The best books of 2023! Three of these, the TJR ones, were rereads, so I was iffy on including them, but here they are! It’s hard to believe that a short story collection was my first five-star read of the year! That was followed by a thriller and a romance, which is equally as shocking as I struggle with those genres at times. “The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois” takes the cake as the best book of the year, followed closely by “Betty” and “Love, Pamela”. It was a great year with 125 books read in total!

Florida by Lauren Groff:

 It takes a lot of talent for a writer to be able to make you connect with a character in a fifteen-page short story. Sometimes, I cannot find a connection with characters in a five-hundred-page tome. Lauren Groff has that talent. The reader is dropped right into Florida with this one. Groff hit the nail on the head by having her writing perfectly match up with the setting. Speaking of the writing, it was captivating and poetic. The main theme here is survival, not necessarily out in the wilderness, but sometimes just getting through a long day that never seems to end, just getting through day-to-day life. I loved this book. It’s my first five-star read of the year and my new favorite.

No Exit by Taylor Adams:

 Wow! Me, giving a thriller a perfect five out of five rating? This is an incredibly rare event that I never thought would happen. The book completely exceeded my expectations, delivering a thrilling experience that kept me guessing until the very end. This is exactly how a thriller should be written, with unexpected twists and turns that leave readers on the edge of their seats. I’m truly amazed by this exceptional book.

Get a Life Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert:

  Chloe Brown emerges as one of the most relatable characters I’ve encountered in literature. The representation of chronic illness and the accompanying anxieties was handled impeccably. Towards the end, Red’s character began to grate on me due to the weight of his unresolved baggage; however, this didn’t significantly detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. The British setting, which I hadn’t anticipated, added a delightful dimension, complemented by a wonderful sense of humor throughout. While the writing style was average, this book fulfilled my ideal romance criteria, ranking among the finest I’ve read. It’s undeniably become a new favorite of mine, and I wholeheartedly recommend it!

Betty by Tiffany McDaniel:

Recently, I’ve discovered that many writers tend to overwhelm their narratives with numerous characters, leaving them as mere names on a page devoid of distinct traits. However, this book defies that trend brilliantly. It presents a family of eight vibrant characters, each with their own well-defined personality, ensuring the reader never confuses one with another. The emotional bond formed with these characters is palpable, particularly in the poignant portrayal of Betty and her father, Landon. The book encapsulates the essence of ‘Americana,’ a gritty and authentic depiction that resonates universally. The writing is exceptional, adorned with memorable quotes, especially those about the ever-changing yet perpetual seasons. The story, much like the mother’s quilt referenced throughout, is flawlessly woven together without plot holes, exhibiting impeccable logic. Themes of poverty, trauma, life’s stages, and most prominently, womanhood, are skillfully explored. ‘Betty’ embodies the idea of staying true to oneself amidst societal pressures. This book, touted for its emotional impact, lived up to its acclaim. I feel profoundly moved upon its completion, making it the first five-star prediction fulfilled in my 2023 reading project.

Love, Pamela by Pamela Anderson:

 Authentic, intelligent, and deeply relatable. In the closing pages, Pamela reflects on a director’s observation about her vulnerability, a quality missing in today’s stars, and that sentiment encapsulates this book perfectly. It’s refreshingly open and distinctive, penned entirely by Pamela in various forms, seamlessly interweaving poetry and prose. Her ability to reclaim her narrative, shedding the constructs imposed by men and the media over the years, is empowering. The raw honesty shines through, making this book a standout for me, earning a spot among my newfound favorites.

Beach Music by Pat Conroy:

 Conroy exhibits exceptional skill in character development, intricately weaving captivating family relationships in his narratives. In ‘Beach Music,’ South Carolina becomes the pulsating heart of the story. Conroy masterfully captures the essence of this setting and its atmosphere, crafting an unparalleled portrayal. While his depiction of Italy is remarkable, his depiction of South Carolina truly stands out. His writing is richly descriptive, possibly overwhelming for some readers, making it best suited for those more accustomed to immersive storytelling. The plot defies easy description, carrying an epic quality that is both striking and challenging to articulate. While Conroy employs recurring tropes, making binge-reading less advisable, his works remain a compelling choice for seasoned readers seeking depth and complexity in their literature.

