The best books I read in 2023 (and you should read them too)

Well this has come around fast, hasn't it? Here are my favourite books of 2023 (that I read, not that were released).
Last year I only did a top 5, but I read so many great books in 2023 that this time around I've gone for a top 10. And even that was tough to narrow down, so you get 5 honourable mentions at the end as well.
Hopefully you find some recommendations worth reading in here. Let me know if you've read any, and what your favourite reads of the year have been!
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Standalone reviews of some of these books:
• The Overstory is a mas...
• Cuddy by Benjamin Myer...
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00:00 Reflections on my reading year
02:10 Rank 10-5
08:17 Rank 5-1
15:10 Honourable mentions
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Thank you so much for watching.
👍 If you enjoyed this video, give it a like!
📹 Subscribe to my channel for a new video each week
✉️ Get in touch at benreadsgood[at]gmail.com
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#books #booktube #readingwrapup

[@emmavd]

Thanks, Ben🌷I share your love for The Overstory, I’m a Fan, Still Life and also for The Bee Sting, which I’m currently reading and enjoying very much. I haven’t read Demon Copperhead yet, but I’ve read so many great books this year and find it difficult to rank them. Just to mention a few: The House of Doors, Grey Bees, Home Fire, Tom Lake. A book I loved and which I think may appeal to readers who enjoyed The Overstory is North Woods by Daniel Mason. Absolutely brilliant. Merry Christmas!🎄🎁📚🎅🏻

[@benreadsgood]

Thanks very much - glad we share so many loved books in common! North Woods is a must-read-soon for me. It's on the priority shelf but things keep jumping ahead of it. Heard non-stop amazing things about it so I really, really want to give it a whirl. Merry Christmas to you too!

[@CharlieBrookReads]

What a great list of favourites Ben, thank you for sharing. The Beesting will be in my faves too. ❤

[@benreadsgood]

Thanks for watching Charlie - looking forward to hearing your faves. The Bee Sting really feels like one of THE how-could-you-not-love-this books of the year, along with Demon, doesn't it!

[@MercysBookishMusings]

Riambel and Soldier Sailor are on my list on your recommendation alone and I still haven't read them! I've borrowed them both from the library but didn't manage to fit them both in. You've reminded me that I have to pick them up! I also just wanted to say that its been a delight watching your channel this year and I look forward to hearing about your 2024 reading year 😊

[@benreadsgood]

Thank you so much Mercy. Loved seeing you pop up in the comments now and again, as I've watched your channel for so long ❤️ Hope you enjoy Riambel and Soldier Sailor, and have a lovely Christmas!

[@MercysBookishMusings]

@@benreadsgood I hope you do too!

[@paulamarieart]

Very glad I just stumbled across you, great channel

[@benreadsgood]

Thank you so much - wonderful to have you here! 🙌

[@grumylynn]

Thank you for your review of these books. I"m looking forward to reading them.

[@benreadsgood]

Thank you for watching! Hope you find something in there you love.

[@bibliomania158]

Absolutely love your channel! Great work 🎉... keep em coming, you're doing great 👏😁🎉

[@benreadsgood]

Thank you so much! 🙌

[@cathyg.9996]

Great selection! I added some of these books to my TBR. Demon Copperhead was one of my best books of this year also. I loved it so much and was so engrossed in Demon’s story that I had to remind myself he’s not a real person. I can’t wait to read it again! ❤

[@benreadsgood]

Demon just absolutely pulls you into his world, doesn't he? So, so good, and glad you enjoyed it as much as I did! Thanks for watching 🙌

[@chloetimms960]

Ben, I've enjoyed your videos and recommendations massively this year so here's a thank you - treat yourself to something on your tbr!

