My reading goal for 2023 was 36 books, and I am happy to say I was able to surpass my goal with a total of 38 books completed. Below is a list of everything I read with a short review and link to my bookshop.org affiliate shop. I post reviews as I read over on instagram, so follow me there for updates throughout the year. Books are listed by genre and in the order I read them.
*denotes a top ten favorite

Fiction

All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
Friendship, family, faith, and forgiveness are all at the forefront of this beautiful YA contemporary novel, told through multiple perspectives across generations. Tahir writes about difficult content, including addiction and abuse, but her words hold it all with the utmost care. I felt the full spectrum of emotions reading this heart-wrenching story, and the way Tahir creates tension made it hard to put down.​​​​​​​​

Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I didn’t love this one. I thought TJR did a nice job exploring themes of sexism and racism in the undercurrents of the book, and her descriptions of tennis matches were engaging. However, I found that even by the halfway point, I really didn’t care whether Carrie succeeded in her goal or not. I wasn’t cheering for her, I wasn’t concerned with the outcome, and I considered not finishing the book. ​​​​​​​​

Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Nora–a successful agent, New Yorker, and big sister to Libby–takes a trip to Sunshine Falls, a Schitts Creek-esque town where Nora runs into someone she least expects to see. Will Nora be the “big city person who marries a lumberjack from a small town” or “enemies to lovers?” I enjoyed the book overall and found the writing entertaining and lighthearted. This one does get a little steamy at times (I think the term here is “open door”), so keep that in mind if you prefer more of a chaste romance novel.

*Everything Sad is Untrue: (a true story) by Daniel Nayeri
Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri is a Young Adult autobiographical novel told from the perspective of 12-year-old Khousrou, a.k.a Daniel. Daniel is from Iran and spends several years with his mother and sister as a refugee before immigrating to Oklahoma. One of my favorite things about the book is the unique, clear voice. Because it’s told from the perspective of a 12-year-old boy, it feels a little chaotic at times–a bit stream of consciousness. And there are poop stories. But at its heart, this is a book about storytelling and an examination of the truth.

The Measure by Nikki Erlick
If you like books that explore existential questions like The Midnight Library or follow large casts of characters like Nine Perfect Strangers, you’ll enjoy The Measure by Nikki Erlick. Right away, the reader learns that every adult has received a box that holds a string with the measure of the recipient’s life. No one knows where the boxes came from or why they’ve arrived, but each person on earth now faces the same dilemma: To open the box or not? And if the box is opened, what should be done with the knowledge inside? Erlick’s book explores both the societal impact and personal ramifications of knowing the number of our days. It was a quick read with an interesting premise. I didn’t feel particularly attached to the characters, maybe because there were so many of them to keep track of. This could be a good book for book clubs. 

*I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai
Podcaster-professor Bodie Kane returns to Granby, the New Hampshire boarding school she attended in the 1990s, to teach. Bodie’s mind has often wandered back to the murder of her Granby roommate, Thalia Keith, and when one of her students dives into the case, Bodie can’t help but get involved. This timely story would appeal to fans of true crime, mystery, and contemporary women’s fiction. It reads fast and kept me interested from start to finish.

The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff
Geeta’s husband left her five years ago, but her neighbors all think she is a “self-made widow.” Her reputation as a husband-killer attracts the attention of a few women who want to learn her ways. This unique debut novel by Parini Shroff tells Geeta’s story with a light touch and dark humor, while still squeezing in a lot of social commentary about issues like abuse, women’s rights, and caste. The plot vacillates between serious and slapstick, but I think it mostly works. Shroff’s real talent is capturing the complexities of relationships of all kinds.

My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout
As Lucy recalls a visit from her mother, she takes the reader back to her childhood in Amgash, Illinois; to her early days of marriage and motherhood in New York City; and into the depths of the human heart. This was an almost poetic, understated example of how an author can craft something intricate with the most basic elements. 

Anything Is Possible by Elizabeth Strout
With roots in and around Lucy Barton’s hometown of Amgash, Illinois, this short story collection introduces the reader to people who are lovable, obnoxious, heartbreaking, inspiring, relatable, and beautifully flawed like all of us. I was amazed at how much Strout made me feel while reading these stories.

Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout
Lucy and her first husband, William, have remained friends against all odds, and it’s Lucy to whom William turns when he uncovers a big family secret. Elizabeth Strout once again demonstrates her uncanny ability to explore relationships; through Lucy’s and William’s story, she examines all the delicate threads that bind us to one another. 

Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout
We find Lucy and William leaving Manhattan for the coast of Maine as the pandemic sets in. While this is a pandemic story, it’s also a relationship story, like all of Strout’s novels. As she grapples with the isolation we all experienced not so long ago, Lucy also considers her relationships with her daughters, friends, and her ex-husband and companion, William. 

