Are you a Bibliophile? If you are, then you are at the right place! You can satisfy your inner reader with this list of the top books published in 2023. With your favorite book and a cup of coffee in hand, what could be a better way to unwind after a long day? So get prepared to have a great year with this list filled with a cornucopia of emotions.
Books are your best friend, so get ready to spend this year around 50 of the best-est friends ever! This article here consists of 50 Top Reads of 2023. Filled with drama, suspense, romance, murders, thrills, and wit, this year is going to be a roller coaster!
Best Books To Read In 2023
As they say, books are better than movies, and we are here to stand as an exhibit of that. With these wonderfully written adventures by award-winning writers, get ready to go on a journey like you have never before!
With award-winning writers like Salman Rushdie, Jane Eyre, and Max Porter, this list makes the best of all you can get your hand on. Upgrade your library and to-read list like never before by grabbing these prolific works by prolific writers as soon as you can! If you are a drama or romance fan or even a fan of war and history, we have got you covered.
The best of all the worlds is curated in this list with genres ranging from fiction, mythological, horror, and romance. Thus, in order to go on a roller-coaster ride of emotions, hope on this list and buckle up!!
All these books are available on Amazon as well as on Kindle
1. Victory City by Salman Rushdie
If you are a fan of this writer with tons of controversies to his name, you must read this prolific work by him where a woman takes the driving seat in a world run by men.
In this smartly written work, the author takes you along for a rather thrilling ride. The book will make you question a lot of things which is often the result of reading Salman Rushdie‘s works.
- Published: February 7, 2023
- Themes: Equality, Patriarchy, and Ambitions.
2. Yellowface by R.F Kuang
A hilarious book on white people and their greed, this book is a comment on society that is made even more adorable by the sarcastic writing of R.F. Kuang.
This book follows the story of June and Athena and their struggle to make it big as an author. While working for it, Athena is met with a rather dark fate that changes both of their lives forever.
- Published: May 16, 2023
- Themes: Racism, Diversity, and struggle
3. Shy by Max Porter
Be prepared for a thrilling, adrenaline-pumping, seated-on-the-edge kind of ride with this amazing psychological thriller about a boy oscillating between his past and present.
This book takes you on a ride that will keep you tip-toed throughout. The main character, this teenage boy, is having trouble navigating through the feelings of grief, rage, guilt, and the biggest issue of them all, teenage.
- Published: April 4, 2023
- Themes: Psychological Thriller
4. Fourteen Days by Margaret Atwood
Another thrilling work by the star-studded literary piece, this book traces down the first fourteen days of the pandemic filled with both anxiety and hope. This book by Margaret Atwood takes you along a nostalgic journey with a pinch of imagination and extravagance.
Set in the New York City lanes, this book is an essential literary marvel. Each character is carefully curated and written by different prolific writers, and the book navigates through these characters and their eccentric reactions to the pandemic.
- Published: April 30, 2023
- Themes: Confusion and Suspense
5. The last devil to Die by Richard Osman
A rather enthralling work by Richard Osman keeps you hooked with this book as it traces a delivery of a very important package that leads to a number of killings in the city.
This Christmas is not going to be exactly like the last time. Now that you are part of the Thursday Murder Gang, get ready to get some unexpected packages, news, and also dead bodies! Hence, this book makes for a really enthralling read that will definitely make for an unusual Christmas.
6. Godkiller by Hannah Kaner
‘The book authored by Hannah Kaner is not as controversial as it sounds. This fantasy talks about how a knight kills a destructive deity and restores peace and harmony.
When the protagonist sees the opportunity to avenge the death of her parents at the hands of the fire god, she jumps on it. In the land where the gods are banned, Kissen decides to act as the knight that takes it upon herself to destroy all the Gods that have turned bad.
- Published: January 19, 2023
- Themes: Myth and Fiction
7. Spare by Prince Harry
One of the most awaited books of all time remains this groundbreaker by Prince Harry. He talks about his mother, Princess Diana, his marriage, and all the other controversies that revolved around him with candor and honesty.
In this book, Prince Harry came out with revelations that were known off it was his safe space, and he poured his heart out in this book and made it a point that everyone gets to hear his part of the story and narrative.