Us Against You by Fredrik Backman:

  I’m honestly astounded by this author’s ability to create a multitude of characters, each so distinct and wonderfully developed—a truly rare talent. This narrative brilliantly builds upon the community introduced in the previous book, crafting a setting that feels exceptionally vivid and tangible. In my opinion, this is Backman’s most finely written piece, executing flawlessly with impactful and emotionally charged prose. The plot had me on an emotional rollercoaster—screaming, tearing up, and experiencing every emotion in a way that’s truly exceptional. This book has become my favorite among the author’s works; it’s a standout.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid:

The characterization in this book stands as the pinnacle of my reading experiences. My sentiment from 2021 remains unaltered in 2023—it’s simply the best. Initially, I didn’t particularly like Evelyn, but I found her captivating to read about. However, this time around, I not only loved her character but also aspired to embody her spirit. On the other hand, my disdain for Celia St. James remains steadfast. The portrayal of old Hollywood was utterly perfect, reigniting my fervent wish for more tales set in that era. Taylor Jenkins Reid delivers her finest writing in this narrative. The plot’s uniqueness, narrated as a celebrity’s memoir, captivated me entirely. This reread was even more satisfying—I’m giving it a well-deserved 5/5 stars.

Laika by Nick Abadzis:
 A graphic novel that moved me to tears—plain and simple. While prose novels rarely evoke such emotions in me, ‘Laika’ achieved what others couldn’t.

Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid:

 This was my second reread of this incredible book, an all-time favorite that somehow managed to captivate me even more this time! The characters are intriguing; they’re not inherently likable but exude chaos, which makes them immensely entertaining. While Billy remains my book crush from the first read, Warren, the drummer, caught my attention this time. Yet, Daisy’s perspective stole the show for me on this revisit. The dialogue-driven writing style ensures a swift read, but for first-timers, I highly recommend the audiobook experience! This book embodies the essence of rock ‘n roll, transporting you to the seventies with nods to your favorite classic rock bands throughout the story. For fellow music enthusiasts, this is a must-read!

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid:

If there’s one remarkable skill Taylor Jenkins Reid possesses, it’s crafting compelling characters. In her previous works, I found the characters intriguing to read about, though I didn’t necessarily like them as individuals. However, the Riva siblings changed that for me; they’re characters I rooted for and genuinely liked. The side characters, despite limited page time, are impressively developed, each distinct and memorable. They could easily carry a story of their own, much like Carrie Soto. Malibu, almost a character in itself, vividly comes to life, particularly in the earlier parts of the book, evoking a palpable sense of its historical past. This novel showcases the author’s finest writing, a departure from her previous works. It delves into themes of nepotism, probing the distinction between fame from family ties versus genuine talent. Moreover, it explores the profound impact of generational trauma on an individual’s psyche, emphasizing how parenting shapes one’s mentality. While the story unfolds in just a day, the characters undergo significant development, embracing their identities. Taylor Jenkins Reid’s adept storytelling and thematic depth continue to captivate me—I adore her approach to writing!

The Love Songs of W.E.B Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers:

 Reviewing exceptional books is always a challenge, and ‘The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois’ might just top my 2023 reads. While Ailey might not be a character I personally relate to, her journey resonated deeply with me—from toddlerhood to becoming a resilient woman, navigating life’s highs and lows. The multitude of characters can be daunting, but the family tree in the opening pages proved immensely helpful for reference. Many characters resembled individuals from my own life, reflecting the authenticity of the Southern culture depicted in the novel. The setting, with its dialect, cuisine, social intricacies, felt incredibly genuine. Astonishingly, this is the author’s debut, despite her background in poetry, evident in the poetic, lyrical, and breathtaking prose. Though lengthy, the book is impeccably crafted, every element falling into place organically, defying predictability. I followed along with the audiobook, but any format would serve this masterpiece well! The plot fulfilled a long-held desire—an expansive American epic chronicling a family across generations, executed flawlessly by Jeffers. Ailey’s mentor’s advice on studying history struck a chord, reminding us that this fiction mirrors the lived experiences of countless people throughout history. The emotional depth of this narrative left me drained at times, akin to Ailey’s mentor suggesting a break after intense research—an apt metaphor for this immersive journey. ‘The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois’ is a book that leaves me both overwhelmed and at a loss for words, destined to linger in my thoughts for a long time. Undoubtedly, it’s a new favorite.

Some honorable mentions are as followed:
A Man Called Ove – Fredrik Backman

The Red Tent – Anita Diament

Still Life – Sarah Winman