2023 Reads Blog Posts
What I Read Last Quarter // January - March
What I Read Last Quarter // April - June
What I Read Last Quarter // July - September
What I Read Last Quarter // October - December
My Year in Books 2023
And now for my Top 10, in no particular order...
Leila and the Blue Fox by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
The very first book I read in 2023 packed a punch!! I'd read Kiran Millwood Hargrave's Julia and the Shark the previous year and loved it so made sure to preorder Leila.
This is a powerful, beautiful, important piece of art that shines a light on poignant issues such as climate change and animal welfare, topics that I obviously feel very strongly about so love to see it included in children's literature. How migration, country borders and unjust laws affect the lives of so many humans also fits in impeccably in this heartwrenching journey and I urge everyone to read it, whether you have children or not. The illustrations, by Kiran's husband Tom de Freston (who also illustrated Julia), are immersive and work alongside the writing to bring the story to life.
The very first book I read in 2023 packed a punch!! I'd read Kiran Millwood Hargrave's Julia and the Shark the previous year and loved it so made sure to preorder Leila.
This is a powerful, beautiful, important piece of art that shines a light on poignant issues such as climate change and animal welfare, topics that I obviously feel very strongly about so love to see it included in children's literature. How migration, country borders and unjust laws affect the lives of so many humans also fits in impeccably in this heartwrenching journey and I urge everyone to read it, whether you have children or not. The illustrations, by Kiran's husband Tom de Freston (who also illustrated Julia), are immersive and work alongside the writing to bring the story to life.
The Book of Dust vol.1 - La Belle Sauvage by Philip Pullman
I remember seeing this book taking over Waterstones windows when it was first released but I held off on adding it to my shelves until a few years later as I wanted to read my (already owned) copies of the His Dark Materials series first. After completing that series I was underwhelmed and so put off The Book of Dust even longer, however I needn't have. This prequel I loved more so and look forward to getting around to volume 2 this year.
I remember seeing this book taking over Waterstones windows when it was first released but I held off on adding it to my shelves until a few years later as I wanted to read my (already owned) copies of the His Dark Materials series first. After completing that series I was underwhelmed and so put off The Book of Dust even longer, however I needn't have. This prequel I loved more so and look forward to getting around to volume 2 this year.
Always, Clementine by Carlie Sorosiak
Always, Clementine is one of the most beautiful books I've ever read, about another subject very close to my heart - animal testing. I urge everyone, of all ages to read this and to go let it inspire you to go Cruelty-Free! I loved the writing format, I was completely invested from page 1 and I cried a lot! Carlie Sorosiak is an incredible author and all of the books I've read from her thus far have been just as special as Always, Clementine.
Always, Clementine is one of the most beautiful books I've ever read, about another subject very close to my heart - animal testing. I urge everyone, of all ages to read this and to go let it inspire you to go Cruelty-Free! I loved the writing format, I was completely invested from page 1 and I cried a lot! Carlie Sorosiak is an incredible author and all of the books I've read from her thus far have been just as special as Always, Clementine.
Clarice the Brave by Lisa McMann
Both the previously mentioned book and Clarice the Brave were read in the same month, a month where my TBR was themed around mice and rats which apparently makes for epic reads!
Books like this are exactly why I read 'children's books'. Just because it has a target audience doesn't mean that's the only people who can read it. That's something I stress time and time again. It is a little darker than some kids' stories and has themes and deep meanings that may not register for anyone other than adults. Another tearjerker...but when isn't a book that for me?
“It only takes 1 mouse to believe in you. And that mouse is me.”
Both the previously mentioned book and Clarice the Brave were read in the same month, a month where my TBR was themed around mice and rats which apparently makes for epic reads!
Books like this are exactly why I read 'children's books'. Just because it has a target audience doesn't mean that's the only people who can read it. That's something I stress time and time again. It is a little darker than some kids' stories and has themes and deep meanings that may not register for anyone other than adults. Another tearjerker...but when isn't a book that for me?
“It only takes 1 mouse to believe in you. And that mouse is me.”
The Battle for Roar by Jenny McLachlan
Oh, this series!!! I was not ready for it to be over and can only hope that one day Jenny McLachlan will treat us to a Roar re-visit!
