I’ve been keeping track of the books I read in GoodReads for a few years now, and I always enjoy looking back on what I read when the year is coming to a close.
In 2023, so far, I’ve read 38 books — my goal was to read 40 books, so I’m hoping to at least finish the one I’m currently reading.
Before writing this post, I looked to see my 5-star reads for 2022, and there were a TON! I also read almost double what I did this year, so…
Note, I save the 5-star ratings for books that change my LIFE! These are books that really stood out and still have me thinking.
So, here are the TOP books (rated 5 stars) I read in 2023:
‘The Anthropocene Reviewed’ by John Green | essays
Look at me, rating a book of essays with five stars! Having never enjoyed essay collections, I call this major growth.
“The Anthropocene Reviewed” was one I listened to (it’s read by the author, which is fantastic), and I loved it so much I listened to it nearly non-stop (while driving, while doing laundry, while cleaning the bathroom) until it was over.
The book is much different than Green’s fiction, but it was a look inside his mind, and while it was deeply personal to him, I could relate to so much of it.
I truly loved this one, and you can read my full book review here.
‘MAD HONEY’ by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan | Fictional crime
I saw “Mad Honey” as a monthly book recommendation and checked it out at the library, and I’m so glad I did!
The book follows the murder of a high school student in a small town, and as the investigation goes further, we learn more about the main character — a mom and a passionate beekeeper. I loved how all of it intertwined; the entire thing kept me on the edge of my seat!
Read my full book review here.
…And, those are the best books I read in 2023! I read lots of four-star books, but wanted to keep this to my tippy-top faves. I’m looking forward to seeing what books I’ll read in 2024 🙂
For more book recommendations, be sure to subscribe to the blog (look to the right) and follow me on Goodreads @thebitterlemon – where I share more of my book picks. Also, check out my printable bookmarks and Book Club Journal Pages in my Etsy Shop.
The Bitter Lemon 