2023: The Best and Worst Books I Read
I had no trouble narrowing down my “best” list this year but “worst” was another story. Truthfully, I read a lot of mediocre books — many I should’ve given up on — which means this was a year dominated by quantity and not quality.
I found the most success with authors that already have a proven track record. Several — Curtis Sittenfeld, Ann Patchett, Stephen King and James Baldwin — are making repeat appearances on my favorites and honorable mentions list.
Emily St. John Mandel, who I had the pleasure of meeting this year, keeps her “best” streak alive with a novel earning this distinction for three consecutive years. Interestingly, she also earned her first “worst” novel this year.
Once again, my overall favorite read was published in 2023, but the classics made a stronger than usual showing, proving that the best way to break a reading slump is to stop chasing the hype.
Overall Favorite Book
Wellness by Nathan Hill (2023)
A smart, funny and heartfelt exploration of love, lust and marital monotony, Hill proved he’s not a one-trick pony in his follow-up to “The Nix.” Alternating POVs and the exploration of timely topics, like social media algorithms and junk science, made this feel urgent even though it is rooted in historical fiction. While the ending felt a little rushed, this new American epic is sure to become a classic.
Runners-up: “The Glass Hotel” by Emily St. John Mandel (2020) and “The Rachel Incident” by Caroline O’Donoghue (2023)
My Other Favorite Reads
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
Ng’s gripping debut was slow-burn perfection. While the central question of Lydia’s death lingers, the true power lies in her masterful unpacking of the Lee family’s emotional baggage and pressure to conform.
The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel
A nuanced story that was my favorite of the author’s loosely connected trilogy. While lacking the sci-fi elements of “Station Eleven” and “Sea of Tranquility,” this Greek tragedy captivated with its intimate characterizations.
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
While the story of a fictional "Saturday Night Live" writer falling for a handsome singer-songwriter might seem predictable, Sittenfeld elevates it with witty humor, sharp social observations, and endearing characters.
The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue
This isn't your typical dramedy. While it chronicles the messy lives of two best friends navigating early adulthood in Ireland, O’Donoghue doesn’t sugarcoat their flaws or ask the reader for easy redemption.
A Fever in the Heartland by Timothy Egan
Tracing Indiana's disturbing transformation from Union state to KKK stronghold, Egan exposes the hypocrisy, bigotry and fear tactics used to build a powerful Klan presence, while highlighting the courageous individuals who resisted its reign of terror.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
I was skeptical about the lauded writer swapping complex family dramas for a gauzy faux-Hollywood story, but this sentimental and affecting novel felt like a warm hug every time I revisited Lara’s past, even though every memory wasn’t rose-colored.
The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans
Through intricate narratives, Evans forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths and consider their own positions on topics, such as racism, sexism and political divide. Almost every story in this collection is a standout.
Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton
This graphic memoir recounts Beaton’s experiences as a young college graduate in the male-dominated Alberta oil sands. Heavy topics, like gendered violence and mental health, are balanced with warmth and humor.
Our Town by Thornton Wilder
Initially, the play's surface-level celebration of small-town America might appear sentimental or kitschy, but it reveals subtle coding about the city versus rural divide, societal alienation and the anxiety of change. This endures for a reason.
Honorable Mentions
At one point or another, each one of these books was in contention to make the top 10 list, so consider them must reads:
The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
Night Shift by Stephen King
How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
Open Throat by Henry Hoke
Notable Native People by Adrienne Keene
The Shards by Bret Easton Ellis
Nobody Gets Out Alive: Stories by Leigh Newman
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
Disappointing Reads
Fellow Travelers by Thomas Mallon
While the premise promises a steamy political thriller about a clandestine queer romance in the McCarthy era, the execution falls flat. The story prioritizes historical detail over character development, resulting in unlikable protagonists and a frustratingly slow plot.
Even Though I Knew the End by C. L. Polk
While fantasy is not a go-to genre for me, I thought this murder mystery focused on queer characters would keep me engaged. Wrong. Too many subplots and mystical beings contributed to this being overstuffed and unfocused.
The Fisherman by John Langan
Drawn in by the folklore aspect and glowing recommendations, I found the narrative lacked momentum. Rooted heavily in history, mythology and religion, the few good scenes are overshadowed by world-building.
Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi
While lauded for its exploration of criminal justice inequities and beautiful verse, the over-exaggerated characters, thin plot and lack of introspection were frustrating. I know YA isn’t known for its nuance but this was too sensationalized.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey
Disappointingly dated and misogynistic, Kesey's classic tale fell flat. While curiosity and an attempt to understand its classic status kept me going, I found the protagonist unsympathetic and the ending underwhelming.
The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise by Colleen Oakley
This reimagining of "Thelma and Louise" was garbage. Underdeveloped characters, predictable plot devices and an inconsistent tone, meant Oakley squandered the opportunity to breathe new life into a well-known plot.
Last Night in Montreal by Emily St. John Mandel
Mandel’s debut was impressive in the respect that you can see shades of the writer has become, but the lack of narrative momentum ultimately sunk this one and made it a slog to get through.
The Last Ranger by Peter Heller
While the Yellowstone setting and glimpses of wildlife were engaging, the story dragged with irrelevant minutiae and clichéd characters. Heller's prose held promise, but the narrative meandered, failing to capitalize on its rich potential.
The People Who Report More Stress by Alejandro Varela
Varela’s collection showcased the author’s keen observations and wry social commentary — used to better effect in “The Town of Babylon” — but these stories suffered from repetitive themes and heavy-handedness.
Chlorine by Jade Song
I made it 60 percent of the way through this bonkers story before throwing in the towel. While the mermaid premise and exploration of Chinese-American identity held promise, the narrative was unfocused and relied on shock value versus substance.
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher
This queer retelling of Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” was dreadfully boring and hollow. After enjoying Mike Flanagan’s engrossing Netflix series based on the same source material, you’ll wonder how these re-imaginings could be so different.
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
While Napolitano aimed for a tear jerking saga, the novel falters under the weight of its own ambition. The abundance of characters with limited development and repetitive rehashing of internal struggles overwhelmed the narrative.
