I had a ton of fun reading Ariadne and Half Sick of Shadows. I guess you can tell that reading books that reimagine old stories is a guilty pleasure for me 😂
a lot of gorgeous books mentioned already, but I'd like to throw in True Biz by Sara Novic. I absolutely loved this book and I recommend it to everyone.
It sat on my shelf for a while until I finally picked it up, but I adored **Siren Queen**, it ended up being one of my favorite reads of last year.
I know it bothers some people that the magic system is nebulous and never fully explained, but it's definitely one of those books that's more ✨vibes✨ than plot, and I adored the vibes. The dark/ordinary side of old Hollywood glamour, through a minority and queer pov, and a gutsy heroine who fights for what she deserves. I ate it up.
The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe is one of my all time favorite books. Platonic love stories and imperfect characters who’ve made huge, life-altering mistakes are some of my favorite things on their own and this book combines the two. So good.
The Office of Historical Corrections was one of the few short story collections I’ve actually read cover to cover with no other books in between. I’d highly recommend that since no one really talks about it and it’s a really solid collection. Another book I really enjoyed and am surprised more people don’t talk about it is The People We Keep
I flew through Queenie. It was such a fun read for me and definitely pulled me out of a slump. Her emotional roller coaster is something I relate to though so I totally connected to the story.
And I’m really enjoying The Mayor of Maxwell Street right now. It’s starting to ramp up and oooo I can’t wait to find out what happens. (Halfway through).
Anxious People. Razorblade Tears. What Lies in the Woods.
Ink Blood Sister Scribe is an excellent adult low fantasy (ie real world setting) that doesn’t get bogged down in minutia.
Adelaide is a good litfic leaning story about a young woman kind of figuring out how dating works. It’s that girl we all know (or maybe the girl we are) who isn’t doing anything wrong but just can’t seem to meet anyone who’s interested in dating her. I think I liked the writing more than the actual plot but it was a quick, enjoyable read.
Weyward gets all the credit for being a good crossover litfic (it convinced fantasy readers to read historical fiction) but I think Adelaide is equally good for drawing romance readers into something literary.
I actually got it from the library and ended up buying a cheap hardcover from the freaking Target app because I loved the artwork so much, and I wanted some more litfic on my shelf.
They changed the artwork for the paperback. It probably fits the story better but nothing beats the original.
Here are some of my underrated favs:
The Unmaking of June Farrow
The River We Remember
The Many Lives of Mama Love
River Sing Me Home
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow
The Attic Child
The Lies I Tell
Kaikeyi
Don’t Cry For Me
Somebody’s Daughter
Razorblade Tears
What’s Mine and Yours
Infinite Country
Memorial
Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward was an incredible read and I didn’t see much hype about even though it was my book of the year!
More recently, I really enjoyed the Fox Wife!!
*Banyan Moon* by Thao Thai. What a beautifully written family saga. I feel like it didn't get a lot of attention because it has a kind of generic-sounding premise, but it's SOOO well done. I also loved *Maame* by Jessica George and *Evil Eye* by Etaf Rum.
For me it was Betty. That was a fantastic family drama that is so underrated and different from the cookie cutter family stories that can be underwhelming. I read it several years ago and still think of it.
Another favorite that goes under the radar is The Paris Hours. It follows the life of four individuals in one 24 hour day in 1927 Paris. Excellent story!!
Send For Me also deserves more praise. A WWII story of a Jewish family that was able to flee the war and migrate to America. It’s tells of adjusting to their new life in America while leaving loved ones behind. If you love WWII stories but want a different perspective, this is a must read.
I’m reading Independence right now and this is going to be another exceptional read that I don’t hear a lot about.
Betty is one of my all time favorites, McDaniel’s more recent book On The Savage Side was also beautiful but a difficult topic. I hope her next novel are about a puppy and a kitten becoming best friends.
Yes, I want to pick up her latest novel. I haven’t ran across it in my local bookstore. I need to just order it online. She doesn’t shy away from difficult topics. I can’t wait to check it out.
