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 Past Tense

George J. Berger Why did I love this book?

In this 23rd Reacher story, on a lazy cross-country hitch-hiking tour, Jack detours to the town of Laconia, New Hampshire. The father he hardly knew grew up there, and Jack wants to finally uncover details of his family history.

While Jack searches old records and interviews old residents, a clutch of bad men brutalize innocent travelers for sport at their special country motel. Just in time, the current victims figure out how they might help themselves. Reacher does the rest.

This nuanced, clever story stands apart from most thrillers with Reacher’s heart-tugging past and a charming, not-so-gullible victim couple.

By Lee Child,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Past Tense as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

JACK REACHER NEVER LOOKS BACK . . . UNTIL NOW.

The most hotly anticipated thriller of the year follows our hero Jack Reacher on a quest into his father's past, and climaxes in the most blood-curdling ticking time bomb of an adventure yet.

The present can be tense . . .

A young couple trying to get to New York City are stranded at a lonely motel in the middle of nowhere. Before long they're trapped in an ominous game of life and death.

But the past can be worse . . .

Meanwhile, Jack Reacher sets out on an…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Enlightened

George J. Berger Why did I love this book?

This graphic novel about Buddha’s early years is presented through striking but simple two-color-palette illustrations. Spare text and dialogue harmonize well with the illustrations.

This fictionalized story flows through Siddhartha’s early conflicts and his struggles to learn about the cycle of life, leading to profound lessons on the path to self-mastery.

Readers will be intrigued by the largely true story and will come away with a solid understanding of the basic tenets of Buddhism. Some may even be tempted to learn more and perhaps shed parts of their current lives for a more modest and spiritual journey.

By Sachi Ediriweera,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Enlightened as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 11, 12, 13, and 14.

What is this book about?

A spirited young prince longing to learn more about the world grows into a man on a quest to find the cause of human suffering in this first-of-its-kind graphic novel retelling of the life of Siddhartha, the founder of Buddhism.

Prince Siddhartha lives in a beautiful palace in the heart of Kapilavastu. His father, the king, ensures that he has the best of everything-he just can't go outside. He is locked up away from the city, away from anything that might cause him pain. He knows nothing of illness, aging, sorrow, or death, yet Siddhartha feels the pain regardless, and…


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My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of The Collector

George J. Berger Why did I love this book?

The main character, Gabriel Allon, is an art restorer but also a retired master spy for Israel. Italian police pull him out of retirement to track down one of the world’s most valuable missing paintings. 

Soon Allon finds himself in a more serious race to prevent an unthinkable nuclear conflict between Russia and the West--already brewing in Ukraine.

Silva’s writing contains nothing wasted. The details and dialogue are crisp. His characters, from Allon to a beautiful female master thief and Russian big shots all ring true. His settings transport readers to unusual places. All of this is wrapped in page-turning story lines that pull from recent news events.

By Daniel Silva,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Collector as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

#1 New York Times bestselling author Daniel Silva is back with an electrifying new thriller.

Legendary art restorer and spy Gabriel Allon joins forces with a brilliant and beautiful master-thief to track down the world's most valuable missing painting but soon finds himself in a desperate race to prevent an unthinkable conflict between Russia and the West.


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

South of Burnt Rocks: West of the Moon

By George J. Berger, G. J. Berger,

Book cover of South of Burnt Rocks: West of the Moon

What is my book about?

After three great wars, Rome has crushed Carthage. Now the undefended riches of Iberia beckon--gold, tin, olives, wine, and healthy young bodies to enslave.

Burnt Rocks tells the story of Lavena, last child of the strongest remaining Iberian tribal leader at a time when Rome plunders and loots her land. At times helped only by her father's favorite dog, a special horse, or guided by spirits of the earth and sky, she strives to unite her people and oust the Roman menace. Based on real characters, places, and events,

Burnt Rocks recreates that shadowy history-and eternal human nature rubbed raw.