Author Fairy tale aficionado Wolf keeper
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 Remarkably Bright Creatures

Lisa Preziosi Why did I love this book?

So often shifting narrations from different character viewpoints fall flat in fiction, but Remarkably Bright Creatures is flawless.

An exceedingly clever giant Pacific octopus, named Marcellus, acts as our most compelling narrator, offering a unique perspective into the human condition and the facets of loneliness. Van Pelt does a remarkable job in making us care about each of the characters she introduces. You are invested in their lives and the connections between them.

The audiobook has a masterful narration of Marcellus by Michael Urie and ranks as one of my absolute favorite audiobooks of all time.

By Shelby Van Pelt,

Why should I read it?

21 authors picked Remarkably Bright Creatures as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER BBC RADIO 2 BOOK CLUB PICK 'Full of heart and humour . . . I loved it.' Ruth Hogan 'Will stay with you for a long time.' Anstey Harris 'I defy you to put it down once you've started' Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney After Tova Sullivan's husband died, she began working the night cleaner shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Ever since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat over thirty years ago keeping busy has helped her cope. One night she meets Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium who…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Anxious People

Lisa Preziosi Why did I love this book?

Fredrik Backman’s Anxious People kept me company on a long road trip to a conference this past year.

Backman introduces us to a clever mystery involving an interrupted bank heist, and a cast of incredibly anxious, absurd, and unlikeable characters. Backman takes on the seemingly herculean task of making us care about these self-involved individuals and in the end, actually succeeds.

This whimsical and humorous take on the human condition will make you laugh and remember the characters long after you’ve closed the book.

By Fredrik Backman,

Why should I read it?

11 authors picked Anxious People as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The funny, touching and unpredictable No. 1 New York Times bestseller, now a major Netflix TV series

'A brilliant and comforting read' MATT HAIG
'Funny, compassionate and wise. An absolute joy' A.J. PEARCE
'A surefooted insight into the absurdity, beauty and ache of life' GUARDIAN
'I laughed, I sobbed, I recommended it to literally everyone I know' BUZZFEED
'Captures the messy essence of being human' WASHINGTON POST

From the 18 million copy internationally bestselling author of A Man Called Ove
_______

It's New Year's Eve and House Tricks estate agents are hosting an open viewing in an up-market apartment when…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy

Lisa Preziosi Why did I love this book?

When you read a lot of paranormal romance, it’s often challenging to find something that feels new and fresh.

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy took a seemingly familiar romantic trope – an anonymous love letter and found a way to make it unique. From its world building to the character interaction, it felt familiar and yet scrumptiously new. You wanted to learn more about the world and see the sparks fly between the two romantic leads.

If you like exploring new worlds and adore a love/hate romance, then this book is for you.

By Megan Bannen,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"A uniquely charming mixture of whimsy and the macabre that completely won me over. If you ever wished for an adult romance that felt like Howl's Moving Castle, THIS IS THAT BOOK." —Helen Hoang, author of The Kiss Quotient

Hart is a marshal, tasked with patrolling the strange and magical wilds of Tanria. It’s an unforgiving job, and Hart’s got nothing but time to ponder his loneliness.  

Mercy never has a moment to herself. She’s been single-handedly keeping Birdsall & Son Undertakers afloat in defiance of sullen jerks like Hart, who seems to have a gift for showing up right…


Plus, check out my book…

The Ice Maiden's Tale

By Lisa Preziosi,

Book cover of The Ice Maiden's Tale

What is my book about?

Every town has someone all the children just *know* is a witch.

When Johanna and Casper are forced to spend the afternoon at her house, Mrs. Kinder reads them a story of adventure and magic. Her mysterious book tells an intertwined tale of a sensitive Sculptor who carves a beautiful woman from ice and the thieving Sorcerer searching for a spell that will bring the statue to life.

The story twists and turns, from the Frozen Forest to the land of the Lemon Trees, as the Sculptor’s and Sorcerer’s adventures circle each other. Their inevitable confrontation reveals buried memories that force them to confront the true cost of love and redemption. The Ice Maiden's Tale is a story-within-a-story magical adventure reminiscent of The Princess Bride.