- Published: January 10, 2023
- Themes: Autobiography
8. You are not alone by CariaD Llyod
This book traces how the life of this comedian changed after the tragic passing away of her father when she was extremely young and dealt with grim subjects like life, death, changes, etc., with a rather humorous tone. Written beautifully by Cariad Lloyd, this book makes you feel things and imagine them vividly with prolific writing.
This book will help you deal with several emotions and has been really appreciated by the audience and the readers.
- Published; 2023
- Themes: Grief and Self Help
9. Getting Better by Michael Rosen
A rather inspiring book by poet Michael Rosen talks about how one should course through life, and there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
This memoir, by a bestselling author, makes you believe in humanity and have faith in a better tomorrow. In an agenda to motivate the nation to Get Better, the author uses his life and instances and events from his life to give everyone some hope and a ray of sunshine for a better tomorrow.
- Published: February 2, 2023
- Themes: Hope, Courage, and Humanity
10. This Other Eden by Paul Harding
A commentary on society, this book talks about how prejudices and discrimination are pretty evident in society. The book talks about the island where a tribe is suddenly met with someone who doesn’t look like them and shows how prejudices shatter societies.
An island once owned by an Irish Man and his wife is free from racism not. But years later, there are other shackles that are keeping the diversely inhabited island from prospering. These problems, including poverty and hunger, are making it a tough ride for the islanders
- Published: January 24, 2023
- Themes: Racism, Class difference, and Prejudices
11. Hungry Ghost by Kevin Jared Hosein
Another must-read is this book by a biology teacher who shook the literary world with his literary prowess. He wrote this fiction revolving around the disappearance of a very wealthy man and the events that follow, which leads to questions about society, class, caste, and wealth.
Once Dalton Changoor goes missing, everything gets really scary. The poor farmer is asked to become a watchman with an inviting stipend. What will follow might lead you to become addicted to the suspense, so read at your own risk!
- Published- February 7, 2023
- Themes- Love, Religion, and Fear
12. The Real Work by Adam Gopnik
In this world of trying to be perfect and achieve perfection, this book deals with what it is to do everything perfectly. The author talks about how a perfectionist thinks and what a perfectionist does.
In her quest to answer the basic question of “What New Can I do?” This bestselling author makes a breakthrough with her intelligent writing that keeps the readers fixated and gives them an easy read for the weekends.
- Published: March 2, 2023
- Themes: Self Help
13. Old God’s Time by Sebastian Barry
In this prolific book written by Sebastian Barry, the author talks about a retired officer who gets back on a case to help out his colleagues and deals with his past that stares at him like a mirror reflecting back.
When Tom, who is already facing a lot of turmoil, is faced with anything frightening thing from his past, his life falls further apart. Thus, making this book appropriate for a suspense and thriller seeker.
- Published: February 23, 2023
- Theme: Love, memory, and grief
14. The Guest by Emma Cline
Yet another banger by Emma Cline, this book talks about a teenager who is trying to find her space in this world and does her level best to achieve that place in society.
This cleverly written book by New York’s finest author, Emma Cline, makes up for the perfect read if you are also a confused teenager looking to make your mark in the hustle and bustle of this world and in a city as busy as NYC.
- Published: May 9, 2023
- Themes: Confusion, Anger, and Frustration
15. The Wager by David Grann
This New York Times Bestseller deals with an 18th Century British Ship that was wrecked by a disastrous fate and all the events that unfolded thereafter. If you are a classics fan, then this is the best pic for you. Submerge yourself in this mystery and find out the truth.
This is a story beautifully written by David Grann, The New York Times Bestseller.
- Published: April 18, 2023
- Themes: Mystery and Mutiny
16. Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan
The book, set in the 1990s, is a thriller mystery that deals with the death of a child. An investigative reporter is drawn into this intricate web of lies, murders, and intrigue.
The second book by this award-winning author, This book is written in the third person perspective with many new narratives and angles. As the book progresses, lies, suspicion, and the thrill increases. Read further to know more!
