my top 10 favorite books of 2023 📚

[@marianacruz0]

this is MY spotify wrapped

[@Lalalalillaa]

this is so real

[@T_APAS]

​😊 ko

[@lilacfields]

time stamps 0:00 intro 1:19 sponsor 3:15 Yona of the Dawn 4:55 The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches 6:11 Happy Place 7:25 Woman, Eating 8:36 As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow 10:10 A Study in Drowning 11:54 The Last Tale of the Flower Bride 13:30 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes 14:04 The Hunger Games

[@sarfrazahmad2706]

Probably 8.36 was the most interesting

[@xxzcfdxc]

Thanks

[@emilykate0835]

(and d*vine r*vals at 4:09)

[@juliaomelchenko1132]

Thank you! It saved me watching the whole thing!

[@until_april]

Omg a youtuber called the book Leo also recommended the very secret society of irregular witches. Maybe it's a sign for me to read it

[@Sthemingway]

"As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow" is so good! It's absolutely devastating and heart-warming. I cried so much, and it was so worth it.

[@AprilDokubo]

your comment made me go read the book and I absolutely enjoyed it. Thank you.

[@bennybabrizadeh]

its the first time I heard a booktuber mentioning the boycott. Sosossoso much respect for you. Thank you for using your platform the right way

[@cupcake5761]

Who is we boycotting?

[@rosewilkinson4948]

I'd also like to know details?

[@hannadavis6867]

Why are we boycotting?

[@indigoimouto3703]

​@@hannadavis6867because of the genocide that Israel is committing against Palestinians. Boycotting helped end the apartheid in South Africa. It WORKS. Never underestimate how much care evil people have for money

[@Adim1910]

Because you are antisemites who fall into woke narratives while disregarding very realy truths that have no effect on your life but very real consequences for other people! 😊

[@bree1000]

No because a ballad of songbirds and snakes has reignited my hunger games obsession. Rereading thg as an adult made me realize how much depth I missed as a kid! They’re modern classics in my opinion. (Also I’d prefer a separate video for each book so then we get maximum detail for each haha)

[@lll-qs6ed]

omg yesss please i need separate videos for this as well!! id love to hear hours and hours of hannah analyzing this series so much!!!

[@DaemonAsmodeus]

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches popped up on Libby and I thought I'd give it a shot and I'm so glad I did. I LOVE it. Can't wait for the next book of hers coming out next year!

[@isel263]

From your list, As long as the lemon trees grow and a study in drowning was one of the best books I’ve read this year. I’m not a reader as I’ve only started this year therefore your videos is one that I look forward to because you’re the reason I picked up ‘as long as the lemon trees grows’ and as Im ashamed to admit of my ignorance before for not knowing all that was happening with Syria, I’m thankful for your review that made me picked it up.

[@spencer7151]

I absolutely agree with putting the Hunger Games at Number 1 and 2. I read the ballad of songbirds and snakes in I think May and I still think about it every single day. And of course the original triglogy is just incredible. There is nothing more to say, just incredible!!! 😍

[@hyunipixies2764]

soooo happy to see a study in drowning in this list it's definitely my favorite read of the year ! such a beautiful story with so much depth

[@wodidodi]

thank you for not disregarding real world problems in your content like other book creators. we love your videos!

[@bonnieleary1197]

🙄

[@wodidodi]

@@bonnieleary1197 damn bonnie u really hurt my feelings with that one

[@bonnieleary1197]

@@wodidodi I’m sorry to hurt you. Just sick of the “cancel culture” I am an asshole sometimes. I apologize. Seriously do. Sending hugs. You can disagree with someone and not “cancel” them. It seems it’s a millennial thing.

[@wodidodi]

@@bonnieleary1197 i agree that cancel culture is redundant and doesn’t achieve anything besides spreading negativity. however, holding people accountable for what they say and do, or rather what they dont do with their platform is also necessary.

[@wodidodi]

@@bonnieleary1197 hahaha dont worry i was being sarcastic i wasnt actually bothered at all by your comment

[@snowingonolympus8588]

My favorite book that I read this year was Bunny by Mona Awad! I read it at the start of the year and it has stuck with me ever since! I plan on rereading it soon, because you're right; we do NOT retain everything the first time we read a book that has so much depth. Glad you had such a good reading year Hannah!

[@imjessicatr]

I've also read As long as the lemon trees grow this year and omg!!!! I've loved it!

