Everyone I know who read Still Born absolutely loved it! It seems to be so universally enjoyed. And yes Black Butterflies was such a wonderful book, I think you’d really enjoy it! Lmao I’m glad I made you laugh - the Margaret Thatcher vibes were ✨terrible✨
Excellent taste- Lilith’s Brood, Homegoing and Chain-Gang All-Stars are amazing. You might want to check out Parable of the Sower if you haven’t already.
I’m really excited to read some of these! My list gets longer whenever I read your posts.
3 absolute show stoppers. I have read Parable of the Sower! I haven’t actually read its follow up Parable of the Talents. Have you? I definitely enjoyed it but I loved Lilith’s Brood just that little bit more.
I read Kindred this summer and whilst I definitely enjoyed it, I actually kind of expected a lot more from and so ended up feeling a little disappointed? I just felt there was so much world building missing? Still a genius concept. I think Lilith’s Brood set my standards too high because I loved it so much.
Let me know which ones you choose to read! My list gets longer whenever I read your posts too. Happy to be drowning in wonderful book recommendations from each other with you! 💖
I want to read Pyre, Black Butterflies, Wandering Souls and A Little Luck!
And yeah, I’ve read both. Parable of the Sower is my favourite Butler book and then Lilith’s Brood is a close second. Parable of the Talents is good, but darker than the first. I also tried to read Kindred but ultimately DNFed it... Fledgling is on my shelf now and I’ll read it at some point in the next few months!
Excellent choices! I think you’d love all four of those. Look forward to you reading them!
I really enjoyed the first half of Parable of the Sower but felt less pulled in by the second funnily enough. I’m not sure why? Interesting talents is significantly darker - that has shocked me because Sower was very dark at times. How the hell does it get darker!?! That makes me want to read it just to see how it unfolds.
Yeh Kindred just wasn’t as good I’m not surprised you DNF it. It felt underdone in lots of ways. Felt shocked it was such a short book (250 pages) I feel like it could’ve been fleshed out a lot and improved in many ways as the concept is totally there. I’ve not read Fledgling yet either! Will try make it happen this year if you’re going to get round to it soon too!!
I also think you would enjoy Valerie Perrin (translated from French)--I've only read Fresh Water for Flowers, but I've heard her other stuff is good too!
Also Three Summers by Margarita Liberaki (translated from Greek)!
Emotional, reflective, dark and sad are slay vibes! All about those delightfully depressive books. Yess you do! Young Mungo is so so damn good.
And thank you for those recs! I’ve never heard of Valerie Perrin so thank you! I’ve wanted to read Three Summers since you read it a while ago! I feel like I should save it for the summer? Or would you disagree? It feels like it’s a book that should be read in the haze of the summer.
I feel so honored that my words made it into your top 15!!! Also really loving the map - such a good idea to have that easily accessible. I love the Japan list being the biggest 😊
Land of Snow and Ashes is already in my cart and again you've convinced me about Butler. I think that is all I can add to the TBR at this point but you make them all sound so good.
I have avoided Chain Gang All-Stars from the start because I have a hard time handling prison related stories. I refuse to watch Orange is the New Black, and Just Mercy almost killed me. But it has only gotten rave reviews. Maybe someday I will come up with the courage!
They are great words Natalie! Thank you for the map idea love - I appreciate it! The Japan list is by far the longest, it’s just going to keep growing!
I LOVE that Land of Snow and Ashes is in the cart. I definitely think you should give Butler a go - all her work is good but the Lilith’s trilogy is by far the best, so if you go straight for that I whole heartedly support it.
So valid about prison related stories - there’s a lot of pain wrapped up in them. If it means anything, Chain Gang is very different to typical prison related stories because it’s a prison in a world we don’t even know (so very removed from our reality). But it still at the end of the day is a prison story and definitely touches on a lot of devastating and painful things like incarceration abuse. The multiple POVS in the story definitely diversify it too - it’s not solely incarcerated POVs. But the book will be there whenever you feel like you have the courage to read it!
Sorry for making every book sound so irresistible! A cross I am willing to bear.
