a threat to the tribe’s existence. They must work together with friends and frenemies to unearth secrets and build connections if they hope to save the tribe and their ways of life.

Why I Want to Read This: I can’t believe I totally missed this series until the last book came out. It sounds like such an interesting story of friendship and community– both things I love to read about in middle grade books. I kind of want to start the series from the beginning, which is one of the reasons I haven’t gotten to this book yet. I hope to listen to at least the first one as an audiobook and go from there.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

Juniper’s Christmas
Eoin Colfer
Roaring Brook Press
Published October 31, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What It’s About: An eleven-year-old girl must save Christmas and stop a villain trying to steal Santa’s magic.

Why I Want to Read This: So… I’ve never actually read anything by Eoin Colfer before, but this story sounds like such a cool Christmas tale. I really wanted to try to fit this into a December evening with a cup of hot cocoa and some fluffy blankets, but my December kinda went sideways, and I just didn’t have time. Fortunately, the winter weather will last a few more months, so I might just have to have Christmas in February or whenever I am finally able to fit this book into my reading list.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

What’s still on your TBR?

So now you know some of the books left on my TBR after 2023. What books are sitting at the top of your TBR that you meant to read last year and never managed to get to? Tell me about them in the comments.

Also, if you shared a list, whether part of today’s Top Ten Tuesday meme or not, leave me a link to your post or video! I’d love to check it out.

13 Incredible Middle Grade Books Coming Winter 2024

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13 Incredible Middle Grade Books Coming Winter 2024

I’m getting a late start on putting together my lists for this year, but I really wanted to share some of the middle grade books coming out in January and February that really look too good to miss. This list is entirely based on my preferences, and I’m already planning to review many of the books listed here. I hope you enjoy the list– please let me know if you’ve already read any of these titles or are as eager to check them out as I am!

Since I’m late getting this posted, some of the review links are already live, so please feel free to check out my full reviews if any of these books interest you. Stay warm and happy winter reading!

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost anything for you to use but help support my blog when you use them for your shopping.

13 Incredible Middle Grade Books Coming Winter 2024

Courtesy of Cupid by Nashae Jones

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: When Erin discovers her dad is actually the love god, Cupid, she experiments with her own love power… and must face the consequences. An adorable MG rom-com.

Published January 2, 2024 | My Review

The Griffin’s Egg by Cole Poindexter

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: A girl and a goblin work together to save the last griffin’s egg– and a magical world– from destruction. I love stories that feature unexpected pairings, and a girl and a goblin definitely intrigues me!

Published January 15, 2024 | My Review to Come

Shark Teeth by Sherri Winston

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: An older sister desperately tries to hold her family together but can’t help wondering if that’s the best thing for her and her siblings. I loved LOTUS BLOOM AND THE AFRO REVOLUTION, so I couldn’t wait to check this one out.

Published January 16, 2024 | My Review

Not Quite a Ghost by Anne Ursu

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: A girl struggling to adjust to a changing family and friend group moves into a creaky attic bedroom in a new house where she falls ill and can’t seem to get better. I loved Anne Ursu’s MG fantasy novel from last year, and this sounds like a story that will pack equally surprising twists and turns.

Published January 16, 2024 | My Review to Come

Maybe It’s a Sign by E. L. Shen

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: A girl who lost her dad a year ago looks for messages from him all around her. When she faces new choices and doesn’t see signs from her dad, she realizes she’ll have to make her own luck. Sounds like a sweet, poignant story– with deep dish chocolate chip cookies!

Published January 23, 2024 | My Review to Come

Emma and the Love Spell by Meredith Ireland

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: A secret witch tries to use a love spell to save her crush’s marriage and keep them from moving away. I love the magic-with-unexpected-consequences theme, and I can’t wait to read more.

Published January 23, 2024 | My Review to Come

The Girl Who Sang by Estelle Nadel, Sammy Savos, and Bethany Strout

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: A powerful graphic memoir following a Jewish girl and her family who must hide during the Nazi occupation of Poland. This is a heartbreaking story beautifully told.

Published January 23, 2024 | My Review

Waverider (Amulet #9) by Kazu Kibuishi

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: Emily finally understands the power of the amulet. She and her allies must stand together to conquer the shadowy threats against them. The highly anticipated conclusion to a popular series. I’m a newer reader to this series (I’m currently on book three), but I really want to catch up and finish all nine books this year.

Published February 6, 2024 | My Review to Come

Drawing Deena by Hena Khan

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: A Pakistani-American young artist uses her talents to help her mom’s local business and soon realizes she’s turned something that helped her manage her anxiety into a source of it. I’m seeing more and more MG novels exploring characters with anxiety, and I love the resilience and hope in these books.

Published February 6, 2024 | My Review to Come

City Spies: Mission Manhattan (City Spies #5) by James Ponti

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: Charged with protecting a teen scheduled to speak to the United Nations General Assembly, the City Spies head to NYC in the fifth book in the series. Looks like an exciting adventure in the Big Apple.

