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 Return of the King

Mord McGhee Why did I love this book?

I reread The Lord of the Rings trilogy once a year, with the hopes of absorbing anything I can from his mastery of how language can be used to strike a blow into a reader’s mind.

The story is written so well; each paragraph is like sitting with an old friend and reminiscing about the good old days shared together. It helps through times good and not-so-good, and the range of emotions invoked are staggering. While some say it can be too flowery, I saw there are few published works as perfect as these books. And it has something for everyone, whether the reader is a lover of adventure, history, or atmosphere.

By J.R.R. Tolkien,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Return of the King as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

Begin your journey into Middle-earth.

The inspiration for the upcoming original series on Prime Video, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

The Return of the King is the third part of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic adventure The Lord of the Rings.

One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.

The Dark Lord has risen, and as he unleashes hordes of Orcs to conquer all Middle-earth, Frodo and Sam struggle deep into his realm in Mordor.

To defeat Sauron, the One Ring must be…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Mord McGhee Why did I love this book?

To experience a time machine effect where one is transported at once to the days of their youth, a reader simply needs to pick up the Harry Potter novel that started the journey of the young boy thrust unwittingly into a world of pure, unblemished magic.

Any time I want to remember what it was like being a kid, I pick up the first in the series from Rowling. Her tale encompasses the joy and terrors of Disney movie classics Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs or Sleeping Beauty, from the earliest animated films but also firmly plants a ghoulish 1990s take of what is essentially a brilliant fairy tale reimagining. It’s not the first time to read this nor will it be my last.

By J.K. Rowling,

Why should I read it?

41 authors picked Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Galloping gargoyles ... 2022 is the silver anniversary of J.K. Rowling's magical classic Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone!

The boy wizard Harry Potter has been casting a spell over young readers and their families ever since 1997. Now the first book in this unmissable series celebrates 25 years in print! The paperback edition of the tale that introduced us to Harry, Ron and Hermione has been updated and dressed in silver to mark the occasion. It's time to take the magical journey of a lifetime ...

Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Bread Baking for Beginners: The Essential Guide to Baking Kneaded Breads, No-Knead Breads, and Enriched Breads

Mord McGhee Why did I love this book?

I’ve always wanted to learn the art of baking bread. For years I’ve used bread machines and have never been satisfied with the results. They’re fine, but never perfect.

After reading Bonnie’s book, on my very first try following along step-by-step, my regular oven turned out the most delicious loaf of rustic bread. The looks on the faces of my family said it all, as they devoured it to crumb. For anyone wishing to pick up basic kitchen skills that touch on all the things that make us human, this book is something I wholeheartedly recommend.

By Bonnie Ohara,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Bread Baking for Beginners as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The guidance you need to go from absolute beginner to artisanal bread baker

Discover how anyone can combine flour, yeast, water, and salt to create hot and delicious bread in the comfort of your own kitchen. Filled with straightforward guidance, Bread Baking for Beginners is the ideal bread cookbook for new bakers. Complete with step-by-step photographs and instructions, this beautiful bread baking guide offers a tasty collection of recipes for kneaded, no-knead, and enriched breads that you'll love. In addition to important info on everything from prep and proof times to key terminology and kitchen essentials, you'll also get must-have…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

The Stroke of Oars

By Mord McGhee,

Book cover of The Stroke of Oars

What is my book about?

The life of Captain Yargo Brow takes a perilous turn when he finds himself captive aboard a ship crewed by ruthless, bloodthirsty pirates. Determined to survive and discover what happened to his lost crew, Yargo must unravel the horrifying mysteries and dark rituals aboard the sinister vessel—for, despite appearances, they are no mere pirates.

The Stroke of Oars will take you to the Silver Coast of the Unfounded, providing an abundance of classic sword and sorcery fun, snarky characters, dark humor, and an adventure fit only for the world of Faewalk!

My book recommendation list

Book cover of The Return of the King
Book cover of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Book cover of Bread Baking for Beginners: The Essential Guide to Baking Kneaded Breads, No-Knead Breads, and Enriched Breads

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