Best Literary Fiction Books of 2023 so far…

The Covenant of Water (Literary Fiction) by Abraham Verghese

The Covenant of Water is a sweeping novel by talented novelist Abraham Verghese that spans three generations of a family in Kerala, India. The family is cursed with a strange affliction: in every generation, at least one person dies by drowning. The matriarch of the family, Big Ammachi, witnesses the effects of this curse firsthand as she watches her loved ones die. She also witnesses the changes that come to Kerala as the country modernizes. The novel is a moving story of love, faith, and medicine, and it is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Here are some of the key themes of the novel:

• The power of love in the face of tragedy. Big Ammachi's love for her family helps her to cope with the loss of loved ones.
• The importance of faith. Big Ammachi's faith in God helps her to find strength and hope during difficult times.
• The power of medicine. Big Ammachi's grandson, Dr. Verghese, is a doctor who uses his skills to save lives.
• The changes that come with modernization:The novel also shows the changes that come with modernization and it's impact on a family, in a country (Kerala) that is undergoing rapid change.

The Covenant of Water is a beautifully written novel that is full of heart and wisdom. A literary masterpiece, this novel will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

My favourite quotes: 

“Fiction is the great lie that tells the truth about how the world lives!”

“Secrecy lives in the same rooms as loneliness.”

“In a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”

Yellowface (Literary Fiction) by R. F. Kuang

Yellowface is a satirical novel by R.F. Kuang that tells the story of June Hayward, a white woman who passes off a Chinese-American woman's novel as her own. The novel explores themes of race, identity, and cultural appropriation.

June is a struggling writer who is desperate for success. When her friend Athena Liu, a Chinese-American writer, dies in a freak accident, June sees an opportunity. She steals Athena's unpublished manuscript and publishes it as her own under the name Juniper Song.

June's novel becomes a bestseller, and she is hailed as a literary prodigy. But her success is short-lived. When Athena's family and friends discover what she has done, they are outraged. June is forced to confront the consequences of her actions, and she must decide whether she is willing to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of her career.

Yellowface is a sharp and funny novel that explores the complex issues of race, identity, and cultural appropriation. It is a timely novel that is sure to spark conversation.

The Collected Regrets of Clover (Literary Fiction) by Mikki Brammer

Clover Brooks has always felt a stronger connection with the dying than the living. Ever since she saw her kindergarten teacher drop dead during a dramatic telling of Peter Rabbit, Clover has been drawn to the end of life. After her beloved grandfather dies alone while she is traveling, Clover decides to become a death doula, someone who helps people die peacefully.

Clover throws herself into her work, spending long hours with the dying. She helps them to make peace with their lives and to die with dignity. But as she spends more and more time with the dying, Clover realizes that she is neglecting her own life. She has no close relationships, and she feels like she is missing out on something important.

One day, a feisty old woman named Claudia asks Clover to help her fulfill a final wish: to seek closure on the love of her life, whom she left when she married. Clover agrees, and along the way, learns about love, loss, and the importance of living a full life.

By the end of the journey, Clover has come to realize that she can't help others find peace in death if she can't find peace in her own life. She decides to make some changes, and she begins to build a life for herself that is full of love, friendship, and adventure.

The Collected Regrets of Clover is a heartwarming story about the importance of living a full and meaningful life. It is a reminder that death is a natural part of life, but it doesn't have to be something to be afraid of. If we live our lives to the fullest, then we can face death with peace and acceptance.

If you loved Matt Haig's The Midnight Library, you'll devour this one.

Best Business and Leadership Books of 2023 so far…

When Machines Become Customers (Nonfiction) by Don Scheibenreif and Mark Raskino  

Surprising as it may seem, many businesses will soon be selling to intelligent software and hardware machines as they rapidly become the 'new customers', making buying decisions for major businesses. And it is anticipated that by 2030, these 'machine customers will comprise up to 20% of company revenues. In anticipation of this, this book considers some of the key changes companies need to prepare for:

• Marketing and selling to machines will be data-science-oriented. You'll no longer be able to schmooze company staff or use persuasive tactics - all decisions will be based on data and therefore marketing campaigns need to reflect this.
• Sales will be largely programmatic and automated. Salespeople will still be needed, but they will primarily focus on B2B and large accounts. They will need to understand machine behavior and use this information to inform their sales strategy.
• Machine customers will operate based on rules and logic. Machines don't have emotions, so they'll behave logically and rationally based on their programming. This means that they will be more reliable and efficient than human customers.
• Machine customers represent a multi-trillion dollar opportunity. By 2025, there will be, conservatively, at least 15 billion connected products with the potential to behave as customers. Companies such as Amazon, HP, Tesla, Bosch, Siemens, Kenmore, and Sub-Zero are already incorporating this in their practices with many more companies to follow.

