My Favorite Books of 2023

Let's talk about my best reads of 2023!
00:00 - Intro & Stats
04:55 - Top 10
PATREON: / bookslikewhoa
or Join the channel!
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Books Mentioned (all links are affiliated):
A HOUSE WITH GOOD BONES by T Kingfisher - amzn.to/3SA6jcT
ARTEK by Honey Phillips - amzn.to/3Yx7M6I
LONE WOMAN by Victor LaValle - amzn.to/3V1neqf
THE DECAGON HOUSE MURDERS by Yukito Ayatsuji - amzn.to/3CXVk71
THE LAST CUENTISTA by Donna Barba Higuera - amzn.to/3A2JxDu
FOOL'S ASSASSIN by Robin Hobb - amzn.to/3XtGNYH
Freedom is a Constant Struggle by Angela Y Davis (ISBN: 9781608465644)
MAMMOTHS AT THE GATE by Nghi Vo - amzn.to/3JuoBdu
WRONG PLACE WRONG TIME by Gillian McAllister - amzn.to/3Ec9DFT
THE LAST DEVIL TO DIE by Richard Osman - amzn.to/3tHupL7
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Disclaimers: Unless specifically noted by me in this video, title, or description, this video is not sponsored and I have not been compensated for its creation or publication. If I receive any form of compensation, or if I am provided with any books or goods discussed in this video for promotional consideration, I will disclose that in the video or description. All links with a "**" in front of them are affiliate links, and I will receive compensation for using any of those links or codes.
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[@PokhrajRoy.]

Quote of the Day: “So rude, Richard OSMAN.”

[@KatieColson]

the overwhelming validation I feel at seeing the Last Devil to Die on this list. I am so so so happy you felt the same way as me about it. I felt so alone after reading it and scouring the internet to find reviews and like-minds. Relieved to know someone else understands the trauma I went through with this book.

[@crushgoil]

My fav book of the year was Yumi and the Nightmare Painter. Between you and Meg, I think I’m convinced to give The Thursday Murder Club another go - but with the audiobooks this time.

[@bookslikewhoa]

Yes I think the audio is 💯 the way to go

[@KristinKravesBooks]

I'm so excited to finally continue on with The Thursday Murder Club series but I'm scared to get to the most recent book. Not ready for the tears!

[@joycejarrard6958]

I love the Thursday Murder Club books, too. I will turn 70 this year. They make me chuckle because my name is Joyce. Your "Bogdan is hot" comment reminded me about what is so fun about these books... We start with 4 friends, and 2 cops. Then, he keeps adding more characters. Some characters that you think of as minor characters come back in a bigger way in a subsequent book, with Bogdan being a prime example. Even drug dealers become part of the character web of these books!

[@kaortega1120]

Always love viewing this video from you, Maura! Another great list that I am adding a few to my own TBR to try new authors in the new year. Happy 2024 to You!

[@bookslikewhoa]

Happy New Years!!

[@Ms.SpookyNerd]

Great video happy almost 2024⛄❄️🥂🎉☕📚

[@annikkylamp8086]

I had never considered reading SF romance (I am a big SFF reader, but not really a romance reader) until I started watching your channel this year. I ended up reading a bunch (a biiig bunch) of Ruby Dixon and Honey Phillips books, including the Seven Brides series. The latter was exactly as lovely as you say. I had a very intense period in 2023 when I had just started a new job and was translating an emotionally difficult book and the only thing my brain could handle to read was Ruby Dixon. I comment on YT about once a year, but had to say thank you - and happy New Year! (I also love the Singing Hills cycle, SFF novellas are one of my favourite things.)

[@anix670]

Congrats on surpassing 40k! 🎉❤

[@chriscze6153]

I read The Last Cuentista based off your rec/video earlier this year - I would have given it a 5 if not for the long section in the middle when they're just walking around a space ship, but everything leading up to entering space and the final third was simply incredible. Such a good book, and thanks for the rec!

[@ReadingIDEAS.-uz9xk]

Best wishes on your reading choices in 2024.

[@bjminton2698]

Nice variety! My favorite book this year (not counting Robb and Child cause I love them both!) is The Quiet Game by Greg Iles. It's a more literary type mystery set in Mississippi. The setting exactly captures my youth growing up in Alabama. Maybe that's why I liked it so much. A bit like Truman Capote and Harper Lee and John Grisham all rolled into one. Thank you again for all the wonderful "top" lists!!

