As the new year dawns, many of us eagerly start curating our reading lists. If you’re looking for compelling stories, insightful non-fiction, or captivating thrillers to dive into, you’ve come to the right place. For nearly a decade, I’ve had the pleasure of sharing my top book recommendations, and this year is no exception. Get ready to explore an incredible collection of 30 must-read books that are perfect for welcoming a new chapter in your reading journey.
Whether you’re a devoted bookworm or simply seeking inspiration for your next read, this meticulously curated list offers something for everyone. From bestsellers that have taken the literary world by storm to hidden gems waiting to be discovered, prepare to broaden your horizons and find a book (or several!) that you’ll absolutely cherish.
30 Must-Read Books to Add to Your 2023 Reading List
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Top Books to Read in 2023
Eager to discover your next great read? Explore our comprehensive list of 30 highly recommended books for 2023 and find the perfect title to immerse yourself in!
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Book Lovers by Emily Henry
A witty and heartwarming romance that follows a driven literary agent, Nora Stephens, and a book editor, Charlie Lastra, whose paths keep crossing in unexpected ways. Set against the backdrop of publishing and small-town charm, this novel brilliantly subverts classic romance tropes, offering a fresh take on love, career ambition, and finding your happy ever after, even if it looks different than you imagined.
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The Book Haters’ Book Club by Gretchen Anthony
This delightful novel centers around a group of quirky individuals whose lives become intertwined through a shared, albeit initially reluctant, connection to books. It’s a charming story that often weaves in elements of mystery, personal growth, and the surprising bonds formed within a community. Expect heartwarming moments and relatable characters navigating life’s challenges with humor and the transformative power of storytelling.
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A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons by Kate Khavari
Dive into a captivating historical mystery set in the early 20th century. This novel introduces a brilliant botanist whose unique knowledge of plants becomes the key to solving a perplexing crime involving poisons within a refined academic or high-society setting. With intriguing scientific details seamlessly woven into a gripping whodunit narrative, it offers a fresh and intellectual take on the classic mystery genre.
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The Home for Unwanted Girls by Joanna Goodman
This profoundly moving historical fiction novel sheds light on a dark chapter of social history, often exploring the plight of unwed mothers and the complexities of adoption in mid-20th century Canada. Goodman masterfully crafts a poignant narrative of a mother’s unwavering love and resilience, as she strives to reunite with the child taken from her, making it a powerful read about family bonds and enduring hope.
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Lying in Wait by Liz Nugent
Prepare for a chilling psychological thriller from the master of suspense, Liz Nugent. This novel plunges readers into a dark world of secrets, manipulation, and the insidious unraveling of a seemingly perfect family life. With deeply flawed characters and a twisty, suspenseful plot, Nugent keeps you on edge as she meticulously exposes the lies and dark truths hidden beneath a veneer of respectability, leading to a truly shocking conclusion.
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The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
A captivating dual-timeline historical fiction novel that tells the story of two extraordinary women: a female spy recruited to the Alice Network in France during World War I, and a young American socialite searching for her missing cousin in post-World War II Europe. Celebrated for its meticulously researched details, powerful female protagonists, and thrilling espionage elements, this book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and strong narratives.
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My Hygge Home by Meik Wiking
If you’re seeking to cultivate more joy and contentment in your daily life, look no further than “My Hygge Home.” From the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, this non-fiction book is a guide to the Danish concept of “Hygge” – creating a sense of coziness, well-being, and connection. It offers practical insights and inspirations for transforming your home into a sanctuary and finding happiness in the simple things.
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Verity by Colleen Hoover
Prepare for a dark, twisted, and utterly gripping psychological thriller that blurs the lines between romance and horror. “Verity” tells the story of a struggling writer hired to complete a famous author’s remaining books, only to uncover an unfinished autobiography that reveals chilling truths about the author’s family. With its unreliable narrators and shocking twists, this book will keep you captivated and questioning everything until the very last page.
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Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Set in the 1950s, this brilliant historical fiction novel introduces Elizabeth Zott, a chemist who faces relentless sexism in her male-dominated field. Undeterred, she uses her scientific expertise to host a revolutionary cooking show that empowers women across the nation. “Lessons in Chemistry” is lauded for its sharp wit, compelling characters, and insightful commentary on gender equality, making it an inspiring and utterly engaging read.
