Hold the Front Page, She's Written About Books Again!
Read all about it: noncommittal woman makes a comeback instead of giving up and moving on to the next thing!
Hi! Hey! Hello! It’s me. I know, I’m as surprised as you are that this has landed in your inbox. It reeks of January resolutions, but there’s none of that shameful self improvement here - this is something that brings me joy and so it’s important to me that I make a consistent effort to do the things I like. Hmmmm, ok maybe that is a bit ‘new year, new me’ actually…
It’s been a while though, so if you’re still subscribed I am both impressed by your belief in me and grateful for your support.
Anyhorse, what’s fresh?! Give me your reading news pls, any updates? Any good books read? Any good Christmas pressies from that creepy chimney loiterer Ol’ St Nic?
I have put together a favourite books of the year crossed with some things I’d like to read in 2024 to get myself back in the (writing) habit. As always, let me know your thoughts, or if you’re feelin’ flush and want to indulge me in one of my favourite treats of all time, feel free to ask for any recommendations if you need them. Letssssssssss go.
Fiction
The Luminaries - Eleanor Catton
Ok yes I know this book is LONG, but it also turns out that it’s really good?!?! It won the Booker Prize in 2013, so that is absolutely not an original thought from me. As you know ( and if you don’t, you soon will), I absolutely love books that have interconnecting people, relationships and storylines, and this is one of those and then some. Also features some excellent astrology references, so one for all my zodiac girlies xx
Great Circle - Maggie Shipstead
If you absolutely *forced* me to choose, I’d have to say Great Circle was my favourite book of the year. Maybe? Idk. I don’t love making decisions. Family dynamics set over the course of a lifetime? A woman finding a place doing what she loves in a man’s world? Positive abortion storyline? Give it to meeeeeee.
Any Human Heart - William Boyd
Ok, there’s definitely a theme here, she loves timelines and relationships. Any Human Heart follows the life of Logan Montstuart from childhood to old age and the connections he makes along the way. It’s kind of got a similar vibe to Forrest Gump, but British. And no Tom Hanks. Or Bubba Gump Shrimp.
The Cazalet Chronicles - Elizabeth Jane Howard
I thought I would hate these books because they were blurbed by Camilla Parker-Bowles and Joanna Lumley and for some reason I thought this was a bad thing but holy guacamole if I don’t think about those pesky Cazalets every day since I read about them. Five books set over a 30 year period, the Chronicles follow different family members and their lives, particularly the effects for World War II and the ensuing political landscape.
Multi-generational tale klaxon! I don’t really know how to describe this book, except that it’s funny and weird and gross and I loved it. Waterstones says it’s “a masterpiece of modern fiction perfect for fans of One Hundred Years of Solitude” which means I have to now read One Hundred Years of Solitude which has been sat on my bookshelf unread for about three years.
What You Are Looking For Is In the Library - Michiko Aoyama
Another banger, What You Are Looking For is in the Library follows a range of characters, all of whom are at different crossroads in their lives. Through some way or other, they end up in their local library where the Librarian recommends them a book that helps them to find what they’re searching for.
The Marriage Portrait - Maggie O’Farrell
I was lucky enough to get tickets to see Maggie O’Farrell at Wigtown Book Festival this year, which gave me a kick up the arse to read The Marriage Portrait. I love Maggie O’Farrell’s writing, although have only read three of her books which is shameful on my part. I haven’t been brave enough for Hamnet, but this one is so good. A re-imagining on the story of Lucrezia de’ Medici’s life in renaissance Italy, the descriptions and scene setting are phenomenal.
Really Good, Actually - Monica Heisey
Really Good, Actually was my 2023 Sorrow and Bliss. So funny, but also such accurate representation of a whole host of mental battles / illnesses and the way we see the world inside our own heads.
Nothing to See Here - Kevin Wilson
A late entrant to the favourites list, I’ve heard so many people say great things about this book. My gal Ann Patchett is a fan! I actually think her and Kevin Wilson are real life friends, which is enough for me to want to buy a book. Funny, but also kind of dark, this story is about twins who spontaneously combust whenever they get annoyed and the nanny who must try and figure out a way to look after them. Also, the cover?!!? Yes please.
The Magician’s Assistant - Ann Patchett
Speaking off, Ms Patchett was one of my most-read authors of the year and this was absolutely my favourite of her fiction books for me in 2023. You don’t need to hear me talk (again) about how well she writes relationships, and how incredible she is at creating moments in time that just feel so real. I also enjoyed her latest novel, Tom Lake, which came out in August, so if you want a good fiction recommendation I would start with our Lord and Saviour Ann Patchett.
Non-Fiction
According to Storygraph, over a quarter (26% lol can you tell I worked in PR) of my reading was non-fiction this year!!! The theme is mainly books from women about their lives, a genre which I am very happy to support.
These Precious Days- Ann Patchett
Here she is again!! An essay collection from one of my favourite authors, including an absolutely bonkers account of how her and Tom Hanks ended up becoming friends.
Strong Female Character - Fern Brady
If you haven’t read Fern Brady’s book yet, get on it. So funny, and such a brilliant insight into female autism. It really helps shine a light on how gils and women often fall under the radar when it comes to being diagnosed with autism because of how male-centric the research and experience is to date. See also, modern medicine.
The Fran Lebowitz Reader - Fran Lebowitz
“The anger is that I have no power but I am filled with opinions”
Fran Lebowitz is an absolute icon, and her essays are so sharp, clever and funny, although I wouldn’t necessarily say I agree with all of her opinions. If you’ve watched ‘Pretend It’s a City’ on Netflix, then you’ll enjoy this book.
Quietly Hostile - Samantha Irby
2023, the year that Samantha Irby blessed us with another essay collection. Genuinely on of the funniest writers I have ever come across, I had to stop reading this while I was on the bus because I was doing that weird ‘trying not to laugh out loud in public but failing’ kind of laugh. If you haven’t read any of Irby’s work yet, I absolutely implore you to add it to your list for 2024.
Another fantastic read about autism in women, Clara Törnvall explores the autistic experience in arts and culture throughout history.
Reach for the Stars - Michael Craggs
Honestly, one of the best books I read this year. If you love 90s - 00s pop music and came of age in the era of 5ive, Steps and The Spice Girls then you will love the insight in this book.
Books I Want to Read in 2024
Despite 2024 being yet another year where I should just get on with reading the books I already own, here are some books that I’m feelin’, catching my eye every time I accidentally end up in a bookshop like the little minxes that they are.
Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop - Hwang Bo-reum
DallerGut Dream Department Store - Miye Lee
Hello Beautiful - Ann Napolitano
The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi - Shannon Chakraborty
Unlikeable Female Characters - Anna Bogutskaya
The Joy of Snacks - Laura Goodman
This Was Our Pact - Ryan Andrews
The Age of Magical Overthinking - Amanda Montell
Main Character Energy - Jamie Varon
Toxic - Sarah Ditum (mainly for the chapter on Chyna tbqhwy)
Welcome to the O.C. - Josh Schwartz
And that’s a wrap! I hope you find something in there that’s of interest, or something that just gets you thinking. As always, more than happy to chat books (or, actually, anything at all - chit chatting is the best). Hopefully there will be more of these coming ‘atcha in 2024 because she wants to prioritise writing and make it an income stream this year. Who mentioned manifesting?!
Thanks so much for reading, subscribing, supporting financially; whichever applies to you, you’re the best. See you soon! Iona x