Books I am looking forward to in 2023

I absolutely love reading, which makes sense as I am an editor. 

This year, three of my favourite writers have books due for release and I cannot wait to get my mitts and eyes on them:

• Melissa Lucashenko

• Colson Whitehead

• Samantha Irby

Melissa Lucashenko, a Goorie author of Bundjalung and European heritage, is one of Australia’s most excellent and engaging contemporary writers and I can’t wait for her next novel, Edenglassie. If you have read anything of hers, I imagine that you feel the same way, whether it’s one other critically acclaimed novels or her non-fiction writing in publications like Meanjin or Griffith Review. If you ever get the chance to hear Lucashenko speak about writing, or frankly anything else, jump at it. She is a delightful legend and I have huge respect for her. 

Colson Whitehead knows how to write a great story, to which his multiple Pulitzers can attest. I really enjoyed his last novel, Harlem Shuffle, and am excited that his next one, due in July, will be a follow up to it. Yes, please!

And Samantha Irby, I could gush about her all day. I adore her writing and find her hilarious, irreverent and profane. That description alone will help you know whether or not her writing might be for you. During the toughest parts of the pandemic lockdowns, I found comfort in rereading her books of essays. Her writing feels like a friend is talking to me – a really funny, potty-mouthed friend. Her next book, Quietly Hostile, is out in May and I cannot wait!

I’m also looking forward to the release of the books of some of my clients. Of course, I have already read the manuscripts, but I can’t wait for others to get the chance to read them too, in particular two novels and one non-fiction text that I will share about when they are released.  

Happy reading!