[@benreadsgood]

Oh wow, Chloe this is so generous of you - thank you so much! A lot of hours goes into creating these videos, all in the hope that they will bring a bit of joy to someone or help them find their next favourite book. I don't rely on the channel to make any money (I dread to think what the hourly rate would be based on the ad revenue!) but it is so lovely to hear that you have enjoyed the videos, and I *hugely* appreciate the donation ❤️ Thank you, thank you, thank you, and I hope you're having a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

[@Tetsujin-28]

Great year of reading. Great recommendations by you. Great channel.

[@benreadsgood]

Thank you Rob - have a great Christmas and New Year!

[@bridgettereads]

Just wanted to say I’m really glad I found your channel via the Booker content! The way you talk about books is very clear and insightful and I’ve picked up several on your recommendation (and Open Throat will be the next!)

[@benreadsgood]

Thank you so much, it's a pleasure to have you here ❤️ Open Throat is such good fun - I loved the narrator so much. Hope you like it too!

[@gailhewitt1467]

Love watching best books videos and enjoyed your list. Delighted to see Riambel was your favourite and thanks to your channel I read this back in March and it's in my top 5. It's also my favourite book cover. Such a wonderful book but seems to have fallen under the radar. I have Still Life on my must-reads for 2024 and has been on my shelves since it came out. My top book I read this year is Black Butterflies - one of the rare books I've often though about months after having read it. Thank you for all your content this year and wishing you a lovely Christmas.

[@benreadsgood]

Thanks Gail - so thrilled that you loved Riambel too. You are totally right that it has an absolutely *gorgeous* cover - the designer deserves a raise! 😅 I really enjoyed Black Butterflies too. It's amazing when a book just stays with you like that. Merry Christmas to you too! 🎄

[@joangavrilik3009]

Great list! I also had a great reading year - although, as I see everyone else’s lists, I feel like I still have so much catching up to do. My favorite reads this year are The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, Still Life, and The House of Doors. Happy Holidays and thanks for your excellent channel!

[@benreadsgood]

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store is on my need-to-read-soon list, so thank you for the encouragement - glad it was a favourite for you! Have a lovely Christmas and thanks as always for watching ❤️

[@GunpowderFictionPlot]

It is clearly a measure of how highly I rate your reviews that I came here looking for a book or two to add to my tbr and had read every one of your top 10... But I did manage to add one of your honourable mentions. Delighted to see I'm A Fan and The Beesting make your list. Two of my favourites this year too.

[@benreadsgood]

Oh that’s so kind of you to say, thanks Scott. But it is also a testament to your prolific reading! 😅 So many books that I wanted to get to because I thought they might be favourites are ones you have already reviewed! Will you be sharing your favourite reads of the year?

[@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf]

Fabulous list! We definitely have one in common in our top 10s and I think you’ll know which! 😂 Heartily agree with what you said about Demon’s voice and the genius of Barbara Kingsolver. 😊

[@benreadsgood]

Oooooh I wonder which one it could be 😂 That voice is just phenomenal isn't it?! Looking forward to hearing your list Alice!

[@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf]

@@benreadsgood I’m sure you won’t be able to guess, it’s not like I ever talk about it at all! 😜 I’m saving my list for January in case I read something incredible in the next week!

[@rebeccarowe9005]

I'm so happy to have found your channel! I've heard Mercedes recommend your channel numerous times and finally remembered to look you up! So pleased to have added so many books to my TBR after watching this video. Your reviews are excellent and i look forward to watching your old and new content :)

[@benreadsgood]

What a lovely message, thank you so much! Hope at least some of these turn out to be winning reads for you 🥳

[@ameliabarlowbooks]

yay for The Bee Sting and Still Life - two of my all time favs! Riambel sounds fantastic ♥️

[@benreadsgood]

They're such fab books! You just can't beat good storytelling sometimes. Riambel is real gem, I really hope it finds a wider readership. Thanks so much for the Booktube bants this year - been lovely seeing you pop up in the comments, and seeing your vids pop up in my feed!

[@thelefthandedreader6632]

I do need to take a look at Riambel! I loved watching this!

[@benreadsgood]

Thanks Renee 🙌 Riambel is such a gem. Definitely worth checking out!

