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The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,624 authors and super readers for their 3 favorite reads of the year.

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My favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Educated: A Memoir

John Turiano Why did I love this book?

What is the importance of an education in freeing your mind from the shackles of oppression? In this poignant memoir, the author describes her close ties to family and how those ties repressed her freedom to observe and interpret the world around her.

Born in a male-dominated hierarchy and controlled by strong religious beliefs, it was dictated to her what to do and believe. When she tried to think for herself, her relationships with family members became toxic. A weaker mind would have succumbed to the pressure and accepted the situation. However, an incredible urge to learn and grow moved Tara to seek an education from those outside her community.

Educated is an uplifting story of personal growth and strength that I will carry with me for a long time.

By Tara Westover,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

THE MULTI-MILLION COPY BESTSELLER

Selected as a book of the year by AMAZON, THE TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES, GUARDIAN, NEW YORK TIMES, ECONOMIST, NEW STATESMAN, VOGUE, IRISH TIMES, IRISH EXAMINER and RED MAGAZINE

'One of the best books I have ever read . . . unbelievably moving' Elizabeth Day
'An extraordinary story, beautifully told' Louise O'Neill
'A memoir to stand alongside the classics . . . compelling and joyous' Sunday Times

Tara Westover grew up preparing for the end of the world. She was never put in school, never taken to the doctor. She did not even have a birth certificate…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Upgrade

John Turiano Why did I love this book?

Science fiction frequently addresses the future and provides thoughtful insight in dealing with the consequences of technology. In Upgrade, the author explores the dangers of genetic engineering and their impact on the human race.

The main character is unknowingly infected with a virus that will significantly improve his mind and body. As his body slowly morphs into a new species, he discovers a plot to release the virus on the world. On the run from the government, he struggles with whether the genetic changes will be a benefit or detriment to the human race.

Upgrade is a rollercoaster ride examining key issues we face as a society. It captured my interest in technology and how we deal with it as a society.

By Blake Crouch,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Upgrade is the mind-bending thriller from Blake Crouch, author of the bestselling Dark Matter and Recursion.

'You are the next step in human evolution . . .'

What if you were capable of more?

Your concentration was better, you could multitask quicker, read faster, memorize more, sleep deeper.

For Logan Ramsay, it's happening. He's beginning to see the world around him, even those he loves the most, in whole new ways.

He knows that it's not natural, that his genes have been hacked. He has been targeted for an upgrade.

Logan's family legacy is one he has been trying to…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of The Collective

John Turiano Why did I love this book?

We all know grief to some degree, but how many of us have been thrown into the darkest pit? The main character of The Collective has experienced the untimely death of her daughter at the hands of a drunken college student.

When the young man is found not guilty, and her daughter vilified, her feelings of rage and revenge are all that sustain her. She has lost all hope, until one day she discovers a group of women who have experienced the same horror. What starts as a support group slowly becomes a dark, twisted organization seeking revenge.

The book explores the questions of how far we would go to seek justice and whether the result justifies the means. I found myself rooting for the mother while recognizing how hate and anger can ultimately destroy you—a fascinating read.

By Alison Gaylin,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

"Chilling...this terrific novel is...propelled by an iron-tight plot that becomes increasingly tense." --New York Times Book Review

"It’s a nerve-shredding, emotionally harrowing ride. Don’t miss it.” —Megan Abbott, New York Times bestselling author

The USA Today bestselling and Edgar Award–winning author of Never Look Back and If I Die Tonightasks how far a grieving mother will go to right a tragic wrong in this propulsive novel of psychological suspense.

Camille Gardener is a grieving—and angry—mother who, five years after her daughter’s death, is still obsessed with the privileged young man she believes to be responsible.

When her rash actions draw…


Plus, check out my book…

Past Paradox

By John Turiano,

Book cover of Past Paradox

What is my book about?

Everyone loves a good mystery. In Past Paradox, the story centers around strange events occurring in the New Mexico desert. When a child and his dog mysteriously disappear, the investigating officer digs deeper into other bizarre incidents in the sleepy community. Giant wormholes are later discovered, and a connection is suspected.

The wormholes begin to expand, and it is feared they could explode with disastrous effects. But a man from the future appears with an offer. He claims to have a way to close the rifts before it is too late. A decision is made to work with the stranger, but no one knows he has an ulterior motive, which could alter time itself. Past Paradox is one sci-fi thriller you won't want to miss!