I’ve never watched Just Mercy! I love a devastating show so.... thanks for sharing it haha. I’m looking for something to watch right now! Perfect timing 😉
I started Chain Gang All Stars a couple days ago and despite only being 25% into the novel I can already sense that it’s about to be one of the top scorers of the year for me!
Oh wow I envy you reading it for the first time! What a treasure you have to come. Can’t wait to hear what you thought about it!! Come back and give me a review! ❣️
Go back and get it!!! I endorse this curiosity, I think you’d really enjoy it! It is lyrical but also very balanced portrait of an area which has a lot going on. I think it contrasts the ‘good’ and the ‘bad’ of Veracruz very seamlessly (from as far as I can tell as I have not been lol)
I am instantly drawn to emotionally devastating books too but last year I read one after the other. Now I am in a huge reading slump that can’t be healed with whatever I pick up 😭. I love Martha’s Map! I can see everything all at once!
Haha oh Jam I hear you! When you love emotionally devastating books you definitely need to break it up now and then so you don’t get too depressed by them. Have you tried a memoir or a non fic to help the slump? I always find when I’m in a reading slump I find it easier to get back into reading when I’m not having to follow a world building story and instead something that’s more connected to the real world? Also Blacktop Wasteland would really be a good getting out of a slump book imo. It’s fast paced enough that it’s hard to put down once you’re into it!
And thank you for the map love!!!! I appreciate it 💖 exactly! Being able to see everything at once was exactly what I wanted xx
Yes, I tried reading thrillers and memoirs through audiobooks but they don’t take me back to my emotionally draining books. They’re like a bridge made to guide me from point A to B but every time I take the last step of the bridge and into the first step of Point B, it doesn’t let me. like my foot it stuck there. haha idk if i make sense but that’s how I feel. I will find some copy Blacktop Wasteland and let you know if it cures me.
What a list! Of these, I have only read Blacktop Wasteland and totally agree with your assessment. I was very interested in your take on the Butler trilogy. I've read three of her books, all from different series or stand alone. I wanted to read more and now I think I will start here. I am saving this entire newsletter for my TBR list.
I’m glad to hear you agree with my Blacktop assessment Betsy! I have All The Sinners Bleed to read by Cosby next, I’m excited and nervous because I have such high expectations for his writing now. Which Butler’s have you read? The Lilith’s Brood trilogy is by far (I think) her best work. It is incredibly engrossing and well done, which is hard with scifi sometimes I think, especially a trilogy. It gets better with each book. I am excited for you to read it, I look forward to hearing what you think!
And thank you!! I’m pleased to have given you some TBR list books!
I read Cosby's Razorblade Tears first, actually and loved that book. I liked it better than BW but both are terrific. I don't think you need to worry about reading his latest -- your expectations will be met. I haven't read it yet myself but look forward to it.
As for Octavia Butler books, I've read Wild Seed, Parable of the Sower, and Kindred. I think you are right about reading the series/triologies as a whole. I remember doing that years ago with the Foundation series, and the Dune series. I am going to follow your suggestion and read the Lilith's Brood trilogy.
I loved Razorblade Tears too! He is such a magnificent writer. You’re right - I am very sure my expectations will be met. I am very excited. Just sad it’ll be the end of me working through his oeuvre (for now) I look forward to you reading it too!
I’ve read Parable of the Sower and Kindred! I preferred Parable but haven’t ever read the following book of Talents. I thought Kindred had a great concept but had a lot of opportunity to be a bit better (in depth and story). It’s always a real pleasure to get stuck into a series/trilogy.
I adore how you synthesize all of your favorite reads. You write about them so beautifully! And I want to read every single one that I haven't read yet. Thank you for this!
I have only read Homegoing! Which means I have so many books on my TBR now. Obviously Demon Copperhead has been buzzy lately, but what I appreciate so much is your highlight of backlist titles, like Young Mungo for example. I read Shuggie Bain last year and I loved it. This was a nice reminder to read Young Mungo! And Stillborn sounds great too. All of them do, really!
