Although it seems early I’m always excited about the lists of ‘Best books’ which come out in the Autumn. Satisfying to make new finds and see if our favourites agree with prize decisions and booksellers.
Why not get ahead with bookish Christmas presents or borrow some popular titles from the library? Here’s a round-up of the early lists:
Foyles Books of the Year Shortlists
My Fiction pick would be Yellowface by R. F Kuang. I read this in two days and I’m keen to hear what our L6th Book Club thought of it (from casual conversations they were bowled over by it!).
Waterstones Books of the Year Shortlists
Oprah’s Book Club List 2023 – All 103 Books Oprah Has Recommended
Book Prize News:
The Books Are My Bag Readers Award Winners 2023
The 2023 Books Are My Bag Readers Awards Winners, as voted by readers:
Fiction
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (Vintage)
Non-Fiction
Strong Female Character by Fern Brady (Brazen)
Poetry
The Cat Prince & Other Stories by Michael Pedersen (Little Brown)
Young Adult Fiction
Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher (Bloomsbury)
Children’s Fiction
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell (Bloomsbury)
Breakthrough Author
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (Transworld)
Readers’ Choice
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (Transworld)
I’m currently listening to the audiobook of ‘Impossible Creatures’ and it is captivating and beautifully written with lots of humour, interesting characters and a whole bestiary of fantastical creatures. An imaginative story for any age to get lost in.
‘Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow’ and ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ are two of my favourite fiction choices too.
Benjamin Myers wins 2023 Goldsmiths prize for ‘vital’ novel Cuddy | Goldsmiths prize | The Guardian
The Cundill History Prize | Cundill Prize
Tania Branigan’s Red Memory wins 2023 Cundill history prize | Books | The Guardian ‘Red Memory’ is available from the library now.