[@cabarnone]

I read the decagon house, last cuentista and wrong place wrong time on your recommendation and loved it! Thanks!

[@bookslikewhoa]

I'm so glad! That makes my day to hear ☺️

[@Nixreads]

Wrong Place Wrong Time was also in my top 15 😊❤

[@crochetmima1443]

👏👏👏 for your #1. Totally my favorite book of the year 🌟 🌟🌟🌟 🌟 For me, each installment just got better and better. Love me a straight up mystery. Agatha would be proud!

[@lilliewyant4086]

I just found your channel. I subscribed. I enjoyed it.

[@CraftingVicky]

new subscriber! found you via Kayla's playlist and I"m so glad because I feel that I have very similar taste in books and now added some new books to my TBR!

[@bookslikewhoa]

Welcome!!

[@marciajohansson769]

Ok ok... In a previous video I commented that Wrong Place Wrong Time was not working for me at page 142. Well because I do not like to give up on things I kept reading. I am glad I did. It finally pulled me in. Maybe not 5 stars but a definite 4 or 4.5 stars. The ending brought me to tears. My favorite book last year was Lessons In Chemistry. I do not know how you read so much! I am lucky to have gotten to 77 books this year! So many books, so little time. I am looking at my shelf and The Last Cuentista is sitting there just waiting for me.

[@BookishDrummer]

I really liked The Changeling by Vitcor Lavalle, so definitely want to read more from him

[@LectoraEstherica]

Mara, I'm reading The dragon keeper, the #1 in RWC and i'm loving it! I really wanted to go back to Fizt and almost didnt get to these, but you talking about the tetralogy made me change my mind about it. Like I'm almost half way through, but this is one of my top reads of the year. You have talk in your channel a lot of Robin Hobb books, but, in my opinion, not enough 😂. I wish you dedicated a video to each trilogy, but i think you did in your buddy reader's channel? Happy new year!🎉🐉

[@jojocountrygirl]

Leaving another comment to say I read books 3 and 4 of Richard Osmans books this year and I love them with all my heart! Also this is the year I discovered T Kingfisher and such a fan!!!

[@BookishDrummer]

looks like you recently hit 40k subs! very nice, congrats!

[@bookslikewhoa]

Thanks! 😃

[@rosieringlet1]

So agree with your top two!

[@elisemoser]

Ok, fine, I’ll add some new books to my TBR

[@rachelbornhoft7966]

I think, for me, the best book was Arboreality by Rebecca Campbell. Love your content Mara. Have a good new year!

[@GaiaArcade]

Im so curious about the clothbound classics behind you. Another youtuber complained about the quality and showed them flaking quite a bit but i haven't heard anyone else have that problem. Do you mind sharing your experience about their quality?

[@PokhrajRoy.]

BooksLikeWhoa-fy Wrapped 2023. Or the Bookish Academy Awards. Whatever it is, we love to see it 👏🏽

[@Katiedora122]

I did a few different versions of scoring/ranking my favorite books, so I had some variation in order, but my top 3 standalones consistently included The Collected Regrets of Clover, Tress of the Emerald Sea, and The Once and Future Witches. It got more complicated for series because I also read the Clocktaur War duology and finished The Scholomance series, but one of my guiding principles is whether I would like to reread something or not.

[@remyhocage9854]

Hi - Oh you look like "Snow White !" Just lovely today. Enjoy the Christmas season & see you in the new year.

[@outi3852]

My shared best & favourite book of the year is This is how you lose the time war ❤

[@savannah5358]

My introduction to t kingfisher was their story “Fisher-bird” in the anthology “Mythic Dream” - I immediately wanted to read everything they’ve ever written. Just everything I love!

[@garfreeek]

I'll start on the second Thursday club murder ASAP. It's on my bookshelf but needed a palette Cleanser after reading only detectives dit like a year!

[@jeanninethompson6243]

My favorite book was Demon Copperhead. I recently purchased the Thursday murder club because of you!

[@bookslikewhoa]

Yay I hope you enjoy!

[@schoolbeginsaftercoffee4759]

Demon Copperhead was in my top 5. Such a great book!