- Published: July 11, 2023
- Themes: Murder and Mystery
17. The Late Americans by Brandon Taylor
This book by Brandon Taylor checks all the boxes that are required to call it the best book to read. With instances that will make you question your life, friendship, relationships, and much more- this book takes you on a journey along with its characters through the tunnel of uncertainties, highways of questioning one’s posterity, and the speed bumps of the past. Through the book and its character who are traveling to a log cabin and end up asking and answering questions that they never thought they would, you will be at a crossroads too. So sit back for an adventure to unfold with each page that you turn!
A book that makes you wonder about love and intimacy, this book asks questions about one’s relationships with friends and family. As it answers questions that are filled in a young mind, it makes you understand the dynamics and complexities of relationships.
- Published: May 23, 2023
- Themes: Love, Confusion, Anger, and Intimacy
18. To Paradise by Hana Yanagihara
It is a story that revolves around three generations of love, family, and loss over three centuries and deals with what happens across different generations, families, and characters.
As the author scrambles through social evils and prejudices, she goes through a full arc where she portrays the protagonist going through the AIDS pandemic and hiding his truth from his middle-aged partner.
- Published: January 11, 2023
- Themes: Society and Social Evils.
19. Becky by Sarah May
Becky Sharp, in her recent works, talks about how the protagonist of the story is struggling to make it big as a journalist in London and works hard for it. Although in her quest to make it big, she always encounters her past that acts as a hurdle in her success.
In order to make her place known in this world, Becky has decided to climb up the ladder. Neither does she care what she has to do, nor she cares who she has to ruin in the process. Very articulately written, this story will make you question what is wrong and what is right and sometimes leave you confused between the two.
- Published: May 2023
- Theme- Society and Social Evils
20. The theory of (Not Quite) Everything by Kara Gnodde
The book by Kara Gnodde is as intriguing as the title says. It is about two siblings who have been bounded by the tragic death of their parents. Two contrasting sisters face a turbulent relationship as soon as one of them falls in love with a rather strange man.
A marvelously written novel that talks about a nasty love triangle between two sisters will definitely make for an interesting read in 2023. What makes it more interesting and fascinating is the intelligent writing that the author exhibits. Using math and theory to quantify something that is deemed unquantifiable is an art that the author seems to exhibit.
- Published: February 28, 2023
- Themes: Love and Revenge
21. Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart
A groundbreaker, this novel deals with a lot of social stigmas and attempts to address them with prolific writing. This book talks about the life of the working life while tracing a divergent romance between two young men.
A protestant and a Catholic boy, their stars have something in store for them that they cannot even fathom. As their friendship slowly brews into love, the struggle also expands.
- Published: April 5, 2023
- Themes: Society, love, Religion, and Faith
22. Homecoming by Kate Morton
A very beautiful novel, this story traces how the protagonist finds out about a family secret while she is visiting her sick grandmother.
Nora’s sickness led to Jesse’s biggest discovery. A visit to her grandmother led to the uncovering of 60 years of untold history and secrets. Beautifully penned down, this book will keep you glued to itself, and you will only stop when it ends.
- Published: April 13, 2023
- Themes: Secrets, Murders, and Mystery
23. The Maiden by Kate Foster
A book about love takes a tragic turn when the protagonist is framed for the murder of her lover. The media, as well as the court, is projecting her as the villain and leaves no room for any further questions. Inspired by real-life events, this book makes for an awesome ride throughout.
Lady Christian’s Name is now labeled a murder, and there is nothing she can do about it. What happens further is beautifully articulated by the award-winning author Kate Foster. Her writing style will keep you wanting more, and hence you should read all works.
- Published: April 13, 2023
- Themes: Feminism and Equality
24. One Good Thing by Alexandra Porter
This beautifully narrated novel talks about the struggles of starting afresh. This book deals with the life of the protagonist after she divorces her husband and moves to a new town. Along with her quest to find new meanings, she takes along other lonesome people struggling to find their meanings with her on the journey.
