2023 Holiday Roundup
The holiday season is here, which only means one thing: “Best of Lists” are out! What could be better than lists that tell you the best books that have been published that year? But do you ever find yourself a little overwhelmed with these best of 2023 book lists? I know I do. Which ones do you trust? If a book shows up on just one list and not the others, does that mean it doesn’t deserve to be among the best? Well, maybe, and maybe not. These lists are certainly subjective to a certain degree, but some books are just so good that they can be enjoyed by many types of readers. With so little time in the day and more and more books being added to our TBR every day, this year, I thought I would take the guesswork out of what should be added to your lists. I’ve compiled a list of the Best Books of 2023 that have shown up on five of either NPR, New York Times, Time Magazine, Washington Post, The New Yorker, The Guardian, LA Times, Vulture, Lit Hub, or Bookmark's lists.
The Top Books of 2023 (Showing up on five or more lists)
FICTION
There has been a lot of good buzz (no pun intended) around this book. Can’t wait to read.
Biography of X by Catherine Lacey
Read it and loved it!
This was one of my favorites from this year. I still think about it.
Fraud is the perfect title for the author, who is a fraud of a writer herself. Sorry, I don’t like Zadie Smith one bit and don’t get the hype around her. I haven’t enjoyed one of her books since White Teeth (published in 2000). Will not be adding this to my list.
A little surprised that this showed up on so many lists as the best of 2023. I didn’t care for this book at all, and I love Ann Patchett. I suspect that, once again, the hype is around the author and not actually the book. Although I could be wrong, maybe people like books where the characters are unbelievable and the plot is forced.
NONFICTION
Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma by Claire Dederer
This book explores the question, “Is it okay to still love monstrous people’s works of art?” Can you still love Michael Jackson’s music and Woody Allen’s movies for the art themselves? And the cover! That really reels you in.
Liliana’s Invincible Summer by Cristina Rivera Garza
I’m usually not the biggest true crime fan, but this book has so much hype surrounding it and was even a finalist for the National Book Award. I have a little FOMO.
Doppelgänger: A Trip into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein
Imagine if someone had a similar name as you but completely different political views, and everyone started to confuse them for you. Just the concept alone gives me heart palpitations. Sign me up!
Fire Weather: The True Story from a Hotter World by John Vaillant
You know me and my climate change books. Cannot wait to get a hold of this book and put myself in deep depression!
This showed up on more than five lists, and rightfully so. One of the best nonfiction books I have read this year. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
Honorable Mentions (Showing up on four lists - not bad!)
FICTION
This received a lot of mixed reviews. Either the ending is make or break for you. So, I wasn’t surprised to see it on less than half of the lists. I had mixed feelings on this one.
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
What a beautiful book! I was surprised that it was on less than half of the lists. Couldn’t recommend it more.
Just about to start this one. Look out for the review in December’s posts.
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
This is getting really good reviews. It’s on my list.
Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead
You know, I’ve never read a Colson Whitehead book since he predominately writes historical fiction, but maybe this is the one that takes my Whitehead virginity.
To be honest, this book doesn’t interest me all that much. Seems like the "complicated love story" plot of many other books. The 3.5-star review on Goodreads isn’t swaying me to read it either. If you read it, let me know how it is!
I’m just in on the hype alone. I want to know what Adelaide's secret is that she is keeping locked away? Is it overhyped? Stay tuned.
This is such a complicated book. Maybe add it to your list.
Our Share of Night by Mariana Enriquez
I will be gifting this book all holiday season. Another book I think about regularly.
Victory City by Salman Rushdie
A fantasy book about an orphan in India? While it’s getting great reviews, I don’t think it’s for me. Again, if you read it, let me know how you like it!
While it's on a few lists, this one didn’t get great reviews on Goodreads (3.05 stars). This makes me question a few of these lists. Not sure if I’m adding it to the list.
A historical fiction novel set in 1998 following an American teen in Azerbaijan with her Foreign Service family sounds like fun. Even though I’m not the biggest historical fiction fan, this is getting good reviews.
The Wren, the Wren by Anne Enright
I’ve been seeing this book everywhere. Again, I have a little FOMO, so I’m adding it to the list.
NONFICTION
The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History by Ned Blackhawk
I’ve been trying to get my hands on this book for a few months now. It’s a 6-month+ wait on Libby, and it’s over $30 on Amazon. Ay yi yi!
When Crack Was King: A People’s History of Misunderstood Era by Donovan X. Ramsey
I feel like I’ve read too many horribly sad books centered around crack this year (looking at your Demon Copperhead) and don’t think I can take another one.
How to Say Babylon: A Memoir by Safiya Sinclair
I haven’t read a lot of Jamaican nonfiction. Definitely excited to get my hands on this one.
I like big books, but this is a commitment (688 pages) that I’m not sure I’m ready to take on. But what a great cover!
Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom by Ilyon Woo
This one could be a tough read.
Ordinary Notes by Christina Sharpe
While the concept of a book taking form in a series of 248 notes could potentially be intriguing, I think it also has the potential to drive me bananas reading it.
Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond
*Chef’s kiss* Desmond is a master of political and sociological writing. Add this to your list!
Waiting to Be Arrested at Night: A Uyghur Poet’s Memoir of China’s Genocide by Tahir Hamut Izgil & Joshua L Freeman
Just the title alone hooks you in. Added!
The Country of the Blind by Andrew Leland
Imagine having retinitis pigmentosa and slowly going blind. Yeah, I can’t either. Adding this promising tearjerker to my list.
Hope this helps you decide what to avoid and what to get your hands on ASAP. Comment below with what books you’re adding to your list. Until next post, happy reading, and thank you for visiting my blog!