[@josephlastname]

okay you win Riambel is in my cart. the wait for Soldier Sailor to hit US shelves (in June!) is painful lol. everyone with taste is raving about it. i can't wait!

[@benreadsgood]

I hope you love Riambel as much as I did! I was just blown away by what Priya Hein managed to do in so few pages. Can't believe Soldier Sailor isn't out for so long in the US 😮 It's worth the wait, I promise!

[@hasteyebooks]

Lovely to hear your reviews! I had heard of The Furrows and forgot about it - thanks for reminding me to add it to my TBR! I also keep hearing about Still Life! Oh never heard of Riambel, but I see it's translated from the French so got to look it up if I can find in the original!

[@benreadsgood]

Kind of weirdly, despite it coming out earlier, the French version of Riambel is actually the translation! The original is the English. Still Life is such a treat. Definitely worth prioritising. Thanks for watching 🙌

[@hasteyebooks]

@@benreadsgood stop that's so weird haha okay off to the english version I go 😆

[@benreadsgood]

@@hasteyebooks 😂😂😂

[@nathansnook]

I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ALL YEAR!!! what an astounding lineup with a few i haven't heard of. glad to see one of my top tens in this list tho hoho. making Riambel a priority for 2024 next year. thanks for all your reading Ben. when i grow up i wanna be just like you. always love the way you talk about books with such grace, all in a concise manner. wishing you a wonderful reading year in 2024. can't wait to see what you cook up! love ya~ 💕

[@benreadsgood]

FOR THE LAST TIME NATHAN I AM NOT THAT MUCH OLDER THAN YOU 😂😂😂 But thank you for the kind comment and for being a BookTube legend - it's been so lovely getting to know you (asynchronously!) via the medium of comments this year. Keep being amazing ❤️

[@meganmadkour9328]

Interesting to see Dinosaurs at the end of your video, definitely one of my favorite books of the year, and one I haven’t heard anyone else talking about.

[@benreadsgood]

There was a version of this list where it was in the top ten! It's such a lovely, warm-hearted book. It really took me by surprise and I loved it. One thing that holds it back a little bit is that it hasn't had a proper UK release! I stumbled across an imported copy in a local bookshop, but otherwise it's tough to get your hands on over here.

[@philnasmith9755]

Thanks Ben - Interesting video. I recall Riambel and The Overstory getting great reviews but you have now peaked my interest again. I thought Still Life was mesmerising and transporting.

[@benreadsgood]

Still Life is just so great, isn’t it! Hope you enjoy those other ones if you get around to them 😊 Thanks for watching.

[@lindysmagpiereads]

Thanks for this video. I’m still compiling (I should say *narrowing*) my best of 2023 list. I loved Blackouts too. And you’ve sold me on Soldier Sailor and Riambel.

[@benreadsgood]

It’s so difficult to narrow it down! I really struggled this year. I think if you liked Blackout you’re more likely to enjoy Riambel. They’re not 100% the same, but they do some things in a similar way.

[@lindysmagpiereads]

@@benreadsgood My tastes are eclectic. I will give both a try. 😊

[@benreadsgood]

Oh, that’s my bad wording sorry 😂 I definitely would recommend both! What I meant to say was if you enjoyed Blackouts I think you’re more likely to enjoy Riambel than not enjoy it.

[@skeller61]