Haha I apologise for expanding your TBR so much. Yes Demon Cooperhead has been so buzzy! For total good reason though. I usually avoid the books with the most buzz as buzz doesn’t necessarily translate to good - but Demon Cooperhead is a total exception! Oh yes if you’ve read and enjoyed Shuggie Bain you’ll love Young Mungo! I thought YM was better than SB actually. Happy to have reminded you to get round to it. Still Born is fantastic.
I love that three of your top books of the year are Octavia butler 😆🔥 I have some copies of these I’ve been waiting for the right moment to start, I hope I get to finally this year! Loved this yearly reading breakdown Martha!
We love Octavia !!! Our queen 👑❤️🔥 I hope I’m able to read some of her less well known books this year. I want to savour her oeuvre though. I hope you finally get to this year too! They’ll be happy to have you.
Also, I’m obsessed with Martha’s Map, can’t wait. I love translated fiction so much and still have barely made a dent 🔥❣️ my fav translated book of 2022 though was Dogs of Summer and would totally recommend adding to the list!! Which was first published in Spain, however the author is from Tenerife which is an island colony on the coast of Africa (cuz colonizers), so there is not only a readable dialect in the translation but also in addition the dialect of tween internet slang. It’s really incredible translating work!! 😭🙌
Thank you for all the love on the map idea 🥺❤️🫶 I appreciate it! Oh yes will definitely be adding Dogs of Summer to the list!! The layers of translation and dialect in that book sound fascinating! The phrase of tween internet slang is funny. An essential language in its own right 🫡 I have been to Tenerife! But thank you for that rec I’ve been meaning to read more Spanish translation from Spain as opposed to Latin America which I read Spanish translation from constantly! By far my favourite.
The Peanut butter brought us together! I’m so glad you’ve found some books you want to read - I’m pumped for you too!! Let me know when you read any & what you thought! I’d love to know xxx
I'm 33, about to be married, and have always thought that kids weren't for me. Suddenly, I have a huge shift and have been trying to find books centered around the choice (and non-choice) of motherhood. Found two on your list that I really want to read soon. Thank you!
I'm so glad you found some books you want to read soon!! If I come across / think of any more books centred around choice & non-choice of motherhood I'll pass them along to you. I hope you enjoy them xx
Yaay you already know how excited I am for 'Martha's Map'! I'm impatiently waiting for some sweet translated recs to marvel over (and probably plan new trips to visit the destinations lol). In love with the 'to read if' vibe check too. So many of these sound like books I would add directly to my stack of 'to read books'. This is pretty much the case with EVERYTHING you recommend but I especially appreciated how aligned our reading tastes are in this list.
Still haven't read Homegoing (??!!) but hope 2024 will be the year. Also, 'This Is Not Miami' sounds perfect. I visited Veracruz early in 2022 and it became my favourite state in Mexico. I learned a little of its violent history from Veracruzanos while I was there but since I adore literary non-fiction so much I think this will be perfect. Thank you as usual!!!
Thanks for the Map love!!! Planning trips based on book recs is dreamy and I completely endorse you doing that. I thought the ‘to read if’ vibe check was so fun too! Maybe I should bring it in to every post I do? Lmao I LOVE to hear how aligned our reading tastes are 🫶 you’re in for such a treat with homecoming - it’s just so so good. I envy you reading it for the first time! I’m so intrigued you’ve visited Veracruz - you’ll definitely enjoy seeing how it’s portrayed and discussed in This Is Not Miami! Get back to me asap once you’ve read them both so we can discuss xxx
LOVED still born, and am adding the Sarajevo ‘Black Butterflies’ to my list thank you ❤️
also, LOL’ing at ✨margaret thatcher vibes✨
Everyone I know who read Still Born absolutely loved it! It seems to be so universally enjoyed. And yes Black Butterflies was such a wonderful book, I think you’d really enjoy it! Lmao I’m glad I made you laugh - the Margaret Thatcher vibes were ✨terrible✨
Excellent taste- Lilith’s Brood, Homegoing and Chain-Gang All-Stars are amazing. You might want to check out Parable of the Sower if you haven’t already.
I’m really excited to read some of these! My list gets longer whenever I read your posts.
