I really loved seeing your expanded list. We have a lot of over lap, which makes me want to read the others, because there is high probability I will enjoy them. We loved the new Kate DiCamillo as a read aloud here
I was sure it would get a Newberry mention. I listened to Helen Rebanks book and it was a delight to hear her read it. I also read it back to back with her husband's book, which made a nice pairing. I wondered if you have seen "The Bullet Swallower" by Elizabeth James. I finished it and it seems like a book along the lines of what you often like. Thanks again for bringing bookish joy to my inbox.
My Father’s House was probably one of my top 5 books last year. The audiobook was really well done and so enjoyable. Each character is narrated by a different actor and they use sound effects to add atmosphere. I usually find that sort of thing so distracting but it somehow works!
I am excited to check this one out. I read the original "Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican" in high school because I grew up loving the Gregory Peck "Scarlet and the Black' movie. Is anyone else familiar with the original book or know how much the new novel deviates from actual events?
Hi Rachel. This novel deviates a lot from the actual events. It’s an adventure/thriller based on the character of Hugh O’Flaherty and the escape line rather than a historical retelling of real events. I think you would notice certain plot points that have been inspired by real life, and a few characters are loosely based on real people but the larger plot of the book and most of the characters are fictional. I hope you can still enjoy it but it would be disappointing if you were expecting something closer to reality!
Wow, where to even start with this list? So many great recommendations, David. Thank you! I loved the sense of place in Crook o'Lune. Can't wait to start Fell Murder soon! Chasing Bright Medusas and The Audacity of Impressionism are high on my list to read. I've put The Eyes and the Impossible and Puppets of Spelhorst on my Middle Grade March TBR. Loved and Missed and The English Experience sound right up my alley (the latter sounds Barbara Pym-like). I'm impatiently tapping my toe for Remaking the World to make its way to me via library hold.
I have been waiting not-so-patiently for the Cather biography to be available to rent from my library! (Living in Nebraska means the hold list was instantly 30 people long.)
I’ve been looking forward to reading Puppets of Spelhorst, glad to see it in your list. Also, My Father’s House- I’ll need to find that one soon, it sounds like a book I’d enjoy!
Your list of favorite books from 2023 offers a treasure trove of literary gems that cater to a wide range of tastes and interests. Your insights into each book, from Fiona McFarlane's "The Sun Walks Down" to Mick Herron's "The Secret Hours," offer compelling reasons to add these titles to my reading list. Overall, it's a fantastic resource for anyone seeking quality reading recommendations.
Explore captivating Contemporary, Romance, Thriller & Suspense, Science Fiction, Horror, and more stories on my Substack for FREE at https://jonahtown.substack.com
I really loved seeing your expanded list. We have a lot of over lap, which makes me want to read the others, because there is high probability I will enjoy them. We loved the new Kate DiCamillo as a read aloud here
I was sure it would get a Newberry mention. I listened to Helen Rebanks book and it was a delight to hear her read it. I also read it back to back with her husband's book, which made a nice pairing. I wondered if you have seen "The Bullet Swallower" by Elizabeth James. I finished it and it seems like a book along the lines of what you often like. Thanks again for bringing bookish joy to my inbox.
What I love most about this list is that I’ve only heard of a handful of them!
My Father’s House was probably one of my top 5 books last year. The audiobook was really well done and so enjoyable. Each character is narrated by a different actor and they use sound effects to add atmosphere. I usually find that sort of thing so distracting but it somehow works!
I am excited to check this one out. I read the original "Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican" in high school because I grew up loving the Gregory Peck "Scarlet and the Black' movie. Is anyone else familiar with the original book or know how much the new novel deviates from actual events?
Hi Rachel. This novel deviates a lot from the actual events. It’s an adventure/thriller based on the character of Hugh O’Flaherty and the escape line rather than a historical retelling of real events. I think you would notice certain plot points that have been inspired by real life, and a few characters are loosely based on real people but the larger plot of the book and most of the characters are fictional. I hope you can still enjoy it but it would be disappointing if you were expecting something closer to reality!
Thanks so much! This helps me to adjust my expectations and know how to recommend it.
Oh good. This was the audiobook I was going to pick next.
Listened to The Sun Walks Down and The Feast, both great recommendations!
Wow, where to even start with this list? So many great recommendations, David. Thank you! I loved the sense of place in Crook o'Lune. Can't wait to start Fell Murder soon! Chasing Bright Medusas and The Audacity of Impressionism are high on my list to read. I've put The Eyes and the Impossible and Puppets of Spelhorst on my Middle Grade March TBR. Loved and Missed and The English Experience sound right up my alley (the latter sounds Barbara Pym-like). I'm impatiently tapping my toe for Remaking the World to make its way to me via library hold.
I have been waiting not-so-patiently for the Cather biography to be available to rent from my library! (Living in Nebraska means the hold list was instantly 30 people long.)
I’ve been looking forward to reading Puppets of Spelhorst, glad to see it in your list. Also, My Father’s House- I’ll need to find that one soon, it sounds like a book I’d enjoy!
Yeah, up your alley!
Your list of favorite books from 2023 offers a treasure trove of literary gems that cater to a wide range of tastes and interests. Your insights into each book, from Fiona McFarlane's "The Sun Walks Down" to Mick Herron's "The Secret Hours," offer compelling reasons to add these titles to my reading list. Overall, it's a fantastic resource for anyone seeking quality reading recommendations.
Explore captivating Contemporary, Romance, Thriller & Suspense, Science Fiction, Horror, and more stories on my Substack for FREE at https://jonahtown.substack.com