The Firsts of 2023 Book Tag

Now that we’re nearing the end of the year it’s fun to think back to the bookish “firsts” of 2023. I found this tag over at Metaphors and Moonlight but it originated at girlxoxo. (The categories have been switched up a bit over time, so I decided to pick and choose which ones I wanted to include and added some of my own.)

FIRST BOOK READ THIS YEAR

Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone by Tae Keller: I really loved this book. It’s a fantastic contemporary with just a hint of paranormal flair, and I recommend it often at Barnes & Noble!

FIRST BOOK THAT SLAYED ME

Mirror to Mirror by Rajani LaRocca: I looked back at all the books that I read and found the first one that got my highest rating and really stuck with me. I adored the concept of this one – there’s something about twins that’s always fascinating for middle grade readers, and this one deals with mental health issues in a really great way. Plus, you know I love verse novels!

FIRST BOOK REVIEWED

One Girl in All the World by Kendare Blake: I am a HUGE Buffy fan. so I was so excited to read and review this one. It lived up to all my hopes and expectations. (I’m actually currently listening to an Audible Original called Slayers that features voice work by many of the original actors from the show – Buffy fans shouldn’t miss it!)

FIRST BOOK BY AN AUTHOR I’VE READ BEFORE

The Girl in White by Lindsay Currie (This is actually the third book that fits this category because Jennifer Chan was the first and One Girl was the second, and I don’t like to repeat answers.): I absolutely loved Scritch Scratch, so I was eager to read another Lindsay Currie. I’ve read another one since (and I’m reading one right now!), so you can obviously tell I’m a fan of Currie’s books!

FIRST BOOK BY A DEBUT AUTHOR

Good Different by Meg Eden Kuyatt: Another verse novel! Kuyatt’s debut is fabulous, and it gives a great perspective on a person on the autism spectrum. Highly recommend!

FIRST BOOK BY A NEW-TO-ME AUTHOR

Little Thieves by Margaret Owen: I’d had this book on my TBR for way too long, and I’m so glad I finally read it (well, technically, I listened to it) because I loved it! Now I just have to continue the series.

FIRST AUDIOBOOK

The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat (Technically the second audiobook, as Little Thieves was the first): I love Soontornvat’s books, and this one was no exception. I especially loved the morally gray characters and the dilemmas that the MC faced.

FIRST GRAPHIC NOVEL

They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, and Steven Scott, illustrated by Harmony Becker: My son read this book at school and then brought it home for me to read. I was very glad he did because it’s a fantastic graphic novel that portrays the complexities of war and a horrific piece of American History.

FIRST 2023 RELEASE

Legends of Lotus Island: The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat: This book is perfect for those younger middle grade readers who love fantasy but aren’t ready to graduate to the lengthy tomes that dominate the fantasy space.

FIRST WRITING CRAFT BOOK

Write Your Novel from the Middle by James Scott Bell: This tiny little book is a true gem and really inspired me when outlining my current WIP. It’s definitely worth reading.