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The Wild Inside by Jamey Bradbury
Journey into the harsh and untamed wilderness of Alaska with this gripping and suspenseful thriller. “The Wild Inside” tells a story of survival, isolation, and a primal struggle against both nature’s ferocity and human malevolence. With its chilling atmosphere and vivid descriptions of the Alaskan landscape, this novel delivers a unique blend of mystery and psychological tension that will keep you captivated until the very end.
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Betty by Tiffany McDaniel
“Betty” is a powerful, heartbreaking, and deeply immersive coming-of-age story inspired by the author’s mother. Set in the lush yet impoverished landscape of rural Appalachia, it follows Betty Carpenter as she navigates a challenging childhood marked by poverty, racism, and abuse. This novel is a lyrical and unflinching exploration of family resilience, the beauty of nature, and the redemptive power of storytelling amidst profound suffering.
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A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
This monumental and emotionally devastating novel explores the lives of four college friends in New York City, with a particular focus on Jude St. Francis, a brilliant but enigmatic lawyer haunted by an unspeakable past. “A Little Life” is an unflinching examination of trauma, friendship, love, and the enduring human capacity for both cruelty and compassion. Be prepared for an intensely moving and unforgettable reading experience that will stay with you long after the final page.
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Bird Box by Josh Malerman
In this chilling post-apocalyptic horror novel, mysterious entities cause anyone who sees them to succumb to madness and suicide. The story follows Malorie as she navigates a world where sight is deadly, raising her two children blindfolded to protect them. This intensely suspenseful and psychologically terrifying read explores themes of motherhood, survival, and the unknown, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with every terrifying step.
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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Step into the glamorous and often scandalous world of Old Hollywood with this captivating historical fiction novel. Evelyn Hugo, a reclusive film icon, finally decides to tell her life story, choosing an unknown magazine reporter, Monique Grant, for the task. As Evelyn recounts her journey through ambition, love, and her seven marriages, she reveals shocking secrets and the true, complicated love that defined her life. A truly unputdownable read.
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House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
This heartwarming and whimsical fantasy novel has captured the hearts of readers worldwide. It follows Linus Baker, a by-the-book social worker who is sent to investigate a remote orphanage for six dangerous magical children. As Linus delves into their lives, he discovers a world of acceptance, found family, and the profound power of challenging prejudice. It’s a charming, tender, and deeply moving story that will leave you smiling.
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The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
A compelling mystery thriller where Hannah Hall’s life is turned upside down when her husband, Owen, mysteriously disappears, leaving behind a cryptic note: “Protect her.” This message refers to his teenage daughter, Bailey, who wants nothing to do with Hannah. As Hannah searches for answers, she uncovers dark secrets about Owen’s past and forms an unlikely bond with Bailey, embarking on a suspenseful and emotionally charged journey to uncover the truth.
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Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng
From the acclaimed author of “Little Fires Everywhere,” this dystopian novel presents a haunting vision of a society where books are banned and children can be removed from families deemed “subversive.” The story follows a twelve-year-old boy, Bird Gardner, as he searches for his mother, a poet who disappeared years ago. It’s a powerful and timely exploration of censorship, protest, art, and the sacrifices made for one’s children, resonating with themes of resilience and hope.
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The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell
A breathtaking historical fiction novel that transports readers to 16th-century Italy, offering a mesmerizing reimagining of the short and mysterious life of Lucrezia de’ Medici. After the sudden death of her elder sister, teenage Lucrezia is forced to marry the Duke of Ferrara, a man rumored to be ruthless and dangerous. This beautifully written, suspenseful tale is a compelling exploration of survival, power, and art in a treacherous Renaissance court.
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Things We Do in the Dark by Jennifer Hillier
From the master of domestic thrillers, Jennifer Hillier delivers another chilling and intricate psychological suspense novel. When Paris Peralta is found beside her dead husband, she becomes the prime suspect. However, her life is built on a carefully constructed lie to escape a dark past. As the investigation unfolds, Paris must confront her hidden identity, leading to a nail-biting narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns.
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Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult
A powerful and thought-provoking novel co-written with Jennifer Finney Boylan, “Mad Honey” explores a gripping murder trial that unravels complex family secrets and challenges societal perceptions of identity, love, and justice. When Olivia McAfee’s son is accused of murder, she must face the possibility that he is not who she thought he was. Picoult’s signature legal drama combined with deep character exploration makes this a compelling and emotionally resonant read.