3 absolute show stoppers. I have read Parable of the Sower! I haven’t actually read its follow up Parable of the Talents. Have you? I definitely enjoyed it but I loved Lilith’s Brood just that little bit more.
I read Kindred this summer and whilst I definitely enjoyed it, I actually kind of expected a lot more from and so ended up feeling a little disappointed? I just felt there was so much world building missing? Still a genius concept. I think Lilith’s Brood set my standards too high because I loved it so much.
Let me know which ones you choose to read! My list gets longer whenever I read your posts too. Happy to be drowning in wonderful book recommendations from each other with you! 💖
I want to read Pyre, Black Butterflies, Wandering Souls and A Little Luck!
And yeah, I’ve read both. Parable of the Sower is my favourite Butler book and then Lilith’s Brood is a close second. Parable of the Talents is good, but darker than the first. I also tried to read Kindred but ultimately DNFed it... Fledgling is on my shelf now and I’ll read it at some point in the next few months!
Excellent choices! I think you’d love all four of those. Look forward to you reading them!
I really enjoyed the first half of Parable of the Sower but felt less pulled in by the second funnily enough. I’m not sure why? Interesting talents is significantly darker - that has shocked me because Sower was very dark at times. How the hell does it get darker!?! That makes me want to read it just to see how it unfolds.
Yeh Kindred just wasn’t as good I’m not surprised you DNF it. It felt underdone in lots of ways. Felt shocked it was such a short book (250 pages) I feel like it could’ve been fleshed out a lot and improved in many ways as the concept is totally there. I’ve not read Fledgling yet either! Will try make it happen this year if you’re going to get round to it soon too!!
My list gets longer, too! Great suggestion re: Parable of the Sower!
Emotional, reflective, dark, and sad is realllly good. I neeeeed to read Young Mongo. And Demon Copperhead. Delightful, delightful!
I also think you would enjoy Valerie Perrin (translated from French)--I've only read Fresh Water for Flowers, but I've heard her other stuff is good too!
Also Three Summers by Margarita Liberaki (translated from Greek)!
Emotional, reflective, dark and sad are slay vibes! All about those delightfully depressive books. Yess you do! Young Mungo is so so damn good.
And thank you for those recs! I’ve never heard of Valerie Perrin so thank you! I’ve wanted to read Three Summers since you read it a while ago! I feel like I should save it for the summer? Or would you disagree? It feels like it’s a book that should be read in the haze of the summer.
Yes--save for summer for sure!
Duly noted. I’ll get round to when the sun starts to shine.
I feel so honored that my words made it into your top 15!!! Also really loving the map - such a good idea to have that easily accessible. I love the Japan list being the biggest 😊
Land of Snow and Ashes is already in my cart and again you've convinced me about Butler. I think that is all I can add to the TBR at this point but you make them all sound so good.
I have avoided Chain Gang All-Stars from the start because I have a hard time handling prison related stories. I refuse to watch Orange is the New Black, and Just Mercy almost killed me. But it has only gotten rave reviews. Maybe someday I will come up with the courage!
They are great words Natalie! Thank you for the map idea love - I appreciate it! The Japan list is by far the longest, it’s just going to keep growing!
I LOVE that Land of Snow and Ashes is in the cart. I definitely think you should give Butler a go - all her work is good but the Lilith’s trilogy is by far the best, so if you go straight for that I whole heartedly support it.
So valid about prison related stories - there’s a lot of pain wrapped up in them. If it means anything, Chain Gang is very different to typical prison related stories because it’s a prison in a world we don’t even know (so very removed from our reality). But it still at the end of the day is a prison story and definitely touches on a lot of devastating and painful things like incarceration abuse. The multiple POVS in the story definitely diversify it too - it’s not solely incarcerated POVs. But the book will be there whenever you feel like you have the courage to read it!
Sorry for making every book sound so irresistible! A cross I am willing to bear.
I’ve never watched Just Mercy! I love a devastating show so.... thanks for sharing it haha. I’m looking for something to watch right now! Perfect timing 😉
A well curated list. Thanks for all the insights
Thank you Peter! I hope there’s a book that piqued your interest.
