As a book lover, one of the most exciting things is discovering new authors whose works resonate with you. In 2023, I am making a conscious effort to explore the works of authors who are new-to-me and whose books have piqued my interest. Here is a list of the top ten new-to-me authors whose books I am eager to try in the coming year.

1. Madeline Miller – Best known for her reimagining of Greek myths in “Circe” and “The Song of Achilles,” Madeline Miller’s lyrical prose and captivating storytelling have garnered critical acclaim. I can’t wait to delve into her imaginative worlds.

2. Celeste Ng – With acclaimed novels like “Little Fires Everywhere” and “Everything I Never Told You,” Celeste Ng is a master of exploring family dynamics and complex relationships. Her books have been highly recommended, and I’m excited to see why.

3. Brit Bennett – Brit Bennett burst onto the literary scene with her debut novel “The Mothers” and followed it up with the critically acclaimed “The Vanishing Half.” Her exploration of race, identity, and family intrigues me, and I can’t wait to read more of her work.

4. Yaa Gyasi – Yaa Gyasi’s debut novel, “Homegoing,” received widespread praise for its powerful storytelling and exploration of the legacy of slavery. I am eager to explore her other works and experience her unique perspective on history and heritage.

5. Emily St. John Mandel – Emily St. John Mandel’s novel “Station Eleven” captivated readers with its post-apocalyptic tale of survival and resilience. Her writing style and ability to craft intricate narratives have me eager to read more of her work.

6. Colson Whitehead – Colson Whitehead is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author known for his thought-provoking novels such as “The Underground Railroad” and “The Nickel Boys.” His exploration of race, history, and identity promises to be both compelling and enlightening.

7. Akwaeke Emezi – Akwaeke Emezi is a rising star in contemporary literature, known for their novels “Freshwater” and “The Death of Vivek Oji.” Their unique perspective on identity, gender, and cultural norms intrigues me, and I am excited to read more of their work.

8. Sally Rooney – Sally Rooney’s novels “Conversations with Friends” and “Normal People” have been hailed for their insightful portrayal of relationships and millennial life. Her keen observations and nuanced characters make her a must-read author for me in 2023.

9. R.O. Kwon – R.O. Kwon’s debut novel “The Incendiaries” was a critical success, exploring themes of faith, love, and extremism. Her evocative prose and compelling storytelling have me eager to explore more of her work in the coming year.

10. Ocean Vuong – In his debut novel “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous,” Ocean Vuong explores themes of love, trauma, and identity with lyrical prose and raw emotion. His unique voice and poetic language make him an author I am eager to discover in 2023.

In 2023, I am looking forward to diving into the works of these talented new-to-me authors and experiencing the worlds they have created through their storytelling. Each of them brings a unique perspective and voice to the literary world, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for me as a reader. Whether it’s exploring complex relationships, delving into history and identity, or contemplating the human experience, these authors promise to provide rich and rewarding reading experiences in the year ahead.