This books offers a way to prepare for this anticipated change in customer demographic and how all companies can better understand the behaviour and needs of machine customers so that marketing and sales campaigns reflect this in the pursuit of business and revenue growth.

The Creative Act: A Way of Being (Nonfiction) by Rick Rubin

Rick Rubin, the stellar music producer brings this incredibly informative and eye-opening guide on how creativity is harnessed. It's not about the final creative product - it's really about our relationship with our inner selves and everything around us that gives birth to creativity. He carefully  and thoughtfully carves out a creative path that we can all follow that brings forth a creative power that can change the world and our own selves for the better. By transcending our own self-imposed beliefs and expectations and finding our true, authentic selves we can reach a higher self where creativity lives. Filled with gems it's perfect for whether you are about to start your creative journey or are already an experienced artist.

My favourite quote: 

“Living life as an artist is a practice.
You are either engaging in the practice
or you’re not.

It makes no sense to say you’re not good at it.
It’s like saying, “I’m not good at being a monk.”
You are either living as a monk or you’re not.

We tend to think of the artist’s work as the output.

The real work of the artist
is a way of being in the world.”

Best Mystery & Thriller Books of 2023 so far…

Death of a Bookseller (Crime Fiction) by Alice Slater 

A psychological thriller, this novel follows two booksellers, Roach and Laura, who work in a fictional Walthamstow bookshop in the autumn of 2019. Laura is the model employee; if she were a drink she'd be a rose chai latte. She's always smiling, always helpful, and always knows exactly what book you're looking for. Roach, on the other hand, is the loner. She's not interested in making friends, and she'd rather spend her time reading true crime books and listening to murder podcasts.

When Laura joins the bookshop, Roach is immediately drawn to her. She's everything Roach is not: beautiful, popular, and seemingly perfect. But as Roach gets to know Laura better, she begins to suspect that there's more to her than meets the eye. Laura is hiding something, and Roach is determined to find out what it is.

As Roach and Laura's relationship grows more complicated, the bookshop becomes a hotbed of secrets and lies. When a body is found in the basement, Roach is the prime suspect. But she knows that she's innocent, and she's determined to clear her name.

The Death of a Bookseller is a dark and twisted tale of obsession, betrayal, and murder. One thing's for certain it will keep you guessing until the very end.

Black Thorn (Thriller) by Sarah Hilary

Another psychological thriller, six families move into a unique and dreamy new housing development on some cliffs overlooking the Cornish sea in the hope of living a peaceful existence. However things could not be more different - six weeks later, six people are dead. As each of the murders are investigated, we learn more about the families and each one harbours a secret. And as these are reveal, with each family being faced to confront their pasts, we're led to a gripping narrative of family, secrets and betrayal. A beautiful exploration of society and human nature, that's incredibly engrossing.

Best Political Books of 2023 so far… 

An incredible persuasive narrative on why and how we need to act five times faster to to counteract the imminent impact of climate change on the planet. Greenland and Antarctica is beginning to melt, Australia burns with its forest fires and Greenhouse Gas emissions are rising - Simon Sharpe who's spent a decade navigating policy decisions through his work with the UN and the UK Government, outlines a multi-disciplinary approach to addressing the issues that could accelerate the progress towards beating climate change, across science, economics and diplomacy.

Best Romance Book of 2023 so far…

Happy Place (Contemporary Romance) by Emily Henry

Harriet and Wyn were the perfect couple. They were inseparable, and everyone who knew them thought they were meant to be together. But then, six months ago, they broke up. They still hadn't told anyone, and they were dreading the annual holiday they'd been taking with their friends for the past decade.