Hi again, Ben. I just commented on your newbie video, and came here to see what floats your boat. While I am building my “retirement library”, which doesn’t include many new titles, I really like the way you describe your feelings about reading, so I decided to subscribe. My TBR is so long that I’ll die before I finish it….especially since my ramped up reading is still only about two books per month (starting last October). I’m really enjoying The Wind in the Willows right now. Sure, it might be meant as a children’s book, but I find the best of these speak on different levels and include insightful commentary on the state of the human condition within them. Another book I enjoyed (a reread from over 50 years ago) is The Call of the Wild, by Jack London. Yes, another animal protagonist. This one really spotlights the way humans act toward animals and to each other, as it describes the life of a dog plucked from a comfortable life and thrown into the unenviable life of a sled dog during the Yukon gold rush. A third book I really enjoyed was Do Androids Dream of Electric sheep? by Philip K. Dick. I guess this still contains the animal theme, as a key aspiration of humans in this post-apocalyptic tale is to own an actual, live animal. As many know, it was the inspiration for the movie Blade Runner; however, the movie left out a key element of the book: a religion called Mercerism that reminded me of myth of Sisyphus, as well as an omnipresent personality on TV and other media that plays an interesting and key role in the book. Thanks.

[@benreadsgood]

Thanks for coming back, and also for sharing some of your favourites! If animal protagonists is a thing you find yourself drawn to, rather than it just being a coincidence, a couple I've read recently are Pod by Laline Paull (which I didn't love, but some folks have, and it told from the perspective of a dolphin and some other sea creatures) and Open Throat by Henry Hoke (told from the perspective of a mountain lion in the Hollywood hills). If you enjoyed Do Androids Dream...? I wonder if you might like Dune!

[@skeller61]

@@benreadsgood Thanks for your reply. It is coincidental regarding animal protagonists, btw. I do have a couple more of those on my TBR (Watership Down and a reread of Animal Farm), but that is of a long list that includes Dune. It’s interesting that you connected Dune with PKD’S Android Sheep, I haven’t heard that connection being made before. Have a good one.

[@Bret2028]

What a great list. Soldier sailor and cuddy are the two i regret not getting to this last year.

[@benreadsgood]

Thanks Brett! Those two are both really wonderful - hope you enjoy them when you get to them. I heard Soldier Sailor still doesn't come out in the US for a while, so you're not falling behind 😅

[@marjoriedybec3450]

That was delightful. Several of them are already on my longterm TBR from your previous vids. (TY.) This year I read mostly 4-star reads. But I did give 5 stars to Will in the World (NF about William Shakespeare and, I suspect, a source for Maggie OFarrell). My two re-reads (soon to be three) will all be 5-star reads: Jane Eyre, Age of Innocence and, currently, A Christmas Carol. But you really are in good hands with those authors. For contemporary fiction (which I know is more your jam), I gave 4 stars to Trust, and Small Things Like These. I hope your house is filled with deliciousness and stacked high with presents (some which you can read!) Merry Merry.

[@benreadsgood]

Thanks so much ❤️ It's definitely nice to have re-reads up your sleeve so that you can go back to a sure-fired good time. Glad you enjoyed Trust, too - it was one of my favourites last year. Hope you have a wonderful delicious and readable Christmas too! 🎄

[@readandre-read]

I'm really struggling to narrow down my top 10 or even 15. Such a good reading year! I loved Still Life and Demon Copperhead. I'm still planning to read Bee Sting, Riambel and Blackouts. Great list!

[@benreadsgood]

It's been such a great year for books - I went through many iterations of this list 😅 Thanks so much for watching, and I hope you love those three as much as I did. I reckon The Bee Sting sounds like a winner for you if you liked Still Life and Demon. It has the same 'just great storytelling' thing that those do.

[@StephanieP1901]

Love you list! I'm proud to say I own most of those (except Cuddy!) and many are due to your influence. Definitely excited to read I'm a Fan and not sure I would have if not for your reviews. And I'm glad the US edition doesn't have glitter. Anyhow - I think my favorite this year was Demon Copperhead but In Memoriam, Chain Gang All-Stars and Birnam Wood were all great too. I decided Cuddy might make a great book to read while traveling in the UK next summer - maybe I'll stop in Durham to see the cathedral. My mother-in-law has a friend who lives there. I'll definitely check out more Benjamin Myers, though. Some of his books are in print here. So glad I stumbled on your channel somehow this year. I hope the joy of sharing your love of books comes back into the process for you. I can tell you with absolutely certainty that many appreciate you! And - sorry if I posted twice. Didn't mean to but I think I forgot to hit the blue button the first time.