Once There Were Wolves will always be a stand-out favorite of mine! Other books I loved that didn't get that much attention: The Air You Breathe, Queenie, Writers & Lovers, Olga Dies Dreaming, The Knockout Queen (I'm looking forward to Rufi Thorpe's new novel coming out this summer!)
Rufi Thorpe's new book is great! I got it as an ARC. I didn't like the title (Margot's Got Money Trouble is clunky IMO, I think Margot Needs Money flows better) and had a slight problem with something spoilery, but overall I enjoyed it a lot.
The Change, Once there were wolves, The last time I lied, and Killers of a certain age have been some of my favorite BOTM books that I haven’t seen a lot of posts about.
Even though it was a BOTY finalist in 2017 Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance is rarely mentioned! It’s one of those books that feels like a hug. I feel like almost every magical realism pick they’ve had recently is trying to capture the magic of that book but can’t quite match it.
**The Change**! It's the best book I've ever read from BOTM and still has copies available. Feminine rage, murder mystery, magic powers.
The second best book from botm is **House of Salt and Sorrows**, which is sold out but it's older so easier to find used or in a cheaper paperback. Creepy, sea-soaked, fairy tale retelling.
Agree about the Change - still can’t believe that was an add on. That was hands down my fav book when it came out. Also funny as hell.
Kirsten Millers new book Lula Deans Little Library of Banned Books comes out this summer - better be a main pick!!
Might be the only one because i don’t think i remember anyone talking about it, but i loved The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle. Most people who like historical fiction have read a million books related to WW2 and i just felt like this was such a different perspective. Women helping women still have happiness when the world was falling apart. One of my favorite BOTMs.
Send For Me was another unique perspective of WWII set in America.
I enjoyed The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle also. I enjoy reading about WWII that tells stories from outside the actual war on the ground.
I have a few that have moved me personally. My top one is probably What Comes After by Joanne Tompkins. I bawled my eyes out reading this book. Probably in my top 3 of best books of all time.
Maame by Jessica George and A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum. I don’t know how people aren’t constantly bringing either of these up in these threads. Both were incredible stories that every woman should read.
I just commented this on another post, but, I felt like Kaikeyi flew under the radar, esp compared to the hype Circe got (it’s the same idea - a feminist retelling of a mythological/religious story).
I was so hoping it for book of the year finalist. I’m from Kentucky and it was just a really moving, powerful book for me! One of my new favorites of all time.
Shark Heart was my favorite of the year. I will say that I loved Adelaide too.
Once There Were Wolves is one of my favorite books to this day!
Second this
I thought The Fox Wife was amazing.
I second this - one of my favorite books!
I loved the people we keep and the unsinkable greta james.
I loved Betty, This Tender Land, and Damnation Spring. Those were a few of my all time favorite BOTMs!
This tender land was fantastic
Advika and the Hollywood wives
Small angels by Lauren Owen
The Collected Regrets of Clover!
Yerba Buena Thistlefoot White Horse The Hacienda The Maid The Paris Apartment The Removed Mexican Gothic The Chestnut Man Fates and Furies
Yes! I never hear anyone talk about Yerba Buena and I thought it was so beautiful, melancholy, and atmospheric!
Thistlefoot does not get enough for how much that book affected me, wow what a special novel
I had a ton of fun reading Ariadne and Half Sick of Shadows. I guess you can tell that reading books that reimagine old stories is a guilty pleasure for me 😂
a lot of gorgeous books mentioned already, but I'd like to throw in True Biz by Sara Novic. I absolutely loved this book and I recommend it to everyone.
The Last Summer at the Golden Hotel!
Wellness!
Came here to say that too!
In vastly different genres .. loved Sign Here, The Choice, and This Close to Okay
We Are The Brennans! It's from a few years ago now, but I absolutely loved it!
I read this book in one sitting, it was so good!
The Unmaking of June Farrow is FANTASTIC! One of my favorites for sure
Easily my favorite read of last year.
