Dec. 11, 2023 – As 2023 draws to a close, we're looking back on the best books we read over the last year. Library staff recommended some of their favorite reads of the year, from novels to nonfiction. Most were published in 2023, but some are older. All are available in our catalog – scroll through the titles below and click the covers to put them on hold.

"Small Mercies" by Dennis Lehane

"Small Mercies" is a 2023 crime-mystery novel by Dennis Lehane.  It had so many elements I appreciate in a book and moves forward quickly. The story takes place in the summer of 1974 in Boston and centers around racial tensions and Irish mob conflicts in the days approaching the first day of school during the Boston busing crisis. The significance of the book's title made me audibly gasp.

- Jo-Ann, Public Service Associate

"Shadow and Bone" by Leigh Bardugo

The best books I read in 2023 were the "Shadow and Bone" trilogy. This series by Leigh Bardugo follows the story of Alina Starkov, a soldier and orphan who grew up in a war-torn country.  Alina soon discovers she possesses magical abilities which may help save her people and country. These books build a rich fantasy world of magic and intrigue as she tries to discern friend from foe.

- Elysha, Patron Services Specialist

"The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi" by S.A. Chakraborty

This is just a lovely fantasy romp. The world building and characters are complex and interesting. Who can resist a notorious but retired sea captain rounding up the crew for one last adventure to defeat monster after monster?  Amina is such an unforgettable character – she’s smart – she’s strong – and though she may not admit it – a caring leader.

- Jen, Programming Librarian

"The House in the Cerulean Sea" by TJ Klune

One of my favorite reads this year was "The House in the Cerulean Sea" by TJ Klune. Having accurate and positive queer representation in stories is so important, and while I wasn't sure if a fantasy/science fiction novel was going to be something I would enjoy, this one was a pleasant surprise. I typically stick to historical fiction and non-fiction. Next year I intend to read other novels written by this author. Glad I took the chance and committed to this one! 

- Erin, Opportunity Center Program Coordinator

"Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster" by Jon Krakauer

As someone who reads mostly fiction, I was greatly surprised by how this book read as a story. Despite the tragic and preventable events on Mt. Everest in 1996, Krakauer was able to create a very engaging and page-turning depiction of his recollection on the summit. It also made me take a step back and think about our relationship with nature, other humans, and the things that we try to conquer as both individuals and a species.

- Jacob, Event Specialist

"Small Mercies" by Dennis Lehane

"Small Mercies" is a 2023 crime-mystery novel by Dennis Lehane. It had so many elements I appreciate in a book and moves forward quickly. The story takes place in the summer of 1974 in Boston and centers around racial tensions and Irish mob conflicts in the days approaching the first day of school during the Boston busing crisis. The significance of the book's title made me audibly gasp.

- Jo-Ann, Public Service Associate

"The Lost Wife" by Susanna Moore

This book is based on the true story of a woman who was taken prisoner in the Sioux Conflict in 1862, in the Dakotas.  Rich descriptions take the reader along with the main character as she faces great tragedy, but also comes to understand the other side of this terrible conflict, through her experiences living with her Sioux captors. It is a raw story of survival and brings to light history that is difficult to reconcile.

- Tricia, Patron Services Specialist

"The Bandit Queens" by Parini Shroff

Looking for a fast-paced intrigue of a novel with great ironic humor? Try "The Bandit Queens" by Parini Shroff! Geeta is an Indian woman in her late 30s whose husband disappeared five years ago. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately?), the people in Geeta's village believe she murdered and disposed of her husband, making her a social pariah. For Geeta, this just means that she can live her life as she wants now that her abusive husband is gone. However, a few of the women in Geeta's village latch onto her for help planning their own husband's murders. 

As Geeta juggles expanding her fine jewelry business, keeping other villagers from blackmailing her, and determining what to do about her neighbors' loathsome husbands, she learns who are true friends and who are taking advantage of her. Readers will cheer Geeta on as she attempts to become a successful and self-sufficient woman in a village that doesn't always value the achievements and contributions of women. I highly recommend this great debut novel!

- Renee, Programming Librarian

"Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt

My recommendation for 2023 is "Remarkably Bright Creatures." This book is a beautiful story told from a variety of unique viewpoints, including Marcellus, a 60-pound octopus. It explores themes of loneliness and self-discovery, something most of us can relate to at some point in our lives.

- Amber, Community Relations Manager

"The Covenant of Water" by Abraham Verghese

This rich family saga unfolds over decades, similar in a general tone to Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "One-Hundred Years of Solitude." A family "curse" afflicts various family members each generation. They meet tragic early ends specifically in the presence of water. The soul and strength of the family is carried within the matriarch, Mariamma. Her dedication to family and hard agrarian work carries her and her family forward, sustaining all. Although over 700 pages, which required a book renewal, I could not stop reading. I highly recommend it.

- Andrea, Patron Services Specialist

"Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros

Join Violet Sorrengail as she embarks on a perilous journey to become one of Navarre’s elite dragon riders! If you like fantasy fiction with a hefty dose of romance, intriguing characters, outstanding world building and, oh yes, dragons, then this book is for you. Definitely a book I couldn’t put down. Its sequel, "Iron Flame," is equally fantastic. I'm not exactly patiently waiting for the next book in the series …

- Kristine, Materials Librarian