[@benreadsgood]

Oooh I think it would be such a great experience to read Cuddy while in Durham! Thank you for sharing your favourites - can definitely see why Demon would be number one. What a book! And thank you so much for watching and commenting this year. Always lovely to hear from you 😊

[@bandkh90]

Thank you Ben. I’ve loved your reviews in 2023. I’ve had some great reads this year as well. I loved Still Life by Sarah Winman and it’s possibly my No. 1 this year. Fell in love with Ulysses and Claude and adored the “found family” theme. I’ll meet you again in 2024 and I’m looking forward to what you have to say then! I’m sure you’ll introduce me to more reading goodness! Cheers, Barbara

[@benreadsgood]

Thank you so much for watching, and for your support all year! Still Life is just a stunner, isn't it? What a lovely bunch of characters. I still think about Cressy. Here's to more great reads in 2024 🥂

[@onourpath]

Great to see some love for Dinosaurs and Open Throat; I loved them both, as well. I think my favorite this year is The Book of Goose by Yiyun Li -- what a book! 💚 I read Clair Keegan this year, and her books are amazing! I'm so glad I stumbled upon your channel this year; it's been a real treat for me. Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you and your family.

[@benreadsgood]

They’re both great books! Just missed out on my top ten so really wanted to make sure I mentioned them. Not read any Li before but thanks for the recommendation. Thanks so much for the kind message, really glad you have enjoyed the channel. It’s been a nice creative outlet and almost a little reading diary for myself. Merry Christmas to you too! 🎄

[@cecilialau_]

How interesting - and intriguing - that so many of your faves are absolute chunksters. Hmm. Maybe I need to look more to the plot than be intimidated by the thickness when choosing my reads 🤔😄 Fab list btw! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas, Ben 🤩🎄 And just as exciting a reading year ahead as this one was!

[@benreadsgood]

You know what, I hadn't really appreciated that until you pointed it out. I have been drawn to a lot of short books this year, but clearly the chunky ones speak to me! I think it's could be that spending time with a good book so long forges a deeper connection. Wishing you a lovely Christmas too! 🎄

[@cecilialau_]

@@benreadsgoodyou’ve made me more “brave” to look to those of mine that fit that criteria… That’s for sure. And I have The Overstory and Still Life exactly for the reasons you enjoyed them so I really hope I’ll get to them soon 🤗 And you’re right, the bond or connection a big book can bring is really special. Thank you! 🎄

[@PoetlaureateNFDL]

Thanks! New subscriber!🎉🎉

[@benreadsgood]

Thanks so much for subscribing! 🙏

[@fayesparallelstories]

I will keep on coming back to your list 😊 Your love for these books really shines through! But if I had to pick one to read next it would be Cuddy. I adored the Offing and read a short story collection and Beastings by Myers last year and think I would even enjoy reading his shopping list. I was a bit put off by the chunky trade paperback of Cuddy but you’ve convinced me to treat myself 😇

[@benreadsgood]

Thanks for watching, Faye! I'm definitely keen to get to more Myers in 2024. Think I might start with the Offing, so we can consider it a recommendation swap 😅

[@fayesparallelstories]

Consider it swapped 😄

[@SavidgeReads]

I can’t believe I’ve STILL not read The Furrows. Definitely one for next year. As is Cuddy. I’ve been a fan of Ben’s since I read Beastings when judging Fiction Uncovered. I would soooooo recommend it. I’m a Fan is soooo good. One of my favs of 2023. I may just have to add your number one to my books to read in Jan pile of possibility!

[@benreadsgood]

Will be very interested to see what you think of The Furrows. I flip-flopped on it making it onto the list, and I can see why some people haven't liked it, but it just stuck with me. There's so much about it that is strange and jarring. I'm A Fan is a BANGER, and I hope you love Riambel if you get to it 🤞

[@marcellaandherbooks8733]

I'll definitely check out Riambel!

