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Best Books of May 2023
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Tales From the CafeToshikazu Yamaguchi
Rating: 5
Print book
Prompt 42: Ghost, phantom, spirit, specter
the stories in this sequel were much more hopeful than in the first book. And you find out why there is a ghost
- Title: The Christmas Shoes- Author: Donna VanLiere
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format: Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): 50. A second book that fits your favorite prompt ( A novella)
- Brief reason why it was the best: I call it a "5 hankie" read. If a book can make me ugly cry that hard, it deserves 5 stars!
Title: Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely FineAuthor: Gail Honeyman
Rating: 5 stars
Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Print
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): First and last name in title
Brief reason why it was the best: It's at once sad and surprising and amusing, and always so realistic.
- Title: Hello Beautiful
- Author: Ann Napolitano
- Rating: 5!
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): ebook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): ✓ 50. A second book that fits your favorite prompt - published in 2023
- Brief reason why it was the best:
Heartbreaking from the first paragraph to the last. Lyrical writing. Interesting characters. Family saga.
- My Hello Beautiful review
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Edit. I have a second one.
- Title: Ninth House
- Author: Leigh Bardugo
- Rating: 5!
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): ✓ 42. A book related to a ghost, spirit, phantom, or specter
- Brief reason why it was the best: It was addicting. And very Dark Academia which I am really in the mood for right now.
- My Ninth House review
- Title: Something Rotten- Author: Jasper Florde
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio); Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): A book where books are important
- Brief reason why it was the best: Hamlet, eradication anonymous, 13th century prophets in the present day, and the best croquet match since Alice in Wonderland. Very clever - details from the previous 3 books came back in this book.
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Author: Stephanie Foo
Rating: 5 Stars
Format: Audio
ATY Prompt you used it for: A book with ONE of the five "W" question words in the title
Brief reason why it was the best: Brutal, honest, uplifting... this memoir is the epitome of what a good memoir can be. Plus the audio had actual tapes from her conversations with her therapist, which was really cool to listen to.
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- Title: The Garden of Evening Mists- Author: Tan Twan Eng
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Paper Back
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): # 25 A book with a topical setting
- Brief reason why it was the best: Very descriptive.
- Title The Wolf at the Door- Author Charlie Adhara
- Rating 5 Stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) A second book that fits your favorite prompt-> debut novel
- Brief reason why it was the best The characters, the romance, the story line. It just hit perfectly.
- Title: Carrie Soto Is Back- Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): trade paperback
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): Posted to ATY best book of the month
- Brief reason why it was the best: Unapologetic mc in the spotlight. Good social commentary on society's rules for women. Mostly, I wanted to reread it immediately and I went out and bought a copy.
Fiction: - Title: The Covenant of Water
- Author: Abraham Verghese
- Rating: 5*
- Format: electronic
- ATY Prompt you used it for: n/a
- Brief reason why it was the best: This is one of the best multigenerational family epics I have read. The threads of family, medicine, art, and social changes are beautifully woven together. Themes include the search for meaningful existence, love, and validation. The overall tone is hopeful, even in the midst of life’s tragedies, with the appropriate love and support from others. I have added this book to my list of favorites, and it will certainly be in my short list of top reads of the year. In a word, it is a masterwork.
My full review may be found here: My Review
Non-Fiction:
- Title: Short Nights Of The Shadow Catcher: The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis
- Author: Timothy Egan
- Rating: 5*
- Format: electronic
- ATY Prompt you used it for: n/a
- Brief reason why it was the best: This is a biography of photographer Edward S. Curtis (1868 – 1952) and narrative of his efforts to capture the lives of the American Indian tribes on photographic plates to preserve a record of a vanishing way of life. It brings to attention a lesser-known person that made a huge contribution to indigenous history. It brings Curtis’s legacy to a position of prominence that it so obviously deserves.
My full review may be found here: My Review
My two best books of the month have something in common: They both take place in a similar era (50s-60s), and involve strong women having to deal with misogyny, and who find ways to fight it. I did not plan this, it was just synchronicity.- Title: Lessons in Chemistry
- Author: Bonnie Garmus
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format: Kindle
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): 35. A book with a school subject in the title
- Brief reason why it was the best: Besides the basic topic that both these books had in common, I partially liked this book because I really didn't expect to (but had to read it as it was chosen in my IRL book group). I know it has been popular, but the cover really turned me off — it makes the book look like fluff. What I specifically liked about it turned out to be how it covered the above referenced topic - but in a very readable way, the quirky characters (including a dog), and that it made me get mad, laugh & cry.
