23 Books to Read in 2023
23 Books to Read in 2023
It's that time of year again where we make new years resolutions. Sometimes we stick to those resolutions and sometimes we don't. I like to think of them as more as guidelines that we make.
This year I'm making a list of twenty-three books I wish to read in 2023. Now. To some of you bookworms you make think that as a low target, others may think it's high. However, in the past two years I've read seventeen books. I know it doesn't sound great, but I've struggled a lot mentally and physically and now I'm back on the mend I wish to find my reading mojo back.
So, you're probably wondering what is on my list?
I have nineteen books on my list of twenty-three and that is because I have simply left four open for those surprise reads that I will no doubt have at some point. Without further ado, here's my list with the reasonings as to why I want to read them.
1. Die Trying by Lee Child
I read the first Jack Reacher novel almost 3 years ago now and I absolutely loved it. I want to see how Jack develops as a character as well as see how the writing changes as Lee Child writes Jack from different perspectives (or so I've been led to believe) so I'm really looking forward to this one.
2. Rivals by Jilly Cooper
As some of you may know, I started Rivals back in 2020 and I stopped halfway through. This was down to the HUGE amount of reading I was required to do for my university course. I'm wanting to read/ finish this book so I can do another running commentary but also because I really enjoyed reading Riders and that book still lives rent free in my head and I read in back in June/July 2020.
3. Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar
I very rarely read YA books, however, after reading Heartstopper by Alice Oseman I've been drawn to the category. I also saw a lot of hype over this book and the one thing that really drew me to this one in particular is the fact the two main characters are Muslim and part of the LGBTQ+ community. Something I never saw or read about when I was at school and I'm twenty-two.
4. The Cornish Cream Tea Summer by Cressida McLaughlin
I read the first of the Cornish Cream series when it first came out with the intentions of reading the rest of them and I haven't even read number 2! So I really want to rectify that by reading the next one as McLaughlin's writing is just so beautiful and true to heart.
5. Us by David Nicholls
I bought this book on the day I met my partner for the very first time, so maybe is the time to actually read this one. I love Nicholl's writing and Us is the only novel I have no idea what the story is about as I've watched the adaptations of his other novels before reading them which was a mistake.
6. House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J Maas
This book I have seen EVERYWHERE! I've never read Sarah J Maas and the bookseller at Waterstones was very convincing at the counter at convincing me to get this as it's not only a great book but also is half price. I'm also interested in giving a fantasy read ago, the only fantasies I've read is The Hobbit. I have no idea what it is about only that it's a very long book so it should be fun.
7. The Promise of Summer by Bella Osborne
Bella Osborne is one of the best romcom writers.
8. Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
I read the first one and now I wish to read the second. I did think the first one was overrated but I'm hoping the next one in the series is better.
9. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
I've had this on my bookshelf for years. Ever since the film came out and because I watched the film I never thought of reading the book. So I definitely want to give it a go.
10. PS. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern
I read one of Cecelia Ahern's books years ago and I fell in love with her writing. I also loved the film and I want to see how the book differs from the adaptation. I also feel like this book will make me cry floods.
11. The First Time I saw You by Emma Cooper
Emma Cooper just knows how to write a full rounded romantic novel that is sure to get your emotions running. I'm hoping this is going to be a proper feel-good story.
12. Solitaire by Alice Oseman
I really enjoyed Oseman's graphic novels so I'm intrigued to see what her YA novels are like, starting with Solitaire. Plus Charlie's sister is one of my favourite characters from the graphic novels.
13. After You by Jojo Moyes
I read Me Before You a few years back and I was surprisingly shocked how much I loved it compared to the film. I thought Lou a great character and I want to see where her story leads her.
14. Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane
I haven't read McFarlane's books in ages and when I bought this I heard lots of crap reviews and it put me off it. However, that's someone else's opinion, mine might be completely different.
15. Simon Vs the Homosapien Agenda by Becky Albertalli
Loved the film and I also love how much this book means to so many homosexual boys. The Irish Reader (YouTube) loves this book and holds in it such high regard I want to actually read it for myself.
16. The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
The past two novels by Lucy Foley have been exceptional so I'm really looking forward to reading this one.
17. Careless by Kirsty Capes
I was engaged by the premise of this novel as it is about a girl who finds out she is pregnant and there is a lot of conflicting aspects to it if I remember rightly.
18. The No-Show by Beth O'Leary
I like Beth O'Leary's storytelling.
19. The Retreat by Sarah Pearse
I received a copy of this book from the publishers before it came out in return for a review and I never got round to it so I bought my own copy to make up for that. I also really liked The Sanatorium.
20. Surprise Novel
21. Surprise Novel
22. Another Surprise Novel
23. And you guessed it... Another Surprised Novel.
That's the end of my list. Each book I read from the list I will review, even if I do not finish them. At the end of the day, books are meant to enjoy regardless of whether they are new releases or old. Let's share the book love.
After all, tomorrow is another day best spent reading.
Till next time,
Phoebe x