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Okay, I’m late to the recap party. Somehow, I feel like I’m right on time with the books I read in 2023. Last year’s reading journey was nothing short of extraordinary. Join me on a reflective exploration of the characters, plots, and themes that shaped my literary adventures. The books are in no particular order.
I absolutely love zombie stories and this book was excellently crafted, blending a captivating storyline with stunning illustrations. A doctor is documenting their experience during the zombie apocalypse.
Anyone who knows me, knows I love Carl Weber’s books. You can read through my old reviews of his book. The Black Hamptons is no exception. It has the drama but also showcasing Black wealth.
The House of Eve is a beautifully written book that tells the stories of two very different Black women who share common struggles. What I liked best about this story was how deeply the author explored the personal challenges and family dynamics of both main characters. This added more complexity and richness to the overall narrative.
Alternate history is a tricky genre to nail, but Ireland excels at it. In this book, Ireland introduces a world where magic shapes major historical events such as the Great Rust and the African Genocide. The addition of Prohibition adds another layer of intrigue to this well-crafted imagined world.
It boldly delves into the unsettling truth that black women often disappear in our country, with their cases being largely ignored. What sets this book apart is its unique approach to building upon this horrifying reality, presenting it in a manner that is both thought-provoking and unprecedented.
Jennie combines research, personal stories, and Scripture in her book to show why community matters. What’s cool about this book is that it doesn’t just talk about ideas – Jennie gives us real tips and things to do after each chapter. She encourages us to move away from always doing things on our own and instead, embrace the idea of being part of a community, like it says in the Bible.
A mysterious crayon that offers assistance, but raises doubts about its true intentions, all while persistently remaining in your presence. This story achieves the ideal balance of suspense and eerie atmosphere, providing a thrilling experience that’s unsettling yet enjoyable.
Day encourages us to see waiting as a valuable part of life. It starts with learning to wait and imagining the good things that can come from delays. The challenge is trusting that God keeps promises, changing our self-talk with God’s word, and opening our eyes to see where God is working, especially in small, everyday things.
I loved this awesome YA historical fiction set in 1910 Chicago, telling the story of the wealthy Black Davenport family and their four daughters navigating life and love in a changing city. Can’t wait to dive into more of this series, it brilliantly explores race and class in the early 1900s.
The new book in the “Ink & Sigil” series is a great follow-up. Sigil agent Al MacBharrais is on a mission in Australia to find a missing colleague. The familiar characters, like his secretary Gladys and hobgoblin assistant Buck Foi, are back, and some cool new characters join in too. If you’re into this genre, it’s a fun read, and I’m excited for the next book in the series!
Everyone should read and reread this book by Jennie Allen. She brings in science to support her methods for positive thinking, showing us how our thoughts affect the brain and how we can take control. The benefits reach beyond what you might expect—it’s truly enlightening!
This novella is so touching and beautiful. It really makes you feel what getting older is like, exploring the impact on your mind and how it affects both you and your family. The author expresses the emotions of shock, grief, joy, and love across generations in a beautiful way. It’s a story of compassion and family strength that will resonate with many people and remind them of their own family experiences.
I read this book after a patron made a challenge to it in the collection, and it turned out to be a guide for everyone. You don’t have to identify with the LGBT community to find valuable information. However, it loses me in some chapters due to copy editing problems where it switches from LGBT to LGB and contradicts its sex-positive stance by associating specific diseases with promiscuity, which feels judgmental.
Lucille Ball is favorite actor of all time. “I am Lucille Ball” is a fantastic biography about a funny and strong woman who teaches us to chase our dreams, no matter how silly they may seem. Lucille Ball inspires all women to achieve whatever they truly desire, even if it’s not what society expects. This book is great for readers of all ages.
In wrapping up my reading journey for 2023, I’m grateful for the diverse stories that enriched my year. From heartwarming tales of love and resilience to mind-bending adventures in fantastical worlds, each book left its mark. Here’s to the joy of reading and the anticipation of more captivating stories in the coming year!
The Book Review Template is perfect for taking quick notes on how you feel about the characters, theme, plot, or whatever seems important to you. Additionally, there are helpful phrases and descriptors to help write your review.
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