What were 8 exceptional books of the year 2023

2023 was a remarkable year for literature, with a diverse range of genres, voices, and themes. From historical fiction to science fiction, from memoir to poetry, there was something for everyone to enjoy. In this blog post, I will share my personal picks for the eight most exceptional books of 2023, based on their popularity, critical acclaim, and originality.

1. The Wager by David Grann

The Wager is a thrilling nonfiction book by the bestselling author of The Lost City of Z and Killers of the Flower Moon. It tells the true story of a daring bet between two explorers in the 19th century, who set out to cross the uncharted Australian outback in search of a mythical inland sea. Along the way, they faced deadly dangers, unexpected discoveries, and a shocking twist that changed history. The Wager is a masterful blend of adventure, history, and mystery, that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Buying Link - https://amzn.eu/d/fiEkk5T

2. The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

The Covenant of Water is a sweeping historical novel by the acclaimed author of Cutting for Stone and My Own Country. It follows the lives of three generations of a family from Kerala, India, who migrate to different parts of the world in search of a better future. From the colonial era to the present day, the novel explores the themes of identity, belonging, and love, as the characters face the challenges and opportunities of their new homes. The Covenant of Water is a rich and moving saga that celebrates the power of family and the bonds of water.
Buying Link - https://amzn.eu/d/ezZoXc7

3. Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

Hello Beautiful is a stunning novel by the author of Dear Edward and A Good Hard Look. It tells the story of a young woman named Lila, who survives a plane crash that kills her parents and brother. As she struggles to cope with her grief and guilt, she meets a mysterious man named Leo, who claims to be her guardian angel. Together, they embark on a journey of healing and hope, as they discover the beauty and magic of life. Hello Beautiful is a heartwarming and uplifting novel that will make you laugh, cry, and smile.
Buying Link - https://a.co/d/3DxBf3w

4. The Iliad by Emily Wilson (translator)

The Iliad is the classic epic poem by Homer, translated by the award-winning poet and scholar Emily Wilson. It recounts the legendary war between the Greeks and the Trojans, sparked by the abduction of the beautiful Helen by the Trojan prince Paris. The poem features some of the most iconic characters and scenes in literature, such as Achilles, Hector, Helen, the Trojan horse, and the wrath of the gods. Wilson’s translation is the first by a woman, and it captures the power, beauty, and complexity of the original text, while making it accessible and relevant to modern readers.
Buying Link - https://amzn.eu/d/8L5C1TZ

5. The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent

The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent is the second and final book in the Crowns of Nyaxia series. It is a fantasy romance novel that follows Oraya, a princess who allies with her former lover and enemy, Raihn, to reclaim her kingdom and face a dark secret. The book is full of action, intrigue, and magic, as Oraya and Raihn navigate their complex relationship and their dangerous enemies. The book also explores the themes of power, sacrifice, loyalty, and redemption, as the characters face the consequences of their choices and the secrets of their past. The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King is a captivating and emotional novel that will keep you hooked until the end. It is perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash and A Court of Thorns and Roses
Buying Link - https://amzn.eu/d/4TuyFo8

6. All My Knotted-Up Life: A Memoir by Lin-Manuel Miranda

All My Knotted-Up Life is a memoir by Beth Moore, a best-selling author, speaker, and founder of Living Proof Ministries. In this book, she shares her personal story with honesty, humor, and vulnerability. She reveals some of the challenges and heartbreaks that have shaped her life and ministry, such as abuse, divorce, cancer, and depression. She also reflects on her break with the Southern Baptist movement, her passion for helping women, and her vision for the future. All My Knotted-Up Life is a candid and inspiring book that shows the complexity and beauty of a knotted-up life. It is a popular, critically acclaimed, and candid book that reveals a lot about her journey and personality.
Buying Link - https://a.co/d/h1NAimd

7. The Right Move by Liz Tomforde

The Right Move is a romantic comedy novel that is part of the Wedding Date series. It follows the story of Olivia, a chess player who moves to San Francisco to become a teacher, and Max, a doctor who is her neighbor. They agree to fake date each other for different reasons, but soon, they develop real feelings for each other. The book is full of fun, flirty, and sexy scenes, as well as some drama and conflict. The book was published on June 29, 2021, and it has received positive reviews from readers and critics.
Buying Link - https://amzn.eu/d/1LTNtuC

8. The Five-Star Weekend by Tessa Bailey

The Five-Star Weekend is a realistic romance novel by best-selling American author Elin Hilderbrand. It follows Hollis Shaw, a food blogger who organizes a trip for her four best friends from different stages of her life, after her husband dies in a car accident. The book is set on Nantucket and explores the themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery. The book was published on June 13, 2023, and it has received positive reviews from readers and critics.
Buying Link - https://amzn.eu/d/cJlx5oO