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 I Had That Same Dream Again

Yakira Goldsberry Why did I love this book?

I am a huge fan of Yoru Sumino’s books, and her sweet MG/YA novel showcases what a brilliant writer she is.

The story follows Nanoka, a grade-schooler faced with a tough question for her school assignment—what does ‘happiness’ mean to her? Throughout the story she makes friends with a troubled girl who engages in self-harm, a woman ostracized by society, and an old woman looking to live out her years in peace.

The story handles tough subjects with a beautiful gentleness and has an almost Studio Ghibli peacefulness to it. It’s a wonderful story of family, life, and what happiness really means.

By Yoru Sumino,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I Had That Same Dream Again as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

An unhappy girl who engages in self-harm, a high schooler ostracised by her classmates, and an old woman looking to live out her twilight years in peace - what could three such different people have in common? That's what grade schooler Nanoka Koyanagi is trying to find out. Assigned by her teacher to define what "happiness" means to her, Nanoka tries to find her place in the world by exploring her relationships with these three strangers, and through them, comes to know herself.


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Lonely Castle in the Mirror

Yakira Goldsberry Why did I love this book?

Lonely Castle in the Mirror is a wonderful puzzle of a story that explores mental health in youth and how a gentle hand can help someone grow beyond their fears.

It tells the story of a girl name Kokoro, who is too afraid to go to school due to bullying. Then, she discovers a castle through her bedroom mirror run by a girl in a wolf mask. While in the castle, she and six other students have a chance to search for a key that will grant their wish. But only one can have their wish granted.

A touching story of full of sympathy and warmth, it shows how much one can gain by reaching out to others. 

By Mizuki Tsujimura, Philip Gabriel (translator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Lonely Castle in the Mirror as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

For fans of BEFORE THE COFFEE GETS COLD, fairy tale and magic are weaved together in sparse language that belies a flooring emotional punch.

'Strange and beautiful. Imagine the offspring of The Wind-up Bird Chronicle with The Virgin Suicides' GUARDIAN
'Genuinely affecting. A story of empathy, collaboration and sharing truths' FINANCIAL TIMES

Translated by Philip Gabriel, a translator of Murakami
_______________________________

Would you share your deepest secrets to save a friend?

In a tranquil neighbourhood of Tokyo, seven teenagers wake to find their bedroom mirrors are shining.

At a single touch, they are pulled from their lonely lives to a…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Tress of the Emerald Sea

Yakira Goldsberry Why did I love this book?

Who else can create unique worlds that sing with life other than Brandon Sanderson?

His new standalone, Tress of the Emerald Sea, is a wonderful swashbuckling tale of adventure, mystery, and a whole lot of spores. Tress is such a wonderful main character, starting as someone completely ordinary, and growing into someone still ordinary, just with a little more adventure under her belt.

There was so much humor, twists I didn’t see coming, and plenty of fascinating world-building that I couldn’t put it down! Sanderson is a master of crafting an entire world around a single thought, element, or feeling, and bringing it to life like no other.

Don‘t forget about my book 😀

Curse of the Midnight King

By Yakira Goldsberry,

Book cover of Curse of the Midnight King

What is my book about?

Can she breath the curse to save her sisters?

Three years ago, Faye and her sisters were cursed by the Midnight King. Now, separated and alone, Faye only sees her sisters when she is dragged into the Underworld every full moon at midnight and forced to dance with Pathos, the Midnight King himself. And Faye knows that their curse is her fault.

When the king of Eura announces a series of balls being held in honor of his son, Prince Leo, Faye realizes she may now have a chance to help herself and her sisters escape the curse. But things aren’t easy, for Pathos is determined to keep Faye in the Underworld with him.