Top Ten books I've read in 2023

 

Top 10 reads in 2023

by Lena Tailor

2023 wasn’t a bad year in books for me – I had not read as many as I intended to, yet I can count 10 absolutely amazing books that took me out of this world. Amongst the whirlwind of planning a wedding (mine), changing careers (again and again), and moving out of London to a smaller city, I had these ten fantastic reads to support me along the way. Leave a message below if you’ve read any or add your own fave reads!

(Please note, this list is in no particular order.) 

1. Yellowface by Rebecca F.Kuang

Literary masterpiece with mind-numbing grotesque and mesmerising scenes. Excellently written – a book that never let me go long after I read the final page. I loved how the story catapulted me back into the publishing industry where I’ve mainly had a the opportunity to work. Felt like home.

Also, how striking is this cover?

2. The List by Yomi Adegoke

Slow-burn fiction with a deep message – controversy as the heart of the story. Sometimes frustrating, sometimes almost on the verge of tears: this book was impossible to put down. The suspense was suffocating. 

3. The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan

Dark and haunting – this book made me weep inside. Again, controversial themes, however, the debate of good motherhood is depicted by a twisted future regime.

4. Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Muraka

A feel good novel which has given me hope and made me look at life from a different perspective.

5. Kim Jiyoung, born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo

I love how this story was told – the journey of a life of a woman from childhood to motherhood in South Korea and the difficulties of being a mother.

6. Brown girls by Daphme Palasi Andreades

A heartfelt literary coming of age story of the lives of young black and brown women. I love plotless books that explore character and cultural backgrounds in a deep and lyrical way.

7. What You Are Looking For is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama

This book completely knocked me out – each little story revolved around the library in a wholesome and upbringing way. It is a super cosy read, one for reading in on cold wet days.

8. I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Sehee, translated by Anton Hur

Non-fiction memoir relating to depression – based on conversations with her therapist.

9. Days at The Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa

Another cute cosy read – don’t you just love books set in bookshops?

10. Do You Dream of Terra-Two by Temi-Oh

YA sci-fi about a group of young adults on a mission to Earth 2.0 to start a new life. These young people have been trained for this mission all their lives. The story realistically depicts the ups and downs of leaving behind home and looking towards the future. Excellent literary writing skills and strong character exploration. Such a beautiful gem of a book.