1. Teen couple have fun outdoors<\/em> by Aravind Jayan<\/h3>\nHands down, Teen Couple have Fun Outdoors<\/em> is one of the best books published recently by an Indian author. A middle-class family in Kerala, India, goes through an unexpected domestic crisis when an intimate video of their son and his girlfriend gets uploaded on a porn site. I loved every bit of this book, be it the dark humour, slice of life moments, or the brother\u2019s narration as he tries to find love (I thought it was clever to have the brother narrate the story because he isn\u2019t central to the crisis but is affected indirectly). This novel is about the young vs the old, mental illness, societal expectations and judgmental uncles and aunties who meddle in other people\u2019s lives. I\u2019ll be waiting to read what Aravind Jayan writes next. A brilliant read!<\/p>\nBuy<\/strong> on Amazon US<\/a> | Amazon In<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
![\"Teen](\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\")
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2. Shubeik Lubeik<\/em> by Deena Mohamed<\/h3>\nOriginally written in Arabic, Shubeik Lubeik<\/em> is a graphic novel set in Cairo where \u201cmagic and the socio-political realities of contemporary Egypt\u201d merge. I found the world (many bureaucratic rules surrounding wish-selling and buying, classes of wishes, rulebooks) fascinating. This story features a kiosk where wishes are for sale\u2014I loved following the three people who wanted to make their best wish.
\nBuy<\/strong> on Amazon US<\/a> | Amazon In<\/a>
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3. Death of a bookseller<\/em> by Alice Slater<\/h3>\nI often long for an absolutely fun ride of a book and Death of a Bookseller<\/em> was that book of 2023 for me. Set in a struggling bookshopin London, Death of a Bookseller<\/em> follows long-time employee and true crime junkie Roach and her obsession with the newly appointed, bubbly children\u2019s bookseller Laura. It is obsessive, toxic, nasty and simply unputdownable. More of my thoughts on the novel at Edition #47 of Satchel Notes<\/a>.
\nBuy<\/strong> on Amazon US<\/a> | Amazon In<\/a><\/p>\nAlso Read<\/em> <\/strong>: Best novels on scams and obsession<\/a>
\n <\/p>\n4. Hakim\u2019s Odyssey<\/em> by Fabien Toulm\u00e9, translated by Hannah Chute<\/h3>\nI sobbed reading Hakim\u2019s Odyssey<\/em> about a successful Syrian man who had to leave his country and look for a new home. The story feels very intimate since the book begins with the author visiting the protagonist at his home and asking him to narrate his story over a series of interviews. The trials and tribulations of the dispossessed and displaced break your heart. The protagonist falls in love, gets married and starts a family but is constantly looking for a home where his family can be together. What makes this trilogy of graphic novels even more heartbreaking is the fact that this is based on a true story\u2014you can read about how the characters fared in real life. This book should be essential reading in schools.
\nBuy<\/strong> on Amazon US<\/a> | Amazon In<\/a>
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5. Maame<\/em> by Jessica George<\/h3>\nI listened to Maame<\/em> by Jessica George, narrated by Heather Agyepong and immediately thought to myself that I found my favourite book of 2023. Maame<\/em> is the story of twenty something Maddie who is struggling with an ill father, absent mother, unfulfilling career, and no companion or love.\u00a0I found the voice unique and vulnerable whether Maddie, our protagonist, was sharing her first-time sex experience, or a professional update. My longer review of Maame is here<\/a>.