[@benreadsgood]

It’s a gorgeous book - hope you enjoy it!

[@Rainierbooks]

Thanks for that video! I only read "Demon Copperhead" of your list and it might very well be a part of my top ten list that I will do at the very end of the year, for who know if I will have a top ten read until then...

[@benreadsgood]

Thanks for watching! I definitely wondered about whether this should video should come a bit later just in case, but I wanted to get filming out of the way so I could properly unplug over the holidays. The book I am reading at the moment is very good... so it will be funny if it ends up top ten worthy 😅

[@seamusgaelic6447]

Smashin' Top 10 list, Ben! Added Still Life to my TBR. If you loved Demon Copperhead, I strongly encourage you read Barbara Kingsolver's 1998 The Poisonwood Bible. The only reason I found myself reading Demon Copperhead was because of my love of that much earlier work. That woman can write! My Top 3 reads for 2023 are: 1) Bewilderment, by Richard Powers 2) The Bee Sting, by Paul Murray 3) Chain-Gang All-Stars, by Nana Kwame Adjei Brenyah

[@benreadsgood]

Thank you! The Poisonwood Bible is absolutely one I want to get to - it's on the shelf but it is so far down the list at the moment at the rate I read I may get to it in 2029 😂 Thanks for the nudge, maybe I'll have to bump it up. Love to see Bewilderment at the top of your list. One of my all-time favourites!

[@hellobookworm]

Couldn't agree more with you on Demon Copperhead. I chose to listen to the audiobook, and it was clear just a few minutes in that his was a singular voice. I posted a list of my 11 top favorites from 2023 on my channel. Just launched a few weeks ago and would love for you to take a look (I believe my #1 pick would be a good fit for you). 🤗📚 I picked up Riambel in 2023 because of you and found it very moving. Thank you for bringing that book to my attention. Looking forward to hearing more reviews and recommendations from you in 2024. Cheers!

[@benreadsgood]

Thanks so much - I’ll have to check your video out. So pleased you enjoyed Riambel. It blew me away!

[@YourTrueShelf]

Oooh I love a favourites list!! I agree with Still Life, my fave of last year. Still haven't read Demon but I own it!! I'm a fan was definitely not one I loved, but it's been a real marmite book hasn't it. Very much intrigued by soldier sailor.

[@benreadsgood]

Sarah you need to get on the Demon train! It's such a banger. And yeah been so interesting to see the love it or hate it reaction to I'm A Fan. I can get why though - everyone in the book is unlikeable and if you can't get on board with that it's going to be a bumpy ride 😂 Solider Sailor is so great!

[@carolynmonahan2488]

Loved the Cuddy experience. Demon Copperhead is a classic.

[@benreadsgood]

It really is an experience, isn't it! And yes totally agree - I reckon Demon is destined to one day be a Penguin Clothbound classic.

[@jenniferlovesbooks]

You've reminded me that I want to read The Furrows!

[@benreadsgood]

I'll be interested to know what you think of it. It might be one you love, or a DNF at the halfway point 😂

[@jenniferlovesbooks]

@@benreadsgood haha, ooh the excitement 🤣😂

[@sabinagruden2702]

Oh yes, Barbara Kingsolver is amazing! You should defineitely read Poisonwood Bible, I loved it (probably even more than Damon Copperhead) but both books are truly amazing! Ps I just discovered you and I like you 😊 And I'm ordering Riambel now😄

[@benreadsgood]

I reaaaaally want to read The Poisonwood Bible… my reading life is just an endless prioritisation problem 😂 Glad to have you here and hope you enjoy Riambel! 🙏

[@elizeyt]

I really tried with Still Life but couldn’t get into it for some reason :/ definitely need to try The Overstory though!

[@benreadsgood]

Ahh that's a shame, but not every book and author is for every reader. Hope you love The Overstory - it's long but it's a cracking story!

[@ChemicalPenguinn]

The Furrows sounds REALLY interesting. I've never heard anyone talk about it, in fact!

