Best of 14 of the year books

1. Hello Beautiful

Discover the top book of the year, an insightful guide to spirituality and mindfulness for modern readers

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AuthorAnn Napolitano
PublisherThe Dial Press	Published14-03-2023
Page416	Rate 376K + ( 4.16)

• Fiction
• Contemporary
• Audiobook
• Historical Fiction

Ann Napolitano's Hello Beautiful is a captivating and emotionally resonant novel that explores the complexities of family, love, and loss. Set against the backdrop of the late 1970s, this enchanting story weaves together the lives of four sisters, each with her own unique dreams and aspirations. Drawing inspiration from Louisa May Alcott's beloved classic "Little Women," Napolitano delves into the profound bonds that unite siblings, the challenges they face, and the enduring power of love to heal even the deepest wounds.

At the heart of the novel is William Waters, a young man haunted by a traumatic past. When he meets Julia Padavano, a spirited and ambitious young woman, he finds himself drawn into the warmth and love of her close-knit family. As their relationship deepens, William's past resurfaces, threatening to shatter the newfound happiness he has found. With echoes of timeless classics, Hello Beautiful is a poignant and unforgettable tale of resilience, forgiveness, and the transformative power of human connection. This captivating novel will resonate deeply with readers of all ages, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and minds.

✨ Read more: best books october 2023

2. Tom Lake

Ann Patchett's latest novel explores the complexities of family and loss.

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AuthorAnn Patchett
PublisherHarper	Published01-08-2023
Page309	Rate 346K + ( 3.98)

• Fiction
• Contemporary
• Audiobook

Nestled amidst the tranquil landscapes of Northern Michigan, Ann Patchett's Tom Lake is a breathtaking and poignant novel that explores the enduring bonds of family, the complexities of love, and the stories that shape our lives. Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, Patchett weaves a narrative that spans generations, delving into the lives of three sisters and the secrets their mother has kept close to her heart. As the sisters gather on their family's cherry farm, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, uncovering the hidden truths and sacrifices that have shaped their own paths.

At the heart of Tom Lake is the story of Lara, a woman who has always put her family first. As she recounts her summer romance with Peter Duke, a renowned actor, her daughters are forced to confront their own relationships and the choices they have made. Through Lara's tale, Patchett explores the delicate balance between ambition, love, and the sacrifices we make for those we cherish. With her signature lyrical prose and profound insights into the human condition, Patchett has crafted a novel that resonates deeply, leaving readers with a renewed appreciation for the enduring power of family and the transformative nature of love. This thought-provoking and emotionally resonant story is a must-read for anyone seeking a captivating and meaningful literary experience.

3. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store

Discover the profound social impact of a beloved author's teachings in one of the best books of the year.

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AuthorJames McBride
PublisherRiverhead Books	Published08-08-2023
Page385	Rate 212K + ( 4)

• Fiction
• Audiobook
• Historical Fiction
• Historical
• Mystery

In the heart of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, a buried secret lies waiting to be unearthed in James McBride's The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store. This captivating novel transports readers back to 1972, where the discovery of a human skeleton during a housing development project sends shockwaves through the once-thriving neighborhood of Chicken Hill. At the center of this mystery is Chona Ludlow, the kind-hearted owner of the Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, and her husband, Moshe, a Romanian-born theater owner who dared to challenge racial boundaries.

As the novel unfolds, McBride weaves a rich tapestry of interconnected lives, each with their own hopes, dreams, and struggles. Amidst the backdrop of racial tension and social injustice, the people of Chicken Hill find solace and strength in their shared community. Through Chona's compassion and Nate Timblin's unwavering courage, they stand united against adversity, proving that love and unity can triumph over even the darkest secrets. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store is a poignant and unforgettable tale that explores the complexities of race, identity, and the enduring power of human connection. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeply moving and thought-provoking literary experience that resonates long after the final page is turned.