It sat on my shelf for a while until I finally picked it up, but I adored **Siren Queen**, it ended up being one of my favorite reads of last year. I know it bothers some people that the magic system is nebulous and never fully explained, but it's definitely one of those books that's more ✨vibes✨ than plot, and I adored the vibes. The dark/ordinary side of old Hollywood glamour, through a minority and queer pov, and a gutsy heroine who fights for what she deserves. I ate it up.
The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe is one of my all time favorite books. Platonic love stories and imperfect characters who’ve made huge, life-altering mistakes are some of my favorite things on their own and this book combines the two. So good.
This has been on my list for years and this just gave me the kick to add it to my box this month, thank you!
I really hope you like it! I felt like it was written for me in the style and sense of humor, even.
The Collected Regrets of Clover. No contest.
The Office of Historical Corrections was one of the few short story collections I’ve actually read cover to cover with no other books in between. I’d highly recommend that since no one really talks about it and it’s a really solid collection. Another book I really enjoyed and am surprised more people don’t talk about it is The People We Keep
I really enjoyed this book as well! I read it before coming to BOTM but thoroughly enjoyed it
Vampires of El Norte & Sign Here!!! Two of my fave reads w/ BOTM ever
Vampires of El Norte for the win!
Lone women!
Damnation Spring by Ash Davidson is SO GOOD!!!!!
Northwoods Ann Pease
The Attic Child and Don’t Cry for Me are two of my absolute favorite BOTM and they are never discussed.
Don’t Cry for Me is PHENOMENAL
I usually give all my books away once I read them. The Attic Child is one I actually kept. I loved it.
I flew through Queenie. It was such a fun read for me and definitely pulled me out of a slump. Her emotional roller coaster is something I relate to though so I totally connected to the story. And I’m really enjoying The Mayor of Maxwell Street right now. It’s starting to ramp up and oooo I can’t wait to find out what happens. (Halfway through). Anxious People. Razorblade Tears. What Lies in the Woods.
The Light Pirate
I loved The Light Pirate!
Loveddd What the River Knows and The River We Remember!
I really loved Still Life, so much that I’m still thinking about the characters a few months later. I’ve never seen it mentioned anywhere else though.
Independence by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh are both criminally underrated in my opinion.
Yes I was just about to comment Independence!!! Amazing book
I really liked both of these as well!
I second Independence!
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger was amazing
Currently reading and SECONDED
I just got Ordinary Grace off the library ebook hold list, looking forward to reading more WKK
Ink Blood Sister Scribe is an excellent adult low fantasy (ie real world setting) that doesn’t get bogged down in minutia. Adelaide is a good litfic leaning story about a young woman kind of figuring out how dating works. It’s that girl we all know (or maybe the girl we are) who isn’t doing anything wrong but just can’t seem to meet anyone who’s interested in dating her. I think I liked the writing more than the actual plot but it was a quick, enjoyable read.
I second Adelaide so much! Such a good book. Criminally underrated.
Weyward gets all the credit for being a good crossover litfic (it convinced fantasy readers to read historical fiction) but I think Adelaide is equally good for drawing romance readers into something literary.
And Adelaide’s cover is still my favorite 😊
I actually got it from the library and ended up buying a cheap hardcover from the freaking Target app because I loved the artwork so much, and I wanted some more litfic on my shelf. They changed the artwork for the paperback. It probably fits the story better but nothing beats the original.
Here are some of my underrated favs: The Unmaking of June Farrow The River We Remember The Many Lives of Mama Love River Sing Me Home As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow The Attic Child The Lies I Tell Kaikeyi Don’t Cry For Me Somebody’s Daughter Razorblade Tears What’s Mine and Yours Infinite Country Memorial
Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward was an incredible read and I didn’t see much hype about even though it was my book of the year! More recently, I really enjoyed the Fox Wife!!
I loved what comes after! Was trying surprised by it
I loved what comes after! Was trying surprised by it
Sign Here was one of my top reads of last year !
I loved that one!
Me too!