This year, the cottage they'd been renting was for sale, so it would be the last time they'd all be together. Harriet and Wyn didn't want to break their friends' hearts, so they decided to fake it for one more week. They would pretend to be in love, even though they weren't.

It seemed like a flawless plan, but it turned out to be more difficult than they thought. They were constantly bickering, and their friends started to notice. But they were determined to see it through, even if it meant putting their own feelings aside.

As the week went on, they started to remember why they fell in love in the first place. They laughed together, they cried together, and they shared some of their deepest secrets. Will they get together again for real? Not giving away any spoilers this is the perfect beach read this summer.

Betting on You (Contemporary Romance) by Lynn Painter

When Bailey, a seventeen-year-old, begins working at a hotel waterpark, her excitement diminishes when she realises that an old acquaintance is among her coworkers. A year ago, on the lengthy flight to Omaha, Bailey met Charlie when she relocated there after her parents' divorce. Charlie's cynicism clashed with Bailey's composed demeanor, and his incessant commentary aggravated an already emotionally taxing journey.

Now, Bailey and Charlie remain complete opposites, but instead of finding everything about him bothersome, Bailey starts anticipating their hangouts and gossip sessions about the waterpark guests and their fellow coworkers. Particularly intriguing to them are two individuals who constantly flirt with each other. Bailey and Charlie make a wager regarding whether this cozy duo will actually become a couple. Charlie firmly believes that members of the opposite sex cannot simply be friends, while Bailey is determined to prove him wrong.

Bailey and Charlie closely monitor the romantic developments of others, all the while Charlie tries to suppress the growing feelings he has developed for Bailey. Fearful of losing her if his crush becomes known, Charlie's efforts are not aided by the fact that Bailey and he decide to pretend to date in order to disrupt the awkward pleasantries between Bailey's mom and her new boyfriend. Before long, what Charlie had hoped to avoid becomes a reality as Bailey starts to view him not only as a reliable friend amidst family drama, but also as someone who makes her hands tremble and her heart race. However, Charlie harbours a secret—a secret involving Bailey and another bet that he may have made. Can the two of them pursue a genuine relationship, or has Charlie's secret already doomed their chances before they even had a chance to begin?

Best Biography & Memoir Books of 2023 so far…

You Could Make This Place Beautiful (Memoir) by Maggie Smith 

In this exquisitely honest and refreshing memoir, poet Maggie Smith delves into the break up her marriage and the new, exciting life that was borne as a result full of self-discovery, hope and enlightenment. Through elegant vignettes, she eloquently captures the experience of heartbreak going beyond her own unique experience, encompassing modern-day womanhood, challenging conventional gender roles, and the unshifting power dynamics that continue to exist even in the most forward-thinking of households still.

With deep reflection and self-exploration, she beautifully draws together a Drawing upon her renowned spirit of self-exploration and empathy, Smith intertwines glimpses of her life with reflections on secrets, anger, forgiveness, and the very nature of storytelling. The potency of these fragments grows exponentially, accumulating into a profound meditation of relationships, family, work, and patriarchy.

If you enjoy the work of Deborah Levy and Rachel Cusk, then you'll love the detail and intricacies of the narrative, accurately examining womanhood, love, self-regard and how we can transform loss into something that can change us and even lead to us to a place of inner strength and creativity. A must-read, the memoir was full of quotes, I found myself :

My favourite quotes:

"I am out with lanterns, looking for myself. - Emily Dickinson" 

“When you lose someone you love, you start to look for new ways to understand the world.”

“Marriages are nesting dolls, too. We carry each iteration: the marriage we had before the children, the marriage of love letters and late nights at dive bars and train rides through France; the marriage we had after the children, the marriage of tenderness but transactional communication—who’s doing what, and when, and how—and early mornings and stroller walks and crayon on the walls and sunscreen that always needs to be reapplied; the marriage we had toward the end before we knew there was an end, the marriage of the silent treatment and couch sleeping and the occasional update email. Somewhere at the center is the tiniest doll. Love. The love that started everything. It’s still there, but we’d have to open and open and open ourselves—our together selves—to find it. I can’t bear to think of it in there somewhere, the love. Like the perfect pit of some otherwise rotten fruit.” 

Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Books of 2023 so far…

 The Future (Science Fiction) by Naomi Alderman

A cautionary tale of the future, this is brilliant new novel by Naomi Alderman (author of The Power) that's out later this year. Prepare to embark on a thrilling and gripping journey that unveils our current world and provides a tantalizing glimpse into our trajectory.

Within these pages, you will discover that The Future is a realm coveted by the wealthiest individuals on Earth. It is a place where the allure of wealth is paramount, compelling a select few billionaires to steer humanity towards its own demise while securing their personal survival through opulent hidden bunkers.

In The Future, you will encounter private weather manipulation, technological soothsaying, and clandestine weaponry—a realm of possibilities shrouded in plausible deniability.

At the heart of The Future lies a group of unlikely allies: the progeny of a charismatic cult leader, a non-binary hacker, a visionary ousted from Silicon Valley, the apprehensive wife of a dangerous CEO, and an internet-famous survivalist. Together, they devise a daring and audacious plan, which could either culminate in the greatest heist ever executed or trigger a cataclysmic downfall of civilization.

In The Future, truth lies ahead, obscuring the past. It compels individuals to act, offering the sole object of desire worth pursuing.

Prepare yourself, for The Future has arrived.

Victory City (Fantasy) by Salman Rushdie

In the aftermath of an insignificant battle between two kingdoms that time had forgotten in fourteenth-century southern India, the trajectory of history takes an extraordinary turn. A nine-year-old girl named Pampa Kampana experiences a spiritual encounter that changes history forever. Amidst the heart-wrenching loss of her mother, Pampa channels a goddess, who imparts upon her a profound message: she will play a pivotal role in the emergence of a magnificent city known as Bisnaga - a name that embodies victory itself.

For the next two and a half centuries, Pampa Kampana's life becomes intricately intertwined with the fate of Bisnaga. Driven by the goddess's directive, she endeavors to empower women in a world dominated by patriarchy. However, as the passage of time unravels its mysteries, Bisnaga undergoes its own transformative journey. Rulers ascend and descend from power, victories and defeats shape destinies, and loyalties shift like the sands of an ever-changing landscape. Bisnaga, like all grand narratives, possesses a tendency to transcend the intentions of its creator.

In this remarkable saga, the tale of Pampa Kampana and the city of Bisnaga unfolds, weaving a tapestry that encompasses the triumphs and tribulations of generations. It explores the enduring struggle to bestow women with agency amidst the ebb and flow of history's tides. As the legacy of Bisnaga evolves, the story serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of narratives and the profound impact they can have on the world.

Best LGBTQIA Book of 2023 so far…

Lesbian Love Story: A Memoir in Archives (Memoir) by Amelia Possanza

Amelia Possanza embarks on a personal journey to explore the hidden tales of lesbian role models from the past. Within the archives, she unearths seven extraordinary love stories that captivate her imagination. Drawing upon the authentic words of her subjects and immersing herself in meticulously researched historical records, Possanza skillfully intertwines these accounts, crafting a vibrant narrative that delves into the intricate tapestry of lesbian identity.

In her quest, she invites us to accompany her on a poignant exploration of each lesbian's unique story. Together, we experience their yearning, their longing, and bear witness to their profound impact on the world. This book a heartfelt homage to those who have defied societal norms, existing beyond conventional notions of sexuality and gender. Through their individual paths, these women have not only illuminated a forgotten and stigmatized history, but have also offered us a fresh perspective on the essence of love, transcending material gains.

In the tapestry of their lives, these remarkable individuals navigated the world on their own terms, leaving an indelible mark on society. Their stories serve as beacons, guiding us toward a deeper understanding of love when it surpasses materialistic pursuits. Within these pages, we celebrate their resilience, courage, and the enduring power of their love, forever challenging the confines of heteronormativity.

Family Meal (Novel) by Bryan Washington

Orphia and Eurydicius (Greek Mythology, Fantasy) by Elyse John

Orphia's heart yearns for a life beyond the confines of warrior crafts imposed upon her. On a distant island, her spirit brims with the beauty of verse, her words possessing the ability to awaken blossoms and bring forth lush forests. However, her father, Apollo, the sun god, forbids her from embracing this artistic power. It is through an unexpected encounter with Eurydicius, a talented shield-maker, that Orphia finds the courage to unleash her voice. Empowered by her unique gifts, she defeats a final challenger, drawing the attention of the gods themselves.

