Ms. Anderson's ATM

I will be honest. My break didn't include quite as much reading as I hoped but the books that I finished were outstanding. I actually ended the year (again) with one of my favorites of 2022 and started the year finishing a solid audio book. I don't think ultimately it will end up on my top 10 list but it was a great way to start the year. I also just started two more books that I expect to be strong.

All My Rage has been on my TBR pile for a while. Well, since it landed the top prize for the National Book Award. I am familiar with Sabaa Tahir because I love An Ember in the Ashes. This was so different but the storytelling was impeccable. This is realistic fiction at its finest. I expect this to land more honors as we hit the ALA award season. This should not be missed.

I listened to this title and was pleasantly surprised by the author's fresh take on figuring out how to be your own person under the scrutiny and expectations of parents. Especially when who you are is in contrast to who they (and society) expects. I wouldn't be surprised if this lands a Stonewall honor.

I just started this yesterday but I can already tell Soontornvat has another winner. I'm already invested in this character and the idea that she will go on a journey to create the first map of a far reaching territory. Again, I see awards in the future!

I know. How could I have gotten to 2023 and not read The Librarian of Auschwitz!? I literally carried this around for a couple of summers and it repeatedly got passed over for something else. I really have no excuse. But I started the audio book today and I'm already grateful I've begun and enraptured by the story thus far.

I'm excited about the potential and excited to be transformed by this year's stories.

Happy reading everyone! May you quickly find a favorite.

Ms. Anderson