A witty and Hilarious comedian turned author, Alexandra Porter shook her audience again with her prolific writing and managed to make sad things feel funny and bearable. This is what she depicted through her writing, and thus it makes for a perfect after-work book that you can crack open and enjoy with a good cup of coffee
25. Exiles by Jane Harper
A book perfect for someone who loves the anticipation of what’s coming next is this true mystery novel by Jane Harper. This book attempts to solve a case of a mother who randomly goes missing, leaving her baby in the pram at a festival.
This book is the best example of teleporting because that is the power of Jane Harper’s writing. It is an excellent novel with suspense like never before.
- Published: September 20, 2022
- Themes: Crime, Motherhood, and Murder
26. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
If there is ever a to-read list without this epic work mentioned in it by Leo Tolstoy, then it definitely does not qualify as a to-read list. This book tracks Napoleon and his invasions and the effect that they had on Tsarist Russia.
As Napolean transcends on his quest to conquer the entire world, Tolstoy pens down what happens in the backdrop of wars. He traces the life of the peasants, housewives, and farmers and what they go through.
- Published: 1987
- Themes: Love, Peace, and War
27. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
A rather beautifully written book on society, this book touches upon the controversial subject of wealthy middle-aged men falling for young girls and then exploiting them. A must-read for all literature lovers.
Humbert has fallen hopelessly in love with Haze. It’s problematic as she is just 12 years old. He decides to marry the girls’ mother just to be close, and the events that follow are a comment on society and the gender roles
- Published: September 1, 1955
- Themes: Gender, Society, and Feminism
28. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
It is hard to miss a massive hit like Wuthering Heights, even if you are not a book-lover. This novel is based on the themes of passion, love, and vengeance portrayed by the lead characters of Heathcliff and Catherine.
A classic, this book has been part of curriculums for decades because it talks about issues like passion, femininity, and equality and is also an appropriate representation of 18th Century England.
- Published- December 1, 1847
- Themes- Romance, Goth, and History
29. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Yet another unmistakably classic is Pride and Prejudice, which revolves around the themes of love, marriage, and education in an aristocratic and patriarchal society.
Jane Austen remarkably set out some standards of writing with her lustrous and enhanced descriptions and vocabulary. With Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s love, she points out certain differences in gender norms and the specified roles of these genders in society. A must-read for all literature lovers.
- Published: January 28, 1813
- Themes: Fiction, Romance, and Literature
30. Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
As the name suggests, the hilarious novel revolves around bursting the protagonist’s assumptions about love as a handsome man enters her life and shocks her with his ways.
This artfully written book has the best plot for a perfect Netflix Movie. With the protagonist trying to step away from love, the man of her dreams is just not letting her. In this journey that the award-winning author takes you through, you will laugh and cry but definitely enjoy.
- Published: April 4, 2023
- Themes: Love and Wit
31. Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey
As steamy as the title sounds, this book revolves around the love affair of a professor and his neighbor whom he keeps running into. It tracks down the hurdles and issues of keeping their secret a secret.
The protagonist, Julian, on a sabbatical from work, is distracted by his pretty neighbor Hallie. In this hilariously written book, the author makes sure that you have fun while keeping you fixated on the plot of the story.
- Published: February 7, 2023
- Themes: Romance and Contemporary Love
32. How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
In this novel, specially written for those adrenaline junkies, Grady Hendrix traces many ways one can be haunted and daunted by one’s past and family.
Grady Hendrix pends down all the ways your family and your past can haunt you-literally. Due to her parent’s demise, she travels back to her childhood home and decides to sell it. In her quest to find suitable buyers, she finds some unsuitable and unsettling secrets.
- Published: 2023
- Themes: Goth and Horror
33. Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes
A book all about second chances talks about how certain mess-ups can result in life-altering revelations. This book talks about how the life of the protagonist changes right after she wears Louboutin, and her confidence shoots up, and she decides to make a change.
Sam and Nisha ran into a pretty cute accident when Sam and Nisha exchanged bags in the gym. With the change in back, their lives and faiths also change.
- Published: February 2, 2023
- Themes: Fiction and Romance
34. Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey
In this hilariously written novel, the author Monica Heisey pens down the journey of a woman who tries to have fun and be happy after a tragic breakup. In her quest to be a happy-go-lucky girl, the protagonist goes through a roller-coaster of a journey that is made extremely comical through intelligent writing.
