The New Year signals a time of renewal and restarting. There is no better time than now to refresh our TBR lists or make a new year’s resolution to read more. At the Maker, we have made the job easier for you and have compiled a list of our top 5 books to enjoy this New Year. Hopefully you find your next January read amongst this entertaining list… 

The Dutch House, Anne Patchett 

After spending lots of time at home with family over the Christmas period, some themes of Patchett’s ‘The Dutch House’ may interest you. The 2019 novel is centred around a Philadelphian family estate- The Dutch House. It tracks the lives of the house’s inhabitants over five decades, and how the possessive ownership each family member feels over the house, undoes the family dynamic. Especially during the holidays, family tend to drive you a bit mad. This book will help you remember the importance of family connection, and despite their quirks, the importance of keeping them close.  

Call Me by Your Name, Andre Aciman 

For those craving the summer sun in the cold January weather, Aciman’s 2007 piece will leave you feeling as if you’ve just taken a summer vacation in the North of Italy. Set in the 1980’s, ‘Call me by your name’ charts a summer romance between Elio and his father’s American doctoral student, ‘Oliver’. Aciman’s dreamy depiction of Italian summers are sure to combat the strongest case of the January blues. 

The Other Bennet Sister, Janice Hadlow 

This January why not revisit an old classic, but perhaps with a Twist. Hadlow’s ‘The Other Bennet Sister’ reworks Austen’s classic ‘Pride and Prejudice’, utilising Mary, Elizabeth Bennet’s younger sister, as its main narrator. Hadlow manages to add nuance to Austen’s prudish character giving us a refreshing perspective that is perfect for a new year’s read.  

The Secret History, Donna Tartt 

Donna Tartt’s second novel, ‘The Secret History,’ evokes the feeling of a chilly January evening. Set in a New England university, the book follows a set of eccentric classics students. But when one of the cohort is found murdered, the eyes turn towards the group of students as their main suspects. Stocked full of curious twists and flawed characters, this book is sure to keep you enthralled while abandoning all the cliches of a classic whodunnit, simply a perfect read. 

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Rachel Joyce 

Nominated for the 2012 Man Booker Prize, Joyce’s debut novel will leave you willing to conquer on the New Year. The book follows the retired Harold Fry who lives an entirely repetitive life with his unloving wife Maureen. One morning he receives a letter from his past love writing from hospital as a last goodbye. Harold decides to give his reply to this letter in person. Deciding to walk to Berwick-upon-Tweed from Kingsbridge an unlikely pilgrimage ensues. This uplifting read will empower you stick to your new year’s resolution and take this new year on with a renewed confidence. 

Hopefully this list has given you an idea for this first book you may read this new year. From us at The Maker, we hope this new year is filled with exciting new reads. Be sure to check back on our blog for more seasonal book recommendations to inspire your reading habits throughout 2023!