*A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
I don’t know if I could write a plot summary for you if I tried. There is some debate over whether this book is a novel or a collection of short stories (often dubbed “interlocking” by reviewers). Each of the 13 chapters/stories/narratives focuses on a different protagonist, each linked to one or more of the others and orbiting the lives of Bennie, a music producer, and his assistant, Sasha. The stories span about 40 years and cover an array of forms and perspectives (even a Power Point presentation). This Pulitzer-winning book grapples with the passage of time and how we carry all of our former selves with us into the future (also music, interconnectedness, and redemption). When I finished, all I could think was, “How did Jennifer Egan do that?!” ⁣

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
Every time I read any kind of chick lit or romance novel, I feel the need to preface my review by saying I don’t generally read or enjoy these types of books. However, Romantic Comedy was a nice change from other books in this genre. The story focuses on Sally Milz, a writer for the late-night comedy show The Night Owls, a la SNL. Sally has noticed that several of her (immature, gross, nerdy, average-looking) costars have somehow ended up in relationships with supermodel

*We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman
Inspired by the loss of her best friend, Ali, We All want Impossible Things is the heart-wrenching story of Ash and Edi. Ash and Edi have been friends for more than 40 years, and Edi is dying. Ash is weary from balancing grief and her commitment to Edi with everyday life–caring for teenagers and navigating her relationship with her ex(ish) husband. This book made me laugh and cry on the same page. I read a review that said this is for anyone who has lost a best friend, but I think, really, it’s for anyone who has had a best friend.

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Rachel agrees to visit Singapore with her boyfriend, Nick, to see his home and meet his family. Turns out his family is obscenely rich, and Rachel suddenly finds herself surrounded by wealth (and lots of drama). At times I struggled to keep track of the long cast of characters, but I loved getting lost in this soap opera of a story that was full fun and heart.

*Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
In the early days of the pandemic, Emily’s three adult daughters come home to the family’s cherry farm outside of Traverse City, Michigan. During their time together, Emily recounts her relationship with a now-famous actor. I loved the mix of cherry farming, young love, summer stock theater, and mother-daughter relationships. I had the opportunity to hear Patchett speak in Traverse City in August, and it was a treat to hear more about the story’s inspiration.

Do Tell by Lindsay Lynch
Edie O’Dare’s days as a Hollywood starlet are coming to an end, but her experience as a regular source of stories about her fellow actors leads her to her most exciting role yet: gossip columnist. Now Edie must tread lightly or risk losing access to her own sources, and it’s a delicate dance to do while constantly learning lessons about the consequences of her decisions and the illusion of control. Lindsay Lynch’s debut novel will appeal to fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and anyone who is looking for the nostalgic flavor of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Banyan Moon by Thao Thai
This multigenerational story focuses on Ann Tran, her mother (Huong), and her grandmother (Minh). Ann’s life is a at a crossroads, and after some big events transpire, she finds herself back at her childhood home in Florida, the Banyan House. In chapters that shift among the three women’s points-of-view, we learn their stories, the secrets they keep from each other, and what legacy means to each woman. A deep and moving debut novel.

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
Athena Liu and June Hayward are both authors; one is a star, the other unknown. Then: A deadly freak accident, a stolen manuscript. “Little white lies” snowball until they are out of control. Yellowface explores racism and cultural appropriation–who gets to tell which stories? And underneath it all, how does living isolated, lonely lives affects our reality and relationships with others?

This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
This Time Tomorrow is a wonderful time travel story that goes deep without getting too busy or complex. The story has very little to do with science fiction and everything to do with relationships, specifically Alice’s relationship with her dad, Leonard. A quick read.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Elizabeth Zott is a brilliant chemist working for the Hastings Research Institute in the early 1960s. She’s also dating Calvin Evans, a fellow scientist with whom she just (I have to say it) has chemistry. Yet, neither science nor life are totally predictable, and we meet Elizabeth as a single mother hosting a television cooking show. Lessons in Chemistry is the heartfelt story of what happens to Elizabeth Zott and how she uses the changes in her own circumstances to empower others. There’s a great cast of quirky characters along for the ride, including Elizabeth’s dog, Six-Thirty. I thought the story was cute and often funny, but get ready for some cringe-worthy (and plain old rage-inducing) sexism. The perspective changed at times in a way that was confusing, but overall I enjoyed reading this one.


