“I guess there are never enough books.”
John Steinbeck
The Cabells Team is full of voracious readers (seriously) with a genuine love for books – which is to say, a genuine love for knowledge, inspiration, and adventure. Throughout the year, we often share our thoughts with each other on what we’ve read, and no matter how small the meeting, there is always someone ready with a title or two to recommend. So, as 2023 comes to a close, we would love to share our thoughts on some of our favorite books we’ve read this year. All of us at Cabells wish you health and happiness this holiday season and look forward to a Happy New Year in 2024!
The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry
“A lovely book with a Gothic vibe, a somewhat convoluted plot (the story certainly winds here and there like a serpent), and exquisite characters.”
-Clarice
Grandma was a Sail-maker: Tails of the Cajun Wetlands by Verne Pitre
“In an attempt to understand my heritage further, I interviewed several of my family’s oldest members regarding their childhood and their parent’s lives in early 20th century rural Louisiana. During said interview, this book was recommended to me by my 97-year-old Aunt. It tells a tale that anyone of Acadian heritage will appreciate.”
-Clarice
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
“This book truly grabbed my spirit with the way the protagonist overcame sexist challenges as a female scientist in the 1950s and 1960s, embraced motherhood even though it was not on the cards for her future and showed up for women every evening at 6pm with her infamous cooking show Supper at Six. A true inspiration.”
-Alexandra
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
“I wasn’t sure what to make of this book, but from the first page I couldn’t put it down. It tells the story of Sadie and Sam, childhood friends, who grew apart then meet up again at University. They write computer games together, later setting up their own games company. It doesn’t sound like much of a plot but it is about love, friendship, creativity and much more. One of those books where you really miss the characters once you’ve finished.”
– Ruth
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keys
“This is a powerful and tragic story that made me think a lot about how society views people with disabilities and “the grass is always greener” mentality. The protagonist in the book got what he wanted, but at the cost of his happiness.”
– Kathleen
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
“I love science fiction, but – fair warning – this book has A LOT of complicated science. The author does a good job of explaining the concepts but some things just can’t be simplified enough. However, there is a nice balance between the science-y parts and the exciting parts. I fell in love with the characters and was rooting for them as if they were real people.”
-Kathleen
Fairy Tale by Stephen King
“How can you go wrong with a portal to another world and a battle between good and evil?”
-Kathleen
The Storyteller by Dave Grohl
“Despite all the fame and success, Dave Grohl manages to be completely relatable. The book is interesting, insightful, and funny. Even if you’ve never heard of Nirvana or the Foo Fighters, this book is worth picking up. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook, which is read by the author.”
-Kathleen
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
“This is one of those books that you wish could go on forever and you’re sad when it’s over. It’s a romantic fantasy about a competition between two magicians and the love that develops between them. While the magic in the book is definitely secondary to the romance, it doesn’t come across as saccharine.”
-Kathleen
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry
“This book was really good but wouldn’t have made it to my favorites list. In light of recent events, though, I’m glad I read it. Matthew Perry struggled in life and had setback after setback, but throughout it all, he never lost his unshakable optimism that things would get better.”
-Kathleen
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
“’Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Poison. True love. Hate. Revenge. Giants. Hunters. Bad men. Good men. Beautifulest ladies. Snakes. Spiders. Beasts of all natures and descriptions. Pain. Death. Brave men. Coward men. Strongest men. Chases. Escapes. Lies. Truths. Passions. Miracles.’ Okay, so this is not the first time I’ve read this book (or the second, or the third…), but it will forever be one of my favorites.”
-Kathleen
Cinema Speculation by Quentin Tarantino
“Tarantino’s love for and endless knowledge of cinema is infectious and shines through in everything he does, this book is no exception. Cinema Speculation is unpretentious, accessible, educational, and entertaining. Best of all, it is full of Quentin’s inimitable style and very cool. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the movies he discusses (several of which were unfamiliar to me) before reading his thoughts, this book has given me a deeper understanding of and new appreciation for films.”
-Mike
The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu
“This is an intriguing philosophical sci-fi book about contact with an alien species; what if we received a plea to be silent, lest we be found?”
-Yasmeen
The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler
“If you find octopuses as fascinating as I do, you’ll love this book.”
