Beguiled By Books

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2023 Best Books and Reading Wrap Up

It’s that time again! 2023 is done, and I’m happy to put it in the rearview mirror. I fully used The Storygraph this year because their data tracking is much better than Goodreads, and they keep delivering excellent features. Let’s get into the stats!

When I began 2023, my goal was to read more fiction - at least 75% - and I’m happy to say I got close!

A new local bookstore, Blackbird Books & Coffee, opened in July and we’ve been visiting them nearly every week (okay, sometimes multiple times per week). My physical book format purchasing has jumped up, so I expect this to increase in 2024.

I finally took the plunge into the Maas-verse this year with ACOTAR and Throne of Glass, so no surprises to SJM at the top of this list.

I read the exact same number of books, but in creased my pages, which means I’m reading bigger books! I like big books and I cannot lie….

Best Books of 2023

With all those books, you’re probably wondering which ones are the best. I did get a bit tougher with my ratings and The Storygraph lets you rate in quarters too (4.25/4.5/4.75 etc.).

Here is a pick of the best book for these categories. For the full breakdown, sign up for emails for subscriber-only activity.


Standalone Novel: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

Series: The Empyrean by Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing / Iron Flame)

Nonfiction: Outlive by Peter Attia

Going into 2024, I plan to read another 100 books, with at least 75% fiction. I’m also setting myself a goal to read the fourteen (14!) book The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan.