Best Books of 2023: Top 15 Picks for 2024
We’ve thumbed through countless pages to bring you our list of the 15 best books of 2023. Our selection focuses on engaging stories, compelling characters, and impactful themes that stayed with us long after closing the book. Whether you’re into heartfelt dramas, thrilling adventures, or thought-provoking narratives, these ‘best books of 2023’ promise to captivate, entertain, and maybe even make you chuckle here and there. So, without further ado, let’s leap into a world filled with stellar stories and unforgettable tales.
On this list:
- The Midnight Library
- Klara and the Sun
- Project Hail Mary
- The Lincoln Highway
- Cloud Cuckoo Land
- Demon Copperhead
- The Candy House
- Wish You Were Here
- Lessons in Chemistry
- Sea of Tranquility
- Beautiful World, Where Are You
- Olga Dies Dreaming
- The Night Watchman
- Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
- The House of Fortune
15 The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
A magical library with books containing different versions of your life? What’s not to love! This book got me thinking about choices.
14 Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Artificial friends like Klara might not be the best cuddlers, but they sure make for thought-provoking reads.
13 Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Space adventure with a touch of humor. It’s like ‘The Martian’ but with even more stars and laughs.
12 The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
A story that takes you on a journey across America. Get ready for some great adventures and unexpected friendships.
11 Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
A tale spanning centuries, showing how people are connected through stories. It’s like a puzzle needing solving.
10 Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
A modern twist on Dickens, full of grit and heart. Best for fans of intense, character-driven tales.
9 The Candy House by Jennifer Egan
Sequel to ‘A Visit from the Goon Squad’, filled with unique storytelling and memorable characters. A treat for book lovers.
8 Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
A pandemic story with a twist. It’ll keep you hooked with its clever plot and emotional depth.
7 Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Mixing science with humor and heart, this book is like reading a delightful chemistry experiment gone right.
6 Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
Time travel and mystery all wrapped in one. A book that makes you think deeply while enjoying the ride.
5 Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
Realistic characters that feel like friends, tackling life, love, and growing up with no sugarcoating.
4 Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez
A tale of family secrets and political intrigue in the vibrant setting of Brooklyn. Haunting and powerful.
3 The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
Told through the lens of a Native American community, this book carries historical weight with grace and warmth.
2 Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
A brilliant story of friendship, creativity, and gaming. It’s like finding a pixelated treasure chest of emotions.
1 The House of Fortune by Jessie Burton
This sequel to ‘The Miniaturist’ is the best of 2023. It captivates with its rich setting and intricate plot. It’s like walking through a gallery where each piece tells a story, weaving a spellbinding continuation that feels almost like reality. The flawless transition from ‘The Miniaturist’ lets readers fall in love with the characters all over again. The attention to detail is a feast for the eyes and the mind. Set in 18th century Amsterdam, it paints the city with such life that you’ll swear you can hear the canals flowing. Every twist and turn is artfully crafted, keeping you guessing until the end. In a nutshell, it’s an unforgettable journey worth taking.