Whether you were an avid reader last year or want to try out a new habit for 2024, here are five books from 2023 that you should read—if you haven’t already!

Fiction: “Yellowface” by R.F. Kuang

Athena Liu is a literary talent and June Hayward is her peer and friend. When Athena dies unexpectedly, June takes her manuscript and publishes it, attempting to pass it off as her own. When June becomes famous in the literary world for her friend’s stolen work, someone knows the truth and sets out to reveal the truth. This book explores the concepts of identity, cultural ownership and is a satirical representation of the publishing industry.

Nonfiction: “Poverty, by America” by Matthew Desmond

Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning sociologist Matthew Desmond, this book examines how the United States, the richest country on earth, experiences more poverty than any other first world power. Desmond explores how the rich stay rich and the poor stay poor, and how the welfare state developed by decisions Americans have made.  

Mystery & Thriller: “The Housemaid’s Secret” by Freida McFadden

Millie Calloway is thrilled to land a job as the maid for the Garrick family, cleaning their stunning New York City penthouse. But she’s not allowed to go in the guest room. Quickly, Millie begins to hear crying and finding blood in the laundry, which leads her to wonder what is truly going on inside the home. When she finally gets a peek into the room, it changes everything, and she must navigate how to protect her employer’s secrets while also keeping her own locked up safely.

Romance: “Yours Truly” by Abby Jimenez

Dr. Briana Ortiz’s life is quickly going downhill as her divorce is finalized, her brother is desperately trying to find a kidney donor and her well-deserved promotion is passed on to the new doctor, Dr. Jacob. This novel tells the tale of horrible first impressions, reconciliation and truly learning who people are below the surface.

Memoir: “The Woman in Me” by Britney Spears

Since childhood Spears found her passion of singing and dancing as a way to escape reality. Her long-awaited memoir chronicles her journey to stardom and the challenges she faced once in the limelight. The most overwhelming challenge was living under a conservatorship, where Spears had no control of her life, for more than 13 years. Learn how she eventually broke free and how she is regaining control of her story.
 

This blog post was written by our Division of Student Life intern Lindsey McLaughlin.