This is one of the hardest decisions I have to make reading wise when the time crunch at the end of a year approaches. I set a reading goal at the beginning of 2023, and I know for a fact I will not fulfill it. I still surpassed my Goodreads goal number wise, but I did not put a dent in my already owned books that are still sitting on my shelves. Yet again…sigh! Regardless, I still put together a list of ten books to read until the end of 2023.
This is a more feasible list, since most of them are library loans that are due back, and a couple of gifted copies form authors/ publishers. Hence, the motivation to prioritize them is there.
Without further ado, let’s see which are the ten books I plan to read until the end of 2023.
Mercury by Amy Jo Burns
This book is part of the Celadon Read Along, and since there is a suggested schedule to follow, I will most likely finish it on time. The book seems like a lovely multi-generational family drama that is told from a few different points of view. As I previously mentioned, this is a genre that is becoming a favorite of mine. I love reading about any type of family, particularly dysfunctional ones. Full review of this to follow at the end of the month.
The Existence of Amy by Lana Grace Riva
The author gifted me this copy of her book to read and review, and I must read it before the end of the year. It is a work of fiction, but it is based on the author’s struggle with mental health. A short book, but one that promises to offer lots of punch. It is not the genre I would pick myself, but it sounds like a book I would enjoy.
After Everything You Did by Stephanie Sowden
This is a book I won in a giveaway about a year ago, and I keep putting it off. But I think it sat on my shelves for a decent amount of time, so it’s time to prioritize it. Plus, when authors send me copies of their books, I do my best to give them a review in a timely manner. As you can see, I’m failing miserably, but not for lack of trying. I hope they don’t take it personally, it’s my issue. One of my next years’ reading goals will involve not over committing!
This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
I’ve been meaning to read something by this author for a couple of years, but i’ve yet to get around to it. Hopefully the thought that I must return it to the library should give me a push to do so. Fingers crossed. And I have a feeling I will like the writing as well, and then I’ll kick myself for waiting so long to read it. It has a few interesting characteristics that I enjoyed in the past, such as time travel. Iyt also seems to be a thought provoking book, so I’m looking forward to reading it.
Girl in Ice by Erica Ferencik
I started this book last winter, and it didn’t grab my attention from the first couple of chapters I managed to read. But I’m still intrigued, and I am determined to finish it before the end of the year. It has all the dark elements that I normally like in a book, so I don’t see myself disliking it. But after a sluggish start, I will hopefully be in the right frame of mind to read it through to the end next time I pick it up.
The Retreat by Sarah Pearse
I liked the author’s first book, The Sanatorium, well enough that I wanted to read this one. It’s not that it isn’t as interesting as the first one, but I made too many commitments at once. and That forced me to keep getting it pushed back. But I intend to change that in the next two months. It is about an island retreat that is known for its dark past. Detective Elin Warner is called to solve a mysterious death that seems like a tragic accident.
We Know You Remember by Tove Alsterdal
This was the Nordic Noir selection for the month of May for our Nordic Noir read along group. I started it at some point earlier this year, but I kept putting it aside. Many other pressing arcs or library books needed my attention, but I want to finish it before the end of the year. It is a typical Nordic Noir thriller that offers all the elements I like in the genre. Character-driven, decades-old cover-ups, plus a classic police procedural narrated with a Scandinavian voice.
The Ice Coven by Max Seeck
This is the second book in the Jessica Niemi trilogy. I read the first one, The Witch Hunter, last month for my Nordic Noir Read Along group on Instagram. I like the author’s writing very much, and although my group disagreed, I felt a fondness for Jessica instantly. She is one of my new-found favorite female characters, faults and all. In this second installment cultish vibes are present, promising to draw me in just like the first book in the series did.
The Last Grudge by Max Seeck
The third and last book (at least for now) in the Jessica Niemi trilogy, The Last Grudge sums up Jessica’s battle with her own demons. I’m looking forward to seeing where the author takes the story that follows my newly favorite female heroines. This is a book I borrowed from the library and needs to go back soonish. Hence, it’s given me the incentive I need to get to it before the end of the year!
Black Ice by Carin Gerhardsen
And finally, this years’ Nordic Noir November read along pick is Black Ice by Carin Gerhardsen.
I am familiar with the author’s previous works. I read The Gingerbread house a couple of years ago, and it became one of my favorite Nordic Noir books. Hence, I’m looking forward to Black Ice. If it’s anything like her previous books, I am sure I will like it. Stay tuned next month for my full review.
Concluding Words
Although this was a short post, I hope it was one you enjoyed. These are my ten books to read until the end of 2023. Which ten books are you planning to read until the end of the year?
As per usual, I look forward to your comments and book suggestions.
Until next time, my fellow bookworms!
