With the start of a new year comes the classic scenario of making new year’s resolutions. For 2023, one of my goals was to read at least 20 books (dutifully tracked on my Goodreads). Not only did I exceed that aspiration, but I also had a fantastic reading year where I discovered many authors and series that are now dearly beloved to me.
If one of your resolutions is to read more but you don’t know where to start, here are my top five books from 2023 to give you some inspiration.
“Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin
Borrowing its title from Shakespeare’s classic drama, “Macbeth,” this book is sure to become a modern classic. With the uniquely brilliant premise of following three college students as they emerge into the video game industry, “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” proves to be a multifarious masterpiece. Examining failure, disability and the inherent human need for connection, at its core the book is a love story for the ages.
“The Poppy War” by R. F. Kuang
In the TikTok-ified oversaturated market of fantasy novels, “The Poppy War” serves as a diverse standout. Borrowing its core story from the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Song dynasty and infusing it with elements of religious magic, Kuang unmasks the aspects of war that other books often gloss over. Instead of the conventional tropes of flashy magic systems and enticing love triangles, “The Poppy War” opts to create an all-too-accurate portrait of the addictions, racial atrocities and intergenerational traumas that global conflicts often create. This is the type of book that gets under the reader’s skin — and stays there — leaving them emotionally haunted and enthralled. Even more, it’s the first of a trilogy, so after finishing, readers can’t help but get even more immersed in the world.
“A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman
Perfect for fans of the Pixar classic “Up,” or those who need their hearts warmed from the freezing Boston cold, “A Man Called Ove” tells the story of a grumpy widower who slowly but surely befriends his neighbors. But trust that when you crack open the pages you’ll be gifted with so much more. This book truly snuck into my heart — and my tear ducts. Its wittiness and easily lovable ensemble created a seamless narrative between light-hearted grumpy old man moments and elegant musings about the isolation of the elderly.
“Cloud Cuckoo Land” by Anthony Doerr
Anthony Doerr is known as the king of impressively intertwining differing characters and historical timelines to narrate absolutely heart-wrenching stories — and “Cloud Cuckoo Land” is no exception. Although it may seem like a complicated read due to its sheer size and plethora of characters, it is all beautifully unified by the theme of the power of stories, how stories change history again and again, and how the magic of literature will always persist in humankind. One of the best things a book can be about is the simple joys of life, and how even though humans are imperfect, loving each other and doing our best every day is what makes life worthwhile.
“Just Kids” by Patti Smith
I’ve never been one for a memoir, but Patti Smith graciously changed my mind on that matter. Chronicling her and photographer Robert Mapplethorpe’s artistic come-ups throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s whilst living in New York City, this book is filled with moving and lyrical prose — perfect for any music lover. In a romance-centered society, this read serves as the best reminder that sometimes, the greatest loves of our lives are our dearest friendships.