Five Star Book Prediction Project 2024

Each year, I select twelve or so books that I think will be the best of the best. These books do not have to be published in that year, 2024, to make the list. In past years, I tried to choose a book from each genre, but this year, I am just choosing whatever calls to me, so there might be more of one genre than the others. That being said, here are the books that I think will be my favorite books in 2024!

Torch by Cheryl Strayed

“Work hard. Do good. Be incredible!” is the advice Teresa Rae Wood shares with the listeners of her local radio show, Modern Pioneers , and the advice she strives to live by every day. She has fled a bad marriage and rebuilt a life with her children, Claire and Joshua, and their caring stepfather, Bruce. Their love for each other binds them as a family through the daily struggles of making ends meet. But when they receive unexpected news that Teresa, only 38, is dying of cancer, their lives all begin to unravel and drift apart. Strayed’s intimate portraits of these fully human characters in a time of crisis show the varying truths of grief, forgiveness, and the beautiful terrors of learning how to keep living.

I have added ‘Torch’ to this list because I devoured the author’s nonfiction book, “Wild.” This one has themes of familiar relationships, which is something that I love to read about, as every family always has such a different dynamic but then underlying similarities. Grief is also a theme that I have come to enjoy — that sounds morbid — to read, as it is something that every person will go through at some point in their life.

Kindred by Octavia Butler

Dana, a modern Black woman, is celebrating her 26th birthday with her new husband when she is snatched abruptly from her home in California and transported to the antebellum South. Rufus, the white son of a plantation owner, is drowning, and Dana has been summoned to save him. Dana is drawn back repeatedly through time to the slave quarters, and each time the stay grows longer, more arduous, and more dangerous until it is uncertain whether or not Dana’s life will end, long before it has a chance to begin.

Time travel is one of my favorite tropes when done properly, and Kindred has to be a classic for some reason. I have faith that it will be done well. I also love historical stories that take place in the American South. I am curious about how the themes will be handled in this story.

A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon

In A Day of Fallen Night, Samantha Shannon sweeps readers back to the universe of Priory of the Orange Tree and into the lives of four women, showing us a course of events that shaped their world for generations to come.

“Priory of the Orange Tree” is one of the best fantasy novels that I have ever read, and I cannot wait to be placed back into that universe. This story follows four women and how they shape future generations, another kind of plot that I love. This story was also nominated for ‘best fantasy of 2023’ at Goodreads, so that gives me high hopes that it will be as good as the other book set in the same universe.

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Set in the mountains of southern Appalachia, this is the story of a boy born to a teenage single mother in a single-wide trailer, with no assets beyond his dead father’s good looks and copper-colored hair, a caustic wit, and a fierce talent for survival. In a plot that never pauses for breath, relayed in his own unsparing voice, he braves the modern perils of foster care, child labor, derelict schools, athletic success, addiction, disastrous loves, and crushing losses. Through all of it, he reckons with his own invisibility in a popular culture where even the superheroes have abandoned rural people in favor of cities.

I am drawn to stories set in the mountains of Appalachia. One of my favorite books of last year, “Betty,” has a similar atmosphere and theme. This is also a Charles Dickens retelling, in a sense. Dickens is one of my favorite classic writers, so I am eager to see Kingsolver’s take on it.

North Woods by Daniel Mason

Traversing cycles of history, nature, and even literature, North Woods shows the myriad, magical ways in which we’re connected to our environment and to one another, across time, language and space. Written along with the seasons and divided into the twelve months of the year, it is an unforgettable novel about secrets and fates that asks the timeless how do we live on, even after we’re gone?

”North Woods” is a newer release by an author that I have not read from. Those two things can be intimidating as a reader, but I am here to conquer them. I love books that show what history is, how everything and everyone are connected. The thought of that blows my mind. This book is also set at one house, throughout the centuries. I love stories where the location becomes a character in itself, and I believe that will be done here.

Horse by Geraldine Brooks

A discarded painting in a junk pile, a skeleton in an attic, and the greatest racehorse in American history: from these strands, a Pulitzer Prize winner braids a sweeping story of spirit, obsession, and injustice across American history.

When an object has a history, there is always a story to be told, similar to the house being a character in North Woods. I will also admit, I was a horse girl when I was in elementary school, and I have made several trips to bluegrass country in Kentucky. The atmosphere and plot are what drive this pick.

Eileen by Otessa Moshfegh

The Christmas season offers little cheer for Eileen Dunlop, an unassuming yet disturbed young woman trapped between her role as her alcoholic father’s caretaker in a home whose squalor is the talk of the neighborhood and a day job as a secretary at the boys’ prison, filled with its own quotidian horrors. Consumed by resentment and self-loathing, Eileen tempers her dreary days with perverse fantasies and dreams of escaping to the big city. In the meantime, she fills her nights and weekends with shoplifting, stalking a buff prison guard named Randy, and cleaning up her increasingly deranged father’s messes. When the bright, beautiful, and cheery Rebecca Saint John arrives on the scene as the new counselor at Moorehead, Eileen is enchanted and proves unable to resist what appears at first to be a miraculously budding friendship. In a Hitchcockian twist, her affection for Rebecca ultimately pulls her into complicity in a crime that surpasses her wildest imaginings.

Otessa Moshfegh is great at character work, and I learned that through one of her previous works that I loved but did not become a new favorite. I am hoping that Eileen will push through and be the one that becomes a five-star. The mentions of this book taking place at Christmas time piqued my interest, and I have had several people recommend this book to me.

Matrix by Lauren Groff

Cast out of the royal court by Eleanor of Aquitaine, deemed too coarse and rough-hewn for marriage or courtly life, 17-year-old Marie de France is sent to England to be the new prioress of an impoverished abbey, its nuns on the brink of starvation and beset by disease.

I have read half of Lauren Groff’s catalog and have loved each of those books. She is one of my favorite authors, and now we are throwing in a historical setting that I love. Lauren Groff’s writing and then this medieval times setting sound like a go for me!