[@benreadsgood]

It's a really odd, intriguing little book. There were versions of this list without it, but it just stuck with me and I've thought about it SO much since I read it. So interesting!

[@KierTheScrivener]

I just read I'm A Fan and I so loved it. Riambel sounds so good.

[@benreadsgood]

It's so good isn't it! Sheena can WRITE. So nice to feel like I'm reading something fresh in that 'messy millennial' genre(?). And Riambel really is great! Thanks for watching, Kier 🙌

[@GemofBooks]

Ahhhh I still haven’t gotten to Riambel - need to get to that in 2024!

[@benreadsgood]

Do it!!! Hope you’ve had a lovely Christmas 🎄

[@GemofBooks]

@@benreadsgood you too matey 🎄

[@fractured_stories]

Great list! I will be picking up Cuddy and Riambel based on your recommendations. The best books I read in 2023 were David Copperfield (read Demon Copperhead last year and wanted to compare the two having never read the former), The Tsar of Love and Techno by Anthony Marra, and A Spell of Good Things by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀.

[@benreadsgood]

Thank you so much - I hope you enjoy those two 🤞 And that's such a great, varied list of favourites! I had read Copperfield at school so was vaguely familiar with it, but it's cool you decided to read it. I bet there are lots of great nuggets and nods to it in Demon that I missed.

[@bibliosophie]

we have in some ways v different tastes (I famously really disliked the overstory...) but I still loved hearing yr thoughts on these books. you describe them and what you got out of them beautifully! I do however have one book in common with you on my 2023 best list so I guess we can't be nemeses 👀

[@benreadsgood]

I can see why The Overstory doesn't put fire in the furnaces of every reader. I read it as part of an in-person book club and there was a VERY mixed response. But it just gripped me and didn't let go! Excited to know which book we have in common. Never nemeses xoxox

[@bibliosophie]

@@benreadsgood ya, in my experience overstory is very polarizing

[@1book1review]

I'm awful at naming favorites, but love watching others' lists as they always give me books to put on my wish list :D

[@benreadsgood]

It’s so hard to narrow it down, and sometimes just feels impossible to compare some books. I think if I did it on a different day the order could be different 😅 Thanks for watching!

[@thepaperdavid]

Okay, I must get to Riambel next year. I can't pick a favourite between my top 2 of the year, but I loved both Moth Smoke by Mohsin Hamid and The Spinning Heart by Donal Ryan so so much. Looking forward to reading more of both authors in 2024.

[@benreadsgood]

Hope you love Riambel as much as I did. I really think it's fantastic! I've read a few Hamid books but have never heard of Moth Smoke. I'll have to check it out. And I nabbed a copy of The Spinning Heart when I visited Ireland earlier in the year - love the conceit of having a different character for each chapter, so I'm thrilled to hear you loved it. Thanks for watching! 🙌

[@deirdre108]

I would put "The Overstory" and "Demon Copperhead" at #1 and #2 respectively. For me, both Powers and Kingsolver are the two best American fiction writers of the past 25-30 years. You might be interested in reading on-line an interview with both authors together at Kingsolver's home. This is called "A Talk In The Woods" and it is fascinating to hear the authors discuss their craft and how much their admire the other's work.

[@benreadsgood]

Both wonderful books! And thank you for the interview recommendation, I will definitely check that out. I love listening to Richard Powers talk about his process and his work (his interview with Ezra Klein is wonderful) but I actually haven't heard much from Kingsolver. I can imagine the conversation is fascinating.

[@deirdre108]

@@benreadsgood I met and talked a little with Richard at a book reading/interview during his "Overstory tour". He impressed me as being such a kind, humble man. A lot of his personality comes out in the talk with Kingsolver. I've read all his works and if you're interested in another of his, I'd recommend "The Time of Our Singing". I'd rate that along with "The Overstory" as his two finest novels.

