2023 was another busy reading year for me (51 books and 9 graphic novels) and I want to share my top 6 favourites among them (a couple of weeks late but better late than never!)
The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi
This is the first in an engaging fantasy trilogy that explores racism and climate change from a new lens. In a world where blood comes in different colours but only one is allowed to practice blood magic, a rebel faction goes to great and terrible lengths to upset the balance of power. Meanwhile, the deadly storms are getting worse and only the poor are feeling the effects of it. In amongst the body positive and non-white representation, there is even time for a lesbian enemies to lovers trope and some bisexual representation too!
In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan
Technically, I first read this one a couple of years ago, but since I re-read it in 2023 I get to count it again! I have new appreciation of why I love this one, as I have since researched autism spectrum disordered and realized that I am autistic. And while it is not formally acknowledged in the book, the main character is most definitely autistic! He is blunt, struggles with social cues, is obsessive about his interests, is unintentionally hilarious, and is an overall delight to read about. Some very positive representation indeed! The story itself spans his teenage years, starting with discovering that he is one of the few who can see and cross the barrier between the mundane world and a magical world where mermaids are real (and deadly). It chronicles his years attending the magical equivalent of high school with a speciality in diplomacy alongside his exceptional friends who study combat. As a group they get involved – whether welcome or not! – in a number of the major conflicts that arise and change the course of the magical world, all while dealing with family struggles and dating. There is more great bisexual representation here too.
VenCo by Cherie Dimaline
If you’re looking for a feminist read about smashing the patriarchy, I recommend VenCo. This follows a group of women who are racing to complete a magical quest to find all their coven members before a witch hunter finds them. The women represent a diversity of cultures, including indigenous, trans, lesbian, cisgender, heterosexual, young and old. It is a well-written women-centred yarn.
Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
In the world of non-fiction, I discovered Atlas of the Heart, which is essentially an encyclopedia about emotions and related concepts. Perfect for those of us who have difficulty identifying our emotions and putting them into words. More than just dictionary definitions of terms, Brené Brown shares a short synopsis of the latest research about each concept and what it’s related too. The book also addresses misconceptions, such as perfectionism having more to do with shame than anxiety.
Come as You Are by Emily Nagoski
I already wrote about Come As You Are in this blog (see here), but in short this is now my go-to recommended book about the science of sexual pleasure. It explains the dual control model of sexual desire and goes into specific examples of the trouble couples get into when they don’t understand how it – and other sexual science concepts – relates to them. A must read for everyone!
The Goddess by Lindsay Murray
If you are curious to read about kink in a fictionalized way, this is an excellent place to start! It follows a young man discovering his submissive side by meeting a woman who is exploring her dominant side after years as a submissive. Meanwhile, both their personal and professional lives encounter tragedies and triumphs. This is a meaty read that covers many dark subjects outside of kink, from sex trafficking to medical malpractice and dementia.
Time Well Spent 