The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

Spanning the years 1900 to 1977, The Covenant of Water is set in Kerala, on India’s Malabar Coast, and follows three generations of a family that suffers a peculiar affliction: in every generation, at least one person dies by drowning—and in Kerala, water is everywhere. At the turn of the century, a twelve-year-old girl from Kerala’s Christian community, grieving the death of her father, is sent by boat to her wedding, where she will meet her forty-year-old husband for the first time. From this unforgettable new beginning, the young girl—and future matriarch, Big Ammachi—will witness unthinkable changes over the span of her extraordinary life, full of joy and triumph as well as hardship and loss, her faith and love the only constants.

This book has my favorite trope, and that is following one family through multiple generations throughout the years in a historical setting. It also looks like it has the theme of generational trauma and how it has an impact on us, something that I am always keen to learn about. I also do not know a lot about Indian history and am intrigued to learn more from this story.

The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell

The author of award-winning Hamnet brings the world of Renaissance Italy to jewel-bright life in this unforgettable fictional portrait of the captivating young duchess Lucrezia de’ Medici as she makes her way in a troubled court.

This is the wild card of the bunch. When I first read Hament, I honestly thought of donating the book, but I realized I kept thinking about it all the time. Maybe it would be better to reread. Now, one might question why I add a book by the same author to this list? The Medici are a family who fascinated me, and I research quite often. I will take any book I can find about them. This one is especially intriguing because it is about a lesser-known member of the family. One of the themes is also womanhood, which is always interesting to see how womanhood has not changed much in the centuries and then how there are blasting differences.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

The Bell Jar chronicles the crack-up of Esther Greenwood: brilliant, beautiful, enormously talented, and successful, but slowly going under—maybe for the last time. Sylvia Plath masterfully draws the reader into Esther’s breakdown with such intensity that Esther’s insanity becomes completely real and even rational, as probable and accessible an experience as going to the movies. Such deep penetration into the dark and harrowing corners of the psyche is an extraordinary accomplishment and has made The Bell Jar a haunting American classic.

I wanted to have one classic on the list, and this is it. A modern classic. Mental health is the biggest issue in the United States and it needs to be shown in media more. I have heard tremendous things about the work of Plath and how authentic and sometimes relatable her work is. That says a lot with this being a classic and comparing it to being a woman today.

‘Red Rising’ Book Review

“Red Rising” by Pierce Brown is a dystopian science fiction novel set on Mars in a future society stratified by color-coded castes. The protagonist, Darrow, belongs to the lowest caste, the Reds, who work as miners to terraform the planet. After a personal tragedy, Darrow discovers the truth about the oppressive society and joins a rebel group known as the Sons of Ares. Through a transformative process, he infiltrates the Gold caste, the ruling class, to bring about change from within. The novel explores themes of rebellion, power, and social hierarchy, with intense action and political intrigue driving the narrative. “Red Rising” is the first book in a trilogy and has gained praise for its engaging plot and complex characters.

I could not connect with Darrow as a character. His dialogue was dry, and there was little to no inner dialogue. This could have been improved by giving him character development, of which I saw small hints, and I am certain that he has to grow throughout the series as this is only the first installment. If the reader had more time with him in the mines, an emotional connection could have been easier to build. There needed to be more development and inner dialogue.

The atmosphere was inspired by Roman history and mythology; I found this rather intriguing and think it makes the story more accessible, as there were names and myths that the average person would be familiar with. However, I did have a hard time actually picturing the world in my head. The author would have benefited from using more descriptive writing.

The writing was accessible, easy, and readable. The story was fast-paced. As stated before, the story would have improved with inner dialogue and more descriptive writing. With that being said, it was very dry. I hated that this was in the first-person perspective rather than third. First-person does work well for some genres, but science fiction is not one of them. The writing was my biggest problem with the book.

If I had read ‘Red Rising’ ten years ago, I would have loved it. The plot is very reminiscent of ‘The Hunger Games’: a poor person goes to the big city to take down the empire and partake in a to-the-death style game. There are more similarities, but I will not list them all. This is just a more adult style of the dystopian books that were coming out at the time it was published in 2013. As I have read many of those, this story was not unique or anything new to me.

I could not connect with Darrow as a character. There needed to be more development and inner dialogue. The atmosphere was inspired by Roman history and mythology; I found this rather intriguing and think it makes the story more accessible, as there were names and myths that the average person would be familiar with. The author would have benefited from using more descriptive writing. The writing was accessible, easy, and readable. The writing was my biggest problem with the book. If I had read ‘Red Rising’ ten years ago, I would have loved it. This story was not unique or anything new to me. This read did nothing for me, and if you are familiar with the science fiction genre, I would not recommend picking it up. However, it would be a good starting book if you are new to the genre.

2.4 out of 5 stars.

2023 Five Star Prediction Results

Today, we will be discussing all the books that I read in 2023 that I predicted would be five out of five stars. Believe it or not, only three of the books actually earned a full five stars. That means those three will go down in time as favorites. There were many that I truly loved, but they just did not reach the level of becoming a favorite book.

“Love, Pamela” is a biography written by Pamela Anderson herself. It details her life journey, from her upbringing in Canada to her rise to fame as a model and actress, notably for her role in “Baywatch.” The book delves into her personal struggles, relationships, and experiences in the entertainment industry, providing candid insights into her life, including her high-profile relationships and the challenges she faced in the public eye. Anderson shares her perspectives on love, fame, and personal growth, offering readers a deeper understanding of the complexities behind her public persona.”

Authentic, intelligent, and relatable. In the last pages, Pamela speaks of meeting a director who told her she was vulnerable, and that isn’t something you see in stars today, and that is a great way to describe this book. It was so open and unique, as there was no ghostwriter and it was told in multiple forms such as poetry and prose. I am glad that she is able to claim her life, in a sense, and tell the narrative as it is, rather than what men and the media have built around her image throughout the years. I loved this book, and it is a new favorite. 5 out of 5 stars.