A broke, divorced Maggie is doing really good, actually. Which seems contrary to her condition. So little miss sunshine decides to turn her life around and gather a bunch of people and be happy-go-lucky again!
- Published: January 17, 2023
- Themes: Life, Hope, confidence, and meaning
35. Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
With a jolt of self-confidence that one feels after reading the title, the novelist assures you also feel a bunch of emotions. This book tries to answer the importance of love in one’s life and how it can fix an individual.
William is not a child blessed with a happy family, so basketball is his only love. The scholarship that he got from basketball is his only escape from the madness, and hence he decides to leave as soon as possible. But things hardly ever go as planned, and William’s past takes a dark cloud over his and Juliana’s future.
- Published: March 14, 2023
- Themes: Love, Trust, and Family
36. Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
A book that can make for a good Netflix Movie traces all the things that can make for a good masala blockbuster. The author traces how bad first impressions can cause a bit of turbulence in finding a perfect match.
With Briana’s life literally falling apart, she, in turn, falls in love with a rather interesting doctor named Jacob. It turns out he is the only good part of her life right now, and his letters are the only good thing. This exchange of letters takes a rather interesting turn which the author presents articulately. Read the book to find out more.
- Published: April 11, 2023
- Themes: Love and Suspense
37. The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
An adrenaline-pumping novel, this story talks about a gothic villa and the suspense that comes with living in it.
Emily and Chase hit a bump in their relationship due to adult life taking a toll on their lives. But maybe a girls’ trip to Italy can do both of them some good or does it? Read the book to find more!
- Published: January 3, 2023
- Themes: Mystery and Fiction
38. The Stolen Heir by Holly Black
Writing with a dramatic flair, the author pens down the quest that a runaway bride and a confused prince undergo together and all the events that unfold further.
This book makes for a perfect read in 2023. In a world full of fears and loneliness, this book accounts for a perfect partner.
- Published: January 3, 2023
- Themes: Love, War, and Sacrifice
39. Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams
In this beautifully written novel, the protagonist is trying to find love but believes that she has gotten too boring and is thinking of making her life a bit more colorful. In this quest of upping her game, she decides to practice flirting with the help of the perfect tutor-Will Griffin.
As Annie realizes that she is a boring dud when it comes to flirting and dating, she is adamant about making a change. The right man at the right time, Will Griffins, is reluctant to change sweet Annie, but he agrees, and what follows are a series of cute mess-ups, embarrassing moments, and a little bit of love!
- Published: May 2, 2023
- Themes: Love and Romance
40. Chain of Thorns by Cassandra Clare
This ever-enthralling book keeps you focused on the story as it unfolds. The protagonist is trying to save her marriage as well as London while fighting for her life and trying to keep it intact.
As Cordelia’s life falls apart, so does London. With her having a couple of rough weeks, with the death of her father, her marriage falling apart, and a failed effort to become a Parabatai, she needs to re-focus and save London from falling apart
- Published: January 31, 2023
- Themes: War, Fiction, and History
41. Pineapple Street by Jenny
This novel is a beautiful reminder to follow your heart and listen to what it says. A very beautifully written novel, it traces how the protagonist decides to give up her flourishing career and a wealthy family for her will to become a mother. In the process and journey of motherhood, she loses a lot more than she expected.
With three unconventional love stories, the author has amicably written a novel about the contemporary state of society. Darley, Sasha, and Georgina all go through turbulent love stories in this novel to make it the best read for us in 2023.
- Published: March 7, 2023
- Themes: Contemporary Love and Fiction
42. The Bandit Queen by Parini Shroff
This beautiful story talks about how a village in a remote area decides to accuse the wife of the death of her husband. While she thinks that it is not that sad since no one dares to disturb a “Black Widow,” women in the village are coming to her for help in murdering their husbands.
The death of Geeta’s husband suits Geeta well. It agrees with her, and she is glowing like never before. This looks as intriguing to the woman in the village as the thought of freedom from their useless husbands. Who better to ask for suggestions if not the “The Black Widow” herself?- or is it?