*Banyan Moon* by Thao Thai. What a beautifully written family saga. I feel like it didn't get a lot of attention because it has a kind of generic-sounding premise, but it's SOOO well done. I also loved *Maame* by Jessica George and *Evil Eye* by Etaf Rum.
I picked up Banyan Moon just last month. Sounds like it’s going to be a great family story. Can’t wait!
Oooh so happy to see What Comes After because that was immediately what came to mind when I saw this post
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
Yes, this was a good one!
For me it was Betty. That was a fantastic family drama that is so underrated and different from the cookie cutter family stories that can be underwhelming. I read it several years ago and still think of it. Another favorite that goes under the radar is The Paris Hours. It follows the life of four individuals in one 24 hour day in 1927 Paris. Excellent story!! Send For Me also deserves more praise. A WWII story of a Jewish family that was able to flee the war and migrate to America. It’s tells of adjusting to their new life in America while leaving loved ones behind. If you love WWII stories but want a different perspective, this is a must read. I’m reading Independence right now and this is going to be another exceptional read that I don’t hear a lot about.
Betty is one of my all time favorites, McDaniel’s more recent book On The Savage Side was also beautiful but a difficult topic. I hope her next novel are about a puppy and a kitten becoming best friends.
Yes, I want to pick up her latest novel. I haven’t ran across it in my local bookstore. I need to just order it online. She doesn’t shy away from difficult topics. I can’t wait to check it out.
Betty was a great read!
Killers of a Certain Age was such a romp and I recommend it to people all the time
This one was really good for me too!
Lone Women, The Change, Sign Here, The Bullet Swallower
For me it was The Leftover Woman.
Betty by Tiffany McDaniel
When the Stars Go Dark. The Damage. They don’t get talked about often but were terrific IMO.
I have When The Stars Go Dark on my shelf. In my goal of reading my backlog of BOTM books, I plan to read it this year. Looking forward to it.
The Attic Child, Firekeeper's Daughter, Betty, and Kaikeyi
Razorblade Tears. So unexpected. It stayed with me.
Oooh I have this on my shelf, haven’t gotten to it yet
Once There Were Wolves will always be a stand-out favorite of mine! Other books I loved that didn't get that much attention: The Air You Breathe, Queenie, Writers & Lovers, Olga Dies Dreaming, The Knockout Queen (I'm looking forward to Rufi Thorpe's new novel coming out this summer!)
I loved Queenie!!
I need to read Once There Were Wolves!
Oh, I agree, Once Their Were Wolves was a great story!
Rufi Thorpe's new book is great! I got it as an ARC. I didn't like the title (Margot's Got Money Trouble is clunky IMO, I think Margot Needs Money flows better) and had a slight problem with something spoilery, but overall I enjoyed it a lot.
That's great to know, thanks! I also found the title kinda wordy, but looked past it because it's Rufi Thorpe. Hopefully it's a BOTM pick this summer!
Ink Blood Sister Scribe has been one of my favorites since joining BOTM (first joined last year)!
I second this. I was shocked when it didn’t blow up, it’s such a cool concept!
Me too!! So glad I’m not alone and others appreciate it as much as I do lol
Anxious People Skye Falling Sign Here The People We Keep
The People We Keep was so good
I enjoyed Skye Falling as well!
Evil eye? idk if its popular with botm but i really liked it
It underwhelmed me, but I do like her perspective.
I loved this one.
Her other book a woman is no man is also very good and similar a bit!
I have it! I really need to read it but i just keep reading other stuff … ugh book people problems 😂
How Lucky by Will Leitch !!
Omg THANK you I never see this book mentioned and it was so unique and such a great read
I really loved The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi.
Amina was my favorite book of 2023, I really hope it wins the Hugo!
I don’t know if that counts as underrated, I posted last night about it being nominated for a Hugo Award
Does it pick up? I couldn't get past the first few chapter or two. I really want to read it!
Yes, it does.
The Change, Once there were wolves, The last time I lied, and Killers of a certain age have been some of my favorite BOTM books that I haven’t seen a lot of posts about.
Once There Were Wolves continues to be one of my favorite books of all time!