“Betty” by Tiffany McDaniel is a powerful coming-of-age novel that follows the life of a young girl named Betty Carpenter growing up in the rugged landscape of rural Ohio. Born in a dysfunctional family haunted by trauma and filled with secrets, Betty navigates a world marked by poverty, abuse, and prejudice. As she grapples with the complexities of her family history and her own identity, Betty finds solace and strength in storytelling and the natural world around her. The novel explores themes of resilience, the impact of generational trauma, and the search for belonging and acceptance. Through vivid prose and heartfelt storytelling, “Betty” paints a poignant and unforgettable portrait of a girl’s journey toward understanding her past and shaping her own future.”
”Betty” is a rare gem amidst books crowded with characters, as it brilliantly brings to life a family of eight with distinct, well-defined personalities. Tiffany McDaniel’s writing paints an authentic ‘Americana’ landscape, weaving together seasons and storytelling flawlessly. This emotionally gripping novel delves into themes of poverty, trauma, and the complexities of womanhood, urging readers to stay true to themselves. It’s a compelling, emotionally charged read that lives up to its reputation, leaving a lasting impact. 5 out of 5 stars.

“The Medici” by Mary Hollingsworth is a comprehensive historical account of one of Italy’s most influential families during the Renaissance period. It traces the rise of the Medici dynasty from their origins as merchants to their ascent as powerful patrons of the arts and leaders in politics and finance. The book provides a vivid portrayal of the family’s immense impact on Florence, detailing their support for artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, as well as their significant contributions to the cultural and economic growth of the city. Hollingsworth explores the complex dynamics within the Medici family, including their rivalries, alliances, and the strategies they employed to maintain their wealth and authority. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, “The Medici” offers a compelling narrative that illuminates the Medici family’s lasting legacy and their enduring influence on art, politics, and the Renaissance era.”

What I knew of the Medici is from their ‘golden age,’ the times of Cosimo the Elder to Lorenzo il Magnifico. This book gave me so much more knowledge on the rise and then the extinction of the family line. I even learned some things amidst the eras I thought I was a pro on! The writing did get dense at times, so I do suggest reading this in intervals rather than trudging through it. It will enhance your reading experience significantly. As this is nonfiction, I followed along with the audiobook and had a great time listening and reading. I love the inclusion of family trees and maps as it made everything easier to understand. This was a five-star prediction, and it didn’t quite meet that mark, leaving this a 4 out of 5 stars. I loved it but it’s not a new favorite.

“Ghostwritten” by David Mitchell is a multilayered novel that weaves together interconnected stories across various locations around the globe. Through a diverse set of characters and narratives spanning different times and places, the book explores themes of interconnectedness, fate, and the impact of individual actions on a global scale. Each chapter presents a distinct tale, ranging from a terrorist in Japan to an art thief in St. Petersburg, and a myriad of other characters in between. As the stories unfold, subtle connections emerge, revealing a complex web that links these seemingly disparate lives. Mitchell’s intricate storytelling creates a mesmerizing and thought-provoking narrative, offering a compelling exploration of the human experience, the interconnectedness of our world, and the ripple effects of our actions.”

There were plenty of characters here, and we get one POV chapter from each of them. Some I connected with, and some I didn’t, but I didn’t dislike any of them. My favorite character was the woman running the tea shack in China. This book showed places that I never get to read about, mainly places in the East, and this is after the fall of the Soviet Union, so it was very eye-opening for what it was like in those countries at the time. The writing was fine, the plot was good. I loved looking for the Easter eggs throughout and trying to find out what the greater story was. The thing is, I still haven’t. I don’t know what I just read or what the point was. Was it the world leading up to Y2K? I’m honestly confused and am going to have to think about this and research it for a while. This was a good book, and I would still recommend it, but it did not live up to my five-star prediction. 3 out of 5 stars.

The Actual Star takes readers on a journey over two millennia and six continents—telling three powerful tales a thousand years apart, all of them converging in the same cave in the Belizean jungle.

I definitely wouldn’t label this as a character-driven novel. I connected most with Leah in the 2012 plotline, mainly because I was alive at that time and remember the hysteria surrounding the end of the Mayan calendar and the supposed end of the world. The atmosphere was very unique; I’ve never read a book set in Belize or inspired by Central American mythology before. The writing was fine, but it was quite open-ended, leaving me confused by the ending and some plotlines. Shall we discuss the plots now? Let’s. The first plotline is in 1012; I would’ve enjoyed this one more if I had some background on the Maya. It’s my fault, but perhaps more worldbuilding could’ve been done there. Regarding the 2012 plotline, all that I mentioned still holds true. Now, onto the final plotline, set in 3012; this is the one I liked least and found most confusing. There needed to be more worldbuilding once again and a better connection made between 2012 and 3012; there were gaps there. The themes I enjoyed most were those of legend, myth, and religion, and how they intersect and shape each other. I loved ‘The Actual Star,’ but it’s not a new favorite. It was part of my five-star prediction project, resulting in a four out of five for this novel.

“When Nerd Herd frenemy Lily approaches Tobin about teaming up to do a video to bolster her brand and reinvigorate his, he agrees. But when their first collab video goes viral, their relationship heats up too. With the whole internet watching, will these two former misfits finally realize they’re perfect together?”

I was really scared that I wasn’t going to end up liking Lily as a character. She was hypocritical and judged women based on their looks. Luckily, another character called her out on it, but not until the very end. However, both characters were in the same field of work as me, so that was relatable and fun to read about. The setting of California was fine. The writing was quick and easy to read. This would be a great book to have with you if you’re going on a weekend getaway this summer. The plot wasn’t what I expected, but it was good. However, I didn’t like that the characters changed who they were in a sense to fit with each other. I get compromising and all, but it just didn’t leave me feeling right. I loved this book, but it’s not a new favorite. This was part of my five-star prediction project, with this novel getting a four out of five stars.

