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 Late Fragments: Everything I Want to Tell You (About This Magnificent Life)

Renita D'Silva Why did I love this book?

Kate Gross was dying of cancer when she wrote this book and far from being morbid or depressing, it shines with wisdom, grace, beauty.

It is inspiring, beautifully written, and uplifting. I was awed by this woman’s bravery, her wisdom, her courage. Just beautiful. It taught me to savour every moment instead of letting it slip through my fingers, to look for wonder instead of giving in to drudgery, to celebrate every day I’ve been given in this beautiful, terrible world. 

By Kate Gross,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

*THE NUMBER 1 BESTSELLER*

What are the things we live for? What matters most in life when your time is short? This brave, frank and heartbreaking book shows what it means to die before your time; how to take charge of your life and fill it with wonder, hope and joy even in the face of tragedy.

Ambitious and talented, Kate Gross worked at Number 10 Downing Street for two British Prime Ministers whilst only in her twenties. At thirty, she was CEO of a charity working with fragile democracies in Africa. She had married 'the best looking man I've…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Forced Confessions

Renita D'Silva Why did I love this book?

This book is the third in the Benson/DeVere legal crime series. While I’ve loved every book in the series, this one is my favourite.

So brilliantly written, packed with beautiful sentences, and such wisdom! I loved this book, could not put it down. In a packed genre, this series and this book stands out. I have recommended this series and especially this book to everyone. It deals with serious social issues but never comes across as preachy.

You are absolutely absorbed in the story, completely invested in the characters’ lives. Loved, loved, loved this book. 

By John Fairfax,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

William Benson.
Criminal barrister.
Convicted murderer....

Convicted of murder sixteen years ago, William Benson is ostracised by the establishment and his family. Supported by a close-knit group including solicitor Tess de Vere, he's defied them all and opened his own Chambers. Now he faces the case of his life - and the terminal illness of Helen Camberley who helped him leave his prison life behind

Jorge Menderez, a doctor from Spain, has been found dead in a deserted warehouse in East London. A troubled man, he'd turned to counsellor Karen Lynwood seeking help. Now Karen's husband, John, is accused of…


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My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of A Killing in November

Renita D'Silva Why did I love this book?

This book is another that absolutely stands out in a crowded genre – a real gem. I could not put this one down.

The author manages to pack wit and humour into each page while also tackling themes of inequality and oppression. Beautifully written, fast paced, with one of my favourite lead characters of all time. The characterisation is just brilliant. I just cannot fault this wonderful book. 

By Simon Mason,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Killing in November as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'[A] terrific crime novel' Mick Herron

'This moody, atmospheric novel is full of surprises' Sunday Times (Crime Book of the Month)

'[W]ell plotted and very funny' Sun

'This has a TV series written all over it' Daily Mail

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Ryan Wilkins grew up on a trailer park, a member of what many people would call the criminal classes. As a young Detective Inspector, he's lost none of his disgust with privileged elites - or his objectionable manners. But he notices things; they stick to his eyes. His professional partner, DI Ray Wilkins, of affluent Nigerian-London heritage, is an impeccably groomed,…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

The War Child

By Renita D'Silva,

Book cover of The War Child

What is my book about?

London, 1940. Clara Knight grew up an orphan in WWI and is now nursing brave soldiers as a second war rages through Europe. She falls in love with one of her patients, but then he must leave and Clara is alone with their child amidst the bombs raining down… When she's offered the chance to give her son a better life, Clara makes the impossible choice to let him go, vowing to find him again when the war is over.

Years later. As her life falls apart, Indira’s only solace is spending time with her grandfather. When he begins to tell her stories from his past, he speaks about a woman named Clara whom she has never heard of before. Indira is determined to find out what happened to Clara.