2023 has been an interesting reading year for me. I purposefully set my Goodreads challenge ridiculously low, thinking that would help take the pressure off of forcing myself to read. While I didn’t end up reading as much this year, I still read plenty of great books over the past twelve months. Here are a few of the highlights.
1. How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love With the Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gilliard
Every time I think I have outgrown YA romance for good, I stumble across one that reels me back in and reminds me that the genre is for everyone. How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love With the Universe is a heartwarming tale that meaningfully discusses the intricacies of growing up and relationships evolving, whether they are romantic or familial.
2. Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola
Any avid reader will tell you that we are severely lacking in good college romances. Defying the rules of the typical “adult” romance genre, Honey & Spice navigates common romantic tropes in a college setting. Strong characters and witty writing are at the heart of this book, making it the perfect rom-com story.
3. The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson
YA mysteries are fairly underrated, yet they are some of my favorites to read. Inspired by Carrie by Stephen King, The Weight of Blood establishes a fresh take on the classic with a fast paced plot and characters you just have to root for. The audiobook is fantastic and made for a really enjoyable reading experience.
4. My Year of Meats by Ruth Ozeki
It might sound unbelievable, but sometimes books assigned for class can leave lasting impressions. My Year of Meats intertwines real events and fiction in order to comment on a variety of social issues, from the cruelty of the meat industry to the overpowering force of reality television in the media.
5. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Is this technically a reread? Well, yes! But The Hunger Games is so worthy of an honorable mention spot here, because it truly has become a modern classic. The themes discussed across the trilogy and the prequel continue to be incredibly relevant and reflective of our real life society. Rereading as an adult has only solidified the series as an all-time favorite.
These books have been standouts for me this year and all are insightful, encaptivating reads. When the year ends with a diverse collection of favorites, it is safe to say that it has actually been a wonderful reading year.