Published February 6, 2024 | My Review to Come

Sick!: The Twists and Turns Behind Animal Germs by Heather L. Montgomery

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: Find out how scientists study animal diseases and how the animal’s bodies adapt to the germs in this twisty nonfiction book filled with graphic novel-style art.

Published February 20, 2024 | My Review to Come

The Unicorn Legacy: Tangled Magic by Kamilla Benko

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: A young magic apprentice must prove that her sister is not harming unicorns in this gorgeous new series by the author of The Unicorn Quest series. I’m so excited to return to the land of Arden.

Published February 27, 2024 | My Review to Come

Finally Heard (Finally Seen #2) by Kelly Yang

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: In the sequel to FINALLY SEEN, Lina sets out to go viral on social media but quickly feels overwhelmed by the flood of accounts, pressure to compete with her classmates, and pressure to keep up with new emojis, apps, and ways to interact. This couldn’t be more timely.

Published February 27, 2024 | My Review to Come

What’s on your winter reading list?

Do you have big reading plans for the rest of the winter season? What books are at the top of your reading list?

If you follow middle grade books, are any of my top picks on your reading list?

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Goals for 2024

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Bookish Goals for 2024

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s topic is a really great one– bookish goals for 2024!

Last year I posted this extensive list of goals, some ambitious and some that were pretty reasonable considering my blogging life. At the end of December, I posted an update on my success in meeting those goals.

With all that in mind, I decided to take a slightly different approach to my goal-setting this year. Here are eight bookish goals I’ve set for myself in 2024.

Bookish Goals for 2024

1. Beat the Backlist Reading Challenge

Last year, for the first time, I participated in the Beat the Backlist 2023 Reading Challenge, hosted by Austine Decker, and it REALLY helped me tackle backlist titles. While my goal last year was to read 10-12 backlist fiction books and 3-5 nonfiction titles, I ended up reading more than 30 books from my backlist reading list. So I definitely want to do that again!

2. Book Riot’s Read Hard(er) 2024 Reading Challenge

Read Hard(er) is another challenge that I tracked last year and really enjoyed. I like that it helped me make more inclusive reading choices and think about the topics in the books I was reading. I’m excited about doing this challenge again this year, and some of the prompts for the Read Harder 2024 Challenge look awesome.

3. Read 200 Books

Last year, I set a goal of reading 150 titles, and I figured I would read well over that. I read a mix of mainly young adult, middle grade, and graphic novels, so often, I can read a whole book in a single sitting (if I’m engaged). This year, I’m upping the anty a teeny bit to set a goal of 200.

4. Read 3-5 more classics, especially ones by women or BIPOC.

Last year, I set out to read a few classics, and I actually really enjoyed that. Among the books I read for the first time were LITTLE WOMEN and ANIMAL FARM. This year, I definitely want to finish THE FIRE NEXT TIME by James Baldwin, and I’d love to read I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS by Maya Angelou.

5. Streamline My Accepted Reviews Process

I need a better process for predicting the books I will want to read in the upcoming publishing season. I can comfortably review about 13 new release books per month, but I feel like my choosing process is chaotic and overwhelming.

Do you use a particular app or website to track books being published in the next season or year? If you’ve got tips you want to share, I’m all ears!

6. Use a Reading Tracker Spreadsheet

I started using a reading tracker spreadsheet last year and liked it a lot. This year, I’m editing it a bit more and making it suit my needs a little better. I’m hoping to use some of the tabs I ignored last year and maybe find ways to use them to help me be better organized without making a lot of extra work recording data.

7. Donate More Books Through Sentences Book Donations

I want to get better at unhauling books I’m finished with. I wrote a post about this a few months ago, right after posting an interview with the founder of a group called Sentences that helps facilitate book donations to prisons, detention centers, and similar facilities.

8. Refill my creative energy more consistently.

I’ll admit I’m not totally sure what this process looks like for me, but I know it’s important. Reading burnout really scares me. Every time I’ve faced it, I’ve been completely blindsided, and I panic because, in those moments, I can’t imagine ever enjoying reading again.

Afterward, I can’t believe I thought something so silly, but then the next time I burn out, I panic again, so there ya go. Brains are weird.

I’m hoping that a combination of some breaks from reading to practice guitar or ukulele or play a video game or something might help me rest my reading muscles and feel more energized when I pick up the next book.

9. Keep up the Community Posts!

List posts can be time-consuming, but they’re one of the most fun ways to talk about books on a blog, I think. This year, I would like to try again to do about one Top Ten Tuesday post and at least one Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post per month.

If you do regular community posts like these, let me know where you heard about them and what they are! I’d love to see what other community posts/memes are out there.

10. Manage the book hoard.

I’m long overdue for a book reorganization. Times have changed. My reading preferences have changed. My kids are older. I would like to go back through my collection of books and decide what it truly makes sense to keep at this season of my life and what it’s time to pass along to new readers.

What are your bookish goals for 2024?

If you’re a goal-oriented person, let me know if we have any similar bookish goals for this year. If goals are too anxiety-inducing, let me know what bookish event (book release, conference, author event, book you really want to read, etc.) you’re most looking forward to this year.