[@benreadsgood]

Thanks for the recommendation! I need to get to more of his work. I have The Echo Maker and Galatea 2.0, though I've heard the latter is best enjoyed after reading some of his preceding novels. Will keep Time of Our Singing in mind!

[@deirdre108]

@@benreadsgoodOf the two I would claim that EM is the superior work, probably in the top 5 of the Powers canon. Galatea is one of his earlier novels and somewhat of a minor piece to me. You have mentioned loving “The Overstory” and “Bewilderment”. I think you would love “The Echo Maker” as much as those.

[@kimswhims8435]

Great books. My library doesn't have a copy of Riambel, but I keep checking. Not sure if I'll buy a copy or request the library makes the purchase. Demon and Still Life have made my top reads in previous years. I finished Bee Sting this year on audio and not sure that the ending was for me, it is one to make you think, maybe it will improve with time thought about it for me. Not an instant fav though. Same with I'm a Fan. I have to finish The Overstory, it's bugging me that I paused it (while loving it) In 2023 I loved, Birnam Wood, The House of Doors, The Gift of Rain (a reread and even better on rereading), Pearl, The Bandit Queens, Black Butterflies and Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively. AusLit favourites - All That's Left Unsaid by Tracey Lien, Losing Face by George Haddad, Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens by Shankari Chandran, Edenglassie by Melissa Lucashenko. Non-fiction - Wifedom by Anne Funder. Happy Reading 🙂

[@kimswhims8435]

Oh another one Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton...

[@benreadsgood]

That's a shame to hear The Bee Sting ending didn't land for you. I listened on audio and was like... where's the next chapter, but I came to terms with it and really loved it in the end. Thanks for sharing your favourites - I liked quite a few of those too, especially The Bandit Queens! I'm considering listening to Birnam Wood on audio.

[@anaovejero103]

I highly recommend "Tin Man" by Sarh Winman. If you like "Still Life", I think you'll also love it!

[@benreadsgood]

I *adored* Tin Man! I remember reading it on holiday and ugly crying in the back of a minibus when I finished it 😂 Need to give some more of Winman's books a go. Hopefully we're due another one soon!

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

Great list. Two on your list that are on my wish list / future TBR. Sailor & Cuddy. I have give around 20 books 5 stars this year. I have sorted out my best list yet but my number one remains the same since February 2023 Deluge by Stephen Markley ☘️👋🍀📖📕🇮🇪☕️📚

[@benreadsgood]

Thanks Jacqueline - hope you enjoy those two. They're very different but both excellent. That's great that a book you read early on in the year has stuck with you so much. I find it's so easy to fall into recency bias, but when one is so good it just sticks in your mind, that's fab. In fact, I think I read Riambel in February as well, so we've both been holding onto our favourites that long! I still have Markley's Ohio on my shelf waiting for me - I think that will be on the list for 2024!

[@michaeldornan7737]

Riambel was very good but not my favourite. Glad it was yours.

[@benreadsgood]

Glad you liked it, and amazing that you found other books you liked even more!

[@dqan7372]

Two books better than Demon? Heresy! 😃 Just kidding. Both are possibilities for next year for me.

[@benreadsgood]

It was a photo finish! 😅 Thanks so much for watching!

[@penultimateh766]

Dude no true crime? No Roman Empire non-fic?? This is just way over my head.

[@benreadsgood]

Literary fiction is my Roman Empire!!!

[@leannerenowden]

Ooo I love this list! After what you’ve said I’m keen to get to get to The Furrows and Soldier Sailor. I love the sound of Still Life but I didn’t love When God was a Rabbit or Tin Man (I may be the only person) so not sure it’s worth my time 🫣

[@benreadsgood]

Soldier Sailor is such a no-regrets read. It really is fantastic. The Furrows is a bit more of a marmite book but would be interested to see what you think! I reckon if Winman's other books don't do it for you, Still Life probably won't either. But that's okay 🙂 I just love her style so for me it was a total treat! Thanks so much for watching ❤️