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 The Last Ironman: A Dead World Legend

James Sale Why did I love this book?

Anyone who likes Lord of the Rings will love this; it recalls the tropes and even incidents of LOTR but is entirely original: the author has an amazingly expressive and sinuous prose style that almost verges on poetry, but without being florid or just descriptive: the story drives you relentlessly forward and the incidents are wondrous and incredible.

The fate of the world is at stake and we have a disparate (motley even) fellowship that is commissioned to save it. You are propelled from page to page. Great read. To aid full disclosure, the author is my son – who would not be proud of this achievement?

By Joseph Sale,

Why should I read it?

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


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of World War II: The First Culture War

James Sale Why did I love this book?

There are many books on WW2 but this one is really different: incredibly readable, full of deep, intriguing insights and information.

What I particularly like is the way that Oulds extracts the importance of the cultural backgrounds of the combatants in terms of how this determined the outcome. In essence, the Anglo-sphere's long-standing cultural development of individualism, innovation, and market-forces explains so much of what went 'wrong' for the Axis powers.

Further, this narrative provides profound insights into some of the characters. For example, the extent to which Hitler was a compulsive gambler; also, the depths of his strategic incompetence. This is a joy to read - I finished it in a few days since I couldn't put it down.

By Robert Oulds,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked World War II as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The global conflict of WWII, the bloodiest yet in human history, was as much a clash of cultures as it was a clash of arms. Different world visions collided as fiercely as the great armies which encountered each other on the battlefields of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The struggle of ideas was as vicious as the battle on, and below the waves as was the fight in the skies above. Indeed, the culture war and national differences drove the conflict and influenced where, when, why, and even how, the war was fought.


Churchill, Stalin, and Roosevelt - as well as…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Legacy: The Saga Begins

James Sale Why did I love this book?

Legacy is an imaginative fable and simultaneously a narrative poem that is beautifully constructed. It is very relevant for our times.

First, it is a gripping read of heroism, triumph over difficulties, and of confrontation with evil. As fable, it joins the ranks of the classics like Aesop’s Fables or more recently George Orwell’s Animal Farm. But part of its beauty is not only its construction but also that it can be read it to your young children - they will love it!

It is simple to follow, yet has profound depth. It’s been described as “a much-needed antidote to the moral vacuum of modern culture.” I totally agree. Reading it is great but I even more strongly recommend listening to it: the author’s voice is good enough for Disney.

Don‘t forget about my book 😀

StairWell

By James Sale,

Book cover of StairWell

What is my book about?

StairWell is volume 2 of The English Cantos: From the confines of Hell’s hospital ward (HellWard) the Poet begins the climb of Purgatory, and in so doing follows Dante, his guide. Through ascending the footsteps of the stairwell, he must reach the Chapel of St. Luke, the only place where healing (from cancer) is possible. This is a real place of solace, as well as a sacred space existing on a metaphysical plane, available to those who pass the trials of the purgatorial ascent.

On the way, the Poet meets individuals both from his own life - and more famous characters - struggling with their own quest for salvation. Combining deep psychology with fantastical grandeur, StairWell explores human fragility and the transformational power of Faith.