The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

Join 1,708 readers and share your 3 favorite reads of the year.

My favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of The Album of Dr. Moreau

Henry Lien Why did I love this book?

This book is a locked-room murder mystery about a boy band made up of animal/human hybrids. It’s the most fun I’ve had reading in a very long time.

The characters and dialogue are so charming and playful. The affectionate satire about boy bands, fandom, and science fiction/mystery tropes is sharp and funny. And, like a good album, you want to listen to it over and over again.

By Daryl Gregory,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Album of Dr. Moreau as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A 2022 Sturgeon Award Nominee!
A 2022 Edgar Award Nominee!

Daryl Gregory's The Album of Dr. Moreau combines the science fiction premise of the famous novel by H. G. Wells with the panache of a classic murder mystery and the spectacle of a beloved boy band.

It’s 2001, and the WyldBoyZ are the world’s hottest boy band, and definitely the world’s only genetically engineered human-animal hybrid vocal group. When their producer, Dr. M, is found murdered in his hotel room, the “boyz” become the prime suspects. Was it Bobby the ocelot (“the cute one”), Matt the megabat (“the funny one”),…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Klara and the Sun

Henry Lien Why did I love this book?

This book is about an android who is bought by a family to be a companion for a sickly girl. Like Ishiguro’s masterful Never Let Me Go and The Remains of The Day, this is a book that goes from being about the seemingly smallest details of a quiet life to being about the biggest moral questions possible.

Ishiguro’s last three books have been science fiction and fantasy. He clearly understands that this genre is a literature of ideas. Whenever he writes about things that are not human or not our reality, it makes us question what it means to be human and the foundations of our reality. 

By Kazuo Ishiguro,

Why should I read it?

20 authors picked Klara and the Sun as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

*The #1 Sunday Times Bestseller*
*Longlisted for the Booker Prize 2021*
*A Barack Obama Summer Reading Pick*

'A delicate, haunting story' The Washington Post
'This is a novel for fans of Never Let Me Go . . . tender, touching and true.' The Times

'The Sun always has ways to reach us.'

From her place in the store, Klara, an Artificial Friend with outstanding observational qualities, watches carefully the behaviour of those who come in to browse, and of those who pass in the street outside. She remains hopeful a customer will soon choose her, but when the possibility emerges…


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My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of The Host

Henry Lien Why did I love this book?

Stephenie Meyer is underrated. This gripping book is about an invasion by alien parasites who insert themselves in people’s brains and take over their lives.

The premise sounds pulpy, but it quickly becomes the most fascinating exploration of whether our identities reside in our minds or our bodies and of the heart in conflict with itself.

Meyer’s ability to keep flipping the plot and wringing further emotional complications out of the premise is astounding. 

By Stephenie Meyer,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Now in the trade paperback edition: New Bonus Chapter and Reading Group Guide, including Stephenie Meyer's Annotated Playlist for the book.Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, didn't expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.As Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she's never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

Future Legend of Skate and Sword

By Henry Lien,

Book cover of Future Legend of Skate and Sword

What is my book about?

Peasprout Chen dreams of becoming a legend of wu liu, the deadly and beautiful art of martial arts figure skating.

As the first students from the rural country of Shin to attend the famous Pearl Academy of Skate and Sword, Peasprout and her little brother, Cricket, have some pretty big skates to fill. They soon find themselves in a heated competition for top ranking.

Tensions rise when the dazzling pearl buildings of the academy are vandalized, and outsider Peasprout is blamed for the attacks by her rivals... and even some friends. Now, she must uncover the true vandal to ensure peace between Shin and Pearl - all while becoming a champion.