\nBuy on Amazon US<\/a> | Amazon In<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
6. Brotherless Night<\/em> by V. V. Ganeshananthan<\/h3>\nHere\u2019s a book where every scene is written with much deliberation and thought. In V. V. Ganeshananthan\u2019s Brotherless Night<\/em>, we follow Sashi who loses her brothers to political causes. Set amidst the several decades of civil war between the Sinhalese and Tamil people, this novel tells the stories of mothers and sisters, family, relationships, duty towards one\u2019s country vs duty towards one\u2019s family the rebels and war. It isn\u2019t often that unputdownable historical fiction gets published and Brotherless Night<\/em> with its harrowing storyline, bold characters and brilliant writing is one. I highly recommend this novel.<\/p>\nBuy<\/strong> on Amazon US<\/a> | Amazon In<\/a>
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7. Vera Wong\u2019s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers<\/em> by Jesse Q Sutanto<\/h3>\nIt cannot get more fun and cozier than an elderly teashop owner finding a dead body and deciding investigate the murder because she thinks the police aren\u2019t doing a good enough job. She has got a notebook and a brilliant plan of bringing the suspects together over food (with a side of matchmaking). This book was so much fun! If you have a thing for pushy but loving elderly Asians, endless cups of tea, and found family, pick up this cozy crime.<\/p>\n
Buy<\/strong> on Amazon US<\/a> | Amazon In<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
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8. Scorched Grace<\/em> by Margot Douaihy<\/h3>\nHonestly who can resist a chain smoking, heavily tattooed queer nun who turns detective to uncover the mystery of arson in a private school. As I read, I was more interested in the protagonist\u2019s relationship with her mother than actually solving the crime. This book is close to my heart because it kept jumping onto my radar from the different bookshops that I visited. Almost all the stores had a personalized recommendation note from an in-store bookseller recommending this book. I am glad I took the advice. Cheers to fantastic book sellers.
\nBuy<\/strong> on Amazon US<\/a> | Amazon In<\/a><\/p>\nAlso Read<\/em> <\/strong>: Summer Reading List 2023<\/a>
\n <\/p>\n9. Happiness falls<\/em> by Angie Kim<\/h3>\nHappiness Falls<\/em> single handedly got me out of a reading slump with its slow burn mystery and impeccable writing. I simply could not turn away from this happy (?) Korean-American family consisting of a father, mother, twins and an autistic son with a rare genetic disorder called Angelman syndrome. The story begins with the father gone missing after he took an evening walk with his autistic son, and unfolds through memories, speculations, police guesswork, and witness records; slowly, unreliably, jaggedly. Kim tastefully brings together the Covid lockdown, legal drama, strained marriage and linguistics in this marvel of a novel. Happiness Falls<\/em> made me think about happiness, truth and above all, family. More about the book here\u2014We don’t talk about Happiness<\/a>.<\/p>\nBuy<\/strong> on Amazon US<\/a> | Amazon In<\/a>
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10. Wednesday\u2019s child<\/em> by Yiyun Li<\/h3>\nI don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever read anything by Yiyun Li and been disappointed. It is slow, meditative and explores familiar themes of contemporary life\u2014alienation, relationship, grief, aging. I was thoroughly invested in all the different characters Yiyun Li introduces through this collection\u2014a woman who keeps receiving unsolicited emails from an older man, a mother who keeps a spreadsheet of the people she lost, a nanny who tries to work with a depressed mother. The short story collection Wednesday\u2019s Child<\/em> is a treat on a day where nothing other than a good book can save the day, but the catch here is that most of the stories have a quiet, gentle foreboding sadness about them, and yet they manage to make your day better.<\/p>\nBuy<\/strong> on Amazon US<\/a> | Amazon In<\/a>
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11. Fourth wing<\/em> by Rebecca Yarros<\/h3>\nThis enemies-to -lovers fantasy novel, set in an elite military school is absolutely addictive in spite of its formulaic and predictable tropes. Most of all I loved the dragons, and yes, I devoured it quickly enough, buying into the #Booktok hype that took over when this book was published. Fourth Wing<\/em> by Rebecca Yarros is definitely one of the most bingeable books of 2023.<\/p>\nBuy<\/strong> on Amazon US<\/a> | Amazon In<\/a>
\n <\/p>\n12.Family Game<\/em> by Catherine Steadman<\/h3>\nI love a good thriller that makes me gasp and keeps me on the edge of my seat. Family Game<\/em> by Catherine Steadman follows a novelist, Harriet Reed, newly engaged to the son of the powerful Holbeck family. At a family dinner, her father-in-law hands her a secret tape that is supposed to be the plot of a new book he is writing. But Reed is suspicious it is a murder confession, and she has secrets of her own to hide.
