Because who doesn’t love a good end of year book list? I genuinely really enjoy looking back over my blog, through the books I’ve read this year and seeing which ones still excite me when I see their covers.
This year, I’ve narrowed down my favourites to 12 and thought about the genres I’ve most enjoyed reading this year, dividing them up into my most-read categories. Hope you enjoy!
My 2023 Books of the Year
Best Thrillers
/ The Trap by Catherine Ryan Howard
/ Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent
/ The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett
I’ve given this section the overarching title of ‘thriller’ as it covers both the crime and psychological versions of the genre. I do love a great thriller – the guaranteed page-turning qualities, the adrenaline high and – importantly, and what all these books have in common – a very clever plotline that keeps you guessing to the very end.
Best Contemporary Reads
/ Trespasses by Louise Kennedy
/ The List by Yomi Adegoke
/ Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield
I wasn’t quite sure on the genre for these so went with contemporary! What they defintiely do all have is exquisite storytelling, stories that grabbed my heart and characters I still think about now. These are definitely three of my most recommended books this year!
Best Non-Fiction
/ Spare by Prince Harry
/ Reach for the Stars by Michael Cragg
/ The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
My best non-fiction reads consisted of two jaw-dropping memoirs and a deep dive into the crazy world of pop music, in its (UK) heyday from 1996-2006 – such a fun read! There have been so many headlines about both Prince Harry and Britney’s memoirs but I highly recommend reading them both. They give such insight into two otherwise unspoken about worlds: that of being a member of the royal family and being the biggest celebrity in the world.
Best Funny Reads
/ Aisling Ever After by Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen
/ Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey
/ Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
OK, this little trio surprised me as I wouldn’t even say I read funny books if anyone asked but I honestly have such fond memories of all these reads, so had to include them! I think it says a lot that I was drawn to more light-hearted, funny reads with characters I would 100% go for a drink with this year, sometimes that’s just the perfect kind of escapism. Also to say that these books are also all so well written, clever, witty and packed full of emotion. Loved them!
And there you have it! My 2023 books of the year – 12 absolute gems. I’d love to know your favourite reads of the year – let me know below!
Books on the 7:47 
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