“In Washington , the historian Tom Lewis paints a sweeping portrait of the capital city whose internal conflicts and promise have mirrored those of America writ large. Breathing life into the men and women who struggled to help the city realize its full potential, he introduces us to the mercurial French artist who created an ornate plan for the city ” en grande ” members of the nearly forgotten anti-Catholic political party who halted construction of the Washington monument for a quarter century; and the cadre of congressmen who maintained segregation and blocked the city’s progress for decades. In the twentieth century Washington’s Mall and streets would witness a Ku Klux Klan march, the violent end to the encampment of World War I “Bonus Army” veterans, the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, and the painful rebuilding of the city in the wake of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination.”

I learned a lot, and this gave me pretty much everything I wanted out of it. The issue was it jumped around quite a bit, and there were awkward gaps in between. That being said, it did not flow well. 4 out of 5.

“Play It As It Lays” by Joan Didion is a novel set in the 1960s Hollywood landscape, revolving around Maria Wyeth, a disenchanted actress navigating a world of superficiality, emptiness, and existential crises. Maria grapples with the breakdown of her marriage, struggles with her mental health, and copes with the alienation and disillusionment pervasive in her life. The narrative portrays Maria’s internal turmoil as she drifts through a series of disconnected experiences, encounters, and relationships, all while trying to assert some control over her fragmented reality. Didion’s spare and incisive prose delves into themes of identity, loneliness, and the elusive pursuit of meaning in a morally ambiguous and indifferent world. The novel offers a raw and unflinching exploration of a woman’s existential search for purpose and authenticity in the midst of a chaotic and morally ambiguous society.”

The main character, Maria, resembles other women often portrayed in this subgenre of feminist books, akin to what’s now labeled on social media as ‘sad girl lit.’ Nevertheless, these books and characters are enjoyable for me to read. I adored the natural setting of California and Nevada; it felt authentic without trying to be something it wasn’t. The writing was the standout element of ‘Play It as It Lays.’ It was blunt and straightforward, cutting to the chase, providing an accessible and fast-paced experience for the reader. The plot, however, wasn’t as robust. Despite being published over fifty years ago, the themes presented are still relatable to modern women.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

“From award-winning author R. F. Kuang comes Babel, a historical fantasy epic that grapples with student revolutions, colonial resistance, and the use of language and translation as the dominating tool of the British Empire.”

I was shocked by how poorly these characters were written, but maybe this needed to be a series like ‘The Poppy Wars,’ rather than a standalone. I really enjoyed the Georgian and Victorian settings. However, the writing is another reason why I didn’t absolutely love this book as much as I thought I would. My goal in reading is always to see the world through someone else’s eyes, and ‘Babel’ did a great job at that. I still enjoyed the majority of my time reading ‘Babel’ and would encourage you to give this story a chance. However, it didn’t live up to the five-star prediction set in the book.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“A magisterial epic—an intimate yet sweeping novel with all the luminescence and force of Homegoing; Sing, Unburied, Sing; and The Water Dancer—that chronicles the journey of one American family, from the centuries of the colonial slave trade through the Civil War to our own tumultuous era.”

“Great books are always the hardest to review, and this might be the best book I’ve read in 2023. I wouldn’t say Ailey is one of my characters, but I loved the journey I went on with her. We witnessed her growth from a toddler to a strong woman, experiencing life’s highs and lows. Although there are many characters, the family tree in the first few pages helps the reader when they’re confused. Many characters reminded me of people in my life, contributing to the novel’s authentic Southern atmosphere. The depiction of Southern culture, dialect, food, and social dynamics was spot-on. Astonishingly, this is a debut novel, despite the author’s background in poetry, which shines through in the poetic, lyrical, and gorgeous writing. Despite its length, the book is exceptionally well-written, with an organic storyline that avoids predictability. I followed along with the audiobook but would recommend any format for this gem! The plot fulfills a long-standing desire—a grand American epic tracing a family from the country’s inception to modern times—executed perfectly by Jeffers. Ailey’s mentors emphasize the difficulty of studying history as it encompasses people’s lives; although fictional, these stories echo real histories. This emotional journey left me drained at times, echoing Ailey’s mentor’s advice to step back, take a break, and refresh—a fitting recommendation for this story. ‘The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois’ is beyond words—I’m left speechless. It’s now a new favorite that I’ll be contemplating for a long time. 5 out of 5 stars.

“A tour de force of interwoven perspectives and sustained suspense, its action largely unfolding on a single winter day, Crossroads is the story of a Midwestern family at a pivotal moment of moral crisis. Jonathan Franzen’s gift for melding the small picture and the big picture has never been more dazzlingly evident.”

The character development in this book is some of the best I’ve read this year. I appreciated following one family through the perspectives of both the young adult children and their parents. Witnessing how they were all raised by the same people yet took vastly different paths was captivating. It also showcased the varied ways people can interpret or navigate a single situation. Unlike many novels set in the 1970s that focus on famous or young single individuals, this one beautifully delves into a suburban American family unit. However, the writing was my only issue with the story. The timeline was hard to follow and would have benefited from a different formatting, particularly in the rushed and clunky second half. Nevertheless, the themes explored—the significance of family and, notably, religion—resonated deeply. The book prompted me to consider how religious individuals might have perceived the hippie counterculture and the era’s societal changes. It brilliantly captured the complexities of maintaining a relationship with God amidst an ever-changing world. As someone who spent their teenage years in a religious setting, I appreciated how the book portrayed this aspect. While I loved this book, it didn’t quite become a new favorite for me.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

“With beautiful prose, extraordinary tenderness, and bursts of humor and light, Still Life is a sweeping portrait of unforgettable individuals who come together to make a family, and a richly drawn celebration of beauty and love in all its forms.”