[@georgiefarr1094]

They're not in order, but my favourite top ten books were: •Heartstopper Volume 5 by Alice Oseman •Ready to Fly by Little Mix •Our World by Little Mix •Sunshine and Secrets at Blackberry Beach by Holly Martin •The Mortal Instruments Volumes 1-6 (graphic novels) by Cassandra Clare ❤❤❤

[@biamarine]

omg did not expect yona of the dawn to be here!! so glad more people know about it I am literally in love with that series

[@XCatherine]

I don't know if this will make sense because I've always loved your videos, but I feel a newfound love and appreciation for what you share and talk about because of this year. You radiate so much passion and light. The way you gush about things and advocate for others and yourself is poetically infectious. I love when you deep dive into your passions and share things that are important to you because you are so real and genuine. Thank you for being so kindly unapologetic. Happy Holidays Hannah!!💜

[@disneymama3162]

I’ve gotten so many good recs from you! My favorite this year has to be an Ember in the Ashes. Started reading it because of the character Elias (that’s my son’s name. He was named after Walt Disney though.) not the kind of story I typically go for but I LOVE it. Currently on the 3rd book!

[@sabiha.sayeed]

I'm 3/4ths into the first book and I am loving it, too!

[@fatimazafar6787]

As a Muslim pro Palestinian Hannah and cari are angels for me.❤❤

[@rosewilkinson4948]

Can you please explain the boycott?

[@fatimazafar6787]

@@rosewilkinson4948 I was away from social media for a while because of university so I don't know what exactly was said but I know that an employee said something islamophobic, racist and anti-palestine and people are waiting for any response from the imprint but they are neither firing the employee nor giving any statement regarding the issue, so people started boycotting until they do something about it, but there are still people out there buying their books and promoting them just like they kept buying book of authors who are either supporting the oppressor in a genoc*de or are neutral not knowing that even existence of isra*l caused displacement and d*ath of a lot of natives.

[@rosewilkinson4948]

@@fatimazafar6787 thanks so much! Which printing company?

[@fatimazafar6787]

@@rosewilkinson4948 Wednesday books, saint martin's press Imprints of macmillan

[@MaxximusP]

St. Martin's Press and its imprints (Minotaur, Wednesday Books, St. Martin's Griffen, St. Martin's Essentials, and Castle Point Books)@@rosewilkinson4948

[@marygraham9709]

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow was my favorite book of the year and a new all time favorite. LOVED this one. I feel like you might like The Island of Missing Trees since you liked that one! Another one of my all time favorite books.

[@spencer7151]

Yeeeesssss, the very secret society of irregular witches was incredible. One of my all time favourites!!! 😍😍😍 I loved all of the characters soooo much!!!

[@maryam8538]

I was contemplating whether ballad would be worth reading, seeing the negative views, but decided to pick it up because of your reaction. Now I'm currently nearly halfway through and it's clear many people were not interpreting it well, maybe since it's in third person POV. It's such a meaningful book, especially with the genocides and censorship we are seeing right now. I can't wait to finish it and fully watch your video on it too!

[@tazrianalodhi5143]

my love for reading was reignited this year after I started watching your videos. I think almost every book that I picked up this year has been your recommendation. my favourites are my dark vanessa and rebecca!

[@malitahirahman999]

Two really amazing books!!

[@melissagarr4907]

My top reads *so far* ( still working on a few) this year were Babel, The Starless Sea, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and The House on the Cerulean Sea. I am not sure if any of the rest I have left to finish before new years will make that list but Daisy Jones and the Six is one of my last few so that might get on that short, top tier "do not donate" list

[@iheartwalle]

That edition of A Study in Drowning is gorgeous!!!

[@myweakness1883]

Agh, I've always had the habit of rereading books! People often made me feel bad about it but like you said, it's a way to get so much more out of the story This year was different because I made a promise to myself that I'd only read new books, and it was cool - I found some new favorites - but I miss the books I know already. I'm getting My Dark Vanessa for Christmas (I listened to it on audiobook in 2022) and it's probably going to be my first re-read for 2024, sooo excited 😂

[@C_Beaty]

My top books this year were: - The Hanging City by Charlie N. Holmberg (I really think you'd like her books!) - The Will & the Wilds by Charlie N. Holmberg - Salt & Broom by Sharon Lynn Fisher - Daughters of the Night Sky by Aimie K. Runyan - When the Rain Ends by Mary Ellen Taylor - Cordelia's Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold and nonfiction: Before We Were Trans: A New History of Gender by Kit Heyam (an excellent examination of potentially trans/gender nonconforming folks in history)

[@rosewilkinson4948]

I love Charlie N Holmberg!

