My 9 Favourite Books of 2023 🏆

TL;DR

Kayla shares her top nine favorite books of 2023, including genres like Gothic science fiction, body horror, non-fiction essays, literary fiction, mystery thrillers, and more.

Transcript

Hello friends I'm Kayla welcome back to my Channel today I'm going to tell you my nine favorite books of 2023 I landed on nine because I've been putting off filming this video for days trying to solidify that number 10 spot and there were like 30 books buying for the position so I decided instead of doing that I would just do the top nine and then ... Read More

Key Insights

• 😱 Kayla's top book choices span various genres and themes, including science fiction, body horror, non-fiction, literary fiction, mystery thrillers, and fantasy.
• 💭 The books on the list explore thought-provoking topics such as colonization, power dynamics, consumerism, grief, and marginalized experiences.
• 🤩 Kayla highlights the quality of storytelling, character development, and writing style as key factors in her selection.
• 🙊 The inclusion of non-fiction essay collections speaks to Kayla's interest in exploring important socio-cultural issues in depth.
• 💪 Kayla emphasizes the impact of memorable first chapters and strong intros in some of the books on her list.
• 📙 The books offer a mix of unsettling themes, humor, and compelling narratives, making them engaging reads for a wide range of readers.
• 🖐️ Book club discussions and recommendations from friends play a significant role in shaping Kayla's reading choices.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is "Leech" by Hen Andis about?

"Leech" is a Gothic science fiction novel featuring a nameless, genderless doctor who is part of a collective consciousness. They are tasked with taking over for a deceased doctor at a Chateau and investigating a parasite that caused the doctor's death. The book explores themes of colonization and power.

Q: Can you provide more details about "Natural Beauty" by Lingling Hong?

"Natural Beauty" is a body horror novel that follows a narrator's journey through two different phases of life. One as a piano prodigy at a conservatory, and the other as an employee at a Health and Wellness Spa. The book delves into topics like consumerism, corporate greed, and Eurocentric beauty standards.

Q: What is the focus of "A Mind Spread Out on the Ground" by Alicia Elliot?

"A Mind Spread Out on the Ground" is a non-fiction essay collection by an indigenous woman. It covers topics such as colonization, stolen language, land ownership, residential schools, intergenerational trauma, and poverty. Each essay tackles multiple subjects, offering a comprehensive exploration of important issues.

Q: Can you explain the premise of "How Beautiful We Were" by Imolo Bu?

"How Beautiful We Were" is a dense literary fiction novel set in an African village. It revolves around the devastating impact of an American oil company on the village's land and people. The story spans generations and highlights the struggle against modern colonization.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Kayla shares her top nine favorite books of 2023, including "Leech" by Hen Andis, a Gothic science fiction book with medical jargon and body horror.

• She also recommends "Natural Beauty" by Lingling Hong, a body horror book that explores consumerism and corporate greed in the beauty industry.

• "A Mind Spread Out on the Ground" by Alicia Elliot is a powerful non-fiction essay collection discussing colonization, stolen language, and intergenerational trauma.

• "How Beautiful We Were" by Imolo Bu is a dense literary fiction novel about modern colonization and its impact on an African village.

• "Nothing to See Here" by Kevin Wilson is a funny general fiction novel about two women and their spontaneous combusting stepchildren.

• "Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone" by Benjamin Stevenson is a reflective mystery thriller featuring a family reunion and a murder mystery.

• "Emily Wild's Encyclopedia of Fairies" by Heather Faucet is a cozy fantasy series about a professor building a fairy lore encyclopedia.

• "Monstruo" by Herard Sano Cordova is a literary horror story exploring grief and the concept of keeping a piece of a loved one alive.

• "A Little Devil in America" by Hanif Abdur is a thought-provoking essay collection about Black Performance and personal experiences.