I had big bookish ambitions for this year. I didn’t get through all the books on my tbr pile, however I read some beauties and beat my target of 23 books in 2023. This year’s list features books I want everyone to read, books I couldn’t get out of my head, books I’ll return to again and again, and a new category, books that totally stole my heart. So without further ado, here are 23 Books I Read and Loved in 2023. A huge thanks to all these authors for keeping me glued from cover to cover, sometimes unable to sleep before I turned the final page. What a gift.
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Books I Want Everyone to Read
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
I can’t say enough about this book. Drawing from personal experiences yet entirely fictionalised by author-poet Ocean Vuong, this is a searingly beautiful and haunting tale of a young Vietnamese American boy coming of age. Exploring his complicated relationship with his mother, the spectre of war, and his own sexual awakening in stunning prose, it takes us on a journey across time and continents, grappling with the questions of what connects us and the forces that blow us apart. It is intense, unflinching, often breathtaking in its use of language and imagery.
If you want more, seek out his award-winning poetry collection Time Is A Mother and also listen to his episode on Glennon Doyle’s podcast We Can Do Hard Things. This book could fit in every category of my 23 Books of 2023 because it totally stole my heart, I couldn’t get its characters out of my head, I know I’ll return to it again and again, and I want everyone to read it. My book of 2023 and definitely an all-time favourite.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Now a series on Apple TV, Lessons in Chemistry was a blockbuster hit for Bonnie Garmus, who famously (and inspiringly) wrote her debut at age 64. The novel centres on spiky heroine Elizabeth Zott, a woman way ahead of her time, who struggles with sexism as a rising star chemist in ‘60s America. Forced out of her position, she creates a DIY lab and lands a gig as a TV cooking host. Somewhat to her bemusement, she becomes a national sensation and a feminist icon. With alternating perspectives from her daughter Mad and even from her dog Six-Thirty (who has his own real life fan club), this is a wonderful and moving book filled with sharp observational humour and plenty of digs at the patriarchal status quo. We chose this for our local book club and not everybody was swept away, but I loved it and would encourage everyone to read it.
Motherland by Priya Joi
Written in Priya Joi’s elegant prose and relatable voice, this is a poignant exploration of becoming a mother and raising a Brown girl in a world that often sees colour first. Priya is a science journalist so she refers to lots of useful data and research on race, ethnicity, heritage and prejudice (I’m honoured to have my book Bringing Up Race quoted too). However, don’t expect some dry scientific study. It’s a deeply personal (and often funny) book that reads like memoir with hints of travelogue. I especially enjoyed the author’s tales of growing up between the UK and India. There are many motherhood stories out there but it’s not often we hear from Black or Asian authors in this space. It’s refreshing to read Priya’s take on parenting outside the mainstream and we need more of these stories to come to light.
Everyday Action, Everyday Change by Natalie and Naomi Evans
From the sisterly team behind the mega-platform Everyday Racism and the bestselling book The Mixed Race Experience, this book is aimed at kids but can and should be read by people of any age. Sometimes it’s easier and more effective to learn about big topics like anti-racism and gender diversity through the lens of a smaller, more open-minded human. That’s how this book reads, like a relaxed and honest chat between a curious child and a wiser, slightly older mentor.
Everyday Action, Everyday Change is packed with important social issues and ideas on how to tackle them with compassion, creativity and fairness. Yet the content never feels overwhelming, thanks in part to the striking illustrations and design. More to the point, the authors (and the diverse contributors) use clear, actionable language and they never talk down to their audience. Even as an adult, you come away from the text feeling both inspired and empowered. Buy this book for a family, a school, a favourite kid and your home library.
Small By Small by Ike Anya
I’m a friend of Ike’s and, like most of his friends, I’ve been pleading with him to write a book forever. And here it is, a book ten years in the making. Its title is inspired by something his grandmother once told him: ‘Everything worthwhile is achieved small by small.’ This is a medical memoir with a difference, charting Ike’s path as a young trainee doctor in 1990s Nigeria. From ramshackle wards to quasi-modern facilities, Ike and his fellow medical students throw everything into learning the ropes while trying to survive the country’s turbulent backdrop of coups and dictatorship. Ike is a fantastic writer whose storytelling pulls you up close so that you are living the experience alongside him. It’s a high-stakes tale filled with hilarious anecdotes and brimming with humanity. Imagine Grey’s Anatomy with splashes of Half of a Yellow Sun. Chimamanda Adichie herself called it a ‘small miracle of a book’ and I’m inclined to agree.