- Published: January 3, 2023
- Themes: Mystery, Fiction, and Thriller
43. Good for A Girl by Lauren Fleshman
An avid runner, this girl falls in love with running, living in the States, and is forced to deal with a patriarchal world.
The title” A Woman Running In a Man’s World” itself draws the attention of the readers to the topic that the author has tried to address by writing this fiction novel. This National Level Pro athlete tries to train and motivate young girls to pursue their dreams, but she is constantly reminded that she is a woman in a man’s world, and thus she must take a back seat. But she is a runner and a fighter-coming in second is just not in her blood.
- Published: January 10, 2023
- Themes: Motivation, Hope, and Sports
44. The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane
This beautifully written story is about a marriage that is on its way to breaking apart. In the quest of both the spouses fighting and struggling to juggle with their passions and in the journey, find some things about each other.
A confident young couple, Jess and Malcolm, have stepped up to make certain changes in their careers. Mac went from being a bartender to hoping to own the bar, and Jess has taken upon a ravishing Law career. But with a career comes the question of raising a family. Is motherhood in the cards right now? Or are they still not there yet? Find out more by reading this amazing work by Mary Beth Kane.
- Published: May 2, 2023
- Themes: Fiction, Confidence, and Love
45. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
In a world full of male scientists, she is a rockstar as the only female chemist. But life is not as predictable, and she is suddenly found running a tv cooking show as a single mother! Read further to find more.
Don’t let the title trick you; this book is far away from your average-boring chemistry book. Rather it is the book nominated for the Best Debut Novel award, and rightly so! The author traces the life of a not-so-average woman named Elizabeth. She is not some girl next door but an accomplished Chemist in a room full of men. These men might understand science but not the concept of equality, and in a world like that, Calvin Elans is a breath of fresh air.
- Published: March 31, 2022
- Themes: Love, Equality, and Fiction
46. Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
Two siblings who were apart are united by their mother’s death. As an inheritance, they got a black cake and a voice note. The recorder unveiled a number of secrets and truths about their mother’s life.
Benny and Byron are trying to reclaim their once-lost bond. Is that possible? Will they be able to fulfill their mother’s last wish? Find out the truth by further reading the book.
- Published: February 1, 2023
- Themes: Family, Secrets, and Reconciliation.
47. The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks
The story revolves around how a mother gives birth to a baby girl amidst the nastiest cyclone in Florida. The baby then grows up in a changing environment where she is part of a cold, broken society.
As Wanda grows, Florida sinks. In a world of uncertainty, devastation, and natural disaster Wanda finds her Ikigai. She struggles in this life to find some meaning.
- Published: December 6, 2022
- Themes: Dystopia, Fiction, and Science-Fiction
48. A man called Ove by Fredrick Backman
A rather intricately written book talks about a man who is just agitated and wants some space to kill himself in peace. But, each time he tries to make an effort to kill himself, he is disturbed by his neighbors.
Ove is a grumpy little man, a man with no intention to live and a man whose neighbors have no intention of letting him die in peace. This beautifully written novel talks about society and how ignorant we are. This novel traces the journey of a man whose life is saved-kinda by his residents.
- Published: August 27, 2012
- Themes: Humour and Fiction
49. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
This book beautifully personifies an Octopus and talks about how the Octopus helps find the protagonist’s son, who went missing thirty years ago on a boat.
Tova is a sad woman with a failed life and with her son disappearing. Although the detective has taken it upon himself to befriend Tova and make her son come back to her or at least find out some answers.
- Published: May 3, 2022
- Themes: Suspense and Thriller
50. Reputation by Sarah Vaughan
This book talks about a female politician working hard to avoid ways of jeopardizing her reputation. In her quest to uplift women in society and also fight a lawsuit, she deals with all the stresses an honest politician and a woman goes through.
Emma has taken in the footsteps of her mother and decided to change the laws when it comes to bullying. Her mother and she both have decided to change the world in their own ways.
- Published: March 3, 2022
- Themes: Thriller and Mystery
Hope you are ready to have a very fun-filled year with these books and you are prepared for these rides that take you along the journey of Love, Faith, Religion, Suspense, and Thrill.
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