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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.

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

My favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Vigil Harbor

Katie O'Rourke Why did I love this book?

Julia Glass could not write a bad book if she fell asleep on her keyboard.

For character-driven stories about people who feel real, there's nobody who does it better. The not-so-distant future world where this story is set is on the edge of climate apocalypse and, unfortunately, comes across as thoroughly believable.

By Julia Glass,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

From the National Book Award-winning, bestselling author of Three Junes comes "an engrossing, richly drawn and exquisitely told story of small-town residents grappling with the difficulties of changing times" (People).

“Full of secrets and surprises...A must-read.”—J. Courtney Sullivan, author of Friends and Strangers

When two unexpected visitors arrive in an insular coastal village, they threaten the equilibrium of a community already confronting climate instability, political violence, and domestic upheavals.

A decade from now, in the historic town of Vigil Harbor, there is a rash of divorces among the yacht-club set, a marine biologist despairs at the state of the world,…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Writers & Lovers

Katie O'Rourke Why did I love this book?

My mom suggested this book to me because she thought I’d identify with the way this writer explains how she thinks about her writing.

The story includes a romantic dilemma, but I appreciated that it was not the main focus. It's simply a normal part of her complicated life. Casey is a flawed character I found it easy to root for. I look forward to reading other novels by this author.

By Lily King,

Why should I read it?

9 authors picked Writers & Lovers as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

#ReadWithJenna Book Club Pick as Featured on Today
Emma Roberts Belletrist Book Club Pick
A New York Times Book Review’s Group Text Selection

"I loved this book not just from the first chapter or the first page but from the first paragraph... The voice is just so honest and riveting and insightful about creativity and life." —Curtis Sittenfeld 

An extraordinary new novel of art, love, and ambition from Lily King, the New York Times bestselling author of Euphoria

Following the breakout success of her critically acclaimed and award-winning novel Euphoria, Lily King returns with another instant New York Times bestseller:…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Things to See in Arizona

Katie O'Rourke Why did I love this book?

YA is not my usual genre, but since I've loved so many of this author's adult work, I thought I'd give it a try. And I'm glad I did.

Tuesday is going through some typically age appropriate, post-high school graduation angst, but on top of these things, a recent health diagnosis has her struggling with some very grown up things I found deeply relatable.

By Mary Vensel White,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Things to See in Arizona as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Plus, check out my book…

Blood & Water

By Katie O'Rourke,

Book cover of Blood & Water

What is my book about?

Delilah arrives on her brother's doorstep with a secret. She hasn't seen him in five years. He ran away from their family long ago for reasons no one talks about and she still doesn't understand. The stress of raising his teenage daughter alone sometimes makes David envious of his deliberately childless friends, Tim and Sara, but they're runaways too, harboring secrets of their own. Blood & Water tells their stories and traces the deep connections between this unlikely group of friends.