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 Golem and the Jinni

Vered Neta Why did I love this book?

The Golem and the Djinni is an exhilarating tale that captivates you, making you reluctant to part ways with its beloved characters. It's a literary adventure that enchants every time you dive into its pages.

As a historian, reading this book felt like stepping into a time machine, immersing myself in the vibrant tapestry of early 20th-century New York. The vivid imagery painted by the author transformed history into a living, breathing movie. Every word vividly depicted the evolving cityscape, its pulse echoing through the ages.

The seamless blend of history and intimate relationships entranced me. Wecker masterfully wove the threads of human connection against the backdrop of a changing world. Yet, what truly stole my breath was the brilliant fusion of two distinct mythologies, bringing forth the Golem and the Djinni into the bustling heart of the modern world.

By Helene Wecker,

Why should I read it?

9 authors picked The Golem and the Jinni as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'One of only two novels I've ever loved whose main characters are not human' BARBARA KINGSOLVER

For fans of The Essex Serpent and The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock.

'By far my favourite book of of the year' Guardian

Chava is a golem, a creature made of clay, brought to life by a disgraced rabbi who dabbles in dark Kabbalistic magic. When her master, the husband who commissioned her, dies at sea on the voyage from Poland, she is unmoored and adrift as the ship arrives in New York in 1899.

Ahmad is a djinni, a being of fire, born in…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Lessons in Chemistry

Vered Neta Why did I love this book?

It's been a long time since a book captured me, holding me hostage well into the early morning.

Bonnie Garmus wove Elizabeth (and Calvin) with a brilliance that threw their complexity into the spotlight, oddly finding reflections of my own struggles in their distant personas.

Lessons in Chemistry transcends the label of a mere book; it's a blazing celebration of women's empowerment, a roaring testament to the unwavering pursuit of dreams, and a fiery rebellion against the chains of societal expectations. I found a character oozing with aspirations, dreams, and the unshakeable courage to carve her own path. 

And oh, the dance it performs on the edge of humour and heartache, a tightrope act that keeps you both charmed and devastated, is a relentless whirlwind of emotions that lifts you up even as it breaks you down.

By Bonnie Garmus,

Why should I read it?

75 authors picked Lessons in Chemistry as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK • Meet Elizabeth Zott: a “formidable, unapologetic and inspiring” (PARADE) scientist in 1960s California whose career takes a detour when she becomes the unlikely star of a beloved TV cooking show in this novel that is “irresistible, satisfying and full of fuel. It reminds you that change takes time and always requires heat” (The New York Times Book Review).

A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, Oprah Daily, Newsweek, GoodReads

"A unique heroine ... you'll find yourself wishing she wasn’t fictional." —Seattle Times…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Britt-Marie Was Here

Vered Neta Why did I love this book?

I love stories about those offbeat, quirky characters who defy the usual mould, and Britt-Marie fits the bill like a superstar.

Despite her quirks and a tangled web of complexities, she effortlessly wove her way into my heart while transforming an entire village in the process.

Books that spotlight women in their '60s embracing new chapters in life are rare gems, and Britt-Marie's unlikely journey is an exhilarating testament to human resilience.

The fact that she, the most unexpected of heroes, took charge of her destiny and carved a new path for herself is nothing short of awe-inspiring. It reminds me that even at my ripe age, I, too, can kindle change not just within my own life but within the tapestry of lives around me. Britt-Marie showed me that the sky's the limit, no matter the age on the calendar.

By Fredrik Backman,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked Britt-Marie Was Here as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove, My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, and Anxious People captivates readers with this “warm and satisfying” (People) story “about a woman rediscovering herself after a personal crisis…fans of Backman will find another winner in these pages” (Publishers Weekly).

Britt-Marie can’t stand mess. A disorganized cutlery drawer ranks high on her list of unforgivable sins. She is not one to judge others—no matter how ill-mannered, unkempt, or morally suspect they might be. It’s just that sometimes people interpret her helpful suggestions as criticisms, which is certainly not…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

Things We Do For Love

By Vered Neta,

Book cover of Things We Do For Love

What is my book about?

Things We Do For Love explores the tangled web of relationships, the resilient spirit of forgiveness, and the profound journey of self-discovery. Daisy Bach, a therapist, has always been certain that she did not want to have children.

Her childhood experiences with an overbearing and controlling mother, Verity, who tore the family apart, further cemented this decision. However, at the age of forty-five, Daisy finds herself reconsidering this choice.

Unfortunately, her decision to try and conceive is complicated by her mother's diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. This journey leads her to re-evaluate her beliefs about motherhood, forgiveness, and the true meaning of a "happy" family. Will Daisy find a way to reconcile with her past and make peace with her present? Only time will tell.

Book cover of The Golem and the Jinni
Book cover of Lessons in Chemistry
Book cover of Britt-Marie Was Here

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