Join the Superlative Soirée
the best, the worst & the coziest books we read in 2023
It's time for our annual Superlative Soirée! (Okay, so we've never called it that before, but it fits, right?!) Today we share our favorite and least favorite books of 2023, plus everything in between. You helped us come up with such creative categories to cover in this official wrap-up, and we can't wait to hear what you think of the titles we discuss.
As a special treat for newsletter subscribers, our assistant and resident librarian
created a printable version of the superlative categories we share in today’s episode. We hope you enjoy reflecting on your 2023 reading, and we are thrilled to kick off 2024 with our fellow public scholars.For even more superlatives, join us on Patreon for this Friday’s bonus episode. We’ll cover best debuts, books we’d recommend to one another, 2023 releases that are on our 2024 TBR lists, and more!
Wharton in Winter
Over 35 new readers have joined our literary community for our winter readalong of The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton, and we would love to add even more! We’re kicking off our exclusive Literature Scholar recap series by discussing the introductions to both the Scribner version (
Taylor) and the Penguin version (Sofia Coppola and Sarah Blackwood). This gives you plenty of time to procure a copy and start reading before we tackle Book One on January 19th.We just shared a new member orientation post and a peek at our spring semester, so if you’re thinking of signing up to read more classic literature with a community of delightfully nerdy readers, now is the best time to do so!
On the main feed, you can expect exciting new Modern Readers episodes, including tips for “reading” TV with specific analysis of The Buccaneers (Apple+ TV), pairings for our favorite period pieces, and a traditional discussion episode dedicated to The Custom of the Country at the end of February. There are many ways to participate in Wharton in Winter, and we’re eager to interact with all of you over the course of this special season.
Anticipated Books 2024
We’ll bring our highly anticipated spring and summer books with backlist pairings all in due time, but for now we leave you with a handful of bookish links to peruse for your new year’s TBR:
A Quick Request
As we turn the calendar page to set new goals, we would love your support on Apple Podcasts. If you haven’t yet written a review, please do so this month. Reviews help us maintain a visible position on the podcast charts, which helps new listeners find our show. It’s a simple, free way to help us sustain our work, and we so appreciate each and every review we receive. Thank you, friends!
For extra weekly links and explorations into the world of Edith Wharton’s Gilded Age, be sure to subscribe:
Until then, we declare after all, there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book.
I really enjoyed your Superlatives episode!