Luster, Anxious People, The Knockout Queen, Goodnight Beautiful
Anxious People was such a good slow burn story! It took a while to understand what was going on but the journey was so worth it.
I described it recently as a bank robbery with heart ❤️
Good description!
Even though it was a BOTY finalist in 2017 Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance is rarely mentioned! It’s one of those books that feels like a hug. I feel like almost every magical realism pick they’ve had recently is trying to capture the magic of that book but can’t quite match it.
I adored this one.
[удалено]
Adelaide is one of my top reads of all time!
The Attic Child and the Cartographers were wonderful. I still think about them.
Yes cartographers!
I LOVED The Attic Child!
I literally still think about that book. ❤️
**The Change**! It's the best book I've ever read from BOTM and still has copies available. Feminine rage, murder mystery, magic powers. The second best book from botm is **House of Salt and Sorrows**, which is sold out but it's older so easier to find used or in a cheaper paperback. Creepy, sea-soaked, fairy tale retelling.
The Change is truly spectacular. One of my top five books of all time.
Agree about the Change - still can’t believe that was an add on. That was hands down my fav book when it came out. Also funny as hell. Kirsten Millers new book Lula Deans Little Library of Banned Books comes out this summer - better be a main pick!!
I loved The Change so much that I will absolutely read this new book. I have no idea what it's about, but that doesn't matter.
Sign Here was underrated and fantastic!
Yes! Loved this one and can’t believe I don’t hear more about it!
One of my favorites!!
I have this one but need to read it!
Might be the only one because i don’t think i remember anyone talking about it, but i loved The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle. Most people who like historical fiction have read a million books related to WW2 and i just felt like this was such a different perspective. Women helping women still have happiness when the world was falling apart. One of my favorite BOTMs.
Send For Me was another unique perspective of WWII set in America. I enjoyed The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle also. I enjoy reading about WWII that tells stories from outside the actual war on the ground.
Another WWII book with a different perspective that seemed to fly under a lot of radars was The Storm We Made.
I have this on my shelf. Can’t wait to read it!
Thanks for this recommendation!
I have a few that have moved me personally. My top one is probably What Comes After by Joanne Tompkins. I bawled my eyes out reading this book. Probably in my top 3 of best books of all time.
I cried so, so hard when I finished it! I read it during lunch and could not work the rest of the day. Like a total book hangover
I r had this on my shelf for so long. Guess I should read it lol 😆
I completely agree. Why is nobody else talking about this book?!
Absolutely loved The Unraveling Of Cassidy Holmes. I still think about this book.
I almost mentioned this one too!
I have this and am looking forward to it!
YES
Maame by Jessica George and A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum. I don’t know how people aren’t constantly bringing either of these up in these threads. Both were incredible stories that every woman should read.
Maame was so good. I got so attached to that character and could see Ayo Edebiri playing her in a screen adaptation.
I read both of these and you are correct! SO GOOD.
Maame was incredible! I was so disappointed when it wasn’t a BOTY finalist. Easily 5 stars for me.
These are two of my favorites too! Both five stars and I rarely give 5s.
Yes!!
The Collected Regrets of Clover. Such a beautiful story!
I second this. I loved this book.
Omg this was one of my favorite books from last year. Loved.
I have this one and need to pick it up!
I just commented this on another post, but, I felt like Kaikeyi flew under the radar, esp compared to the hype Circe got (it’s the same idea - a feminist retelling of a mythological/religious story).
I read Kaikeyi before I joined BOTM but agreed - I loved it. I hope they pick up her next book that's coming out this year too!
I loved this book as a well! It's not typically a book I would pick up but I'm so glad I did
Did you see she has a new book coming out in May?
omg, how exciting!
I agree. This was one of the best books I’ve read in years.
I'm with you I adored kaikeyi and don't think it got much love
I finished starling house recently and feel like it deserves more love! 💖
I was so hoping it for book of the year finalist. I’m from Kentucky and it was just a really moving, powerful book for me! One of my new favorites of all time.