The Best Books I Read in 2023

I had the lofty goal to read 50 books in 2023. While I didn’t accomplish this goal, I came pretty darn close. So far I have read/listened to 44 books and will likely finish at least 2 more by the end of the year. I also have to note that some of the books I read were very lengthy reads like the ACOTAR series, 4th Wing, and Iron Flame. Some of those books were almost 700 pages or over 26 hours on Audible. Anyways, I decided half way through the year that meeting my goal meant less than reading quality books that may take me a bit longer to get through. Quality over quantity.

I keep track of the books I’ve read (and want to read) on the Good Reads app. I set the goal of 50 books back in January for their reading challenge and the app also helps you pace your reading by telling you if you’re behind or ahead of schedule to meet your reading goals.

Here are my top 5 books from 2023. I broke it up into my favorite book genres. Some obviously overlap, I’m not a lit expert, but this is how I categorized them.

BEST FANTASY

A Court of Thorns and Roses series
2023 was the year I got into fantasy! I always thought this genre was ridiculous, but I gave it a shot and so glad I did! I’m just finishing up the last book in the series, A Court Silver Flames (book #5). I did skip the shorter book #4 per a friend’s recommendation not to waste my time on it. I have to say book #2 was probably my favorite, but book #5 is a close second. These books are long, but so worth it if you can get into this genre and enjoy it for what it is.

4th Wing & Iron Flame
I will also lump these two books together and say this series is so good! 4th Wing was my first fantasy read and it totally hooked me. If you’re considering trying a fantasy book, start with 4th Wing. Yes, there are dragons, signets, wyvern, and other things I needed to look up as I went along, but it’s a lot less fantasy than ACOTAR so it’s a great starter book. Iron Flame is also very good IMO, despite people having mixed reviews. I can’t believe we have to wait an entire year for the 3rd book. Allegedly there will be 5 in total.

BEST HISTORICAL FICTION

American Dirt

American Dirt has been on my “want to read” list forever. I knew it was a heavy read, so I kept putting it off. I listened to it and would highly recommended the audible. The narrator was fabulous. The book was indeed heavy and about immigration, but so beautifully written. It’s a gut wrenching story I highly recommend.

The Four Winds

Kristen Hannah’s books always leave me in tears and this book was no different. A wonderful historical fiction about the Dust Bowl. I learned a lot and it was pretty awful to read how people were treated durning this time and what people had to do and sacrifice to save their families. Heavy and heartbreaking, but a wonderful and educational book.

BEST WWII

The Winemaker’s Wife

 I love WWII historical fictions and this book will likely be an all time favorite. It’s a beautiful, yet heavy story that deepens and intensifies as it goes on. I found myself really invested in the characters and there are a few secrets and plot twists that I didn’t necessarily see coming.

The Alice Network

Another book that has been around for a while that I knew would be heavy, so I put it off. It’s such a well written story that takes place during both world wars and right after WWII. It weaves together a beautiful and heart wrenching story about a spy during the war and a young girl trying to find her cousin after WWII. So so good!

BEST ROMANCE

The Seven Year Slip

Moving on to some lighter books that I read this year and loved! This was a cute, light, warm and fuzzy book. It was a quick read and would make a great vacation book, or if you’re like me and need palate cleansers between heavy reads. I really liked the style of writing and have heard this authors other book Dead Romantics is also good. I plan to read that soon.

Practice Makes Perfect

Your perfect rom com read. It’s light, predictable, and cheesy at times…everything we want from a book like this. Super cute characters and fun love story.

BEST THRILLER

The Housemaid

I’ll start by saying Freida McFadden’s writing isn’t great, but her books will hook ya! I’ve read a handful of her thrillers and they are page turners! There are a total of 3 books in the Housemaid series and I read the first 2 and liked both. Not sure I’ll read the 3rd because I have so many other books I want to get to including her book Never Lie which is queued up for my next read.

The Family Remains

Lisa jewel is a master at writing creepy and dark books. This is the sequel from The Family Upstairs which i read last year. Her books make you feel so uncomfortable, but you can’t stop turning the page to find out what happens next. This was a good one.

Maybe I will get to my 50 book goal in 2024.

xx, A