Turning the pages of a book, we realize their enormous power over our imagination, emotions and perception of the world. A lot of interesting and captivating books have been released this year. You have stories woven around Vietnam War and the Medieval Era War between England and France. Then there is Prince Harry’s memoir, “Spare”, which has a raw and unfiltered account of his life experiences, choices and opinions. In fact, we’ve summarized some of the best books of 2023 for you.
Also read: 10 Best Indian Books Of 2022 : A Guide To The Must-Reads Of The Year
You can have a look at the list below to find some of the best books of 2023 so far and pick the ones that suit you the best. Happy Reading!
1. The Wishing Game
The Wishing Fame is Meg Shaffer’s first fiction novel and undoubtedly one of the best books of 2023. The captivating book will take you through Lucy Heart’s journey as an adult to fulfil her wish of adopting Christoper Lamb, a 7 year old student who lost his parents in a car crash. But as per the adoption laws, she must have a solid financial background. As Lucy tries to find the way, her favourite childhood favourite author launches a new book and a competition that will change the winner’s life. The Wishing Game is a book akin to a warm hug that comforts and soothes you.
2. Hello Beautiful
The New York Times Best Selling author, Ann Napolitano, of Dear Edwar returns with Hello Beautiful this year. The novel explores the themes of family narratives and the strong female characters of the Padavano family. The Padavano sisters are ambitious and have a personality of their own. When Julia Padavano marries her classmate and a basketball player, William, little does she know that love is not enough to save a scarred person. And when William’s past resurfaces, it changes the familial ties forever. The emotional ending of the book will make you cry.
3. Maame
Maame is Jessica George’s first novel. It brings fresh insights into the life and family of a young and responsible Maddie Wright. She’s kept all her ambitions at bay since she learned about her father’s Parkinson’s disease and graciously took care of him. Beyond her duty and job, she has no life to call her own. Her overbearing mother, who’s in Ghana helping her brother run their family business, is finally returning. So, it’s time for Maddie to move out and fulfil her dreams. But little does she know of the more significant challenges awaiting her.
4. Spare
Spare is Prince Harry’s memoir penned by ghostwriter J.R.Moehringer. In glimpses, you see the mundane and extraordinary affairs that have made Prince Harry who he is today. How the grief of losing his mother and hate for paparazzi affected him deeply. And years later, watching Meghan face the same, he took a decision that shook the monarchy deeply. If you follow the Royal Family of the UK, you will enjoy this unfiltered and honest account of Prince Harry’s life.
5. Victory City
Salman Rushdie’s latest novel describes how an orphan girl, Pampa Kampana, receives a boon from a goddess that turns her into a demi-god and a fundamental pillar in creating the kingdom of Bisnaga in 14th-century South India. In a world ruled by men, she tries to give women an equal right that comes with a share of power, freedom and will. But with time, rulers, power and allegiance change, and Pampa’s story is no exception. The novel is a perfect blend of myth, history and love and one of the best books of 2023.
6. A Living Remedy
A Living Remedy is a memoir by Nicole Chug. It shows how Nicole’s life and childhood were deeply impacted by the fact that she was a Korean living in the US. Living with her adoptive parents, she had to try to fit in, face prejudices and move ahead. This book is a flood of emotions; the bittersweet experiences of Nicole will bring out the sentiments we’ve all faced in our family and our personal struggles.
7. Banyan Moon
Thao Thai’s debut novel is a three-generation story of Vietnamese American women: Ann, Huong, and Minh. Spanning generations, continents and decades, it explores how their lives shaped their perspectives and who they are today. With Minh’s death, the mother-daughter duo Ann and Huing find out that Minh has left them her house, giving them a chance to patch up their bond.
8. GoneTonight by Sarah Pekkanen
Sarah Pekkanen’s Gone Tonight is a suspense novel that surprises you but not in the most delightful way. The mother-daughter duo, Ruth and Catherine Sterling, have never lived apart. Just as Catherine tries to move out of her house, she discovers that her mother is suffering from Alzheimer’s for a past few months. She cancels her plans and decides to stay back to take care of her. However, she also tries to dig into her past, as they have no relatives, and Ruth kept her hidden. Unlike any other suspense novel, the plot is entirely original. It will keep you turning the pages; before you know it, you’d have read the entire book!
9. Essex Dogs
Dan Jones’s debut is a historical fiction bases on a hundred years was between England and France. It is set in July 1346. 10 armed men, who call themselves Essex dogs, land on Normandy beach to capture France for King Edward III. And despite the Essex dogs marching towards Paris to accomplish a mission that causes destruction and bloodshed, you’ll fall in love with each of the 10 men. You’ll love the immersive and thought-provoking read and also get a glimpse of medieval European history most entertainingly.
10. Homecoming by Kate Morton
Homecoming is one of the most captivating reads of Kate Morton. We follow the protagonist Jessica (Jess), a London Journalist looking for a breakthrough story to get her journalist career on track. But, she is called to Sydney as her Grandmother has had an accident and is hospitalized. Jess discovers a book about a true crime that took place there and how her family is closely connected to it. The novel spans generations and is an intricately woven tale of motherhood and how deeply buried secrets in the family can ruin us. How far can someone go to save their loved ones? Read the novel to know.
11. Dust Child by Nguyen Phan Que Mai
In this novel, we follow the story of Phong, one of the Dust children, who is on a mission to search for his parents and live a better life. The story oscillates between 1969 and 2016 as we see Phong’s quest on the one hand, and on the other, we see an American GI return to Vietnam to recover from PTSD and face the secrets of his past. The gripping novel is full of suspense but is also soulful.
12. Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb
Brendan Slocumb brings us yet another fascinating read after his much-celebrated work The Violin Conspiracy. The book is about a professor assigned on a mission to find out if the works of the famous music composer Frederick Delaney were his own or not? The professor, Bern Hendricks, discovers that the genuine prodigy who created the masterpieces was Josephine Reed, a young black composer. Now Bern, who has been Delaney’s fan, wants to right history’s wrong by getting Josephine the recognition that is rightfully hers.
13. Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
A struggling writer, June, steals an unpublished work of her Chinese American friend, Athena, who passed away in a bizarre accident. She edits it and gets it published in her name. The book is about the contributions of Chinese labourers in World War 1. However, June must defend and protect herself against the emerging evidence. R F Kaung’s work is a masterpiece that you’ll want to keep on reading it, but at the same time, don’t want it to get over.
14. The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer
This book is a burst of positivity that we need in our lives. It centers around the life of Clover Brooks, who dedicated her entire life to making death a pleasant experience for people but, in turn, has forgotten the meaning of a happy life. One of her journalist client’s last wishes is to see Clover travel across the country to uncover a love story. As Clover goes on a journey to find something valuable for her client, she also finds what she wants in life.
15. The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise by Colleen Oakley
Tanner accepts the job of a live-in caregiver for an old lady called, Louise Wilt. Tanner is 21 and needs a place to live and this job fulfils her needs. Louise needs nobody, but for her daughter’s sake, she has agreed to this arrangement. They start living happily by ignoring each other, until one day, Louise shows up at 1:00 am, declaring they both must leave the town immediately. And thus, the adventure begins. The hilarious joy ride by Colleen Oakley will give you a blast!
Books pull us into a world we know nothing of, yet the curiosity and interest in what’s coming next keep us going. In fact, reading a book is like taking a remarkable journey that is rich in experiences. These books carry the fresh voices of many debut writers, expert stories from some of the best-selling New York Times authors and memoirs that are so relatable.
We will keep updating this list of the best books of 2023 here as many other much-awaited book launches are expected in the later part of the year.