Round up of 2023 Reads and Introduction to the 2024 Challenge
Hello!
It’s time for a wrap-up post of my 2023 reading year. This one is not as elaborate as the previous one, but it does have twenty worthy books from different genres. I did spend a lot of time on Goodreads, which gave results and put me consistently among the top ten reviewers from India. The platform also said I belong to its top 25% readers. What makes me the happiest is the increase in the number of Indian books in my top reads. I hope to continue the trend and read more Indian authors.
Without boring you further with needless rambling, here’s the list, divided into two sections (in no particular order). 10 Best Reads of 2023Orphaned by S.L Bhyrappa, translated by Sandeep Balakrishna Genre: Indian DramaPublication: 2019 (first published in 1968) One-Liner: A must-read Full Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... Her Deadly Game by Robert Dugoni Genre: Legal Thriller Publication: 2023One-Liner: Entertaining, intriguing, and fun to readFull Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2... Mad Sisters of Esi by Tashan Mehta Genre: Fantasy Publication: 2023One-Liner: A fever dream that makes sense Full Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2... Nandi’s Charge: Battle of Vatapi (Book One)Genre: Indian Historical Thriller Publication: 2023 (first published in 2021) One-Liner: A fast-paced entertainer with twists and actionsFull Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2... Nightjar by Katya Balan Genre: Middle-Grade Novella Publication: 2023 One-Liner: A tender little storyFull Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Animal Tales from India by Nikita Gill Genre: Children’s Fiction, Retelling, Illustrations Publication: 2023One-Liner: Grab it for the illustrations Full Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... The Tamarind Tree by Sundara Ramaswamy, translated by Aniruddhan VasudevanGenre: Indian Drama, Publication: 2022 (first published in 1966) One-Liner: Enjoyable but will work only for a specific audienceFull Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2... Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartments by Hema Sukumar Genre: Indian Drama Publication: 2023One-Liner: Character-driven and a slice-of-life novelFull Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2... A Broken People's Playlist by Chimeka GarricksGenre: Anthology. African Literature Publication: 2023One-Liner: A bitter-sweet and heart-touching collectionFull Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2... So Late in the Day: Stories of Men and Women by Claire Keegan Genre: Anthology Publication: 2023 (reprints) One-Liner: Poignant (my new favorite short story writer) Full Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2...
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Other Memorable Reads of 2023I've rated some of these books five stars (and 4 stars for others), though they didn't make it to the first top list. So, I put them here.
The League of Lady Poisoners by Lisa Perrin Genre: True Crime, Illustrations Publication: 2023One-Liner: PoisonliciousFull Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... Yours From the Tower by Sally Nicholas Genre: Historical YA Epistolary Novel Publication: 2023One-Liner: Adorable! Full Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2... Arthi's Bomma by Mamta Nainy Genre: Indian Children’s Fiction, Illustrations Publication: 2023One-Liner: A glimpse into Kondapalli doll-making Full Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. SutantoGenre: Women’s Fiction (not a mystery!)Publication: 2023One-Liner: Lighthearted and heartwarming Full Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2... The Illusions by Liz Hyder Genre: Historical Drama Publication: 2023One-Liner: Intriguing premise and good executionFull Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2...
Never Whistle at Night (edited) by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.Genre: Multi-Author Anthology Publication: 2023One-Liner: Strong themes, diverse stories Full Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2... The Crossover by Kwame AlexanderGenre: Middle Grade, Novel in Verse Publication: 2014One-Liner: A heartwarming read Full Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... The Gingerbread House in Mistletoe Gardens by Jaimie AdmansGenre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Romance Publication: 2023One-Liner: A sweet, heartwarming, and Christmasy bookFull Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2... The Clock in My Mother's House by Annalisa CrawfordGenre: Unthemed Anthology Publication: 2023One-Liner: Wonderful and poignant Full Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2... Devi for Millennials by Bibek Debroy Genre: Indian Non-fiction, Religious/ Spiritual Publication: 2022One-Liner: The first step to understanding DeviFull Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2...
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Time for 2024 Reading ResolutionsI would like to add that I'm participating in the #TBRChallenge by Blogchatter for the third consecutive year. I received two books from the top 10 list through the platform, and one of those is something I wouldn't have picked otherwise. That's why, I want to do their monthly prompts for the challenge this time. Wish me luck!
I do like trying a challenge or two if they are easy enough. ;) Recommendations tend to enter my ‘later TBR’, which I will tackle someday in the distant future.
Have you planned your reads, or are you a mood reader? Do you prefer prompts and challenges or stick to trusted recommendations? And is there any book you cannot wait to read this year?
I confess I have many such books (Sartha and Parva by Byyrappa, Mahabharata Unrevealed I & II and Ramayana Unrevealed by Ami Gantara, Sita by Bhanumathi Narasimhan, etc.). Only time will tell if I can read at least a few of these or if I will get distracted by shiny new books.
Hoping for a fruitful and rewarding 2024 for me and you!
