13 Comments

Omg what a list! I have Vagabonds coming to me in the post literally right now and I am so excited to read it! I read Open Water a few years ago and absolutely loved it - sobbed uncontrollably at it also :) If An Egyptian Cannot Speak English has been on my radar for a while, will have to get round to it next year. And I’ve been dying to read Temporary! AND I have Monstrilio on paperback pre order for early next year. Adore how similar our reading taste is. Congratulations on such a good reading year 🥳

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Wouldn’t even say our taste is “similar” at this point... it’s the exact same! 😂 I’d love to hear your thoughts the moment you finish any of the books on the list because I don’t think I’ll ever be able to shut up about how much I adored them and I’d love to know what you take away from each text.

(happy new year, btw!!!)

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Hahaha it IS the exact same! I love it, it’s like coming across my book twin! I promise I will get back to you once I’ve read each one and we can discuss and I’ll share my thoughts! Happy new year to you too Chioma 💖💝✨🎆

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Discovered Bestiary and If An Egyptian Cannot Speak English by you and there were both, hands down, some of the most turning reads I’ve ever had the chance to sit with. You know I’m already on my way to read everything else.

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I swear I was running around trying to get anyone and everyone that would listen to me to give those books a go 😭 I’m so glad you liked them! I’d love to know what you’re favourite books of the year are because I’m pretty sure we have the exact same taste

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Jan 9Liked by Chioma

I read Starless Sea based on your review on Storygraph and it quickly became my all time favorite book. I also read Open water and I loved it so much. Looking forward to reading all the other books in this list.

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Starless Sea really is a masterpiece when it comes to mixing character-driven storytelling with plot. I always find fantasy works a little... tricky to read because the first few pages are often dragged down by HEAPS of exposition but Morgenstern was able to keep all the world-building elements of the story interesting. I’m glad you loved it like I did omg 🫂🫂

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I love how you organized this list, thank you! So easy to follow. Added several to my plan-to-read for the year.

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Thank you so much, Jasper! I’m glad it was easy to navigate and maybe I’ll keep this up for the rest of the year 🤔 long reviews are great but sometimes short, snappy reviews get the point across quickly for people that might be busy.

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Dec 30, 2023Liked by Chioma

possibly the biggest chioma storygraph enthusiast idk 🤷🏾 bestiary changed my life Literally ! ! ! !

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The book really is EXCELLENT. I had to stop myself from highlighting entire pages because the prose is just so dense with unique metaphors. I’m also glad you like my storygraph 😭 everyone keeps telling me to just make a goodreads but I really hate how that website looks

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Dec 30, 2023Liked by Chioma

Currently reading Open Water and I’m certain it will be a favorite of mine! Can’t wait to check these out!!!

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I hope you love it! This year I’ve been loving short books that have a kick to them and Open Water definitely fits into that category

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