Exceptional character diversity and depth shine through, representing various ages, sexual orientations, and social classes seamlessly. Imperfect yet wholesome, the characters are relatable and engaging, evoking both hope and despair, reflective of post-World War II Florence and London. The vibrant cities come alive alongside these individuals. While the dialogue and prose are clever and quintessentially British, the narrative suffers from episodic writing and occasional density, making it challenging to follow. Despite being character-driven with a focus on post-war European life and relationships, the story’s disjointed jumps in time and place sometimes disrupt the flow. However, it evokes a hopeful, summery feeling and beautifully explores the impact of relationships on individuals. Although not a new favorite, it’s a joyous read that instills hope—a perfect June pick.

Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars.

‘Wanderers’ Book Review

“”Wanderers” by Chuck Wendig is a gripping speculative fiction novel that follows the journey of a mysterious epidemic sweeping across America. People begin sleepwalking in vast numbers, becoming part of a silent, enigmatic march towards an unknown destination. As society grapples with fear and uncertainty, a group of individuals connected to the sleepwalkers embarks on a perilous quest to unravel the truth behind this phenomenon. The story delves deep into themes of humanity, survival, and the consequences of societal breakdown in the face of a catastrophic event.” – Summary from ChatGPT.

The characters were my biggest struggle in ‘Wanderers’. They are great in concept. We follow a girl whose sister is a sleepwalker, a CDC scientist, an evangelical preacher, and a few others who are not as directly impacted. Shana, the sister, drove me crazy. I do not believe that the author could write a female teenager well. She was so much like ‘I’m not like other girls’, so edgy and rebellious. You can make a character like that but also not make their chapters a major eye roll. I felt no strong emotional pull to these characters, but Benji, the scientist, and Matthew, the preacher, were my favorites to read from. I loved that we got to see the apocalypse from so many perspectives: religious, scientific, and then your normal everyday person.

I always love it when a science fiction novel takes place in our real world. This is very much an American-centric novel, but we do get bits and pieces of what is happening in other parts of the world. The reader goes on a great cross-country journey with these characters, and you can really feel the struggles of the atmosphere around them.

The writing is another aspect that I had a bit of a hard time with at the start of the story but grew more accustomed to as the novel went on. The dialogue wasn’t realistic; the way characters talked was just strange—people don’t really talk like that. This book was comedic at times, and I don’t know if those instances of dialogue, mainly Shana’s chapters, were supposed to be like that on purpose. Going along with that, the reader gets every little detail of the characters’ thought process, which I found to be unnecessary. This is a very heavy book, not just by subject matter, but the scientific discussions might go over the head of some. I found them to be interesting, so that did not hinder my experience, but this is a very heavily written book.

Here is a rare statement to come in a book review written by me: The plot was the highlight. This is one of the best science fiction plots that I have read in years. It is so logical and therefore scary by how real it feels. I do not have any clue how this book was published before the COVID pandemic because the author hit the nail on the head on how Americans react to a pandemic. There is a lot of commentary on politics and society. Yeah, if you are not a political person and read for escapism, maybe don’t pick this one up. There were so many twists and turns that I did not expect—some made me gasp, while others just made me sit back in almost despair. It is hard for me to sum up this plot by how epic it was.

The characters were my biggest struggle in ‘Wanderers’. I always love it when a science fiction novel takes place in our real world. The writing is another aspect that I had a bit of a hard time with at the start of the story but grew more accustomed to as the novel went on. Here is a rare statement to come in a book review written by me: The plot was the highlight. I loved this book even though at times, I did contemplate not finishing. I am glad that I stayed on and finished the journey with the characters. This was a great book, and I loved it, but it is not a new favorite.

4 out 5 stars.

The Best Books of 2023

The best books of 2023! Three of these, the TJR ones, were rereads, so I was iffy on including them, but here they are! It’s hard to believe that a short story collection was my first five-star read of the year! That was followed by a thriller and a romance, which is equally as shocking as I struggle with those genres at times. “The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois” takes the cake as the best book of the year, followed closely by “Betty” and “Love, Pamela”. It was a great year with 125 books read in total!

Florida by Lauren Groff:

It takes a lot of talent for a writer to be able to make you connect with a character in a fifteen-page short story. Sometimes, I cannot find a connection with characters in a five-hundred-page tome. Lauren Groff has that talent. The reader is dropped right into Florida with this one. Groff hit the nail on the head by having her writing perfectly match up with the setting. Speaking of the writing, it was captivating and poetic. The main theme here is survival, not necessarily out in the wilderness, but sometimes just getting through a long day that never seems to end, just getting through day-to-day life. I loved this book. It’s my first five-star read of the year and my new favorite.

No Exit by Taylor Adams:

Wow! Me, giving a thriller a perfect five out of five rating? This is an incredibly rare event that I never thought would happen. The book completely exceeded my expectations, delivering a thrilling experience that kept me guessing until the very end. This is exactly how a thriller should be written, with unexpected twists and turns that leave readers on the edge of their seats. I’m truly amazed by this exceptional book.

Get a Life Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert:

Chloe Brown emerges as one of the most relatable characters I’ve encountered in literature. The representation of chronic illness and the accompanying anxieties was handled impeccably. Towards the end, Red’s character began to grate on me due to the weight of his unresolved baggage; however, this didn’t significantly detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. The British setting, which I hadn’t anticipated, added a delightful dimension, complemented by a wonderful sense of humor throughout. While the writing style was average, this book fulfilled my ideal romance criteria, ranking among the finest I’ve read. It’s undeniably become a new favorite of mine, and I wholeheartedly recommend it!