Books I Couldn’t Get Out of My Head
The List By Yomi Adegoke
What would you do if your partner, the person you’re sworn to for life, wound up on one of those lists? You know, the type of lists of predators that were circulating when #MeToo revelations rocked society. This is the thought-provoking premise behind Yomi Adegoke’s debut novel that became an instant global sensation. I won’t lie, I gobbled up this book in a frenzied state of reading for 48 hours straight (interrupted with work, parenting and some sleep). What’s clever about this story is that it not only delves into the difficult ‘he said, she said’ nature of rape allegations but also examines wider social issues like toxic online spaces, cancel culture, denial and culpability, and mental health. There are no easy answers and the finale might just make your eyes pop. Yomi’s got a strong voice with an ear for dialogue and a cinematic writing style and I’m eager to see this story play out on screen (TV version’s in the works).
Yellowface by Rebecca F Kuang
If you haven’t heard of this title or seen the striking yellow cover with the eyes peeping out on its front, I’m not sure where you’ve been in 2023. It’s the novel that got everyone talking, especially people in publishing since it’s set in the literary world. The narrator is June, a White American writer whose career seems to be in the doldrums until her ‘friend’, the Asian American literary darling Athena Liu, dies suddenly. Athena leaves an unfinished manuscript behind that June decides to pilfer and publish in her own name. She’s catapulted into the type of fame she could only dream of… but how long can she carry on this charade (and who is the person threatening to expose her)? Part cat and mouse, part social commentary with ghostly undertones, Yellowface is a bitingly sharp novel. Kuang takes chunks out of issues like race, class, female friendship, imposter syndrome, creativity and the meaning of success. Brilliant.
The Lagos Wife (aka The Nigerwife) by Vanessa Walters
Originally released as The Nigerwife, Vanessa Walters’ novel is being re-released as The Lagos Wife in the UK with a snazzy new cover. This intriguing tale is loosely informed by Vanessa’s own experience as a Nigerwife, a community of expat wives in Nigeria. Told from alternating perspectives, the story revolves around Nicole, a Nigerwife who has married into a wealthy but cold family where she’s clearly a fish out of water.
When Nicole goes missing, her aunt Claudine flies out from the UK to find out what happened and why nobody seems to care. She uncovers a web of secrets and silences that will soon force her to reckon with the ghosts of her own family’s past. Walters’ writing is lush and evocative and as a former resident of Nigeria, she has a clear-eyed understanding of its environment. The author captures Lagos as the capital of both cool and chaos; a society in which the pursuit of money, power and status leaves so much else hanging in the balance. I really loved this book and look forward to its HBO adaptation.
Tokyo Express by Seicho Matsumoto
Matsumoto has been described as the Japanese Agatha Christie and this bestselling novel has only recently become available in English. Tokyo Express is an unusual detective story that starts with the report of a lovers’ suicide that’s straightforward on the surface, except at least two people aren’t quite buying it. Thus follows a strange and twisty journey through Tokyo’s intricate network of railways and stations as the investigators attempt to track the killer and figure out how they committed such a devious crime. An intriguing and clever book that will keep your mind working long after the final puzzle is solved.
Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason
Martha is a talented writer with a self-absorbed mother and an inability to contain her emotions. From childhood, she’s had an intense connection with family friend Patrick who has loved her since he’s known her. What’s standing in their way is something she can’t name, something she can’t control, a mental health battle that is powerfully described and yet never fully defined by the author. As Martha grapples with her demons and tries to stand on her own two feet, we root for her and for the possibilities of romance blossoming again. Mason writes beautifully with such humour and empathy for her characters and this was another strong contender for my favourite book of 2023.
The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan
Imagine living in a society where a single mistake that you made as a mother could land you in jail? This is the setting of Jessamyn Chan’s dystopian novel that begins with Frida, a mum whose life spirals out of control after she leaves her young child unattended. She’s sent to The School for Good Mothers where supposedly she will be retrained to become a fit parent for her daughter Harriet. The school feels more like a prison however and we soon discover that it’s harbouring some pretty dark secrets. This is a gripping story that holds up a broken mirror to modern motherhood and a punitive culture that judges women especially harshly. Great writing with some terrifying and emotionally ravaging scenes. Loved it.
Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen
Kirstin Chen’s story takes us on a wild ride through a counter-culture of fake designer bags, scam artists and social climbers. We meet Ava the narrator who is explaining how she had her picture perfect life turned upside down by Winnie, a girl she met in college. She paints this woman as a bad influence who lures her into selling fake merchandise. Struggling to cope with the needs of her toddler and a marriage on the rocks, Ava finds herself attracted to life on the edge… until things turn dangerous. But as we get deeper into this tale and start to peel away some of the layers and lies, we realise there’s more to both Winnie and our heroine than meets the eye. An engaging and subversive novel that perhaps fizzled away a little at the end but I’d still recommend.
Books that Totally Stole My Heart
Swimming for Beginners by Nicola Gill
There are several titles on my 2023 list featuring lead characters who are obviously or arguably neurodivergent (e.g. The Maid, Sorrow and Bliss, Lessons in Chemistry). In Swimming for Beginners, we have a heroine who might be on the spectrum in terms of the way she relates to others and how she takes stuff in. Loretta is a control freak who finds most people quite difficult to get a handle on. She’s mainly set on planning her wedding and going after a big promotion. During a business trip, she finds herself looking after Phoebe, a strange little girl in fairy wings.
When tragedy strikes, Loretta wants to flee rather than face up to what they’ve both endured. However, little by little, the cracks in Loretta’s ‘five year plan’ begin to show and her walls start coming down. To move forwards, she’ll need to open her heart to Phoebe while coming to terms with a deeper sense of loss. Swimming for Beginners is witty and heartfelt with vivid writing, unforgettable characters and an ending that will leave a lump in your throat.
Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn
Yinka is a single Nigerian British woman who has to face the constant and familiar cry from her mother and aunties: where is your huzband? It’s not that Yinka doesn’t want to get married, but she’s got an emotional hangover from being dumped, not to talk of career challenges and friendship drama. When her ex reappears with a gorgeous fiancée, it’s more than Yinka can take. She goes on a mission to find a suitable date for her friend Rachel’s wedding, along with a job that will save her from bringing disgrace to her family. However, perhaps the love and success she’s seeking elsewhere is something she needs to find within? Lizzie Damilola Blackburn’s debut is funny, very relatable (to any fellow Naija especially) and endearing. I can’t wait to see what Yinka does next in the coming sequel.
Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Sutanto
Meddy is a 20-something living at home with her mum and just round the corner from her four loveable but meddlesome aunties. At times, it’s claustrophobic. At other times, it’s aunties to the rescue — for instance when she winds up in a sticky situation with a body that needs covering up, pronto. Throw in a family business, a college romance that she can’t seem to get out of her head, and working on the wedding of the year on an island resort with a storm approaching…
It’s a heady mix of cosy crime, romcom, family drama and escapism. I enjoyed the glimpse into Chinese Indonesian culture, I laughed out loud multiple times and I fell absolutely in love with the aunties. I’m glad to know there are several more books in the series where you can catch up with the mischief and mishaps of Meddy and her clan.
The People on Platform 5 by Clare Pooley
Have you ever wondered what’s really going on in the lives of the strangers you pass on your commute? This is the setup of the novel that starts with a man choking on a train and leads to a group of strangers becoming entangled in each other’s worlds. Every chapter takes a different POV and yet the story really revolves around one character, and what a character she is. Lesbian writer and former It Girl Iona who is dealing with ageism at work and some personal issues that she’s not fully come to terms with. As the story unwinds, we get more and more involved with each of the characters as they get help, make amends or learn that it’s never too late to choose your family circle. Heartwarming and hilarious. Don’t miss out.
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
Curtis Sittenfeld has a raving fan base but this was my first time reading any of her works. This was another book club pick and I listened to the audiobook which took a little while to lure me under its spell. It’s the story of Sally, a comedy writer who works on a TV series inspired by Saturday Night Live. When Noah, a drop dead gorgeous musician appears on the show, she writes a skit imagining what might happen if a hot man fell for an average looking woman (the joke is that this hardly ever happens, although the reverse is quite common). Next thing she knows, real life starts to look like fiction as something is clearly bubbling between Sally and Noah. Until misunderstandings, limiting self-beliefs, and a global pandemic throw them off course. Can they find their way back to each other across country miles and Covid infections? Funny, caustic, sexy and utterly romantic, this was a story that had my heart racing to the end.
