2023 is days from being over and I cannot believe how quickly this year went. I have managed to surpass my reading goal of 125 books and while I read quite a bit, I had more than a few months with no five star reads. When you read as much as I do, it’s hard to be blown away by books, but there were some standout books that BOTM had this year and I feel lucky to have read them. Most of the books I read are Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) so I tend to go into books blind, and I’m always thrilled to see quirky books and debuts make the cut for BOTM. I was also very surprised when I was putting my list together that not a single one fell into the thriller/mystery genre. Two of my favorites do have mystery plot lines but the mystery wasn’t even what made them stand out to me.

I managed to read about half of this year’s BOTM picks and 5 of my Top 10 reads from 2023 are actually BOTM picks. In case you’re looking back at this year’s picks and wanting to pick some up as late Christmas presents to yourself (I won’t tell), I decided to break down my favorite and least favorite picks from this year. I also have put together a comprehensive list of all the 2023 BOTM picks I’ve read this year as well, with links to my reviews. If you don’t see a particular book review on this list, make sure to check out my comprehensive list.

I normally like to share my least favorites as well but I really only have one book that I did not finish and I don’t think it’s fair to nit bit my three star reads. So I’m only sharing my DNF and if you are curious about any other BOTM books from this year, feel free to send me a message either in the comments, on Instagram (@speakingof.books), or on TikTok (@speakingof.books).

ALL 2023 BOTM PICKS I’VE READ

My Favorites

When I originally sat down to right this list, it was easy to pick out four books that really stood out to me. I was having such a hard time narrowing down my 5th pick, until I read The Frozen River last week, and it easily clinched the final spot in my 2023 BOTM favorites list. I loved each of these books for different reasons and all of them have made my overall Top Ten list for the year. Books like these remind me exactly why I love to read and I’m so thankful to have received ARCs of 4 out of 5 of these books.

MAAME REVIEW

One of my first reads of 2023, I was surprised to love this debut coming-of-age literary fiction. It was nothing and everything I expected. With a slow start, it took me about 20% of the book to feel invested in Maddie’s story but once I was, I adored it. Maddie is quirky and this is a perfect book for any young adults struggling to find their place in the world. As a note MAAME is currently a KindleUnlimited offering, so if you have the subscription be sure to grab it!

THE ADVENTURES OF AMINA AL-SIRAFI REVIEW

I’ve been enjoying The Daevabad Trilogy this year, and while I have the final book in the series to still read, I felt confident enough in Chakraborty’s writing to grab The Adventures of Amina al Sirafi. Filled with magic, humor, history, and adventure I adored this story. Based on the ending I’m hoping four additional books but would still be okay with a trilogy! Book 2 doesn’t even have a title though, and I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy! This is also an excellent audiobook!

THE FROZEN RIVER REVIEW

The Frozen River is a beautiful historical fiction story based on the true story of a 18th century midwife. It’s beautifully written and has the perfect mixture of mystery tied into the historical fiction portion of the book. It was a pleasure to experience this story and learn about a small-town champion of women. I was also able to listen this one on audio in between reading my BOTM copy, and the narration is wonderful.

SHARK HEART REVIEW

The quirkiest little love story I didn’t know I needed. I read this a few months before publication and honestly you have to go into it blind. I know it sounds weird, but it just works! I adored this debut and if you even remotely like magical realism then please read this book.

THE RIVER WE REMEMBER REVIEW

William Ken Krueger may have been a repeat BOTM and established author, but this the first book I read from him. A police procedural and a slow burn mystery rolled into one. Krueger has excellently portrayed the impact war has on one small community, years later. Set in the small farming town of Jewel, Minnesota, The River We Remember is a story of how life continues on and how our pasts impact our future. Highly recommend and I have This TenderLand and a few others from him on my list to read for 2024.

DNF

The Half Moon I think can appeal to certain readers but I’m not in a headspace to be ‘that’ reader. Dealing with the aftermath of fertility issues, the story between Malcolm Gephardt and his wife has such a slow start & middle. I tried to read this back April but some of the content was a little too close to home for me at the time, so I will say this might entirely be a me problem. However, the blurbs I read mentioned this was a quick read and at barely over 300 pages, it felt three times as long. If I’m feeling ambitious, I may go back to finish it, but for not it’s a DNF.

What were some of your favorite and least favorite BOok of the Month picks from 2023? let me know in the comments on Instagram (@speakingof.books), or on TikTok (@speakingof.books).