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- Title: When Women Were Dragons
- Author: Kelly Barnhill
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format: Kindle
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): 50. A second book that fits your favorite prompt ( A book by an author who has written more than 7 books)
- Brief reason why it was the best: First, if you aren't a huge high fantasy fan like me, the dragons in this book are more of a metaphor. I loved this book because of all the strong women and how it used the dragons and the reaction to "dragoning" to take another look at how we as a country often shield ourselves from uncomfortable realities surrounding us. What really helped me enjoy it even more was becoming familiar with the author, who I hadn't read before, by watching an author talk she gave a her local bookstore. Besides getting to know her, I found out the background of how she was inspired to write this book to begin with. https://youtu.be/O5nbyztnIXc (if this link doesn't work, look up the account of "Magers & Quinn Booksellers" and the video titled "Kelly Barnhill presents When Women Were Dragons")
- Title: A Sunlit Weapon- Author: Jacqueline Winspear
- Rating: 5
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): #31. A book found by inputting a favorite author on https://www.literature-map.com: Louise Penny, with the result of Jacqueline Winspear (among many others)
- Brief reason why it was the best: this is book #17 in the Maisie Dobbs historical mystery series by Winspear and I have yet to be disappointed. This one takes place during WW2 in England and begins with a woman who is a ferry pilot for war planes being shot at from the ground. Then there is a death of another pilot - this time a man. With Eleanor Roosevelt coming to England and German activity to harm her, Maisie assists with her psychological and detective skills training to resolve the issues. I love that this is a strong woman with an education, with a career, with a husband and a child, who makes a difference.
-Title: To Say Nothing of the Dog-Author: Connie Willis
-Rating: 5 stars
-Format: Print
-ATY Prompt: Best Book of Month 2022
-Why best: Hilarious time-travel romance that pays homage to Three Men in a Boat
I am also a fan of Lessons in Chemistry!- Title: Lessons in Chemistry
- Author: Bonnie Garmus
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format: Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): N/A
Brief reason it was the best: I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. It was well written and very interesting.
Also, I have to mention my nonfiction favorite:
- Title: The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times
- Author: Jane Goodall
- Rating: 5 Stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): N/A
- Brief reason why it was the best: Our natural word is in a state of crisis, considering the effects of global warming and ecological issues. This book has a calming effect, while at the same time urging action.
Well, I managed to narrow it down to 2 but I can't narrow any further.- Title: This Is What It Sounds Like: What the Music You Love Says About You
- Author: Susan Rogers & Ogi Ogas
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format: Ebook (and then I queued up Youtube to listen to the various tracks mentioned.
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): #18. Related to science.
- Brief reason why it was the best: Well, if you like science based nonfiction and love music, chances are you'll find this interesting and fun.
- Title: Rebound
- Author: Kwame Alexander
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format: Ebook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): I used it for Popsugar: A book about a sport or athlete.
- Brief reason why it was the best: This is a novel in verse that plays with the form, throwing in comic interludes, switching up the poetry styles and having rhythm come in and out. Plus it was just so full of emotion.
- Title: The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary- Author: Catherine Gray
- Rating: 5/5
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Ebook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): n/a
- Brief reason why it was the best: It's been a very long year for me so far, and I'm trying to work more on living in the moment. I don't usually read self-help, but one of my favourite authors recommended this and I thought I'd give it a go. And it was really good! Common sense, not trying to sell me anything and with a very engaging style.
2 favourites for me this month and I can't pick between them 
by Alice Feeney
★★★★★
Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Ebook
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable):
Brief reason why it was the best: I love psych thrillers and Alice Feeney writes such great broken, flawed but realistic characters. Loved the theme of stories have different versions; his, hers, and the truth. Slow unveiling of the facts kept me guessing. lots of twist and turns and some great reveals!
by Axie Oh
★★★★★
Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Ebook
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): Spring Challenge; rainstorm
Brief reason why it was the best: Great magical mythology, heartwarming twee family connections, strong and courageous MC
Title What Moves the DeadAuthor T. Kingfisher
Rating 4.5 stars
Format ebook
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) #7 A book with one of the five W question words in the title
Brief reason why it was the best The atmosphere was perfectly done, minimal gore and more psychological horror. Still thinking about it weeks later.