4. That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon

A standout work from 2022 among the best books of the year

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AuthorKimberly Lemming
PublisherKimberly Lemming	Published09-08-2021
Page260	Rate 41K + ( 3.91)

• Fiction
• Fantasy
• Paranormal

Prepare yourself for a hilarious and heartwarming adventure in Kimberly Lemming's That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon. This enchanting fantasy rom-com follows the misadventures of Cinnamon, a spice farmer with a penchant for wine, and Fallon, a demon with a thirst for vengeance. After a particularly inebriated encounter, Cinnamon finds herself entangled in Fallon's quest to overthrow an evil witch enslaving his people.

With her quick wit and unexpected bravery, Cinnamon proves to be a formidable ally, despite her initial reluctance. As they navigate treacherous landscapes and encounter colorful characters, Cinnamon and Fallon's bond deepens, blurring the lines between friendship and something more. Along the way, they discover the true nature of the Goddess they once worshipped and the secrets that have been hidden from them. That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon is a refreshing and original tale that celebrates diversity, embraces laughter, and reminds us that even the most unlikely heroes can make a difference in the world. Don't miss this captivating and utterly delightful novel that will leave you longing for more.

5. The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War

Uncover the fascinating true story of heroism and heartbreak that shaped the Civil War era, featured among the best books of the year.

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AuthorErik Larson
PublisherCrown	Published30-04-2024
Page565	Rate 22K + ( 4.24)

• Audiobook
• Nonfiction
• History
• Politics

In The Demon of Unrest, Erik Larson, the acclaimed author of The Splendid and the Vile, delves into the tumultuous period between Abraham Lincoln's election and the outbreak of the Civil War. This gripping historical narrative transports readers to a time of heightened tensions, political maneuvering, and the clash of ideologies that tore a nation apart.

Larson's meticulously researched account unfolds like a suspenseful drama, capturing the uncertainty, miscalculations, and human frailties that fueled the crisis. Through the eyes of key players, including Major Robert Anderson, Confederate firebrand Edmund Ruffin, and the conflicted Mary Boykin Chesnut, we witness the bitter debates, secessionist fervor, and the fateful decisions that led to the first shots fired at Fort Sumter. The Demon of Unrest is a timely and thought-provoking exploration of the forces that can lead even the most stable societies to the brink of disaster. It serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of democracy and the importance of understanding the lessons of history. This captivating and insightful book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of one of the most pivotal moments in American history.

6. Long Island

Journey through familial bonds, love, and loss in one of the best books of the year.

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AuthorColm Tóibín
PublisherScribner	Published07-05-2024
Page294	Rate 32K + ( 3.82)

• Fiction
• Audiobook
• Historical Fiction
• Historical
• Literary Fiction

Long Island is undeniably one of the most captivating novels of the year, a profoundly moving and intense story that delves into the complexities of secrecy, misunderstanding, and the enduring bonds of love. Colm Tóibín, the critically acclaimed author of "Brooklyn," returns to the enigmatic character of Eilis Lacey in this extraordinary sequel set two decades later.

In the tranquil cul-de-sacs of Long Island, Eilis finds herself trapped in a marriage that has lost its spark. When a stranger arrives at her doorstep with a shocking revelation, she is forced to confront decades of unspoken desires and regrets. With exquisite prose and a deep understanding of the human psyche, Tóibín weaves an unforgettable tapestry of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. Prepare to be swept away by the captivating journey of Eilis Lacey, as she grapples with the choices she has made and the secrets that have shaped her life.

7. All Fours

Discover practical life lessons from one of the best books of the year.

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AuthorMiranda July
PublisherRiverhead Books	Published14-05-2024
Page336	Rate 29K + ( 3.81)

• Fiction
• Contemporary
• Audiobook

If you reveled in the groundbreaking spirit of "Gone With the Wind," then prepare yourself for the audacious and unforgettable reading experience of All Fours, a New York Times bestseller by the inimitable Miranda July.

