Favorite Reads of 2023

Atomic Habits by James Clear
This book has maintained its popularity since its initial release in 2018. For some context, of the 118 copies in my library consortium, every single copy is currently unavailable! And it is definitely the perfect read to start off your new year! Listening to this audiobook during my commute and gym workouts, James Clear’s advice, though seemingly common sense, proved genuinely motivating. He encourages focusing on small, daily habit changes that accumulate into significant differences. Clear’s insights are a reminder that simple and actionable solutions can be quite powerful.

Tales from the Cafe (Before the Coffee Gets Cold #2) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Take a trip to Funiculì, Funiculà, a mystical cafe in Tokyo where visitors can travel to a moment in the past. The second book in a four-part series, Tales from the Cafe evokes a mix of emotions. It broke my heart, inspired me, and amused me all at once. The concept of time travel to interact with loved ones is inherently sentimental, and when done right, as it is here, it really adds a renewed sense of wonder for love and life! Read my full review here.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
The Housemaid is narrated by a young woman with a mysterious past. She works as a housemaid for a well-to-do family and her relationship with the housewife, Nina, is strained to say the least, as Nina is incredibly controlling and manipulative. While it may not be a literary masterpiece, it is an undeniably fast-paced and entertaining read, and Freida McFadden’s recent surge in popularity is a testament to that. The Housemaid is a must-read for my fellow thriller enthusiasts!

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
This story about an author who steals her dead friend’s manuscript is truly a wild ride. Yellowface is a compulsive read that combines elements of thrill, satire, insight, and absurdity. I found myself immersed in nearly every minute of it! It also brings up the important discussion of authentic diversity in publishing.

Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier
Marin leads an idyllic life with her high school sweetheart and beloved son Sebastian. However, when Sebastian is suddenly kidnapped, Marin’s perfect life is turned upside down, leading to a novel filled with suspense and twists. I’m grateful to have discovered this Jennifer Hillier in 2023 as I’d say this was nearly a perfect thriller! I will definitely be reading more of her work in the future.

The Librarian of Auschwitz: the Graphic Novel by Salva Rubio, Antonio Iturbe, Lilit Žekulin Thwaites, Loreto Aroca
I love graphic novels, and I’m always happy to read one with historical and educational elements. Librarian of Auschwitz tells the true story of Dita Kraus, an Auschwitz prisoner who made it her mission to spread a love of reading and books. This touching story provides a poignant glimpse into a tragic period in history, revealing how individuals in concentration camps sought things like books and art to maintain their humanity when they were treated in the most inhumane way possible.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
I finally got around to reading this modern classic about a woman who takes her own life and ends up in a mysterious library. As someone who is not a huge fantasy reader, I discovered that The Midnight Library is just the kind of fantasy that I can read and enjoy. Grounded in “real” and “slice of life” settings, the story unfolds in a fantastical library where the protagonist explores potential lives she could’ve lived had she done things differently. While the ending’s lesson may be predictable, it serves as a reminder to appreciate life with all its imperfections.