Non-Fiction

Screaming on the Inside: The Unsustainability of American Motherhood by Jessica Grose
This book discusses modern motherhood across the areas of history, pregnancy, identity, work, social media, and the pandemic. It’s journalistic with bits of memoir and humor woven throughout, and Grose’s skills as a researcher and writer shine. When I finished, I was left wanting more; the individual stories offered in the last chapter are nice, feel-good examples about how to make change moving forward, but do little for the average American mother who reads this, nods vigorously, and then thinks, “Now what?” ​​​​​​​

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jenette McCurdy
Jennette McCurdy’s memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, is compelling, interesting, and brave. McCurdy lays everything bare with her raw, honest storytelling about the challenges of being a (reluctant) child actor, having an abusive mom, and many other traumatic events and circumstances. As far as content warnings go, this book would need a list a mile long, and I would especially caution anyone who has struggled with an eating disorder that there are sections which might be very triggering. ​​​​​​​​McCurdy writes with vulnerability and authenticity that are admirable, but I didn’t feel captivated by her writing style. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​I’ve been told the audiobook was well done, and if you choose to read this one, perhaps this is the format to try.​​​​​​​​

*Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal (yes, that is the full title) is a quirky, sweet, funny, thought-provoking read with an essence that is difficult to fully distill. The entire book is a hermit-crab essay–in this case, a memoir told in the form of a textbook–which includes stick figure drawings, graphs, assessments, and even an interactive texting component that Amy’s family has kept working so far (Amy died in 2017 from ovarian cancer). I love how Amy plays with form and language in this book. It is a quick read with a lot of white space in between sections which invites readers to pause and consider the book’s content. If you are looking for something different, quick and easy to read but still containing depth, I urge you to give this book a try.

*This is Not a Book About Benedict Cumberbatch by Tabitha Carvan
Tabitha Caravan was spending most of her time at home with two young children when she became captivated by–err, obsessed with–Benedict Cumberbatch. Her obsession was surprising to everyone, and maybe most of all to Tabitha herself. But after feeling that motherhood had stripped away her sense of identity, discovering Benedict Cumberbatch allowed her to re-discover herself at the same time. The subtitle of this book is “The Joy of Loving Something–Anything–Like Your Life Depends on It,” and I couldn’t help but consider my own preoccupations and passions and what it looks like when people, especially women and mothers, boldly follow their interests. This book is quirky and offers laugh out loud moments alongside opportunities for reflection, truly encouraging readers to pursue, enjoy, and share the things they love unabashedly.

The Beauty of Motherhood by Erin Strybis & Kim Knowle-Zeller
The Beauty of Motherhood is not a book of warm fuzzies and platitudes about motherhood. Rather, it is an honest look at the sacred, ordinary moments and milestones of motherhood told with tenderness and grace. Erin and Kim are gifted writers, sharing stories with humility and from a place of understanding. The devotions are bite-sized, which means from a practical standpoint, they are perfect to squeeze in before the kids wake up, during nap time, or in the pick-up line. I love that each devotion ends with suggestions for practice, prayer, or pondering, pointing the reader to meaningful encounters with God, family, community, and self.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Spare by Prince Harry
By the time I share this review, it probably won’t matter, since its best-seller status guarantees many of you have already read it. With that being said, I am glad I read this book, but I didn’t love it. I appreciated Harry’s candor and appreciated the glimpse into his strange and storied life. Two things made the book feel a bit dull to me: 1. the amount of his military experience described in great detail. While I respect Harry for choosing to serve his country, I got tired of this section quickly. I imagine it is related to the fact that I had just finished 10 years of life as a military spouse and have heard a lot of military stories over the years. It just wasn’t what I wanted to read for that long. 2. So much of the material he covered in the last section was already shared via interviews and other programs. I wanted something more than what I’d already seen on Netflix or Oprah’s interview, for example. Harry and J.R. Moehringer wrote a good book, it just wasn’t my favorite.

*You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith
While YCMTPB it might be a “divorce memoir,” it is so much more than that. Smith utilizes imagery and metaphor as only a poet can in this compelling book that is essentially a series of vignettes. This memoir is about the end of a marriage and also the examination of a life, the choices we make, the roles we choose (or don’t), and where we find love. The lyrical prose is filled with as many questions as answers, maybe more, and Smith almost taunts the reader at times, reminding us that the story is hers: it is a “tell-mine,” not a tell-all. But I like that she comes right out and tell us what we won’t be reading about, acknowledging the gaps, the blank space. In poems, the blank space can be just as powerful as the content of the stanzas, and Smith leverages this in her memoir as well, inviting the reader in with tenderness while forcing us to be comfortable without all the information. Even those who haven’t experienced divorce or separation of this magnitude will recognize themselves in this honest account of reckoning with pain and seeking to understand in order to heal.

