Rachel Cullen's 3 favorite reads in 2023

I loved I Have Some Questions for You because it is a rare combination of thought-provocation and entertainment.

The book is a gripping murder mystery and, at the same time, a critical social commentary on race, privilege, and sexual harassment. Makkai creates a brilliant backdrop for her story at a boarding school in New Hampshire, and her descriptions are so clear that I felt like I was on campus reliving the crime with the narrator.

I loved that Makkai addressed these important social issues through a fictional literary thriller; the book stayed with me for months after I finished it because it was both provocative and enjoyable.

I loved Yellowface by R.F. Kuang because of the fascinating and distinct storyline and the dark humor. The book is the definition of a “page-turner,” and it was impossible to put down.

Yellowface dives into the ugly underside of the publishing industry and offers a satirical look at the depths people might go to in order to achieve success. While the characters can be difficult to root for, the plot is so intriguing that I was compelled by the story, even while distressed by the main characters’ actions.

Overall, the clever, surprising narrative and sharp writing made this my second favorite read of the year.

I loved Thank You for Listening because of the intoxicating relationship between the two main characters – I didn’t want the book to end because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye.

The witty, playful, romantic dialogue is so enthralling that it is impossible not to fall in love with the characters and root for their happily ever after. I also loved the unique storyline featuring the life of an audiobook narrator; this felt like a unique glimpse into the audiobook world that I’d never seen before.

Thank You for Listening reads like a good love story with a solid plot and captivating characters while also weaving in weightier issues. I listened to the audiobook version of this book and highly recommend others do the same.

As one of the most talented narrators in the audiobook world, Julia Whelan beautifully voices every character in the book and brings them to life in such a way that I listened to chapters multiple times.