7 Books on my 2023 TBR List
I realise that it’s now March and I probably should’ve posted this at the beginning of the year but, in my defence, I forgot.
Of course, I plan to read a lot more than seven books this year, but these are just some of the ones I’m most excited about.
Let’s proceed…
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Published in 1813
I feel like everyone probably has at least some idea of the plot of Pride and Prejudice, but I’ll give a little summary anyway.
The novel focuses on the Bennet family, who I think are upper class? Specifically, the story follows Elizabeth Bennet and her eventual romance with Mr Darcy. She hates him and he hates everyone, at first, so truly a romance for the ages.
I actually tried to read this book about a decade ago, but couldn’t get behind the way Austen writes so gave up after maybe half a chapter. That was my one and only try at reading Regency Era literature, so I think it’s time to try again.
I do know this story quite well, I’ve seen the film several times - it’s one of my mum’s favourite films so it really is several times. I’ve also seen a few other adaptations of Austen novels, it’s never been the plot of the book that’s the problem, just the writing style. I’m going to stick it out this time, though, I feel like i need to read this classic at least once.
Curious Minds: The Power of Connection by Dani Bassett and Perry Zum
Published in 2022
This is the only non-fiction book on this list, and I discovered this book through work. We’ve recently been doing a lot of research into the power of curiosity in marketing, and part of the research for that was this book.
It goes into the science behind curiosity and how we make connections between ideas and people.
I’ve always been interested in different ways the brain works so I’m very much looking forward to reading this one.
Mythos by Stephen Fry
Published in 2017
Here I am again being a whore for mythology, to the shock of absolutely no one.
My mum read this book a few years ago and told me I would really enjoy it but, as it always goes, I mentally added it to my TBR list and just…didn’t read it. Until now!
I’ve never read anything by Stephen Fry before so I’m quite intrigued as to what his writing style is going to be like. I’m sure I’ll enjoy it either way, it’s greek mythology.
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Published in 2021
Now, if you’ve read my blog on The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, then you’ll already know I’m a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid.
This book was recommended to me by my best friend, and she always reads good books so I’m excited about this one.
What I know of this book, the plot is about the shenanigans and scandals of the rich and famous, which is honestly one of my favourite things. It’s also part of the Taylor Jenkins Reid Literary Universe (TJRLU), as the main character is Mick Riva, one of Evelyn Hugo’s husbands.
Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
Published in 1976
This is a book that I’ve been meaning to read for ages. It’s constantly recommended to me, and rightfully so, to be honest.
I love vampires and the many different ways their lore can be interpreted. And also they’re inherently queer, which is a super fun bonus.
I will say, though, that I know next to nothing about this story. I know nothing about the plot, aside from the fact that one of the vampires is maybe a stalker? I also haven’t seen the film, but I will say that I can’t imagine Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise playing homoerotic vampires, but here we are. I’ll have to give it a watch after I read the book.
I think I’m probably most excited to read this book, out of everything on this list, because fantasy is my favourite genre.
Holes by Louis Sachar
Published in 1998
I know, I know, the absolute sacrilege of having never read this book. Almost every single person I know has read this book, but somehow it passed me by.
Everyone raves about this book and yet I still have no idea what it’s about aside from, presumably, holes of some kind. I do know that the main character is called Stanley Yelnats, which is just weird enough that I want to know why he’s called that.
I’m aware there’s also a film version of this, but I don’t know if it’s a good adaptation or not, so someone will have to let me know before I set myself up for disappointment.
The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham
Published in 1951
Who doesn’t love post-apocalyptic, giant people-eating plants?
I love sci-fi and fantasy, as I’m sure you’ve all gathered by now. There’s just something so fascinating about the things people can think up.
This is one of my grandad’s favourite books, and he lent me a copy of it recently so I think this is probably going to be the first book on this list I read.
At the end of the year, I’ll post a blog with my thoughts and feelings about all of these books, and we’ll see how my initial thoughts compare after I’ve read them.
