The New York Times Best Books of 2023

[@randomishrandom]

With my reading speed, I don’t know how many of these books I can get to… but it’s a pleasure hearing you share!

[@garthok6224]

You can go for audiobooks. You can train yourself to read faster too... There are many ways to read more

[@marybethholland4044]

Thanks for these suggestions: Loved The Bee Sting. Just finished The Prophet Song which won the Booker Prize-interesting if you have also read The Handmaid’s Tale and The Road. And of course 1984. Now North Woods is on my list! So many books, so little time. Audio books put me to sleep but I keep trying.

[@anissaxma1770]

I love Throw Mama From the Train might have to watch now!

[@jdipalermo11]

One of the non-fiction books I am really looking forward to reading is: THE WAGER: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder, by David Grann - (it has made many “best lists”) - I love naval historical fiction / non-fiction “mutiny” plots - and this has a duzzy. The unbelievable-but-true story of the doomed adventure taken by those aboard the HMS Wager. This Royal Navy ship was meant to sail the world and plunder Spanish treasure, but in 1741 it was shipwrecked while trying to sail around Cape Horn. David Grann is also the author of “Killers of the Flower Moon” - a Martin Scorese movie out now.

[@jacquelineturner7206]

I really liked The Bee Sting and Eastbound (waiting for the Fraud from the library). But I loved North Woods. Unforgettable. I also loved Master, Slave and really hope a movie is made of it. What an amazing story - and it really happened.

[@christinemiller6275]

I read The Bee Sting and was very impressed by the writing and character depiction. I thought the ending was perfect, and certainly gave readers a lot to think about. I am in the middle of The North Woods, and I am enjoying the shifting perspectives of each section.

[@muddywatersbookshelf7758]

Chain Gang All Stars was such a compelling read. My favourite book of 2023!

[@user-zo4ig4xx5n]

I received it the Fraud on Saturday, so far I'm loving it.

[@carmenhomer1965]

Currently reading Master Slave Husband Wife

[@AceXDeuce90]

working my way through the best minds, not usually my cup of tea but enjoying it

[@isabellabeckett-smith1473]

All these books sound brilliant. Thanks for sharing!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

😊📚

[@spexi513]

Definitely remember that movie 😂

[@joangavrilik3009]

It has been a great year for books and I plan to read this list. (I’ve already read a few.) My only disappointment is that it didn't include The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride - my favorite book of the year.

[@bookofdust]

I read Eastbound last week and it was transcendent, a tight, emotionally fraught novella that was a very satisfying read.

[@RSelcov]

I have it on hold at the library. I hope it comes in during Xmas week.

[@martasoltys9091]

FIRE WEATHER sounds really good. Thanks for recommending. I'd never hear of it otherwise. One recommendation I have by a Canadian author is THE PUSH by Ashley Audrain. It just raises so many questions about motherhood, believability, innocence, childhood and mental illness.

[@emmavd]

Thanks, Eric🌷North Woods is fantastic! I’m now 120 pages into The Bee Sting and liking it very much (it reminds me a bit of Jonathan Franzen’s Crossroads). I’m getting more and more intrigued by The Fraud and Eastbound…

[@jebbennett7]

Northwoods is great.

[@qinlkpah]

So good to see Civilizations by Binet in the shelves behind you :) I am curious about the Ilyon Woo!

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

6 books on the fiction list that I’ve never heard of. Love new books coming on to my radar. The only one on the list I’ve actually read is The Bee Sting. My best book of 2023 remains Deluge by Stephen Markley Read it on audio in January & February. It’s a long book but so worth it.

[@RSelcov]

I listened to the audiobooks of the Fraud, and Chain-Gang All-Stars. I liked them both and the audio experience was great. Zadie Smith read The Fraud. I'm disappointed that Heaven and Earth Grocery Store didn't make the Times top ten list.

[@garthok6224]

I just read A Little Luck by Claudia Piñedo you recommended a couple of videos back. What a beautiful and tragic book, really really recommended❤❤. Thank you for this channel.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@KanwarAnand]

I just finished reading bee sting and I just came here to say everyone who’s not particularly keen on it should stay away. What an exasperating book that sucks the hope out of your life. Your own life will seem like a joy compared to the misery its characters endure. I’m not soft but this made me feel so bad for the characters of PG and Dickie.

[@SFF180]

Chain-Gang All-Stars has my attention.

[@user-yg6ft1iu1i]

I will be reading The Bee Sting, The NorthWoods , Eastbound, MasterSlave Husband Wife soon Do you think The Bee String is perhaps similar to A System So Magnificent It’s Blinding. I really enjoyed A System . The blurbs I’ve read strike me that way. I guess I’ll find out

[@gailzyla4841]

On non-fiction from 2023, I’d highly recommend Timothy Egan’s A Fever in the Heartland, about the rise of the KKK in the Midwest in the 1920s. I thought The Best Minds could have used some editing. If you’re interested in mental health/schizophrenia, I much preferred Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker (2020). From 2022, Dirty Wastelands is a great true story about corporate hog farming (yikes!) Thanks for your channel! I’m a new(ish) subscriber and love your channel! Happy holidays!

[@bookofdust]

Agree 100% about A Fever In the Heartland. I read a more academic nonfiction book about the reemergence in the 1920s of the KKK and I’m sure details of this were mentioned, but the core of this story is so moving and heartbreaking the best people in Hollywood better be fighting over bringing this to the screen. The world needs a story about someone truly evil getting their comeuppance. 272 was quite fascinating and powerful as well.

[@MMjones6459]

I was disappointed with The Best Minds. The story was interesting but I felt misled with the claim of 'best friends'.

[@18Alpine]

Skippy Dies is so much better.