9 Books I’m Looking Forward to in 2023
I go through reading slumps often BUT I love adding to my “to-read” list or that “to-be-read” shelf that I keep near my desk.
I go through reading slumps often BUT I love adding to my “to-read” list or that “to-be-read” shelf that I keep near my desk.
While I mostly keep a close eye on memoir/non-fiction writing, based on who I follow on social media and what PR emails I get, this applies to all genres. If it’s a good story, I want to read it. Here are 9 books that I’m looking forward to—slated for 2023 releases.
You might be thinking—okay, some of these aren’t out for a while. BUT pre-orders are important for authors! If you can pre-order, it helps: “For an author, pre-orders can alert retailers and consumers that they should pay attention to your book. From the bookseller perspective, the pre-order quantity is a good early indicator of a book’s success…”
So, here are the books I’m looking forward to reading in 2023. This isn’t even an exhaustive list and also doesn’t include books I might be reading for freelance work! But it’s a start.
New year, same feeling of wanting to read ALL THE BOOKS:
“Rana Joon and the One and Only Now” by Shideh Etaat
I was lucky to meet Shideh a few years ago (time flies!) and I cannot wait to read this YA novel. It takes place in ’90s California and “follows a teen who wants to honor her deceased friend’s legacy by entering a rap contest.” Sign me up!
“Momfluenced: Inside the Maddening, Picture-Perfect World of Mommy Influencer Culture” by Sara Petersen
As a former full-time social media manager, I love a good deep dive into Internet culture. The research and interviews in the book all come together to “construct a wide-ranging exploration of maternal glorification and self-erasure.” Also, side note: There’s a novel called “The Shame” that I thought of immediately when reading this description; if you’re into this sort of thing, definitely check that out, too.
“The Male Gazed” by Manuel Betancourt
Okay, first off — what a great title. Second off, it’s a book all about male desire and includes “deep dives into thirst traps, drag queens, Antonio Banderas, and telenovelas.” I am READY.
“Rosewater” by Liv Little
This is a coming-of-age story PLUS a queer BFF-to-romantic-partners novel. It’s billed as a “deliciously gritty and strikingly bold debut novel about discovering love where it has always been.” And I love the cover, TBH.
“Monstrilio” by Gerardo Sámano Córdova
I want to read more horror novels and this seems like a great way to kick off that goal in 2023. There’s folktales, grief and more in this novel about “ a boy who transforms into a monster, a monster who tries to be a man, and the people who love him in every form he takes.” Give me all the spooky vibes!
“Monstrous” by Jessica Lewis
On that note, this queer YA novel sounds like quite the adventure. “Monstrous” is set in a small town, where one night “Latavia is dragged out of her house in the dead of night, into the forbidden Red Wood, and presented as a human sacrifice to an ancient monster.” No big deal! Lewis is also the author of “Bad Witch Burning.” (I couldn’t find an official cover photo just yet!!)
“The Apology” by Jimin Han
This “part ghost story and part family epic” is told from the point of view of a 105-year-old woman in South Korea. I admire any writer who takes on the tangled web of family relationships and generational histories!
“When the Hibiscus Falls” by M. Evelina Galang
I love a short story collection, because it gives me a nice change of pace from my usual reads (mostly nonfiction and memoir). It take a special skill to condense characterization and emotion and plot into such a short space! This book features 17 stories “moving from small Philippine villages of the past to the hurricane-beaten coast of near-future Florida” that bring to life several generations of women.
“One Way to Listen” by Asa Drake
I met Asa Drake at a writing retreat a few years ago and was so struck by her poetry! I’m excited to hear that her chapbook will be out soon. From author Taneum Bambrick: “These poems demand recognition… As she lays clothed in snakes who shut their mouths to keep warm, the speaker identifies the risks, always, of being a speaker.” You can read one of her (many) lovely poems here.
What’s on your list? Clearly, mine is always growing.
this post includes some affiliate links via Bookshop; if you shop via those links, I will receive a portion of sales. Think of it as supporting my writing!
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