- Title On Top of Glass: My Stories as a Queer Girl in Figure Skating- Author Karina Manta
- Rating I don't rate
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) a book related to one of the Spice Girls personalities, Sporty Spice; could also be used as book related to pride.
- Brief reason why it was the best: This book is by the first elite out female American figure skater. She describes her journey as an athlete, but also as a relatable teenage girl/young adult learning how to navigate friendships, body image issues, first relationships, etc. Thoughtful reflections, which made her autobiography compelling even though she isn't a big name.
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- Title: Fruit of the Drunken Tree- Author: Ingrid Rojas Contreras
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): 52. A book with an unusual or surprising title
- Brief reason why it was the best: The book was at times innocent, and then it was completely raw. She used events from her childhood and created a fictional story about a young girl and the slightly older teenage girl who worked for them. Set in the time of Pablo Escobar in Colombia, the book was a hard read at times (because of the subject) matter, but it was well-written and captivating.
- Title: Everything's Eventual
- Author: Stephen King
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): N/A (I used it for the rejects challenge though: A book with yellow, red and white on the cover
- Brief reason why it was the best: It is a book of short stories, and they were all great. There was a prequel to The Dark Tower series which I loved. It wasn't necessary to the series, but it was like visiting an old friend.
- Title: Wanted, A Gentleman
- Author: KJ Charles
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): none, but could work for 4, 6, or 45
- Brief reason why it was the best: One of the few remaining KJ Charles books I have left. Short, but sweet with lovely twists and imperfect MCs
Best Reads of May
Title: The Night Tiger
Author: Yangsze Choo
Rating: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Format: audiobook
ATY Prompt: #38 sun, moon or stars on cover
Reason: A historical mystery set in 1930s Malaya featuring dance halls, weretigers and Chinese mythology. Here is my review
Title: WitchmarkAuthor: C.L. Polk
Rating: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Format: audiobook
ATY Prompt: #42A book related to a ghost, spirit, phantom, or specter
Reason: Fantasy version of Edwardian England, queer sweet romance and very well written, a nebula award nominee
Title- Project Hail Mary- Author-Andy Weir
- Rating- 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio)- Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable)- #18 a book about science.
- Brief reason why it was the best- I loved the audio version of this book as they (with author's permission) enhanced the book with sounds. There were two main characters in this and one was an alien who spoke in musical sounds. The detail that went into this book was amazing but never boring. Hugo Award Nominee and Won an Audie for the audible version.
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Title: The Pale Blue Eye
Author: Louis Bayard
Rating: 5 stars
Format: Kindle
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): Three books set in different centuries
Brief reason why it was the best: A great historical mystery/thriller. Set at 1830's West Point. Edgar Allen Poe is a featured character. Well written and a "killer" ending!
My top reads in May were both YA Fantasy, which was a surprise and a thrill. It's been years since I read this much YA Fantasy that was original and captivating. Title: Splinters of Scarlet
Author: Emily Bain Murphy
Rating: 4 stars (this is really high for me, 5 stars is reserved for books that changed my life)
Format: eBook
ATY Prompt you used it for: 16. Three books, each of which is set in a different century (1800s) - though I picked it up for a BookRiot prompt to read a book based solely on the cover, which is gorgeous.
Brief reason why it was the best: The story was solid, the pacing was great, the worldbuilding was perfection for the type of story it is, the characters were lovable and distinct, and some of the descriptions were sumptuous (but not too many). And I have never read a historical book set in Denmark, so I feel like I learned some stuff.
Title: Girl, Serpent, Thorn
Author: Melissa Bashardoust
Rating: 4 stars
Format: eBook
ATY Prompt you used it for: None
Brief reason why it was the best: Even though it was written just a couple years ago, it reminds me so much of books I used to read waaaaaay back before Twilight and Hunger Games and a few others led to most YA becoming super formulaic. This had a relatively complex plot - it wasn’t just conflict -> conflict resolution, there were some twists and turns. And the main character is very deliberately morally ambiguous, aka has a mix of feelings just like an actual person who is going through hard confusing stuff, not a paragon of virtue.
