The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

Join 1,707 readers and share your 3 favorite reads of the year.

My favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Beatrice and Virgil

Chris Turnbull Why did I love this book?

After reading Life of Pi many years ago (before the movie came out) I never found myself reading another Yann Martel book, which is strange as I loved the Life of Pi so much.

Back in March of this year I stumbled across a copy of Beatrice and Virgil in an old bookshop in Paris, and was instantly drawn to it, not only from the author's name, but the blurb intrigued me terribly.

Yann Martel has this brilliant way of turning a story that can often seem random and unusual, into something you simply have to know what is going to happen next. Typically, I am a slow reader, but with this I just couldn’t put it down. 

By Yann Martel,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Beatrice and Virgil as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Fate takes many forms. When Henry receives a letter from an elderly taxidermist, it poses a puzzle that he cannot resist. As he is pulled further into the world of this strange and calculating man, Henry becomes increasingly involved with the lives of a donkey and a howler monkey - named Beatrice and Virgil - and the epic journey they undertake together.

With all the spirit and originality that made Life of Pi so treasured, this brilliant new novel takes the reader on a haunting odyssey. On the way Martel asks profound questions about life and art, truth and deception,…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Unruly: The Ridiculous History of England's Kings and Queens

Chris Turnbull Why did I love this book?

I have always adored historical reads, and although mostly that’s historical fiction, I also occasionally enjoy a non-fiction read.

Unruly has been described by some as a “Horrible Histories” for adults, and I couldn’t agree more. His often sweary take on the kings and queens throughout British history bring a certain humour to what some may think an unexciting subject.

To me history has always had some brilliantly exciting and unexpected events, and this book certainly doesn’t disappoint in bringing just some of them to the reader.  

By David Mitchell,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked Unruly as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

INSTANT #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER • A rollicking history of England’s kings and queens from Arthur to Elizabeth I, a tale of power, glory, and excessive beheadings by award-winning British actor and comedian David Mitchell

“Clever, amusing, gloriously bizarre and razor sharp. Mitchell [is] a funny man and a skilled historian.”―The Times

Think you know the kings and queens of England? Think again.

In Unruly, David Mitchell explores how early England’s monarchs, while acting as feared rulers firmly guiding their subjects’ destinies, were in reality a bunch of lucky bastards who were mostly as silly and weird in real life…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Betrayal of the Gods

Chris Turnbull Why did I love this book?

Betrayal of the Gods is the fifth installment in the Relic Hunters series, by Martin Ferguson.

I could praise this series until I am blue in the face, and would recommend it to all reads. Martin has once again told an exciting adventure story about the Hunter brothers of the British Museum set in the modern day, with merging chapters set in the past.

The author's ability to tell two simultaneous stories set thousands of years apart, yet somehow they are always so well connected to the root of the entire story. This is yet another triumphant story from a great storyteller.

By Martin Ferguson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Betrayal of the Gods as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

The Vintage Coat

By Chris Turnbull,

Book cover of The Vintage Coat

What is my book about?

In celebration of the 5th anniversary of Chris’ debut novel, a special extended edition was released:
Joseph Michaels is 25 and an accidental time traveller. After losing his job Joe finds himself working at the local second-hand shop. One day whilst unpacking new stock Joe comes across an old military coat that he just can't resist trying on. Excited by the powers of the coat, Joe quickly takes it home where he discovers it allows him to travel between present-day Alston, Cumbria and the same area during WWII. However, one night an unexpected air raid hits town and everybody is thrown into disarray; and Joe is faced with standing up for the ones he loves, even if it could cost him everything.

My 12-year-old's favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of I'm Not a Pandacow

Chris Turnbull Why did they love this book?

This is the first of the Monty the Dog series, and is not only beautifully illustrated, but is also hilarious.

Monty the Newfoundland dog is trying to discover what he is, as he doesn’t look anything like the spaniels he lives with. A great read all the family can enjoy together.

By M. T. Sanders, Rebecca Sharp (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I'm Not a Pandacow as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

A delightful story about Monty a huge Newfoundland puppy and his journey to find out what he is.
But will asking the other dogs he meets on his travels give him the answers he wants?

Beautifully illustrated throughout


My 12-year-old's 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of The Magic of Grandfather Time

Chris Turnbull Why did they love this book?

The Magic of Grandfather Time is a beautiful short storybook.

Rose English has a superb talent for making the reader believe they are connected somehow to the story. You instantly fall in love with her characters and their pain is your pain. I love that this story is set on Christmas Eve—I could really feel the heat from the dimming fire, the bitterness of the snow and the sound of the Grandfather clock chiming away. I now want my own Grandfather clock!

A book that packs just enough emotion within, and certainly a story you will want to read again and again.

By Rose English,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Magic of Grandfather Time as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

‘A grandfather clock has a face and a voice. As its name suggests, it is more than a piece of furniture; it is a member of the family’Richard C.R. Barder 1983

DECEMBER 1880. There will be no jolly Christmas cheer this year. The harsh winter had descended; snow blankets the ground and the lake is frozen solid. Within the walls of Clement Cottage, the fire is dwindling, its embers barely bright enough to cast the shadow of the broken man upon the wall. Cole is lost in his deep sadness; he has just one heartfelt wish. To be re-united with…


Explore all books for 12-year-olds

Book cover of Beatrice and Virgil
Book cover of Unruly: The Ridiculous History of England's Kings and Queens
Book cover of Betrayal of the Gods

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