In a mesmerizing display of her poetic prowess, Orphia captures the favor of the mighty Muses, goddesses of inspiration, who grant her protection within their sanctuary atop Mount Parnassus. Here, Orphia refines her talents, weaving words infused with enchantment, history, love, and tragedy. As Eurydicius joins her on this path, Orphia wrestles with her ambitions for fame and the blossoming affection between them. With her bond to the gentle shield-maker growing stronger, she embarks on a perilous journey alongside the Argonauts in their quest for the legendary Golden Fleece. Along the treacherous voyage, they face dragons, sirens, and merciless warriors, and Orphia's name resonates far and wide, earning her unparalleled renown. Yet, amidst the glory, her heart yearns to be reunited with Eurydicius.

However, destiny has a darker path in store for Orphia, one that will require her to fight for her love with the full force of her poetic prowess. It is a journey that delves into the depths of her soul, where she must confront her deepest fears and unleash the full power of her verses. As Orphia's poetic might reaches its zenith, she confronts the ultimate challenge, seeking a path back to her beloved Eurydicius and the profound love that binds them.

Best Young Adult Books of 2023 so far…

The Davenports (Young Adult) by Krystal Marquis

Inspired by the remarkable real-life tale of C.R. Patterson and his family, step into the year 1910, where the Davenports stand as one of the rare Black families of immense wealth and influence in a transforming United States. The legacy of their prosperity traces back to William Davenport, a formerly enslaved man who defied the odds and established the renowned Davenport Carriage Company. Within their opulent world of servants and extravagant soirées, the Davenports navigate the labyrinth of societal expectations propels them into finding love in the most surprising of places.

Olivia, the enchanting elder daughter, finds herself on the precipice of fulfilling her societal duty through an arranged marriage. However, fate takes a turn when she crosses paths with Washington DeWight, a charismatic leader in the civil rights movement, igniting a powerful connection that sets their hearts ablaze. Meanwhile, Helen, the younger daughter, devotes her passions to the art of fixing automobiles rather than succumbing to romance, unless it involves her sister's interest, Washington DeWight. Amy-Rose, a childhood friend who also serves the Davenport sisters as a maid, secretly longs for John, Olivia and Helen's brother—a love that seems impossible. Unbeknownst to all, Ruby, Olivia's closest confidante, also harbours her own desires for John, desperately vying for his attention until a twist of fate leads her in another direction.

Marking the inception of an exhilarating series, "The Davenports" offers a rare and unique coup d'oeil into a chapter of African American history often forgotten and glossed over of four determined and passionate young Black women, carving out their own destinies in a world marked by prejudice and societal constraints. Amidst the swirling tides of life and love, the Davenports' story unfurls with gripping intensity, captivating hearts and minds alike.

Song of Silver, Flame Like Night (Young Adult) by Amélie Wen Zhao

Perry Firekeeper-Birch had anticipated a carefree summer. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when she attends a meeting at a local university and learns about a fascinating ancestral figure known as the "Warrior Girl." Her bones and knife are currently housed in the museum archives, and Perry feels a deep calling to return her to her tribe. With unwavering determination, she immerses herself in understanding NAGPRA, the federal law that empowers tribes to request the repatriation of ancestral remains and sacred objects. Perry discovers that the university has been exploiting legal loopholes to retain Warrior Girl and twelve other Anishinaabe ancestors' remains. The Misfits, led by Perry, refuse to let this injustice persist.

Harnessing their collective skills and resources, the Misfits realize that a daring heist is the only way to ensure the stolen artifacts and remains are brought back where they rightfully belong. However, as their plan takes shape, they uncover hidden secrets and mysteries. The number of missing women continues to rise, and Pauline's pursuit of perfection begins to spiral out of control. As the truth unravels, Perry and the Misfits find themselves in a race against time to rectify the situation—for the sake of the ancestors and their community.

In this gripping tale, Perry and her allies must confront their own inner demons while fighting for justice and the restoration of ancestral heritage. Through a thrilling blend of camaraderie, resilience, and discovery, they embark on a journey that tests their mettle and challenges them to make things right in a world where secrets cast long shadows.