*Know My Name by Chanel Miller
Chanel Miller is the artist, writer, and sexual assault survivor formerly known as Emily Doe. This book was bound to be powerful because of its high-profile nature and the continued conversations surrounding the #metoo movement, but it soars and shines because of Miller’s voice and talent. Know My Name highlights the effects of trauma, a deeply flawed criminal justice system, the power of words, and hope for survivors. This should be required reading, and I’m sorry it sat on my bookshelf for so long before I finally read it.⁣

It. Goes. So. Fast.: The Year of No Do-Overs by Mary Louise Kelly
NPR reporter Mary Louise Kelly writes about her oldest son’s final year at home before college. Throughout her boys’ childhoods, she always felt she’d have more time…but now the fact that they will be leaving soon is inescapable. She chronicles her son’s senior year and makes tough choices about how and where to spend her time. Moms always have tough choices to make, and Mary Louise doesn’t offer answers, just relatable questions and her own experience.

Broken Horses by Brandi Carlile
Carlile’s memoir was another good audiobook listen. In fact, if you are a fan (or a future fan) of her music, please opt for the audiobook version, which includes a song or two at the end of each chapter, sung right to you in your ear buds. I knew nothing about Carlile’s life and enjoyed hearing about her childhood and family life along with her early experiences in show businesses. She shared refreshingly honest views of fame, attention, and life as a performer.

Lit by Mary Karr
Karr’s prose is beautiful and heavy with the imagery one would expect from a poet. She fills paragraphs to the brim with metaphor and literary magic that often required me to pause and re-read. This is not a bad thing now and then, but can be exhausting when it lasts the length of an entire book. I read this with a cohort of writers over the summer, and one of my peers labeled the writing “clunky.” I agree. While I gleaned much from Karr as a writer, I didn’t take away as much enjoyment as a reader. Lit is worth reading if you have the time and energy to invest, as Karr’s story is captivating.

Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci
I’m always skeptical of celebrity memoirs (Are they just capitalizing on fame? What if the writing isn’t any good?), but Tucci’s didn’t disappoint. He reflects on the role of good food and memorable meals in his life, starting as a young kid eating his parents’ cooking. He writes about eating in New York, Italy, at his now-home in England, and a few other places in between. I enjoyed the audiobook read by Tucci, and my only complaint is that I think I’ll end up shelling out money for a hard copy if only to get my hands on the recipes that made me salivate as I listened.

Meet Me Tonight in Atlantic City by Jane Wong
Jane Wong’s debut memoir is the beautiful story of an immigrant family, the literary life, and finding hope and strength in being exactly who we are meant to be. Wong is an accomplished poet and plays with form in this non-chronological telling; I loved the surprising ways she invites the reader into her world. I think you’ll find the raw beauty of the prose captivating.

Create Anyway by Ashlee Gadd
Ashlee offers advice that is both inspiring and practical for mothers looking to weave more creativity into their lives each day. She writes from years of experience as a photographer and writer (and through a Christian lens). I appreciated the anecdotes but especially liked the journal prompts and suggested creativity exercises. If you’ve followed Ashlee’s writing for awhile, much of the content won’t be new to you, but the chapters are easy to digest a little at a time and might be just the thing to light a fire in your creative life.

Still by Lauren Winner
Still by Lauren F. Winner is the story of being in the middle: of grief from losing her mother, of a divorce, of life, and of a faith crisis. This is not a theological text or how-to guide for tricky situations. Rather, it’s someone writing from the messy moments of life, sharing her story, and letting the reader know we aren’t alone. Rather than directing the reader where to go, this memoir takes us by the hand and walks with us, perhaps unsure of where we’re headed, but trusting we’ll get there.

*Once I Was Cool by Megan Stielstra
Megan Stielstra’s writing feels so vulnerable and true that I couldn’t help but love it. After reading this collection, I had the pleasure of meeting and learning from Megan on a writing retreat. She shared some of her process for writing “Channel B,” an essay from the book that tells the story of Megan eavesdropping on another new mom via her son’s baby monitor. I love the voice in these pieces, and they cover topics such as postpartum depression, love, marriage, education, and that growing up is freaking hard. When I met Megan in Oak Park, she sat next to me for a few minutes, and she was incredibly warm and kind. When I implored her not to worry if she forgot my name, she pushed back, saying, “No, names matter. It’s not a small thing, and it matters.” So, all that to say that I think Megan is still pretty cool. And so is this book.

The Geography of Memory by Jeanne Murray Walker
Poet Jeanne Murray Walker uses her prowess with metaphor to weave this beautiful story about her mother’s dementia. As her mother slips more and more into the past, Jeanne also revisits the past, and her childhood. I appreciate how JMW captures the complexity of our relationships with family members and the mysteries of memory.

---

Looking for more words about books, motherhood, life as a geriatric millennial, and finding beauty in sacred/ordinary things? Subscribe to my newsletter, Late to the Party. Every couple of months, you’ll receive a short note from me, some personal recommendations, and a journal prompt.