In this exhilarating novel, July transports us into the world of an unnamed female artist who embarks on a cross-country road trip that quickly spirals into a profound journey of self-discovery. With her trademark wit, irreverence, and keen eye for the absurd, July paints a vivid portrait of a woman navigating the complexities of modern life - the weight of societal expectations, the fluidity of relationships, and the relentless march of time. Through her protagonist's unfiltered and often hilarious lens, July challenges our preconceived notions of love, sex, and domesticity, leaving us both deeply entertained and profoundly moved.

8. The Singularity Is Nearer: When We Merge with AI

Discover the cutting-edge insights on AI integration in daily life from one of the best books of the year

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AuthorRay Kurzweil
PublisherViking	Published25-06-2024
Page432	Rate 915 + ( 3.93)

• Audiobook
• Nonfiction
• Science
• Philosophy
• Technology

As Ray Kurzweil famously said, "Every story is a journey into the reader's heart." This is especially true of The Singularity Is Nearer, a groundbreaking work that explores the transformative potential of technology and its profound implications for humanity.

Kurzweil, a renowned inventor and futurist, paints a vivid picture of a future where artificial intelligence (AI) and other exponential technologies merge with our own intelligence, leading to a "Singularity" - a point of no return where human progress becomes virtually unstoppable. Drawing on decades of research, Kurzweil explores the potential benefits and perils of this technological revolution, from the eradication of disease and poverty to the potential for AI to surpass human intelligence. Thought-provoking and deeply insightful, The Singularity Is Nearer is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of humanity and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.

9. The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder

Uncover the harrowing tale of survival, mutiny, and murder in one of the best books of the year.

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AuthorDavid Grann
PublisherDoubleday	Published18-04-2023
Page331	Rate 131K + ( 4.19)

• Audiobook
• Adventure
• Historical

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey into the annals of maritime history with The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder, a captivating work by the #1 New York Times bestselling author David Grann.

In 1740, His Majesty's Ship the Wager embarked on a perilous mission during the War of Jenkins' Ear. When the vessel was wrecked on a desolate island off the coast of Patagonia, the survivors faced unimaginable hardships and descended into anarchy. As accusations of treachery and murder flew, a court martial was convened to determine the truth behind the crew's ordeal. Grann meticulously recreates this extraordinary tale, weaving together firsthand accounts and historical documents to reveal the darker side of human nature at its extremes. With the suspense of a thriller and the authenticity of a historical masterpiece, The Wager is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

10. Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI

Best books of the year shed light on the Osage murders and the FBI's origins.

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AuthorDavid Grann
PublisherVintage	Published10-10-2023
Page416	Rate 379K + ( 4.14)

• Audiobook
• Historical
• Mystery
• Crime

In the annals of American history lies a chilling tale of greed, murder, and the birth of a legendary law enforcement agency. Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI unveils the shocking true story of the Osage Nation, once the wealthiest people per capita in the world.

As oil was discovered beneath their land in the 1920s, the Osage faced a sinister threat: a series of brutal murders that targeted their families. Determined to unravel the mystery, the newly formed FBI dispatched a team led by Tom White, a former Texas Ranger. White's undercover investigation exposed a web of corruption and conspiracy that extended far beyond the small town of Pawhuska, Oklahoma. With meticulous research and gripping storytelling, David Grann reconstructs this forgotten chapter, revealing the dark forces that led to the Osage murders and the heroic efforts of those who brought the killers to justice. Killers of the Flower Moon is a haunting reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

11. The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon

Discover the deadly obsession that captivated explorers in the Amazon, as revealed in one of the year's best books

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AuthorDavid Grann
PublisherDoubleday/Random House (NY)	Published24-02-2009
Page339	Rate 99K + ( 3.89)

• Audiobook
• Adventure
• Historical
• Nonfiction

In the annals of exploration, the name Percy Fawcett looms large as a legendary figure whose quest for the Lost City of Z became an obsession that consumed his life and the lives of countless others. The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon is the gripping account of Fawcett's enigmatic journey and the intrepid writer David Grann's own quest to unravel the mystery surrounding his disappearance.

