The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,707 authors and super readers for their 3 favorite reads of the year.

My favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of They Both Die at the End

Terry Bartley I this book because...

The premise of Adam Silvera’s book, They Both Die at the End is a truly genius way to get your readers to connect with the characters.

In the world of this book, basically everything is the same as our world, except they have a technology called DeathCast that calls someone the day they are going to die to give them one last chance to live life to the fullest and say goodbye to their loved ones.

In this book, Rufus and Mateo both get the call. These two strangers get connected on an app that helps those dying to find someone to spend their final day with. It was so fulfilling to get to know Rufus and Mateo as they got to know each other. Even though I went in knowing the book’s premise, I still hoped things could somehow change.

Without giving away the ending, I will tell you I cried so many real tears as I finished this book. These characters stuck with me for weeks after I finished reading.

By Adam Silvera,

Why should I read it?

10 authors picked They Both Die at the End 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?

From the author of the INTERNATIONAL NO. 1 BESTSELLER THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END comes an explosive examination of grief, mental illness, and the devastating consequences of refusing to let go of the past.

Please note that covers may vary.

You're still alive in alternate universes, Theo, but I live in the real world where this morning you're having an open casket funeral. I know you're out there, listening. And you should know I'm really pissed because you swore you would never die and yet here we are. It hurts even more because this isn't the first promise you've…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of The Song of Achilles

Terry Bartley I this book because...

I’m a huge fan of slow-burn romance and The Song of Achilles really delivered this.

We follow the life of disgraced royal, Patroclus, as he is exiled from his home and taken into the care of King Peleus and his son, Achilles. It was so fulfilling to watch Patroclus and Achilles get to know each other and watch their relationship bloom. It was cool to see a relationship that is so unequal in so many ways still feel reciprocal.

These two characters loved each other deeply and equally. That kind of commitment is inspiring. 

By Madeline Miller,

Why should I read it?

30 authors picked The Song of Achilles as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

**OVER 1.5 MILLION COPIES SOLD**
**A 10th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION, FEATURING A NEW FOREWORD BY THE AUTHOR**

WINNER OF THE ORANGE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION
THE INTERNATIONAL SENSATION
A SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

'Captivating' DONNA TARTT
'I loved it' J K ROWLING
'Ravishingly vivid' EMMA DONOGHUE

Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. Despite their differences, Achilles befriends the shamed prince, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine, their bond blossoms…


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My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Witch Hat Atelier 1

Terry Bartley I this book because...

I don’t know if I would actually call Witch Hat Atelier one of the best books I read this year, but I would absolutely call it one of the most intriguing.

I’m a big lover of fantasy and there is something really cool about seeing a magic system that feels fresh. On top of that, the characters are really charming and the art style is pretty cool. The protagonist, Coco, has so much excitement for magic that it is incredibly relatable as a nerd. It makes you root for her and I can’t wait to read more of her journey.

By Kamome Shirahama,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Witch Hat Atelier 1 as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

A beautifully-illustrated story about a girl who longs for magic in her life and learns that, on the inside, she already is what she wishes she could be. Reminiscent of Studio Ghibli, this lushly-drawn story was voted one of the top 10 manga of the year in 2018 by the Japanese manga industry. In a world where everyone takes wonders like magic spells and dragons for granted, Coco is a girl with a simple dream: She wants to be a witch. But everybody knows magicians are born, not made, and Coco was not born with the gift for magic. She's…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

Tyranny of the Fey

By Terry Bartley,

Book cover of Tyranny of the Fey

What is my book about?

Tyranny of the Fey is a collection of short stories set in Galevyn, an original fantasy universe.

An Elven princess runs away from her arranged marriage to a parallel world. Will she be able to find the adventure she seeks? While she is in search of battles with dragons and quests to obtain sacred artifacts, she finds that what she was looking for may have been a true connection with someone who understands her. Two childhood friends, an orc and a goblin, have long dreamed of adventure. When a magic school dropout stumbles into their lives, they jump at the chance to realize their ambitions. This found family realizes the world of Galevyn is a much bigger place than the jungle they grew up in.