The Best Books to Read in 2023: Expert and Critic Recommendations
If you’re on the lookout for compelling reads in 2023, you’re in for a treat. The literary landscape is adorned with a diverse array of titles spanning genres, from fiction to non-fiction, penned by both emerging and established authors. Whether your interests lie in history, science, culture, politics, or romance, this curated list of the top 10 books for 2023, backed by insights from experts and critics, has something for every avid reader.
1. Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor
Set against the backdrop of Delhi in the late 1990s, “Age of Vice” explores the lives of four young women navigating a rapidly changing society. Kapoor, acclaimed for her debut “A Bad Character,” delves into themes of identity, freedom, and morality, offering a provocative and thrilling narrative.
2. City Under One Roof by Iris Yamashita
A historical fiction masterpiece, “City Under One Roof” sheds light on the Japanese-American internment during World War II, with a focus on California’s Manzanar camp. Iris Yamashita, an Oscar-nominated screenwriter, weaves a poignant tale of resilience, discrimination, and the loss of dignity during a tumultuous period in history.
3. The World and All That It Holds by Aleksandar Hemon
In this collection of essays, MacArthur Fellow and PEN Award winner Aleksandar Hemon takes readers on a journey from his childhood in Sarajevo to his life in Chicago. With wit, wisdom, and compassion, Hemon touches on themes like war, exile, language, art, and family, creating a compelling and inspiring literary experience.
4. Maame by Jessica George
“Maame” is a gripping historical fiction narrative following the life of a young Ghanaian woman kidnapped into slavery in the 18th century Americas. Debut author Jessica George crafts a poignant tale of survival, love, and the quest for home, providing readers with a captivating and touching journey.
5. Essex Dogs by Dan Jones
Immerse yourself in the gritty world of 1990s Essex, England, with “Essex Dogs,” a crime thriller by journalist and historian Dan Jones. Unravel the dark secrets of a notorious gang involving drug dealers, corrupt cops, and ruthless hitmen, as Jones paints a vivid and realistic picture of the British underworld’s shadowy side.
6. What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez by Claire Jiménez
Claire Jiménez unfolds a mystery in “What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez,” centered on the disappearance of Latina journalist Ruthy Ramirez investigating a corruption scandal in New York City. The narrative explores themes of race, class, gender, and media, offering a fast-paced and compelling read that hooks and surprises.
7. A Death at the Party by Amy Stuart
Amy Stuart crafts a psychological thriller, “A Death at the Party,” where a murder at a lavish birthday celebration unveils a web of secrets and suspects. As a bestselling author of the Still Mine series, Stuart’s tense and twisty plot ensures a thrilling and delightful reading experience.
8. The God of Endings by Jacqueline Holland
Delve into the realm of fantasy with “The God of Endings” by poet and novelist Jacqueline Holland. The book envisions a world where gods are dying, and a young woman named Lila is chosen to be their successor. Holland’s rich and imaginative storytelling promises to enchant and transport readers.
9. The Body of the Soul by Lyudmila Ulitskaya, translated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky
Russian literary luminary Lyudmila Ulitskaya presents “The Body of the Soul,” a collection of stories spanning her illustrious career. Translated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky, the book offers humorous, insightful, and humane narratives covering themes from love and family to art and politics.
10. Judgment at Tokyo by Gary J. Bass
In “Judgment at Tokyo,” professor and journalist Gary J. Bass explores the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, also known as the Tokyo trial, post-World War II. Providing a comprehensive account, Bass delves into the trial’s consequences and its relevance in today’s world, offering an informative and fascinating read.
We hope this curated list sparks your reading interests for the year ahead. Happy reading! 😊