I started Chain Gang All Stars a couple days ago and despite only being 25% into the novel I can already sense that it’s about to be one of the top scorers of the year for me!
Thank you for the amazing list!
Oh wow I envy you reading it for the first time! What a treasure you have to come. Can’t wait to hear what you thought about it!! Come back and give me a review! ❣️
I had been so curious about This Not Miami after seeing it at the bookstore two weekends ago. I might have to go back go it 🤔// Great list wow wow wow
Go back and get it!!! I endorse this curiosity, I think you’d really enjoy it! It is lyrical but also very balanced portrait of an area which has a lot going on. I think it contrasts the ‘good’ and the ‘bad’ of Veracruz very seamlessly (from as far as I can tell as I have not been lol)
Thank you for the list love ❤️❤️❤️
I am instantly drawn to emotionally devastating books too but last year I read one after the other. Now I am in a huge reading slump that can’t be healed with whatever I pick up 😭. I love Martha’s Map! I can see everything all at once!
Haha oh Jam I hear you! When you love emotionally devastating books you definitely need to break it up now and then so you don’t get too depressed by them. Have you tried a memoir or a non fic to help the slump? I always find when I’m in a reading slump I find it easier to get back into reading when I’m not having to follow a world building story and instead something that’s more connected to the real world? Also Blacktop Wasteland would really be a good getting out of a slump book imo. It’s fast paced enough that it’s hard to put down once you’re into it!
And thank you for the map love!!!! I appreciate it 💖 exactly! Being able to see everything at once was exactly what I wanted xx
Yes, I tried reading thrillers and memoirs through audiobooks but they don’t take me back to my emotionally draining books. They’re like a bridge made to guide me from point A to B but every time I take the last step of the bridge and into the first step of Point B, it doesn’t let me. like my foot it stuck there. haha idk if i make sense but that’s how I feel. I will find some copy Blacktop Wasteland and let you know if it cures me.
What a list! Of these, I have only read Blacktop Wasteland and totally agree with your assessment. I was very interested in your take on the Butler trilogy. I've read three of her books, all from different series or stand alone. I wanted to read more and now I think I will start here. I am saving this entire newsletter for my TBR list.
I’m glad to hear you agree with my Blacktop assessment Betsy! I have All The Sinners Bleed to read by Cosby next, I’m excited and nervous because I have such high expectations for his writing now. Which Butler’s have you read? The Lilith’s Brood trilogy is by far (I think) her best work. It is incredibly engrossing and well done, which is hard with scifi sometimes I think, especially a trilogy. It gets better with each book. I am excited for you to read it, I look forward to hearing what you think!
And thank you!! I’m pleased to have given you some TBR list books!
I read Cosby's Razorblade Tears first, actually and loved that book. I liked it better than BW but both are terrific. I don't think you need to worry about reading his latest -- your expectations will be met. I haven't read it yet myself but look forward to it.
As for Octavia Butler books, I've read Wild Seed, Parable of the Sower, and Kindred. I think you are right about reading the series/triologies as a whole. I remember doing that years ago with the Foundation series, and the Dune series. I am going to follow your suggestion and read the Lilith's Brood trilogy.
I loved Razorblade Tears too! He is such a magnificent writer. You’re right - I am very sure my expectations will be met. I am very excited. Just sad it’ll be the end of me working through his oeuvre (for now) I look forward to you reading it too!
I’ve read Parable of the Sower and Kindred! I preferred Parable but haven’t ever read the following book of Talents. I thought Kindred had a great concept but had a lot of opportunity to be a bit better (in depth and story). It’s always a real pleasure to get stuck into a series/trilogy.
I adore how you synthesize all of your favorite reads. You write about them so beautifully! And I want to read every single one that I haven't read yet. Thank you for this!
Thank you so much Kolina, that is so kind! Which ones have you read? I’d love to know what you thought of some of them!
I have only read Homegoing! Which means I have so many books on my TBR now. Obviously Demon Copperhead has been buzzy lately, but what I appreciate so much is your highlight of backlist titles, like Young Mungo for example. I read Shuggie Bain last year and I loved it. This was a nice reminder to read Young Mungo! And Stillborn sounds great too. All of them do, really!
