This year, I read over forty books, finding new favorites and even a few one or two star reads. Here are the top ten books I read in 2023.
- “Love and Other Words” by Christina Lauren
This book is one of the best romance novels I have ever read, managing to integrate sweet moments with discussions on heavy topics such as grief and guilt. Childhood friends Macy and Elliot are such raw, well written characters, and I enjoyed every page of this book.
- “This Is How You Lose the Time War” by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
As the only science fiction novel I read this year, this book confused me a few times. Following two time traveling agents Red and Blue as they alter history and leave secret letters for the other to find, this turned out to be one of the most unique and intriguing books of my year.
- “Divine Rivals” by Rebecca Ross
This magical romantic fantasy took social media by storm, and rightfully so. Following two rival journalists through a war against gods and magic typewriters, this book is a captivating story full of lovable characters and moments that put you on the edge of your seat.
- “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong
Vuong’s artistic prose highlights what it means to be alive. Written as a letter from a Vietnamese son to a mother, this book discusses trauma, war, abuse, and many other parts of humanity. This is truthfully one of the most beautiful books I have ever read.
- “Rule of Wolves” by Leigh Bardugo
As the last book in Bardugo’s fantastical Grishaverse series, “Rule of Wolves” follows flamboyant King Nikolai alongside Zoya Nazyalensky and many other fan favorite characters through a journey that was funny, emotional, dark, and enchanting.
- “I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdy
McCurdy’s deep dive into her traumatic childhood and life as an actress is heartbreaking, raw, and honest. This is a book I was looking forward to reading for months, and I am so glad I got around to it. I am so impressed by McCurdy’s resilience and will continue to recommend this book to anyone who asks.
- “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” by Suzanne Collins
While I am rather late to the party, I finally read Collins’ epic prequel to one of the most iconic dystopian trilogies of all time, “The Hunger Games,” and loved every second of it. Coriolanus Snow and Lucy Gray are two such complicated characters that I loved analyzing as I read, and especially in the last one hundred pages, I could not stop reading.
- “If We Were Villains” by M.L. Rio
Following seven morally gray actors studying Shakespeare at the prestigious Dellecher Classical Conservatory, this captivating murder mystery was jaw dropping. Full of twists, turns, and dubious choices in order to save face, this book had me questioning the concept of morality and if humans are inherently selfish.
- “Foul Heart Huntsman” by Chloe Gong
As the sequel to “Foul Lady Fortune” from last September, Gong wrapped up her Secret Shanghai universe with this epic finale that left me speechless. After the shocking events of “Fortune,” protagonist Rosalind, an assassin, must depart on a perilous mission to save Orion, a spy and her partner in crime, from a life-threatening experiment at the hands of his mother. Gong’s “Foul Heart Huntsman” is a phenomenal end to an amazing series that I will always hold near and dear to my heart.
- “Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo
Leigh Bardugo’s “Six of Crows” duology cemented itself as my new favorite early on in the year! Following six young criminals through ingenious schemes and gigantic heists, “Six of Crows” is the perfect example of a found family. With characters that I love and a story that means the most to me, Bardugo’s “Six of Crows” duology have become my favorite books of all time and I find it hard to believe that any other book could ever take its place.
Overall, I read some incredible books this year, and I am so excited for what I will read in 2024. If you want to stay updated on my current reads and reviews, add me on GoodReads!