Driven by a trove of hidden diaries, Grann delves deep into the Amazonian wilderness, retracing Fawcett's perilous steps. As he uncovers clues and encounters the descendants of Fawcett's companions, Grann becomes increasingly entangled in the allure of the Lost City of Z. With each revelation, the lines between past and present blur, and Grann finds himself drawn into a web of danger and obsession that mirrors Fawcett's own fateful expedition. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Grann paints a mesmerizing portrait of a man consumed by the Amazon's secrets and the unyielding allure of discovery. The Lost City of Z is a thrilling adventure, a historical enigma, and a profound meditation on the human spirit's unyielding pursuit of the unknown.

12. The Berry Pickers

Discover spiritual growth and inner peace with one of the best books of the year.

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AuthorAmanda Peters
PublisherCatapult	Published31-10-2023
Page307	Rate 108K + ( 4.13)

• Fiction
• Contemporary
• Audiobook
• Historical Fiction
• Mystery

If you loved the classic 'The Vanishing Half' and 'Woman of Light,' then you absolutely cannot miss "The Berry Pickers" the stunning debut novel by Amanda Peters. Named one of the Best books of the year, this gripping and emotionally resonant story has captivated readers with its haunting mystery and unforgettable characters.

Set in the remote blueberry fields of Maine, the novel follows two intertwined narratives that span decades. In 1962, a young Mi'kmaq girl named Ruthie goes missing, leaving her family devastated and the community in shock. Years later, Norma, a young woman burdened by recurring dreams, uncovers a family secret that forces her to confront the shadows of the past. With its nuanced portrayal of grief, resilience, and the complexities of family, "The Berry Pickers" is a tour de force that will linger in your thoughts long after you finish reading it.

13. The God of Endings

Discover the path to inner peace and mindfulness with one of the best books of the year

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AuthorJacqueline Holland
PublisherFlatiron Books	Published07-03-2023
Page480	Rate 9K + ( 3.8)

• Fiction
• Fantasy
• Horror

This is a book that everyone should read at least once in their lifetime! "The God of Endings" by Jacqueline Holland is a stunning debut novel that has earned its place among the Best books of the year. Set against the backdrop of upstate New York's haunting beauty, this atmospheric and evocative tale explores the nature of immortality, the complexities of human relationships, and the enduring power of art.

At the heart of the story is Collette LeSange, a centuries-old vampire who has witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations. Despite her long and tumultuous life, Collette has managed to maintain her humanity, finding solace in her love of art and her unwavering determination to protect the innocent. However, her carefully constructed existence is shattered by the arrival of a troubled child and the return of a malevolent force from her past. As Collette's hunger for blood grows stronger, she must confront her own mortality and the darkness that threatens to consume her. With its lyrical prose, unforgettable characters, and profound insights into the human condition, "The God of Endings" is a truly exceptional novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

14. The Au Pair Affair

A Standout Work from 2023 joins the Best Books of the Year

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AuthorTessa Bailey
PublisherAvon	Published16-07-2024
Page384	Rate 29K + ( 3.7)

• Contemporary
• Sports
• Romance
• Adult

In today's fast-paced world, we often get lost in work and forget the value of family. "The Au Pair Affair" by Tessa Bailey is a precious reminder of what truly matters, offering a heartwarming and humorous take on the complexities of modern relationships. Named one of the Best books of the year, this delightful novel follows the unlikely romance between Tallulah, a vivacious and broke marine biology student, and Burgess, a burly and surly single dad.

When Tallulah takes on the role of live-in nanny for Burgess's introverted tween daughter, she quickly discovers that her charge isn't the only one who needs a little help fitting in. Despite his reputation as a battle-scarred hockey veteran, Burgess finds himself drawn to Tallulah's quirky charm and adventurous spirit. As boundaries blur and chemistry ignites, Burgess must confront the baggage of his past and decide if he's ready to give love another chance. With its relatable characters, sizzling romance, and thoughtful exploration of family dynamics, "The Au Pair Affair" is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of second chances.