[@OneDisgrace]

Im not sure if youre also planning to talk about the hunger games movies, but i think a video for each book/movie would be cool! I wouldnt mind a super long one either of course 😂 but a book vs movie for each would be interesting if you have a lot to cover about both!

[@rrikotin]

No but solely thanks to you and this video I picked up As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow and that story was so impactful it genuinely changed me as a person. I can't, from the bottom of my heart, recommend it more 🍋

[@swalehaali1197]

Yaa I too read it and it breaks my heart 😢. But I'm really thankful to the author for that ending ❤

[@LateNiteSarah]

I'm re-reading the Unwind books from my high school years. I was reading those when hunger games was really popping off. It's my favorite dystopian series.

[@azumiri2489]

You should read the Arc of a Scythe series by the same author, if you haven't yet! I love Neal Shusterman's books

[@ashleyl7794]

SO EXCITED for your hunger games videos to come!!! I love the long videos and your attention to detail is amazing

[@mypetitegarden]

I absolutely agree that As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow is such a beautiful story, and it is actually my favorite read of this year. Definitely needs to be talked about more and read by more people. The plot twist, like you said, took me by shock, but it was such a beautiful and raw twist that was done perfectly.

[@emc_4987]

Would absolutely LOVE to see more video essay’s/deep dives in 2024, they are such fun videos and you seem to really enjoy making them too!

[@haleighza]

Such a solid list, I’m excited to pick up a lot of these! A Desolation Called Peace, Light From Uncommon Stars, and Our Wives Under the Sea were my top reads of the year.

[@ChemicalPenguinn]

As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow was very very good. An extremely important read and I understand why it's recommended so highly.

[@mollymumford2850]

thank you for another lovely reading year! love to see your enthusiasm always 🩷

[@ceycey6037]

As long as the lemon trees grow had me bawling my eyes out omg

[@aditibisht22]

7:06 you're losing me is my favorite song.... buyng this book right now

[@leslyminaya2167]

You are officially my favorite booktuber of all time. Your thoughts are beautiful and so valuable to me and im sure to many others !!! And your taste is impeccable.

[@the_eerie_faerie_tales]

I've had Where the Lemon Trees Grow ever since last year (BOTM edition) and hope to get to it next year! Also.. that cover.. stunninf!! 🌳🍋

[@the_eerie_faerie_tales]

oops .. meant stunning lol

[@badfaith4u]

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, Happy Place, and The Last Tale of the Flower Bride are on my TBR list. Thank you for your thoughts. 📚❤️

[@amathisstar2695]

Yona of the dawn is my absolute favourite!! After watching the anime, I was compelled to read the manga (the very first manga I ever read) because I enjoyed it sooo much. I've been reading it online since 2022, and it's still ongoing, so I'm waiting for the upcoming chapters. It's such a shame that a second season of this show hasn't been adapted yet.

[@baileyquigley2389]

I’m reading Yona right now and loving it!! I watched the anime years ago and remember being so sad that it never continued.

[@crystaIz]

the plottwist in „as long as the lemon trees grow“… was actually insane.

[@shreyasibasu622]

I was just browsing Booktube, all along wondering when you'd post your favourites of the year and just then, got a notification :)) yay!

[@tehelea]

my favorite book of the year was divine rivals, hands down.. one of the most beautiful books i've ever read. irisroman live in my head rent-free

[@clareflattery8720]

I reread the Hunger Games (book 1) every year. It's just a fine wine! Can't wait to dig into some of your favorites

[@bethbcrafts]

Next year is a re-reading year for me, too! One re-read a month for the whole year. I'm really looking forward to it!

[@paradiseavenue]

a deep dive into each book from the Hunger Series would be amazing! I also plan on rereading the series soon now that I'm older

[@alyssacascos8665]

Yessss. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is so good😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️my favorite Hunger Games book out of the whole series and I love the movie too!

[@bookoffholicbookwart5945]

Upon reflection on my reading choices this year, I'm satisfied with range of books I read even if the no. Of. Books were fewer than last year's. War and peace by Leo tolstoy steals the 1st place closely followed by Norhanger abbey

[@ronanjasper5843]

at your mentioning "the last tale of the flower bride", i went and borrowed the ebook from my library. it is after midnight, and if i start it now i KNOW i won't sleep, so already thank you for the recommendation! favorite book this year was six of crows by virtue of it being the only book i've finished, i DEVOURED it in like 3 days (would've been less time if i had more time to read when i was reading it), but it & you have very much re-sparked my desire to read

[@milaniezh]