The Maid by Nita Prose
Molly loves order and tidiness and takes immense pride in her work as a maid in a high-end hotel. Imagine her horror when she comes across a dead body and, even worse, she’s fingered for the crime. Anyone who knows her (and we soon come to know her intimately) would realise that the last thing she would do is leave behind such a mess for someone else to clean up! This mystery is full of twists and turns but what takes it to the next level is the characterisation of Molly who has such a clear idea of how things should look and yet often struggles with reading people. You’ll be hooked on Molly’s story as she tries to figure out what’s really going on and who she can actually count on. This book has sold over a million copies and I’m excited to read its sequel, The Mystery Guest.
Love In Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello
Set largely in Brixton, this story follows the trials of Trey, a wannabe singer who helps out at his family’s bookshop, Wonderland. Christmas is coming but the family business is on the brink, threatened by a larger chain. Ariel is a fellow college student who needs a temp job to pay for her artistic pursuits. She starts working at Wonderland, throwing Trey and Ariel into close contact with often volatile results. When the bookshop looks set to be crushed by its competitor, it will take huge personal effort, putting their differences aside and drumming up some community spirit to save it. This is a delightful and heart-melting Christmas romance that I’m sure would sparkle on the big screen.
Books I’ll Return to Again and Again
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
Rick Rubin is the legendary producer behind some of the greatest musicians of our time. In The Creative Act, he takes a deep dive into the magic and wonder of the creative process and what makes an artist tick. In bite-sized chapters, he explores everything from the first flickers of an idea to the spiritual quality of putting something new into existence. This isn’t a practical guide so much as an esoteric meditation on creativity that leans on Rubin’s study of Jung and Buddhist principles. I listened to the audiobook and there were so many nuggets, I kept having to pause, rewind and clip sections. He thinks like a philosopher, writes like a poet and reads like a recording artist so I recommend the audiobook as a companion to your daily walks or creative playtime.
Misfits by Michaela Coel
I’m a massive fan of Michaela Coel and I’d already seen a clip online from when she delivered her powerful MacTaggart Lecture. Misfits is essentially the transcript of the lecture fleshed out with some extra content. I listened to the audiobook and she reads it herself which is a bonus as she’s a compelling narrator. If you’ve ever felt like a hexagonal peg in a world full of squares, then you’ll gain a lot from Michaela’s insights. Especially if your sense of being an outsider intersects with racial, gender or other marginalised identities. Misfits is an honest, entertaining and emotive manifesto on the power of raising your voice, finding your tribe and leaning into your own brand of weird. One to read or listen to whenever things feel insurmountable.
The Joy of Saying No by Natalie Lue
As a recovering people pleaser, I knew I would get lots from this book. Natalie Lue is a beacon of light for readers around the world who have flocked to her popular blog and former podcast Baggage Reclaim. In The Joy of Saying No, she kindly but deftly kicks the reader into gear by helping you figure out where you need to set your boundaries. I was staggered by Natalie’s wealth of knowledge in this area, much of it coming from her own personal history. If you’ve ever struggled with saying no as a complete sentence, or with knowing how to protect your energy and choose yourself first, this is the book you need to read and reread.
Life in Five Senses by Gretchen Rubin
One thing I love about Gretchen Rubin is that she’s one of life’s true enthusiasts and this shines through all her work. If you enjoyed books like The Happiness Project and The Four Tendencies, then you’re in for a treat with her latest release. Part memoir, part scientific quest, it’s a deep dive into the five key senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. After a visit to the eye doctor shocks her into focus, the author realises how cut off she’s become from all her senses. She decides to enhance each one through a variety of experiments and studies to help get ‘out of her head and into the world’.
Her multi-sensory adventures include daily visits to the Met museum, her first live music concert, a sensory deprivation tank, a tasting party and a perfume workshop. Gretchen’s voice is so engaging, I often found myself smiling as I flipped through the pages. Life in Five Senses is a fascinating read that is funny, touching and at times, transcendent. A beautiful book that I will dip back into as a reminder to look closer, listen more, feel better, smell deeply and fully taste life in all its flavours.
I was over the moon to see Raising Boys Who Do Better on Brittle Paper’s 100 Notable African Books of the Year. Such an honour and a fantastic list. What were your favourite reads of the past year?
Here’s a reminder of the best books I read in 2022 and also my 21 best books of 2021.
**Find more of my reading lists on Bookshop.org. I’ll be sharing book recommendations via my social media throughout the year (follow @BabesaboutTown on Instagram and Twitter).
Babes About Town Gift Guide 2023
