Literary Hub presents the Ultimate List of the Best Books of 2023, compiled from 62 lists by 48 publications. The list includes a total of 1,132 books, with 94 titles making it onto 5 or more lists. Some notable books that received high recommendations include "The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store" by James McBride, "Chain-Gang All-Stars" by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, "The Wager" by David Grann, and "The Fraud" by Zadie Smith.
Electric Literature has compiled a list of the best novels of 2023, featuring a diverse range of stories that explore themes such as love, power, family, and societal issues. The top five novels include "The Guest" by Emma Cline, "Big Swiss" by Jen Beagin, "Chain-Gang All-Stars" by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, "Terrace Story" by Hilary Leichter, and "Forgive Me Not" by Jennifer Baker. The list also includes additional favorites that cover a wide range of genres and topics.
The Atlantic has released its list of the 10 best books of 2023, featuring titles that are both thought-provoking and captivating. The selection includes novels exploring the human cost of colonialism, inventive couplets on relationships, a history of the American dream, and memoirs on mental illness and religious zealotry. Notable books on the list include "Our Share of Night" by Mariana Enríquez, "Beyond the Door of No Return" by David Diop, "Ordinary Notes" by Christina Sharpe, "How to Say Babylon" by Safiya Sinclair, and Emily Wilson's translation of "The Iliad." The Atlantic aims to recognize books that offer unique perspectives and inspire readers to imagine new possibilities.
Maureen Corrigan, Fresh Air's book critic, shares her top 10 favorite books of 2023, which include a diverse range of fiction and nonfiction titles. The list affirms the joy of reading widely and freely, highlighting works such as "How to Say Babylon" by Safiya Sinclair, "Monsters" by Claire Dederer, "The Wager" by David Grann, "I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home" by Lorrie Moore, and "Up With the Sun" by Thomas Mallon.
Goodreads staff members have shared their top books of 2023, featuring a diverse selection of titles that includes both acclaimed and under-the-radar reads. The list is not limited to 2023 publications, but rather includes favorite reads of the year. Some of the staff's favorite books include "The Guest Lecture" by Martin Riker, "They Called Us Exceptional" by Prachi Gupta, and "Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu (Novel) Vol. 1" by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù. Check out the full list on Goodreads for more reading suggestions.
The New York Times Book Review has released its list of the 10 Best Books of 2023, featuring five fiction and five nonfiction titles. Some of the chosen books include "The Bee Sting" by Paul Murray, "Chain-Gang All-Stars" by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, "Eastbound" by Maylis de Kerangal, "The Fraud" by Zadie Smith, and "North Woods" by Daniel Mason. The Book Review's podcast discusses the selected titles and invites listeners to share their thoughts.
The New York Times has released its 10 Best Books of 2023, featuring five fiction and five nonfiction titles. Some notable fiction books include "The Bee Sting" by Paul Murray, showcasing a family's love and resilience, and "Chain-Gang All-Stars" by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, a sharp and absurd portrayal of the United States. In nonfiction, "The Best Minds" by Jonathan Rosen offers a critical examination of society's priorities, while "Bottoms Up and the Devil Laughs" by Kerry Howley is described as riveting and unclassifiable. The full list and reviews can be found on the New York Times website.