“as long as the lemon trees grow” is on my closest tbr list, but i can’t find it anywhere now :( my absolute favourite was “the poppy war” trilogy. i can only imagine how much work 18 years old (!) girl done for such worthy read

[@kpop_bl5143]

I dont know if you'd be interested in doing this book experiment, but i think it would be a fun video if you tried reading the top 5 most popular dark romances.... just an idea lol. And i just finished reading the six of crows duology because of your reccomendation and when i tell you these books tore my heart into pieces but at the same time put it back toogether... i'm thriving after crooked kingdom🙃

[@hitamaniar2125]

I found my ALL time favorite this year, If We Were Villians consumed me entirely and I can't stop thinking about it

[@joyceheidendal]

as someone who has been obsessed with the hunger games ever since it came out it makes me so happy you're making more videos on those book💕

[@givemeprimelaughter]

You are the sole reason I picked up Ballad and it's ruining me. The timing is ... painful but necessary and there are so many more books I am interested in reading now because of the state of the world and the way the entirety of THG books just tell the story of the past and present. It's eye opening and jarring but I think we need that right now.

[@oliviam4242]

U made me go read a study of drowning this morning and I literally finished tonight. It was so good I almost cried like 3 times. Thank you

[@bonnieleary1197]

The Last Tale of the Flowerbride was effing incredible! I can’t find another book I enjoy as much as I did that one. I read it in July and still can’t be satisfied by another book.

[@squirlle6]

I've been on a Hunger Games kick as well, and damn those are some good books. They are honestly my favorite books. As a kid, I was team Gale because my childish brain forgave book Gale because movie Gale was hot. Now that I'm an adult, Gale deserved so much worse than what Peeta went through. And Peeta deserves to be kept in a bubble where no one can ever hurt him again. My hatred for Gale is unmatched by any other character, including Snow, and that's because although Snow is terrible, he knows it. Gale actually thinks he's a good guy.

[@moondustplanets2315]

Yay, was looking forward to this video! My highlight this year was All my rage. ✨

[@Lola-ec4zd]

My reading taste differs from yours but I love your videos especially your favourite books videos. I can't get enough of the way you gush about them❤

[@valent__]

Thanks to you I picked V.E Schawb A Darker Shade of Magic trilogy, and while I gave the first one 3/5 stars and the second just 2/5*, the very last one blew my mind. I absolutely adored it. BUT, however, my favorite book this year is the continuation, The Fragile Threads of Power. Damn IT IS THAT GOOD. I can't thank you enough for making me read these books!

[@cnelson-uq1ud]

My TBR is ready to expand 😩🙏🙏

[@spencer7151]

Oh my god yes, I am so excited about another deep dive into the Hunger Games!!! I cant wait for that video!! 😍😍😍

[@spencer7151]

Yes, a new video!! The perfect thing for my evening (I am from Germany, so its already evening here...) 😍😍

[@mansoor3159]

Makes my day when you make new videos Hannah😀💖

[@taylordavidsen4610]

I loved this so much! Loved that you talked about the boycott. It feels refreshing that a content creator isn’t disregarding real world problems. I ordered your reading journal last night for my reading next year. Can’t wait to watch you & read more books! ❤

[@MoJordanReads]

I also loved Happy Place in such an emotional way! It's my top read of the year

[@arianes9061]

So excited for your deep dive video(s) about the Hunger Games!!!

[@themurderbotfeed7688]

Book by book on the hunger games recap pls! I tend to blur them all together and would like someone to split em so I cam appreciate the progression more, i think. Ofc its whatever u want in the end but giving my two cents

[@crushgoil]

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter was my fav read of 2023.

[@mayagranger2542]

As Long As the Lemon Tree Grows are so heartbreaking yet beautiful. Its one of my favorite book of all time and i will accept zero criticism on it. The quotes, the character, the heartwarming that it gave me. Never stop recommend it to anyone who want a good crying book

[@maddieaf1216]

speaking of rereading, this year i read all the volumes of fruits basket twice and i am very excited for you to read them!!

[@dprincess3809]

I’ve re read the hunger games so many times that I’ve memorized passages of text like esp catching fire those books changed my life

[@Lunaliiii]

many of these are on my tbr. My favourites this year include - strange the dreamer by laini taylor (new all time fave) - the last hours by ofc cassandra clare - radio silence by alice oseman - call me by your name by andre aciman (reread) pls do a vidoe for every hunger games book, I can't wait!

[@kamorah6154]

I read the last flower bride bcause of your last favs vid and OMG I loved it so much😭I randomly think about it during the day all the time.