\nBuy<\/strong> on Amazon US<\/a> | Amazon In<\/a><\/p>\nAlso Read<\/em><\/strong> : 70+ Asian books to read in 2023<\/a>
\n <\/p>\nHonorable mentions for best books of 2023<\/h2>\n
I loved the trippy world of Rouge<\/em> by Mona Awad, but I admit it might not be everyone\u2019s cup of tea. I was deeply invested in the millennial marriage showing cracks in Soft Animal<\/em> by Meenakshi Reddy Madhavan. For a cozy day\u2019s read that makes you miss warm food, read The Kamogawa Food Detectives<\/em> by Hisashi Kashiwai, translated by Jesse Kirkwood is perfect.<\/p>\nI also enjoyed some older books like The Death of Mrs Westaway<\/em> by Ruth Ware, which was atmospheric narration at its best, We were Sisters<\/em> by Dorothy Whipple about three sisters and their marriages, and The Cruel Prince series<\/em> by Holly Black which was absolutely bingeable (be warned of romanticized abuse).The YA thriller mystery, Firekeeper’s Daughter<\/em> by Angeline Boulley set in an indigenous community was perhaps one of the most enlightening reads of the year for me.<\/p>\nIf you liked this post on Best Books of 2023, PIN IT<\/strong><\/strong>
\n<\/p>\nI hope you had a great reading year in 2023. Which of the above books are you most excited about?<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n12 best books of 2023\u2014murder confessions on tape, obsessive friendships, tea shop shenanigans and more <\/a><\/span>Click To Tweet<\/a><\/span>\nSubscribe<\/h2>\n
Satchel Notes<\/em>, a monthly newsletter about books, curated culture pieces on the internet, creativity and other awesome sauce could be in your inbox. Subscribe!
\n
Buy<\/strong> on Amazon US<\/a> | Amazon In<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Originally written in Arabic, Shubeik Lubeik<\/em> is a graphic novel set in Cairo where \u201cmagic and the socio-political realities of contemporary Egypt\u201d merge. I found the world (many bureaucratic rules surrounding wish-selling and buying, classes of wishes, rulebooks) fascinating. This story features a kiosk where wishes are for sale\u2014I loved following the three people who wanted to make their best wish. <\/p>\n I often long for an absolutely fun ride of a book and Death of a Bookseller<\/em> was that book of 2023 for me. Set in a struggling bookshopin London, Death of a Bookseller<\/em> follows long-time employee and true crime junkie Roach and her obsession with the newly appointed, bubbly children\u2019s bookseller Laura. It is obsessive, toxic, nasty and simply unputdownable. More of my thoughts on the novel at Edition #47 of Satchel Notes<\/a>. Also Read<\/em> <\/strong>: Best novels on scams and obsession<\/a> I sobbed reading Hakim\u2019s Odyssey<\/em> about a successful Syrian man who had to leave his country and look for a new home. The story feels very intimate since the book begins with the author visiting the protagonist at his home and asking him to narrate his story over a series of interviews. The trials and tribulations of the dispossessed and displaced break your heart. The protagonist falls in love, gets married and starts a family but is constantly looking for a home where his family can be together. What makes this trilogy of graphic novels even more heartbreaking is the fact that this is based on a true story\u2014you can read about how the characters fared in real life. This book should be essential reading in schools. I listened to Maame<\/em> by Jessica George, narrated by Heather Agyepong and immediately thought to myself that I found my favourite book of 2023. Maame<\/em> is the story of twenty something Maddie who is struggling with an ill father, absent mother, unfulfilling career, and no companion or love.\u00a0I found the voice unique and vulnerable whether Maddie, our protagonist, was sharing her first-time sex experience, or a professional update. My longer review of Maame is here<\/a>. <\/p>\n Here\u2019s a book where every scene is written with much deliberation and thought. In V. V. Ganeshananthan\u2019s Brotherless Night<\/em>, we follow Sashi who loses her brothers to political causes. Set amidst the several decades of civil war between the Sinhalese and Tamil people, this novel tells the stories of mothers and sisters, family, relationships, duty towards one\u2019s country vs duty towards one\u2019s family the rebels and war. It isn\u2019t often that unputdownable historical fiction gets published and Brotherless Night<\/em> with its harrowing storyline, bold characters and brilliant writing is one. I highly recommend this novel.<\/p>\n Buy<\/strong> on Amazon US<\/a> | Amazon In<\/a> It cannot get more fun and cozier than an elderly teashop owner finding a dead body and deciding investigate the murder because she thinks the police aren\u2019t doing a good enough job. She has got a notebook and a brilliant plan of bringing the suspects together over food (with a side of matchmaking). This book was so much fun! If you have a thing for pushy but loving elderly Asians, endless cups of tea, and found family, pick up this cozy crime.<\/p>\n Buy<\/strong> on Amazon US<\/a> | Amazon In<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Honestly who can resist a chain smoking, heavily tattooed queer nun who turns detective to uncover the mystery of arson in a private school. As I read, I was more interested in the protagonist\u2019s relationship with her mother than actually solving the crime. This book is close to my heart because it kept jumping onto my radar from the different bookshops that I visited. Almost all the stores had a personalized recommendation note from an in-store bookseller recommending this book. I am glad I took the advice. Cheers to fantastic book sellers. Also Read<\/em> <\/strong>: Summer Reading List 2023<\/a> Happiness Falls<\/em> single handedly got me out of a reading slump with its slow burn mystery and impeccable writing. I simply could not turn away from this happy (?) Korean-American family consisting of a father, mother, twins and an autistic son with a rare genetic disorder called Angelman syndrome. The story begins with the father gone missing after he took an evening walk with his autistic son, and unfolds through memories, speculations, police guesswork, and witness records; slowly, unreliably, jaggedly. Kim tastefully brings together the Covid lockdown, legal drama, strained marriage and linguistics in this marvel of a novel. Happiness Falls<\/em> made me think about happiness, truth and above all, family. More about the book here\u2014We don’t talk about Happiness<\/a>.<\/p>\n Buy<\/strong> on Amazon US<\/a> | Amazon In<\/a> I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever read anything by Yiyun Li and been disappointed. It is slow, meditative and explores familiar themes of contemporary life\u2014alienation, relationship, grief, aging. I was thoroughly invested in all the different characters Yiyun Li introduces through this collection\u2014a woman who keeps receiving unsolicited emails from an older man, a mother who keeps a spreadsheet of the people she lost, a nanny who tries to work with a depressed mother. The short story collection Wednesday\u2019s Child<\/em> is a treat on a day where nothing other than a good book can save the day, but the catch here is that most of the stories have a quiet, gentle foreboding sadness about them, and yet they manage to make your day better.<\/p>\n Buy<\/strong> on Amazon US<\/a> | Amazon In<\/a> This enemies-to -lovers fantasy novel, set in an elite military school is absolutely addictive in spite of its formulaic and predictable tropes. Most of all I loved the dragons, and yes, I devoured it quickly enough, buying into the #Booktok hype that took over when this book was published. Fourth Wing<\/em> by Rebecca Yarros is definitely one of the most bingeable books of 2023.