Haha I apologise for expanding your TBR so much. Yes Demon Cooperhead has been so buzzy! For total good reason though. I usually avoid the books with the most buzz as buzz doesn’t necessarily translate to good - but Demon Cooperhead is a total exception! Oh yes if you’ve read and enjoyed Shuggie Bain you’ll love Young Mungo! I thought YM was better than SB actually. Happy to have reminded you to get round to it. Still Born is fantastic.
I've heard that about Demon. People go nuts for it. I guess there's a reason she won the Pulitzer!
Thanks so much Martha! <3
I love that three of your top books of the year are Octavia butler 😆🔥 I have some copies of these I’ve been waiting for the right moment to start, I hope I get to finally this year! Loved this yearly reading breakdown Martha!
We love Octavia !!! Our queen 👑❤️🔥 I hope I’m able to read some of her less well known books this year. I want to savour her oeuvre though. I hope you finally get to this year too! They’ll be happy to have you.
Also, I’m obsessed with Martha’s Map, can’t wait. I love translated fiction so much and still have barely made a dent 🔥❣️ my fav translated book of 2022 though was Dogs of Summer and would totally recommend adding to the list!! Which was first published in Spain, however the author is from Tenerife which is an island colony on the coast of Africa (cuz colonizers), so there is not only a readable dialect in the translation but also in addition the dialect of tween internet slang. It’s really incredible translating work!! 😭🙌
Thank you for all the love on the map idea 🥺❤️🫶 I appreciate it! Oh yes will definitely be adding Dogs of Summer to the list!! The layers of translation and dialect in that book sound fascinating! The phrase of tween internet slang is funny. An essential language in its own right 🫡 I have been to Tenerife! But thank you for that rec I’ve been meaning to read more Spanish translation from Spain as opposed to Latin America which I read Spanish translation from constantly! By far my favourite.
You have such immaculate taste, I need to just read every single thing you recommend
🥹 thank you Steph ❣️thrilled to be ladening you with a never ending list of books to read x
wow I am so grateful you helped me find a way to your newsletter, so pumped to give these a read. thank you for this thoughtful write up <3
The Peanut butter brought us together! I’m so glad you’ve found some books you want to read - I’m pumped for you too!! Let me know when you read any & what you thought! I’d love to know xxx
I'm 33, about to be married, and have always thought that kids weren't for me. Suddenly, I have a huge shift and have been trying to find books centered around the choice (and non-choice) of motherhood. Found two on your list that I really want to read soon. Thank you!
I'm so glad you found some books you want to read soon!! If I come across / think of any more books centred around choice & non-choice of motherhood I'll pass them along to you. I hope you enjoy them xx
Yaay you already know how excited I am for 'Martha's Map'! I'm impatiently waiting for some sweet translated recs to marvel over (and probably plan new trips to visit the destinations lol). In love with the 'to read if' vibe check too. So many of these sound like books I would add directly to my stack of 'to read books'. This is pretty much the case with EVERYTHING you recommend but I especially appreciated how aligned our reading tastes are in this list.
Still haven't read Homegoing (??!!) but hope 2024 will be the year. Also, 'This Is Not Miami' sounds perfect. I visited Veracruz early in 2022 and it became my favourite state in Mexico. I learned a little of its violent history from Veracruzanos while I was there but since I adore literary non-fiction so much I think this will be perfect. Thank you as usual!!!
Thanks for the Map love!!! Planning trips based on book recs is dreamy and I completely endorse you doing that. I thought the ‘to read if’ vibe check was so fun too! Maybe I should bring it in to every post I do? Lmao I LOVE to hear how aligned our reading tastes are 🫶 you’re in for such a treat with homecoming - it’s just so so good. I envy you reading it for the first time! I’m so intrigued you’ve visited Veracruz - you’ll definitely enjoy seeing how it’s portrayed and discussed in This Is Not Miami! Get back to me asap once you’ve read them both so we can discuss xxx
Yess I will!!! xx