Reviewing My Most Anticipated Books of 2023 | Penance, Ordinary Human Failings and Tell Me What I Am

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[@AnnaShuk]

Damn, the way you talk about these books makes me wanna drop everything and read them. I'm not 100% sure I can stomach all of them, but they do sound amazing!

[@preethijoseph9700]

Richie's story line was so realistic. His backstory was my fav and it broke my heart leaving me feeling helpless . Loved Nolan's writing

[@mehreenali5475]

Fantastic reviews! Love hearing you go in depth on each book.

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

I’ve read some great Irish authors in July. I’d recommend them all. The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue Kala by Colin Walsh Close To Home by Michael Magee I’m interested in all three books you read. 🍀👋☘️📚📕📖☕️

[@kirstypritchard2872]

I’ve just bought the Rachel incident 📚

[@MercysBookishMusings]

I've recently read Kala and I loved it. I'm listening to Close to Home atm and am waiting for The Rachel Incident at the library. So many great Irish books coming out this summer!

[@kirstypritchard2872]

@@MercysBookishMusings I still have trespasses to read 🤩

[@jpinkpop792]

Hi, I recently read Ohio based on your rec in a previous video and I really liked it and feel its one that will stay with me

[@kirstypritchard2872]

Looking forward to the new Meg Nolan I really enjoyed acts of desperation.

[@zuzanatimulakova5041]

I have not read any of the authors mentioned in the video yet, although I recently bought Acts of Desperation on a whim and I'm very excited to read it. You completely sold me on Penance, I'll definitely order it!!

[@sarah-roadworthy]

I read A Crooked Tree based on your endorsement and really liked it. I have put the new Mannion book on my TBR. Penance sounds interesting for sure.

[@kimswhims8435]

Another few that might make The Booker? Thanks for sharing your thoughts on them. Are you doing a 2023 Booker possible list?

[@MercysBookishMusings]

Definitely! I feel like Acts of Desperation has the best chance out of the 3

[@ameliabarlowbooks]

your review of Penance was so spot on ♥️ thank you for reminding us about the new Una Mannion! I’m really glad to hear that Ordinary Human Failings is doing something so sensitive and astute - I’ve been swept up by this morning’s Booker list more than I thought I’d be, but once my priorities shift I’ll be sure to pick them both up myself x

[@thebritishbookworm]

You really sold me on Penance. Just ordered!

[@suenicholls5446]

😀💕xx thanks Mercedes, three great choices. I’m going to hopefully read all three. I’ve reserved one and asked to purchase the other two from my fantastic library. Lots of love 🥰

[@eviebeatricee]

I loved all of these author’s first books, have read Tell Me What I am and enjoyed it. The other books are on my shelves and I agree with you about Meg Nolan, her writing style is incredible❤📚

[@azu_rikka]

Wow, you definitely sold me on Penance (I am especially intrigued by the girl bullying for the same reasons as you) and Ordinary Human Failures ( the fact that a family desintegrates due to small decisions and incidents). I have heard others talk about them, but I wasn't sold then, so thank you!!

[@jorjastonej]

Wow, those sound like three powerful stories.

[@zehrazaidi4293]

Not read these and so tempted by Meg Nolan! Ordered Kala by Colin Walsh (had the ominous “for fans of Donna Tartt”). About to go on three weeks holiday so very much into more edgy and thriller type vibes. Currently reading Black Butterflies and find it utterly compulsive (set in Bosnia).

[@MercysBookishMusings]

I read Kala straight after Penance as it sounded similar. I absolutely loved it and will be reviewing it soon :) I hope you enjoy your holiday!

[@amandaskelton2132]

My copy of Penance finally arrived and I have ordered the other 2 😊

[@graceeleanor8226]

I felt similarly about Penance - so very good and interesting, but it felt like both Alec Carelli's narrative stopped short and that the frame narrative didn't become fully expansive - maybe it was just because everything else was done in so much depth that it felt jarring? Still, I didn't feel let down by it and I have been thinking about it ever since and just the way it dealt with internet/fandom culture with depth and knowledge (and not cringe)! Funnily enough, I purchased A Crooked Tree on the same day I got Penance so I'm going to read that before looking at Una Mannion's next one! Thanks for these in-depth and thoughtful reviews!

[@MercysBookishMusings]

Yes, that's exactly it. I did hear Eliza Clark say in an interview that Alec Carelli's perspective was decided later in the writing process so maybe that's why? I agree that I haven't been able to stop thinking about it though so that's definitely a good sign!

[@FallenRose101]

I’m excited you loved Ordinary Human Failings - I pre-ordered that as well and should read it soon. Have you ever read any Kate Morton? She loves doing split timelines and I think she does it well. I read The Distant Hours and the House at Riverton this year and loved both.

[@MercysBookishMusings]

I hope you enjoy it :) No, I haven't read any Kate Morton but I've always meant to! Thanks for the recommendation :)

[@unboundbookishnotions7373]

Oh man! They all sound fantastic

[@lisagfarrow]

Adds all to TBR 😊