As a writer, it is only natural that I love to read. Between hard copies and audiobooks, I finished more than 70 books this year (and probably started more than 100). Because most of my writing is within the finance space, I am not the kind to use my free time to read memoirs and non-fiction. I love novels that I can get lost in–from thrillers that keep me up at night to chick lit that annihilates my emotions.
In the holiday spirit, here is my gift to you: five books that I’d recommend everyone read in 2023.
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
I’m a bit to late to this party since this book was published in 2019. But have you ever experienced a book that made you wish you never read it so you could read it for the first time all over again? This is one of those.
There was so much heart and relatability among the characters and I found myself in awe as I listened to this story. There were parts I replayed and even made friends listen to the first two chapters because they were so well written and needed to be shared.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
I can’t put into words how astounding this book was, so I’ll let Mr. Haig do it for me. Here are some of the best quotes from the book that gave me goosebumps and made me want to call my parents:
“Nora wanted to live in a world where no cruelty existed, but the only worlds she had available to her were worlds with humans in them.”
“If you aim to be something you are not, you will always fail. Aim to be you. Aim to look and act and think like you. Aim to be the truest version of you. Embrace that you-ness. Endorse it. Love it. Work hard at it. And don’t give a second thought when people mock it or ridicule it. Most gossip is envy in disguise.”
“It is quite a revelation to discover that the place you wanted to escape to is the exact same place you escaped from. That the prison wasn’t the place, but the perspective.”
Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris
This book had one of the best twists I’ve ever read, to the point that I had to go back and reread sections. And the twist wasn’t even what you’d expect to be twisted. I can’t explain without giving too much away, but it’s worth the read.
Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson
This book was great because it paid homage to other great works in such an intriguing way. The concept itself is so masterful that I can only applaud the creativity and brilliance of the writer. And this is where I learned that A. A. Milne, the writer responsible for the words tattooed on my right shoulder, once wrote a murder mystery. Who knew?
The Selection by Kiera Cass
A decade late to discovering this series, and I was even on the fence about including it on the list. This book made me angry. The plot is ridiculous: it’s basically The Bachelor meets The Hunger Games? I picked it up one day on a whim expecting it to be mediocre at best.
Why am I angry? IT WAS GOOD. With a plot like that, it had no right to be as good as it was. There are 5 books in the series plus mini bonus books and I finished ALL of them in maybe a week. I was completely hooked and am still bitter about it. Ridiculous concept but so well crafted. Bravo, Ms. Cass.
Another year, so many more books to be read. I’d love to hear your favorites!