Betty by Tiffany McDaniel:

Recently, I’ve discovered that many writers tend to overwhelm their narratives with numerous characters, leaving them as mere names on a page devoid of distinct traits. However, this book defies that trend brilliantly. It presents a family of eight vibrant characters, each with their own well-defined personality, ensuring the reader never confuses one with another. The emotional bond formed with these characters is palpable, particularly in the poignant portrayal of Betty and her father, Landon. The book encapsulates the essence of ‘Americana,’ a gritty and authentic depiction that resonates universally. The writing is exceptional, adorned with memorable quotes, especially those about the ever-changing yet perpetual seasons. The story, much like the mother’s quilt referenced throughout, is flawlessly woven together without plot holes, exhibiting impeccable logic. Themes of poverty, trauma, life’s stages, and most prominently, womanhood, are skillfully explored. ‘Betty’ embodies the idea of staying true to oneself amidst societal pressures. This book, touted for its emotional impact, lived up to its acclaim. I feel profoundly moved upon its completion, making it the first five-star prediction fulfilled in my 2023 reading project.

Love, Pamela by Pamela Anderson:

Authentic, intelligent, and deeply relatable. In the closing pages, Pamela reflects on a director’s observation about her vulnerability, a quality missing in today’s stars, and that sentiment encapsulates this book perfectly. It’s refreshingly open and distinctive, penned entirely by Pamela in various forms, seamlessly interweaving poetry and prose. Her ability to reclaim her narrative, shedding the constructs imposed by men and the media over the years, is empowering. The raw honesty shines through, making this book a standout for me, earning a spot among my newfound favorites.

Beach Music by Pat Conroy:

Conroy exhibits exceptional skill in character development, intricately weaving captivating family relationships in his narratives. In ‘Beach Music,’ South Carolina becomes the pulsating heart of the story. Conroy masterfully captures the essence of this setting and its atmosphere, crafting an unparalleled portrayal. While his depiction of Italy is remarkable, his depiction of South Carolina truly stands out. His writing is richly descriptive, possibly overwhelming for some readers, making it best suited for those more accustomed to immersive storytelling. The plot defies easy description, carrying an epic quality that is both striking and challenging to articulate. While Conroy employs recurring tropes, making binge-reading less advisable, his works remain a compelling choice for seasoned readers seeking depth and complexity in their literature.

Us Against You by Fredrik Backman:

I’m honestly astounded by this author’s ability to create a multitude of characters, each so distinct and wonderfully developed—a truly rare talent. This narrative brilliantly builds upon the community introduced in the previous book, crafting a setting that feels exceptionally vivid and tangible. In my opinion, this is Backman’s most finely written piece, executing flawlessly with impactful and emotionally charged prose. The plot had me on an emotional rollercoaster—screaming, tearing up, and experiencing every emotion in a way that’s truly exceptional. This book has become my favorite among the author’s works; it’s a standout.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid:

The characterization in this book stands as the pinnacle of my reading experiences. My sentiment from 2021 remains unaltered in 2023—it’s simply the best. Initially, I didn’t particularly like Evelyn, but I found her captivating to read about. However, this time around, I not only loved her character but also aspired to embody her spirit. On the other hand, my disdain for Celia St. James remains steadfast. The portrayal of old Hollywood was utterly perfect, reigniting my fervent wish for more tales set in that era. Taylor Jenkins Reid delivers her finest writing in this narrative. The plot’s uniqueness, narrated as a celebrity’s memoir, captivated me entirely. This reread was even more satisfying—I’m giving it a well-deserved 5/5 stars.

Laika by Nick Abadzis:
A graphic novel that moved me to tears—plain and simple. While prose novels rarely evoke such emotions in me, ‘Laika’ achieved what others couldn’t.

Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid:

This was my second reread of this incredible book, an all-time favorite that somehow managed to captivate me even more this time! The characters are intriguing; they’re not inherently likable but exude chaos, which makes them immensely entertaining. While Billy remains my book crush from the first read, Warren, the drummer, caught my attention this time. Yet, Daisy’s perspective stole the show for me on this revisit. The dialogue-driven writing style ensures a swift read, but for first-timers, I highly recommend the audiobook experience! This book embodies the essence of rock ‘n roll, transporting you to the seventies with nods to your favorite classic rock bands throughout the story. For fellow music enthusiasts, this is a must-read!

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid:

If there’s one remarkable skill Taylor Jenkins Reid possesses, it’s crafting compelling characters. In her previous works, I found the characters intriguing to read about, though I didn’t necessarily like them as individuals. However, the Riva siblings changed that for me; they’re characters I rooted for and genuinely liked. The side characters, despite limited page time, are impressively developed, each distinct and memorable. They could easily carry a story of their own, much like Carrie Soto. Malibu, almost a character in itself, vividly comes to life, particularly in the earlier parts of the book, evoking a palpable sense of its historical past. This novel showcases the author’s finest writing, a departure from her previous works. It delves into themes of nepotism, probing the distinction between fame from family ties versus genuine talent. Moreover, it explores the profound impact of generational trauma on an individual’s psyche, emphasizing how parenting shapes one’s mentality. While the story unfolds in just a day, the characters undergo significant development, embracing their identities. Taylor Jenkins Reid’s adept storytelling and thematic depth continue to captivate me—I adore her approach to writing!

The Love Songs of W.E.B Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers:

Reviewing exceptional books is always a challenge, and ‘The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois’ might just top my 2023 reads. While Ailey might not be a character I personally relate to, her journey resonated deeply with me—from toddlerhood to becoming a resilient woman, navigating life’s highs and lows. The multitude of characters can be daunting, but the family tree in the opening pages proved immensely helpful for reference. Many characters resembled individuals from my own life, reflecting the authenticity of the Southern culture depicted in the novel. The setting, with its dialect, cuisine, social intricacies, felt incredibly genuine. Astonishingly, this is the author’s debut, despite her background in poetry, evident in the poetic, lyrical, and breathtaking prose. Though lengthy, the book is impeccably crafted, every element falling into place organically, defying predictability. I followed along with the audiobook, but any format would serve this masterpiece well! The plot fulfilled a long-held desire—an expansive American epic chronicling a family across generations, executed flawlessly by Jeffers. Ailey’s mentor’s advice on studying history struck a chord, reminding us that this fiction mirrors the lived experiences of countless people throughout history. The emotional depth of this narrative left me drained at times, akin to Ailey’s mentor suggesting a break after intense research—an apt metaphor for this immersive journey. ‘The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois’ is a book that leaves me both overwhelmed and at a loss for words, destined to linger in my thoughts for a long time. Undoubtedly, it’s a new favorite.

