It is September 2024 and I have a to-do list a mile long, so what better time than now to compile a list of my favorite books from the year of reading that was 2023!  Without further ado, and in no particular order, the best books I read in 2023:

Fantastic Fiction

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver is a Pulitzer Prize winner for a reason—I was completely invested in the story, and the characters stayed with me long after I finished. I’m not usually one for re-reading, but I can definitely see myself picking this one up again in a few years. The Poisonwood Bible is another all-time favorite of mine by Kingsolver. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s a must! If you made me pick my VERY favorite book of the year- Demon Copperhead wins the crown.

The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese is a triumph and a true treasure. It’s a hefty read, but every page is worth it. I gifted it to a few friends this Christmas because of its beautifully written portrayal of places, people, and intertwining stories. The way Verghese weaves these narratives together is both captivating and moving. If you’re up for a rich, immersive read, this book is definitely worth diving into.

Fight Night by Miriam Toews was a surprise and a real delight with an unforgettable narrator and a relationship at the heart of the story that is moving and refreshingly honest. The book centers on a spirited young girl and her strong, unconventional grandmother, exploring their bond with humor, warmth, and insight. Such a gem. (Her name may sound familiar. Miriam Toews also wrote Women Talking)

The Lincoln Highway – Amor Towles. *Honorable Mention* It’s a classic coming-of-age story wrapped in rich American fiction. If you enjoyed the novels you read in high school English class (like I did!), you’ll appreciate this one. Towles’ storytelling is top-notch, capturing both the adventure and the depth of the characters’ journeys.  I’ll read everything this man writes (Rules of Civility is a personal favorite, and praise for A Gentleman in Moscow).

Rock Your Worldview Nonfiction

Invisible Child – Andrea Elliot is a must-read for understanding the heartbreaking struggle of a family trying to escape poverty, told through the eyes of a young girl growing up in New York City. Elliott exposes the deeper issues surrounding poverty, education, housing, and the failings of social services. Literal quicksand. My book club read this, and it sparked some really good conversations.

Solito – Javier Zamora.  Zamora tells the story of his harrowing journey as a nine-year-old(!) traveling alone from El Salvador to the U.S. to reunite with his parents. An intimate, account of immigration, survival, and the hope for a better life. Reminds us that there are real stories and real people behind the headlines about immigration.

Memorable Memoirs

A Heart that Works – Rob Delaney. Heartbreaking memoir of losing a child with depth and somehow, humor. Rob Delaney co-wrote and starred in the show Catastrophe—so dang good—and crazy to know that this was all going on in his real life behind the scenes.

How to Stay Married – Harrison Scott Key .  A hilarious and honest account of the breakdown and buildup of a marriage.  I could see myself reading this one again – or probably listening to it since HSK narrates with his delightful southern drawl. (Sidenote- HSK is a wonderful Instagram follow and does the Lord’s work in mining, compiling, and sharing the funniest memes and tweets the internet has to offer.)

You Could Make This Place Beautiful – Maggie Smith.  A heartfelt, raw memoir about the end of Maggie’s marriage and her journey to rebuild her life.  She blends poetry and personal reflection and dives into the emotions of heartbreak, healing, growth, and motherhood.

I’m Glad my Mom Died – Jennette McCurdy.  I had no connection with McCurdy – I had outgrown Disney when she was a star, but I have always been curious about the ins and outs of child stardom.  This book is dark, disturbing, eye-opening, and funny.  I would like to see the stats–how many child stars had crazy moms? Jeannette sure did.

Chicken Stew for the Soul

Falling Upward – Richard Rohr.  It’s a sliver of a book that packs a delightful punch. Rohr shares the idea that life has two halves and believes that it’s the second half where true growth happens. Rohr talks about how we spend the first part of our lives building up our identity, success, and ego, but it’s in the “falling” or the challenges that we really grow and mature. He made me optimistic about the next chapter and the deeper understanding of ourselves and our purpose that comes with it.