[@eamongilligan3262]

Oh, that Past Mara! 😁 I’m going to have to try those Richard Osman books; you’ve made them sound so good and they seem like they’d be right up my alley. I’ve had a wonderful year (well, technically four months) of reading, since I have gotten back into it in a big way. Many top reads and ‘new’ favourite authors, but not much very contemporary (mostly classics). My top pick though would have to be Maurice by E. M. Forster. I was really taken aback by how much that got to me on an emotional level in a way I’ve rarely experienced before. It’s very authentic and special to me (plus it has one of the best book to screen adaptations I’ve ever seen). I’m 2/3rds of the way though The Remains of the Day, by the way. Will finish it off today but already can tell it will be one of my top reads. It’s exactly as wonderful as I was promised. You’ve been responsible for a number of favourite reads for me this year (incl. Cold Comfort Farm and The Woman in White), so many thanks to you! Have a wonderful New Year!

[@bookslikewhoa]

That makes me so happy to hear! And yes, I definitely think the Osman series would be right up your alley

[@timeoccupied]

the last cuentista was my last read of the year, it was so good!

[@allgirlreview433]

The Last Cuentista was one of my final books of 2023 and it did not disappoint! 5 stars from me.

[@TheGoofy1932]

The Last Devil to Die definitely deserves the #1 spot. Take that Frieda McFadden. 😉🤣 Happy New Year! 🎉

[@krisprepolec5616]

I liked this format. Keeping the synopses to the genre vids and your thoughts and feelings here was great. I am new to your channel. I wonder if you have read The Christmas Murder Game. It is right in your pocket for genre.

[@bookslikewhoa]

Alas, that one was not a fav for me- I found the writing too flat for my tastes

[@chrish4991]

i love T Kingfisher as well. A few of your top ten will make my tbr. I am cautious about Robin Hobb. I tend to binge and the elderings is a big commitment. Perhaps 2024 will be the year.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

10:20 Haha what a realisation! #AllOfThemMadeMeCry

[@arlissbunny]

The Last Devil to Die made me feel the most. The Enigma of Room 622 by Jöel Dicker and The Secret Hours by Mick Herron were both peak craft for me. But the sweet spot between those is, I think, Shauna Lawless’ The Words of Kings and Prophets. She makes Irish myth and history sing. Just sing.

[@bookslikewhoa]

✍️taking notes ✍️

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

My best book of 2023 Deluge by Stephen Markley Happy New Year Mara 🍀⭐️🤩🥳🎉☘️

[@thomas7939]

Such a good list! I’m currently tracking to finish Bright Young Women today (which I picked up because of you) and I already know it’s gonna be my favorite book of the year.

[@bookslikewhoa]

Yay I hope you enjoy it- it’s so good!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

16:52 I’m going to start this series soon. Should’ve started it in January honestly.

[@lynseyb7221]

My favourite book I read this year was The Power by Naomi Alderman! 😊

[@KellyB918]

New subscriber here. Just found you today!

[@bookslikewhoa]

Welcome!!

[@MsReadsAlot]

Break you in the best way possible😢😮 why does that make me want to read it? ❤

[@bookslikewhoa]

Right??

[@joycejarrard6958]

I just finished The Last Devil to Die. It was a great book, but I am surprised that it was your #1! I am not even sure which book was my favorite this year.

[@heabooktubes]

♥️♥️♥️

[@marisagettas]

My favourite fiction read of 2023: “Rodham” by Curtis Sittenfeld My favourite non fiction read of 2023: “MARCH VOL. 1-3” by John Lewis

[@bookslikewhoa]

March is so so good!

[@CM-qj2lp]

❤📚

[@BookishDrummer]

Wrong Place, Wrong Time was a little disappointing for me, 3 stars, a bit repetitive for me, and the stakes weren't really there for me.

[@jojocountrygirl]

Bogdan is hotttt 😂

[@bookslikewhoa]

He issssss I don’t know why 🫣

[@58christiansful]

It seems Americans have ‘critiques’ about books - while educated English people have ‘reservations’ -or why not just say there are aspects of the book you are not happy about?

[@TheEmmaLucille]

Hopefully Angela Davis has a word about Tibet, too. That would be a little bit hypocrite if not, speaking of freedom.

[@literatimedium]

Thursday Murder Club is SO GOOD! I haven't read the fourth one yet, but I'm excited!