Some honorable mentions are as followed:
A Man Called Ove – Fredrik Backman

The Red Tent – Anita Diament

Still Life – Sarah Winman

‘A Man Called Ove’ Book Review

“”A Man Called Ove” is a heartwarming and humorous novel about a grumpy and solitary man named Ove who has given up on life after the death of his beloved wife. The book explores Ove’s life and the events that have led him to become the curmudgeonly person he is today. Despite his rough exterior, Ove is a man of routine and order who is fiercely loyal to those he cares about. He has a deep love for his late wife, Sonja, and struggles to come to terms with her absence. As Ove navigates his grief, he becomes involved in the lives of his neighbors, including a pregnant woman named Parvaneh and her family, a young couple who move in next door, and a stray cat who seems to have taken up residence in his house. Through these interactions, Ove begins to see the value in human connection and begins to open up to those around him.” – Description from ChatOn.

Fredrik Backman is a king of making characters. By the outside, Ove being your typical grumpy old man who complains about his neighborhood problems, you are probably like how could I ever feel and love a character like that? That is probably what most readers are thinking when they see the cover of this book. Backman does it though, he makes you root for these characters that most authors would never even think about writing whole novels on. The Swede is a master at character work.

As this novel does take place in Sweden, there were some cultural differences that I had to get used to at first. I am amazed that they could make a film of this taking place in Pittsburgh because so many of these plot events I feel like could not take place in America. It is always eye opening at getting to see what everyday life is like in another country.

While reading the writing of Backman, it is never lyrical, poetic, or what most people would call beautiful. It isn’t. It is actually quite blunt. I did skim through some of the prose just to get to the spoken dialogue because a lot of the inner thoughts were repetitive. However, I will say some paragraphs or sentences that are presented really make you sit back and think about what was just stated.

There are plenty of themes in ‘A Man Called Ove’ that are not often written about in books, let alone talked about in life. I think fear of the unknown causes such a thing. The main theme that I am going to write about here is that of aging. Age is a beautiful thing because not everyone gets to grow old, people who are old have had plenty of life experiences and therefore knowledge to pass on to others. Old people should not just be pushed aside and forgotten, they were young once too and might have that grumpy personality from said experiences in life. You should not judge someone on their looks or whatever the first impression might be on meeting. There is something to be learned from all people that you meet, from three-year-olds to senior citizens, every life has value, and everyone has something that you can learn from. These themes are so rarely talked about but need to be more.

Fredrik Backman is a king of making characters. Backman does it though, he makes you root for these characters that most authors would never even think about writing whole novels on. As this novel does take place in Sweden, there were some cultural differences that I had to get used to at first. It is always eye opening at getting to see what everyday life is like in another country. While reading the writing of Backman, it is never lyrical, poetic, or what most people would call beautiful. However, I will say some paragraphs or sentences that are presented really make you sit back and think about what was just stated. There are plenty of themes in ‘A Man Called Ove’ that are not often written about in books, let alone talked about in life. These themes are so rarely talked about but need to be more. I loved this book, but it is not a new favorite.

4 out 5 stars.

‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’ Review

“The Scarlet Pimpernel is a novel by Baroness Orczy that takes place during the French Revolution. The story follows a group of French aristocrats who are being targeted by the revolutionaries and are in danger of being executed. The Scarlet Pimpernel is a mysterious figure who has been rescuing these aristocrats from France and bringing them to safety in England. The French authorities are desperate to catch the Scarlet Pimpernel, but he always manages to evade them. The main character is Sir Percy Blakeney, a wealthy Englishman who is secretly the Scarlet Pimpernel. Sir Percy’s wife, Marguerite, is a French actress who is caught up in the political turmoil of the revolution. Marguerite is initially suspected of being a spy for the revolutionaries, but Sir Percy eventually clears her name. The novel ends with the Scarlet Pimpernel successfully rescuing the last of the French aristocrats and returning them to England.” – ChatOn description of the book. ‘

By the description of the book, it states that Sir Percy is the main character of the book, yes, a lot of the story does revolve around him, but I more so think that Marguerite is the main character here. She is a woman in a foreign country, a country that looks down upon her own, and a woman who has no idea what is happening to her family across the channel. She is being black mailed and a strong and passionate woman in the situation that she is placed into within these pages. That being said, she was the most developed of the characters. This book does present themes such as anonymity and deception, that made it hard to tell the difference between the male characters.

The atmosphere is a common one for the Edwardian time period of when ‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’ was published. I am curious if authors of the time were inspired by the French Revolution like today’s authors are inspired by World War II. The descriptive writing gave this story a rich atmosphere and it was easy to picture the scenes that were playing out.

Playing in with the atmosphere, the writing was very descriptive, but it never over did it. It never made you feel bogged down and you could not get out. However, my mind did seem to drift off a lot, I think this is from either too many characters, or the lack of development on said characters. The writing was reminiscent of the likes of Dickens and Shelley with the ability at painting a scene inside of the reader’s head.

The plot sounds great in theory and when I first read this book it really did spark me interest in historical fiction. However, I have since read books that follow the same historical events, those books being Les Miserable and The Tale of Two Cities, this one just does not compare to those. It is very one dimensional and I do think if this book was published today, it would still be popular because of its main female lead.