Title A Trick of LightAuthor Karen Blomain
Rating 5 stars
Format eBook
ATY Prompt you used it for A book that is light
Brief reason why it was the best Have had this since 2012 but never read it and it was a really pleasant surprise. Unexpectedly good.
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-Title: The Night Tiger
- Author: Yangsze Choo
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Format: Audio
- ATY Prompt: #38 sun, moon or stars on cover
- Brief reason why it was the best: This is an intriguing historical fiction by Chinese Malaysian author Yangsze Choo set in Malaya in the 1930s. The book incorporates elements of magical realism, mythology, mystery and romance and includes weretigers, ghosts and 1930s dancehalls. Here is my review
Title - DrowningAuthor - T.J. Newman
Rating - 5 glorious stars
Format (Print, eBook, Audio) - ebook
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) - n/a
Brief reason why it was the best - this started with a bang (literally the first sentence is a plane engine exploding) and it never let up. Perfectly paced with high action content and a little backstory thrown in to break up the tension. I read a lot in this genre, and this might be the best action thriller I've ever read.
- Title Courageous Hearts- Author Emmy Sanders
- Rating 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) eBook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) N/A
- Brief reason why it was the best This is the first MM romance I have read with a Non-binary character and Emmy did it perfectly.
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Both of these books featured non-human character perspectives, which I loved!Title: All Systems Red
Author: Martha Wells
Rating: 5/5
Format (Print, eBook, Audio): eBook
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): #50 "A second book that fits your favorite prompt": (A Novella)
Brief reason why it was the best: Murderbot is freaking hilarious!
Title: Remarkably Bright Creatures
Author: Shelby Van Pelt
Rating: 4.5/5
Format (Print, eBook, Audio): eBook
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): #5 "A book with 4 or more colors on the cover"
Brief reason why it was the best: The voice/perspective of Marcellus, the giant Pacific octopus.
- Title: Symphony of Secrets- Author: Brendan Slocumb
- Rating: 4 plus
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): ebook and Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): 35. A book with a school subject in the title
- Brief reason why it was the best: It is a little hard to talk about because I wouldn't want to give anything away. It had a good mystery, the duel timeline and characters all worked for me.
- Title: The Seven Sisters- Author: Lucinda Riley
- Rating: 4.5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Audio and Ebook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): 37. A book with the theme of returning home
- Brief reason why it was the best: Riley had the perfect way of combining historical fiction/romance with mysteries and this story was emotional and the perfect start of a long, exciting series.
- Title: What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions
- Author: Randall Munroe
- Rating: 4.5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Ebook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): 7. A book with ONE of the five "W" question words in the title
- Brief reason why it was the best: Although I couldn't understand some of the scientific words, Randall makes it easier for you to understand theoretical events + he makes it in a very fun way, including doodles he makes. I think he is becoming one of my fave authors.
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My favorite book from May is Mammoths at the Gates by Nghi Vo.Rating: 4.5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Ebook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): 37. A book with the theme of returning home.
- Brief reason why it was the best: I love this series of fantasy novellas that explore the nature of story. In this interlude, the monk Chih returns to their home monastery to find it under siege by a noblewoman and her mammoths. Chich's magical hoopoe friend Almost Brilliant also figures heavily in this one.
Title: Delicious MonstersAuthor: Liselle Sambury
Rating: 5 stars
Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Print
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): A book related to a ghost, spirit, phantom, or specter
Brief reason why it was the best: It wasn't as scary as I expected on the horror side, but the "realistic horrors" (which I won't specify in case of spoilers) were very impactful and very creepy
- Title: Unmarriageable- AuthorSoniah Kamal
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): A book related to pride
- Brief reason why it was the best: It is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in modern Pakistan. I love P&P and fan fic related to it!
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- Title: Remarkably Bright Creatures- Author: Shelby Van Pelt
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): 49. A book posted in one of the ATY Best Book of the Month threads in 2022 or 2023
- Brief reason why it was the best: Octopus. Need I say more? 😝
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Around the Year in 52 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
Remarkably Bright Creatures (other topics)Unmarriageable (other topics)
Delicious Monsters (other topics)
The Seven Sisters (other topics)
What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Shelby Van Pelt (other topics)Soniah Kamal (other topics)
Liselle Sambury (other topics)
Brendan Slocumb (other topics)
Martha Wells (other topics)
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2023 Best Books Listopia