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Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
An ingenious and mind-bending thriller that starts when a mother witnesses her son commit a murder. The next morning, she wakes up 24 hours earlier, then again, and again. Stuck in a time loop, she repeatedly travels back in time, racing against the clock to understand the crime and prevent it from ever happening. This unique premise delivers a compelling and intricately plotted narrative that will keep you guessing with every rewind.
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The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
From the master of suspense, Riley Sager, comes a thrilling and atmospheric mystery set at a secluded lake house. Casey Fletcher, a former actress, spends her days observing her glamorous neighbors across the water. But when she witnesses a mysterious incident, she becomes entangled in their lives and uncovers dark secrets. This novel promises Sager’s signature blend of unreliable narrators, shocking twists, and a gripping plot that will keep you guessing until the very end.
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The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn
Kate Quinn once again delivers a historical fiction masterpiece, bringing to life the incredible true story of Lyudmila Pavlichenko, a Ukrainian librarian who became the deadliest female sniper in history during World War II. “The Diamond Eye” is a meticulously researched and thrilling narrative of courage, sacrifice, and the extraordinary impact of women in wartime. Prepare to be inspired by this powerful portrayal of a real-life hero.
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The Christie Affair by Nina De Gramont
This intriguing novel offers a fictionalized account of Agatha Christie’s infamous 11-day disappearance in 1926, brilliantly told from the perspective of her husband’s mistress, Nan O’Dea. De Gramont weaves a clever blend of historical intrigue, psychological mystery, and emotional depth, offering a fresh and compelling take on one of the most enduring literary enigmas. A must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone fascinated by Agatha Christie.
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The It Girl by Ruth Ware
A gripping contemporary thriller from Ruth Ware, “The It Girl” centers on Hannah Jones, who is haunted by a murder from her college past. Ten years after the conviction of the man believed to be the killer of her charismatic friend, April Clarke-Cliveden, new evidence emerges that casts doubt on his guilt. Hannah is forced to re-examine the truth, question her memories, and confront the dark secrets surrounding April’s death. It’s a suspenseful and twisty read.
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The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
A profoundly imaginative and life-affirming novel that explores themes of regret, choices, and finding happiness in the present moment. Nora Seed finds herself in a library between life and death, where she has the chance to try out all the different lives she could have lived. This novel is a beautiful meditation on mental health, the roads not taken, and the infinite possibilities within each existence, making it a hopeful and deeply resonant read.
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All the Broken Places by John Boyne
Serving as a poignant companion to “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas,” this novel revisits the character of Gretel as an elderly woman living in London. It explores the long-term consequences of past atrocities, the burdens of guilt, and the complex search for redemption across generations. Boyne delivers a haunting and morally intricate story that challenges readers to reflect on complicity, memory, and the enduring shadows of history.
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Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall
This compelling historical fiction novel unearths the hidden history of illegal abortions and the courageous underground networks that assisted women in need during a time when their choices were severely restricted. Through a dual timeline, it follows a group of women connected by the clandestine service known as “Jane.” It’s a powerful and deeply moving story about resilience, sisterhood, and the fight for bodily autonomy and reproductive rights, resonating strongly with contemporary issues.
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The Myth of Normal by Gabor Mate
In this profoundly insightful non-fiction work, renowned physician Gabor Maté, along with Daniel Maté, delves into the connections between chronic illness, mental health, trauma, and the societal pressures of modern Western culture. This book challenges our conventional understanding of “normal” and offers groundbreaking insights into the root causes of disease and pathways to healing and holistic well-being. It’s an essential read for anyone interested in health, psychology, and personal growth.
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The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
From the bestselling author of “The Guest List,” Lucy Foley delivers another thrilling locked-room mystery. Jess, looking for a fresh start, arrives at her half-brother Ben’s chic Parisian apartment, only to find him missing. As she searches for him, she quickly uncovers dark secrets and sinister motives lurking among the enigmatic residents of the building. This suspenseful whodunit boasts a strong sense of atmosphere, perfect for fans of twisty thrillers.
Discover More: Previous Years’ Recommended Books
If you’ve enjoyed this year’s selection, why not delve into some of our past recommendations? There’s a treasure trove of incredible stories waiting for you:
- Books to Read in 2022
- Books to Read in 2021
- Books to Read in 2020
- Books to Read in 2019
For my fellow Canadian book lovers, don’t miss out on exploring some fantastic subscription boxes tailored for you!
Now, it’s your turn! Which books are you most looking forward to reading in 2023, or which ones from this list have caught your eye? Share your thoughts in the comments below!