By the description of the book, it states that Sir Percy is the main character of the book, yes, a lot of the story does revolve around him, but I more so think that Marguerite is the main character here. This book does present themes such as anonymity and deception, that made it hard to tell the difference between the male characters. The atmosphere is a common one for the Edwardian time period of when ‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’ was published. The descriptive writing gave this story a rich atmosphere and it was easy to picture the scenes that were playing out. Playing in with the atmosphere, the writing was very descriptive, but it never over did it. The writing was reminiscent of the likes of Dickens and Shelley with the ability at painting a scene inside of the reader’s head. The plot sounds great in theory and when I first read this book it really did spark me interest in historical fiction. It is very one dimensional and I do think if this book was published today, it would still be popular because of its main female lead. This book has nothing wrong with it but it could be so much more.

2.25 out of 5 stars.

‘Goliath’ Book Review

‘Goliath’ is set on Earth in the near future, the 2050s. Those of privilege have left the United States to head to space colonies to live a more comfortable life. Those left behind are left with a damaged land and are left to salvage all that is left.

The characters were all interchangeable. I can tell you their names but not much past that. This seems to be a case of too many characters and not enough page time. However, the two that stood out to me were Bishop and Sydney. They really blossomed with the inclusion of back stories. Overall, the way this book was setup, it made it hard to connect with the cast of characters.

I thought the setting of this being somewhere not too far in the future was great. 2050, seems like forever away but it really is not in the grand scheme of things. Oftentimes, we look back at decades past, civilizations past, and in this book, we are the society that is being looked back at. It really makes you think about how we go about life and everything that our society circles around.

The writing was my biggest issue. First off, the timelines were really hard to follow for the first fifty percent of the novel. It was bouncing around between past and present before I was set in stone into the novel to have a better understanding of where I was. The writing was also chunky and went on for far too long, I found myself having to skim through the last quarter. Again, all of this improved in the second half of the book.

The plot really could have been at any time. Do not go into this expecting a heavy science fiction novel. Now that I sit here and think about it, this book is probably extremely realistic on what could possibly happen in the future. It is really heavy on current issues and how they will have an impact on future generations which is an interesting concept. Fans of My Monticello should definitely give this one a go.

The characters were all interchangeable. Overall, the way this book was set up, it made it hard to connect with the cast of characters. I thought the setting of this being somewhere not too far in the future was great. It really makes you think about how we go about life and everything that our society circles around. The writing was my biggest issue. The writing was also chunky and went on for far too long, I found myself having to skim through the last quarter. The plot really could have been at any time. It is really heavy on current issues and how they will have an impact on future generations which is an interesting concept. ‘Goliath’ was just not executed properly and if the chapters were rearranged, this could have played out better.

2.5 out of 5 stars.

‘Annihilation’ Book Review

Area X has been locked away from the world for decades. Every few years, the Southern Reach Project send in a group of people to survey the land. Most of the time the expeditions do not make it back. This year, it is a group of four women who have to survey and map the terrain.

If you are like me, and character exploration is your favorite thing about reading, ‘Annihilation‘ will not be a book that you come out of loving. The way the character development is done by the author is very creative. We are never given a name of our narrator, as this is their account of their time in Area X, they are not supposed to get personal with the other team members. It was interesting but I never felt a strong connection with the narrator.

At first, I thought this atmosphere was going to be great because the nature writing was so good, but then I began to ask questions. Why is Area X a thing? What caused it? What is the outside world like? Is it a dystopian society or the world as we know it? We do get some answers but nothing in great detail. This book, as it is an account, would make sense if someone in the book universe was reading it but for someone in our real world it can be confusing. Other than that, the author did a great job at really putting the reader inside Area X.

The writing was my favorite part of Annihilation. As stated before, the nature writing is superb. We really get to see how lush but almost claustrophobic Area X is. If you are someone who enjoyed the writing of ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’, you will probably like the writing here even if the genres are completely different. This reads like a nonfiction as this is the character’s account of her time in the area. I really was not expecting that and it was something different for me in the science fiction genre.

On paper, the plot sounds like something I would enjoy. The character work was not there though, so therefore, I did not care what was happening to the characters and that meaning the plot became irrelevant to me.

If you are like me, and character exploration is your favorite thing about reading, ‘Annihilation‘ will not be a book that you come out of loving.The character development was done in an interesting form but I never felt a strong connection with the narrator. At first, I thought this atmosphere was going to be great because the nature writing was so good, but then I began to ask questions.Other than that, the author did a great job at really putting the reader inside Area X. The writing was my favorite part of Annihilation. I really was not expecting that and it was something different for me in the science fiction genre. On paper, the plot sounds like something I would enjoy. This was a good book but I am not rushing to pick up the next ones in the series.

3 out of 5 stars.

‘Owen’ Book Review

‘Owen’ is the story of a man who went from a Welsh solider in the English army, to a servant, and then ended up marrying the dowager queen of England. His descendants would go on to rule multiple countries around Europe. The founder of a great dynasty that would change England and therefore the world.

Owen Tudor is one of the people in the Wars of the Roses, that I have never seen portrayed in film or writing. That was until I read this book. I think it is quite strange that many have not ventured into writing about this man as in a sense he founded the Tudor Dynasty. The character work here is very one dimensional but I can see why since there is not a lot to base Owen on. I did like the portrayal of Queen Catherine and the dialogue that came along with that.

I have talked far and wide for my love of the Middle Ages and more specifically the Wars of the Roses time period. The author did a great deal of research on the time period and the people in it.

The writing is where I think this fell flat for me but it also could have been the plot but we will get to that. It was very mechanical and simple. Which does make for an easy read but I got bored with it. One dimensional is a word that I would use to overall describe my time reading ‘Owen’.

As stated before, it is obvious that the writer did his research for the first installment of the Tudor trilogy. That is great but it also held him back a lot. If you know the life of Owen Tudor that is exactly what you are going to get with very few moments going in depth or veering off course. It got dull and repetitive as the story went on.

The character work here is very one dimensional but I can see why since there is not a lot to base Owen on.The author did a great deal of research on the time period and the people in it. The writing was very mechanical and simple. The plot got dull and repetitive as the story went on. I did not hate this book or love it, I left it with no strong feelings therefore it will a receive a 2.5 star.