[@avalontraser153]

My favorite video of the year!! BOS&S is my favorite read of the year. And got my first order on Parade 🥰 Thank you for the discount code 🤍

[@artemis7496]

Take a shot every time hannah recommends yona of the dawn and you'll be drunk until the end of 2024

[@croissantluv3r]

LMFAOOO TRUEEEE

[@estefaniam.1728]

I would really like a video per Hunger games book, and pleaseeeeee, make them as long as necessary. I would also like if you could make a favorite series and movies of the year and for the next year, since you´re gonna be rereading so much, some vlogs rereading your favourite series. And I think it would be great if you did a video comparing each book to each Hunger games movie and explaining in more detail why you prefer the book. Love you, Hanna and happy birthday and new year in advance ❤

[@yesminded3897]

hiii!!! i just wanted to say that thanks to you and your channel, i’ve gotten over my reading hiatus and have started reading and enjoying new genres!

[@8rida8]

the fact that u mentioned the boycott is so heartwarming and admirable. thank you so much for using ur platform

[@emnms9275]

Can’t wait for the hunger games videos/video! I’d definitely appreciate a super long video about all of them

[@shubiektywnie]

I was obsessed with “Woman, Eating”, recommended it to a Polish publisher and… I’m translating this book into Polish now 😭😭😭 a peak dream come true situation!

[@moonlightstay7]

i also reread the hunger games series this year and the ballad of songbirds and snakes, which i’m so glad i read before watching the movie (the book is definitely better) 💚

[@lifted_united]

I love the book shelf. Thanks for sharing.

[@jess-rob]

i TOTALLY agree with your thoughts on the hunger games trilogy. i reread it about two years ago and it immediately became my favorite series i’ve ever read. it holds up so well and katniss might be my favorite protagonist ever

[@crakandra9672]

Yona 🥰🥰🥰 your recommendation for Yona that actually got me to finally watch and read Yona has changed my life. I know every time there's video that has mention in Yona im in the comments like Yonaaa but her story means SO so So much to me. Also I read Sorcery of Thorns this year and omg a new all time fav and the very secret society if irregular witches 😭😭😭😭😭 a hug as a book truly. Im also in the middle of reading ballad of songbirds and snakes and yeah....yeah....also another book helping me deep dive into not only the genocide happening rn but also proganda of US history. So probably another book thatll change my life tbh.

[@shoshanaloomer]

I just checked out Woman, Eating from the library bc of how much you talk about it! I’m so excited to start it

[@thetwistedkidney]

Secret society of irregular witches.(sangu author) Happy Place (Emily Henry) As long as lemon trees grow ( The last tale of flower bride (Roshan chowski) The ballad of sonhbirds and snakes(Suzanne Collins)

[@The_onset_tutor]

I read and loved the very secret society of irregular witches last year going into this year, and it was the book for me. ❤ My favorite this year though, which also got its own anime movie, is tottochan the little girl at the window. Also, I know a romance is good when clockwork ready approves.

[@briannauribe5585]

My ✨paid off✨ car got stolen and totaled this morning I’ve been crying off and on all day, this is exactly what I needed to make my day better. Thank you !

[@perfumerism]

sending love❤

[@briannauribe5585]

@@perfumerism thank you 💛

[@starry_worlds]

As long as the lemon trees grow is on my christmas list! It's sounds like such a good book.

[@QuestBoundReader]

New here, it's cool that you're covering the Hunger Games, not a lot of people are on that series now and it's underrated!

[@MariHope]

Have been Waiting for this video for so long, thank you love ♥️

[@kyosaya20]

finally a yona of the dawn appreciator you get me

[@mariederal7195]

Thank you for he video and your dedication all throughout this year. I also wanted to say that I love your choice of sponsor here. :) See you in the next one!

[@luvneojen]

rereading is so valid and it always changes how you feel about the story

[@dnzkmr]

These videos are my version of Christmas tradition.

[@gogo_lopez]

My faves this year were (in no particular order): Less by Andrew Sean Greer Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (Ayooo) Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro Memorial by Bryan Washington Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick Also Last Tale of the Flower Bride was a standout for me as well 🤎

[@MelOloughlin]

Omg I am LOVING the very secret society of irregular witches! Absolutely fantastic THANK YOU for recommending!

[@spencer7151]

Can someone please educate me about the strike, I cant find anything about it. What is it about? What book is it?

[@vypanchy]

Same question

[@tsubiuru]

St Martins publishing has an employee who made some racist remarks and looks like they are ignoring the issue - book is most likely Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross