She Said
It’s hard to believe that it has been over seven years since Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey published their New York Times story on Harvey Weinstein that sent shockwaves across the world. Since then, their work has been made into a bestselling book as well as a movie. By both reading and watching their story, my life has been changed - the blood, sweat, and tears they invested into their work is inspiring…
…Yet a bit depressing and overwhelming, too. Should women really have to go through so much to have their voices heard?
So much has changed, yet we still have so far to go.
I am fortunate that the majority of my book-ish friends prioritize reading women, and specifically, female BIPOC authors. Yet, even with this intentionality in my reading habits, a review of my yearly titles shows I still read just over 50% female authors and sadly, even less BIPOC authors. Women are speaking loud and clear, and I want to listen, because when I do, my life is changed.
So, as a way to conclude Women’s History Month I want to celebrate the female authors that I discovered in 2023.
These women told extraordinary stories that touched my soul and inspired me to be a better person, to change the way I view the world and most importantly, the way I view people who are not like me.
In addition, many of these books were recommended to me by fellow readers who challenge me to read more underrepresented authors, and I’m so very grateful to each of them!
I hope you enjoy reading this list, and as always - please let me know what you are reading these days. I always love adding more books to my TBR (to be read) pile!
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
by Jesse Q Sutanto
In my longest running book club, this was our most popular book of 2023. I will definitely be reading all of Jesse Sutanto’s books in the future.
With the Fire on High
by Elizabeth Acevedo
This is the second Elizabeth Acevedo book that I read (Clap When You Land was my first). Acevedo’s writing is stunningly beautiful and her stories are unforgettable. Of note, a book club read her recently published book Family Lore and did not like it as much as her others. I do have her book The Poet X high on my TBR list
Finding Me
by Viola Davis
I listened to Viola Davis’ Finding Me shortly after she received EGOT status by winning an Emmy for reading her memoir. This is not only one of my favorite celebrity memoirs of all time - but one of my favorite memoirs of all time. A must read/listen.
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
by Judy Blume
When the movie remake of Judy Blume’s, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margret, was released this past summer, I took it as an excuse to revisit this classic coming of age novel on this side of adulthood. I’m so glad I did! It’s always so wonderful to discover that these treasures are actually timeless and stand the test of time.
The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living
by Louise Miller
This was my favorite holiday read of 2023. I really don’t think you can get a better plot for the holidays than Boston baker moves to Vermont and bakes pies! It is as wonderful as it sounds and Louise has not only become a favorite author, but she is now one of my favorite bakers as I discovered where she bakes! (ping me and I’ll share the secret!)
Confessions of a forty-something f##k up
by Alexandra Potter
A favorite British friend of mine recommended this book when it still wasn’t available in the States, so during a trip to the UK last year, I picked it up and so glad I did. It’s compared to the Bridget Jones books but I find it so much better and the main character so much more likable (I really didn’t like Bridget). So glad to hear there is a sequel out now!
The Woman They Wanted
by Shannon Harris
For anyone who grew up in 1990s Evangelical Youth Group world, Shannon’s husband was a household name synonymous with toxic patriarchal teachings. I was prepared for the heartbreaking story of Shannon’s story and bittersweet process of healing. I was not prepared for her stunningly poetic writing that touched my soul. What a gift.
The Inheritance Games
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Fantasy and Mysteries are not at the top of my list of Favorite Genres. However, when my niece gifts me a book, I read it, love it and obviously it becomes one of my favorite books of the year. Because so much about reading is making connections with the ones you love - right? (and it’s a really fun story - I’ll be reading the rest of the books in the series)
Call You When I Land
by Nikki Vargas
I usually read around 5 travel memoirs a year and this one was hands down my favorite of 2023. Super fun, super practical and super inspiring.
The Metropolitan Affair
by Jocelyn Green
When a friend dedicates their book to you, it needs to be at least a favorite book of that year, right? By seriously, this book is so much fun. A mystery set in New York City with the main character being a female Egyptologist at the MET in the 1920s - what is there not to love! This is such a great example as to why Jocelyn Green is one of the few writers who I have read every one of her books. She’s just so much fun!
