Our Favorite Books Read in 2023: Kristin

Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley - a moving story about a man and his dog Lily who has a mysterious octopus attached to her head.

 

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus - when a 1960s woman scientist is rejected by her male peers, she ends up on a television cooking show using her chemistry education.

 

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt - a lovely story about family, human and octopus alike.

 

Patricia Wants to Cuddle by Samantha Allen - a laugh out loud island-based reality show, complete with a gorilla/bigfoot/creature.

 

With My Little Eye by Joshilyn Jackson - my favorite author with a main character fiercely protecting her family from a stalker.

 

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin - a story of childhood best friends and the changes life throws their way.

 

Pageboy by Elliot Page - a memoir from a young actor and LGBTQ+ activist.

 

High School by Sara Quin and Tegan Quin - the early story of Tegan and Sara, Canadian twins and singer-songwriters, with an accompanying television production available on Freevee.

 

Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan - a story of mothers and their teenagers, love, loss, and finding the strength to continue.

 

Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki - violins, donuts, spaceships, and a deal with a devil, these things make up what is probably my favorite book this year.

 

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone - this tale of time agents who plot their moves for centuries flows beautifully as Red and Blue become more than adversaries.

 

The Road to Roswell by Connie Willis - another laugh out loud tale, this one featuring a bridesmaid who simply wants to save her best friend from herself, but ends up being abducted by a very needy alien.

 

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver - 2023 Pulitzer Prize winner, set in Southwest Virginia, Demon is a young boy who experiences more than his share of losses.

 

Starter Villain by John Scalzi - one day Charlie has less than $100 to his name, the next he is heir to his long lost villain uncle's billions; fortunately he has his own brains and talking cats to help him navigate his new life.