With a pinch of my all-time favourite fantastical land, Narnia, a sprinkle of Neverland and a whole load of its very own magic the Land of Roar series was so addictive I couldn't put them down and had to space them out to prelong the absolute joy. I feel they really show the importance of imagination, play and that you are never too old to do so. The Battle for Roar in particular was a heartwarming, bittersweet, goodbye to Roar.
Oh, this series!!! I was not ready for it to be over and can only hope that one day Jenny McLachlan will treat us to a Roar re-visit!
With a pinch of my all-time favourite fantastical land, Narnia, a sprinkle of Neverland and a whole load of its very own magic the Land of Roar series was so addictive I couldn't put them down and had to space them out to prelong the absolute joy. I feel they really show the importance of imagination, play and that you are never too old to do so. The Battle for Roar in particular was a heartwarming, bittersweet, goodbye to Roar.
The Stickleback Catchers by Lisette Auton
Another pre-order after having fallen in love with the author's previous book The Secret of Haven Point. Lisette is a disabled writer, activist and much more and she has managed yet again to have disability so fantastically represented in children's fiction without it being the main plot. The Stickleback Catchers is a page-turning adventure, full of North East nostalgia and shared very relatable topics for many, including myself.
Another pre-order after having fallen in love with the author's previous book The Secret of Haven Point. Lisette is a disabled writer, activist and much more and she has managed yet again to have disability so fantastically represented in children's fiction without it being the main plot. The Stickleback Catchers is a page-turning adventure, full of North East nostalgia and shared very relatable topics for many, including myself.
The Way of Dog by Zana Fraillon
What. A. Book! I'll preface this by saying I am a devout disliker of poetry. This, however, is a masterpiece. Everyone who has a dog in their family, is thinking about getting one or even doesn't like dogs needs to read this. Pure perfection.
What. A. Book! I'll preface this by saying I am a devout disliker of poetry. This, however, is a masterpiece. Everyone who has a dog in their family, is thinking about getting one or even doesn't like dogs needs to read this. Pure perfection.
The One And Only Bob by Katherine Applegate
What even is there to say about this book? The book that started this little series was obviously the famous The One and Only Ivan which was inspired by a true story and went on to become a Disney movie. This book is a continuation of the story, this time it's Bob the dog's time to shine. Thankfully less heartbreaking, but almost as equally emotional.
Kathrine Applegate is an award-winning writer for a reason!
What even is there to say about this book? The book that started this little series was obviously the famous The One and Only Ivan which was inspired by a true story and went on to become a Disney movie. This book is a continuation of the story, this time it's Bob the dog's time to shine. Thankfully less heartbreaking, but almost as equally emotional.
Kathrine Applegate is an award-winning writer for a reason!
Sky by Sarah Driver
The Huntress Trilogy is something I feel needs more acknowledgement. Although I've only read the first two books I cannot wait to get around to the third and just like the Land of Roar series, I've been spacing them out to last longer! I personally think they could make an absolutely fantastic movie or tv series!
A badass female lead, action-packed and well-paced, in a vast, unique world. Love!
The Huntress Trilogy is something I feel needs more acknowledgement. Although I've only read the first two books I cannot wait to get around to the third and just like the Land of Roar series, I've been spacing them out to last longer! I personally think they could make an absolutely fantastic movie or tv series!
A badass female lead, action-packed and well-paced, in a vast, unique world. Love!
Five Children On The Western Front by Kate Saunders
The Land of Neverendings brought Kate Saunders to my attention in 2020, I then picked up The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop in 2022 and so I had to read her sequel to E Nesbit's Five Children and It! It's always nerve-wracking going into a beloved series that has been re-written, carried on or has been used as an inspiration to a new book but I needn't have worried as this was just perfect!!
Completely heart-wrenching with many tears brought tumbling down my cheeks, I could write a whole post on it alone. It really surpassed my expectations.
Completely heart-wrenching with many tears brought tumbling down my cheeks, I could write a whole post on it alone. It really surpassed my expectations.
It's been a lot of fun looking back on last year's favourite reads and it makes me want to read them all over again. However, with so many books to get to on my bookcases and so little time, it may end up being a while. When talking about things I read I never go too in-depth with the storylines but as blurbs are so easy to look up, I recommend you do so if any of the above have piqued your interest.
Consider these 10 books' praises sung! Let me know if you have read any, enjoyed them or not, or if you will be picking them up soon.
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