<\/p>\n Buy<\/strong> on Amazon US<\/a> | Amazon In<\/a> I love a good thriller that makes me gasp and keeps me on the edge of my seat. Family Game<\/em> by Catherine Steadman follows a novelist, Harriet Reed, newly engaged to the son of the powerful Holbeck family. At a family dinner, her father-in-law hands her a secret tape that is supposed to be the plot of a new book he is writing. But Reed is suspicious it is a murder confession, and she has secrets of her own to hide. Also Read<\/em><\/strong> : 70+ Asian books to read in 2023<\/a> I loved the trippy world of Rouge<\/em> by Mona Awad, but I admit it might not be everyone\u2019s cup of tea. I was deeply invested in the millennial marriage showing cracks in Soft Animal<\/em> by Meenakshi Reddy Madhavan. For a cozy day\u2019s read that makes you miss warm food, read The Kamogawa Food Detectives<\/em> by Hisashi Kashiwai, translated by Jesse Kirkwood is perfect.<\/p>\n I also enjoyed some older books like The Death of Mrs Westaway<\/em> by Ruth Ware, which was atmospheric narration at its best, We were Sisters<\/em> by Dorothy Whipple about three sisters and their marriages, and The Cruel Prince series<\/em> by Holly Black which was absolutely bingeable (be warned of romanticized abuse).The YA thriller mystery, Firekeeper’s Daughter<\/em> by Angeline Boulley set in an indigenous community was perhaps one of the most enlightening reads of the year for me.<\/p>\n If you liked this post on Best Books of 2023, PIN IT<\/strong><\/strong> I hope you had a great reading year in 2023. Which of the above books are you most excited about?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n12 best books of 2023\u2014murder confessions on tape, obsessive friendships, tea shop shenanigans and more <\/a><\/span>Click To Tweet<\/a><\/span>\n Satchel Notes<\/em>, a monthly newsletter about books, curated culture pieces on the internet, creativity and other awesome sauce could be in your inbox. Subscribe!![\"Teen](\"https:\/\/www.thebooksatchel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/teen-couple-have-fun-outdoors-aravind-jayan-820x1024.jpg\")
\n <\/p>\n2. Shubeik Lubeik<\/em> by Deena Mohamed<\/h3>\n
\nBuy<\/strong> on Amazon US<\/a> | Amazon In<\/a>
\n <\/p>\n![\"Shubeik](\"https:\/\/www.thebooksatchel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/shubeik-lubeik_deena-mohamed-819x1024.jpg\")
<\/p>\n3. Death of a bookseller<\/em> by Alice Slater<\/h3>\n
\nBuy<\/strong> on Amazon US<\/a> | Amazon In<\/a><\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n4. Hakim\u2019s Odyssey<\/em> by Fabien Toulm\u00e9, translated by Hannah Chute<\/h3>\n
\nBuy<\/strong> on Amazon US<\/a> | Amazon In<\/a>
\n <\/p>\n![\"Hakims](\"https:\/\/www.thebooksatchel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/hakims-odyssey-819x1024.jpg\")
\n <\/p>\n5. Maame<\/em> by Jessica George<\/h3>\n
\nBuy on Amazon US<\/a> | Amazon In<\/a><\/p>\n6. Brotherless Night<\/em> by V. V. Ganeshananthan<\/h3>\n
\n <\/p>\n![\"Brotherless](\"https:\/\/www.thebooksatchel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/brotherless-night_vv-ganeshananthan-819x1024.jpg\")
\n <\/p>\n7. Vera Wong\u2019s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers<\/em> by Jesse Q Sutanto<\/h3>\n
![\"Best](\"https:\/\/www.thebooksatchel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/vera-wongs-unsolicited-advice-for-murderes-819x1024.jpg\")
\n <\/p>\n8. Scorched Grace<\/em> by Margot Douaihy<\/h3>\n
\nBuy<\/strong> on Amazon US<\/a> | Amazon In<\/a><\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n9. Happiness falls<\/em> by Angie Kim<\/h3>\n
\n <\/p>\n![\"Happiness](\"https:\/\/www.thebooksatchel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/happiness-falls_angie-kim-819x1024.jpg\")
\n <\/p>\n10. Wednesday\u2019s child<\/em> by Yiyun Li<\/h3>\n
\n <\/p>\n![\"Wednesday's](\"https:\/\/www.thebooksatchel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/wednedays-child_yiyun-li-819x1024.jpg\")
\n <\/p>\n11. Fourth wing<\/em> by Rebecca Yarros<\/h3>\n
\n <\/p>\n12.Family Game<\/em> by Catherine Steadman<\/h3>\n
\nBuy<\/strong> on Amazon US<\/a> | Amazon In<\/a><\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\nHonorable mentions for best books of 2023<\/h2>\n
\n![\"best](\"https:\/\/www.thebooksatchel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/best-books-2023-819x1024.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSubscribe<\/h2>\n
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