-Yasmeen
Harlem Shuffle and Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead
“These books by Colson Whitehead were a remarkable journey into the heart of Harlem in the 1960s. What captivated me the most was Whitehead’s masterful blend of crime, drama, and the vivid portrayal of Harlem life. The way he constructs a vibrant, pulsating world filled with richly drawn characters is nothing short of genius.
Harlem Shuffle and its sequel Crook Manifesto aren’t just about crime; they are a deep dive into the complexities of morality, family, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Whitehead’s storytelling is a perfect blend of suspense, humor and social commentary, making these books an absolute favorite this year.”
-Lucas
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
“I finally got around to reading this and it was an immersive experience into Tolstoy’s intricate exploration of love, passion, and societal norms. What I loved most about this classic was Tolstoy’s mastery of character development and its psychological depth. The way he finds truths in the human psyche and the opens up the complexities of relationships is beyond comparison. The book’s exploration of conflicting emotions and the human condition is both timeless and universal, making it a profound and captivating read. Tolstoy’s rich narrative and the novel’s exploration of moral dilemmas make Anna Karenina an unforgettable literary masterpiece.”
-Lucas
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka
“Karunatilaka’s Booker Prize winning The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida is a hauntingly beautiful and surreal journey through civil war-torn Sri Lanka. It is also a zany murder mystery steeped in political satire.Maali Almeida is a cynical photojournalist in Sri Lanka during its 26-year civil war which began in 1983. At the beginning of this novel, he wakes up dead and has one week to find out why. With clear influences from Gogol, Garcia-Marquez, Vonnegut, Rushdie and Bulgakov the novel is a heart-wrenching yet hilarious blend of magic realism, surrealism and grim humor. What I appreciated most about this work was the skillful way Karunatilaka combines elements of magical realism with biting political satire. The novel is not only a captivating mystery but also a profound commentary on the absurdity and tragedy of war. Its unique narrative style and dark humor make it a standout read.”
-Lacey
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
“This masterpiece won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the Women’s Prize for Fiction. Demon Copperhead is a powerful and emotionally resonant reimagining of David Copperfield set in modern Appalachia amidst the American opioid crisis. Kingsolver has crafted a merciless commentary on institutional poverty and the generational consequences that accompany economic oppression while losing none of the charm and humor of Dickens. Kingsolver’s ability to weave a story that is both deeply personal and reflective of larger societal issues is exceptional. The novel’s exploration of life in rural Appalachia, its rich character development, and its poignant narrative make it a memorable, impactful read.”
-Lacey
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
“Nominated for the 2023 National Book Award, Chain-Gang All Stars is a scathing examination of what freedom really means. The novel examines themes of opposition, survival, capitalism and systemic racism through the lens of a dystopian private prison system terrifyingly similar to America’s current for-profit incarceration scheme. The book’s unique blend of speculative fiction with razor-sharp social commentary fascinated me. Adjei-Brenyah’s vivid imagination and bold narrative choices create a compelling and unsettling vision of the future, making this book a gripping and unforgettable read. Also, check out Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah’s debut short story collection Friday Black from 2018 which is stellar.”
-Lacey
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
“James McBride is a national treasure. I loved Deacon King Kong, The Good Lord Bird (National Book Award 2013) and The Color of Water. His latest, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, recently won the Kirkus Prize for Fiction. The novel is set in a 1930s Pennsylvania town and examines how communities and groups of people are divided and united. The novel is a delightful mix of humor and heart.McBride’s storytelling prowess shines through in his vivid characterizations and rich, evocative settings. The novel’s exploration of community, resilience, and human connections is both uplifting and deeply moving, solidifying it as a favorite this year. In today’s divisive geopolitical climate, I find messages of optimism and unity especially welcome.”
-Lacey
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann
“David Grann unfailingly makes narrative nonfiction compelling. Grann’s Killers of the Flower Moon: An American Crime and the Birth of the FBI was riveting and The Wager is no less fascinating. It is an outrageous and true adventure story of survival, but it is also a profound exploration of the stories we humans tell ourselves and how those stories become our life-shaping realities. The book’s deep dive into human endurance, exploration, and the quest for truth makes it a fascinating and exhilarating read.”
-Lacey