No Cure for Being Human (And Other Truths I Needed to Hear) – Kate Bowler is an honest and funny memoir about what happens when life doesn’t go as planned. After being diagnosed with cancer, Kate reflects on the pressure to “live your best life” and questions the idea that we can always fix or control everything. She shares her journey through faith, mortality, and finding meaning in the messiness of life. It’s relatable, down-to-earth, and ultimately hopeful but not cloyingly Pollyannaish.

Parenting is Hard and Awesome 

Untangled by Dr. Lisa Damour was a game-changer for me in understanding the teenage years, especially with daughters. Damour breaks down the stages of adolescence and explains what’s really going on during this sometimes challenging time. She offers practical advice on how to navigate everything from mood swings to independence, all while helping parents maintain a strong relationship with their teens. I found her insights incredibly reassuring and useful—it helped me see that a lot of what will happen as my daughters enter their teen years is normal and nothing to be scared of (these years get a realy bad rap!). This is one I will definitely re-read. And then probably read again after that. Updated to add: I just took this off the shelf and put it on my husband’s bedside table.

Parenting: Getting it Right by Andy and Sandra Stanley  is packed with practical advice and strategies based on their experiences as parents–and was a book club book for moms at my daughter’s school. It tackles common parenting challenges with clear, relatable tips and helps build strong, positive relationships with your kids. If you’re looking for straightforward guidance to navigate parenting with the long-game in mind, this book is definitely worth a read.  Andy is a pastor so this is quite faith-focused but I believe many of the principles would apply even if that is not where you are coming from.

It Goes So Fast – Mary Louise Kelly. *Honorable Mention* This really struck a chord with me as a working mom. Kelly reflects on the fleeting nature of time with our children and the challenges of balancing a demanding/fulfilling/meaningful career in journalism (you will recognize her voice from NPR) with family life. I found her honesty about the struggles and joys of motherhood (and aging parents) incredibly relatable. This is not a how-to book or an advice book, more like a memoir of a mother with an incredibly interesting job navigating the peaks and valleys of work and family life.

Better than Average Beach Reads

Oona Out of Order—Margarita Montimore.  I had this sitting on my kindle for ages before I finally started reading, but I’m so glad I did. Oona time-travels every New Year’s Eve and wakes up in a different year of her life. The mix of humor and deeper reflections made it a light and fun yet surprisingly meaningful read.

Book Lovers – Emily Henry.  I am an American woman so naturally, Emily Henry had to have a spot on the list.  Emily Henry is the queen of top-shelf beach reads with cuter-than-average characters, well-lived in places, and witty quippy dialogue.  Always curious about which of her stack of better-than-average beach reads is everyone’s favorite.

Nora Goes Off Script – Annabel Monaghan *Honorable Mention* The plot of this one could be (should be) a straight-to-Netflix Rom-Com and I mean that in the very best way.  Witty banter and Idea of You celebrity/ muggle romance with a twist.

Darkish Page-turner

Verity by Colleen Hoover is packed with suspense, shocking twists, and psychological tension—it’s hard to put down and kept me guessing until the very end. It’s dark and disturbing, so consider yourself warned. I’m not a CoHo superfan (I’ve only read two of her many books and really didn’t like the other one), but this one is said to be different from her others. I really enjoyed it, so who knows, maybe her other books aren’t quite my style. Nevertheless, this was disturbing and engrossing.

Beware the Woman by Megan Abbot had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The story dives into family secrets and dark truths, packed with suspense and unexpected twists. I found it gripping and intense, perfect for anyone who loves a good domestic psychological thriller. Handmaids Tale with a splash of Rosemary’s Baby but disguised as an airport page-turner.

Read Aloud to Older Kids

The Wishing Game—Meg Shaffer  It’s like Willy Wonka meets The Westing Game—imagine a magical summer camp run by a famous reclusive author, where a young orphan gets a chance to escape a tough life and discover a world of adventure and mystery. The story is full of charm and wonder, with puzzles and challenges that kept me and the girls hooked. It’s an uplifting and enchanting read that’s perfect if you are looking for a sweet story of hope and friendship with a dash of magic. Great as a read-aloud (or a road trip audio).