I started a ton of books in 2022 but finished only a handful. Here’s the (very short) list of completed books:

The Sweetest Remedy – Jane Igharo

XOXO – Axie Oh

Shine – Jessica Jung

Dread Nation – Justina Ireland

The Emma Project – Sonali Dev

The Comeback – Lily Chu

The Stand-In – Lily Chu

Pachinko – Min Jin Lee

My absolute favourites were Pachinko and The Comeback.

My reading theme for 2023 is ‘heartwarming’. Books that feature friendship, family, love, kindness and joy. On the surface that might sound painfully boring but I think some of the most popular stories resolve around these themes. I’d argue the Marvel films are so successful not just because of the super hero powers, hot actors and fiendish villains but because they’re a collection of stories about unlikely friendships and found families. Troubled people in search of peace and joy.

This year I’m not going to use the latest releases by Black authors as a starting point for my reading. Instead, Google tells me the 12 books below feature the themes I’m after so I’m going to give them try. No promises on finishing them though.

Swing Time – Zadie Smith

The Women of Brewster Place – Gloria Naylor

Silver Sparrow – Tayari Jones

Simone Breaks all the Rules – Debbie Rigaud

Blood Like Magic – Liselle Sambury

It’s Not All Downhill from Here – Terry McMillan

I Almost Forgot About You – Terry McMillan

Pride: A Pride & Prejudice Remix – Ibi Zoboi

With The Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo

Where the Rhythm Takes You – Sarah Dass

Dear Haiti, Love Alaine – Maika Moulite & Maritza Moulite

Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute – Talia Hibbert

What’s on your reading list for 2023?