My Favourite Books of 2023

My Favourite Books of 2023 

By Kate O’Brien. 

Another year is coming to an end. Next week I’ll be publishing my last piece of 2023 and then I’ll be taking a break before getting back into it in the New Year. 

It has been a busy year filled with books. Seeing as everyone is winding down for Christmas, I decided that I wanted to share my favourite books of 2023. 

I’ve got a mix of fiction, classics, and children’s picture books that I loved and I’ll be sharing them in no particular order. 

Without further ado, here are my favourite books of 2023. 

The Land of Lost Things by John Connolly.

I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel to The Book of Lost Things. 

Connolly’s unique twists on classic fairy tales are a treat to read. He expertly builds fantasy worlds filled with friends and foes. Poignant, adventurous, and filled with intrigue, I was delighted by this book this year. It is one of my top reads. 

Scissorella by Clare Helen Walsh. 

Sticking with the fairy tale theme for a moment, a picture book that I loved this year was this artistic take on Cinderella. Walsh’s take beautifully tells this classic tale through pop ups and cut outs, ideal for anyone who loves theatre or puppetry. It is a beauty on my bookshelf, and I’d highly recommend it if you’re looking for a gift for a young fairy tale lover. 

Tiffany & Co. The Story Behind the Style by Rachael Taylor.

This is another beautiful book that would be a lovely gift. When I spotted the iconic Tiffany blue cover I had to investigate and I was delighted to find this amazing book all about the iconic brand. Filled with history and stunning photographs, I loved learning more about how Tiffany & Co. became the cultural staple that it is today. There is no mistaking the reputation behind those little blue boxes. 

Monster Island by Freddie Alexander. 

Returning to fantasy now, I loved the premise of this book. What would happen if the monsters under the bed were real after all? Sam is about to find out when she moves in with her grandad. I really enjoyed this book. The thing that I love most about this book is that it is the perfect “starter scare”, for younger readers. Great for kids who want to experience a little thrill, I’ve been recommending this book again and again. 

Girls Who Slay Monsters by Ellen Ryan. 

Another amazing read. I absolutely loved this book. From the beautiful illustrations to the stories that Ellen Ryan has brought to live, this book was a treat. I described it as a book of passionate stories that are passionately told in my review and I stand by that. In this book, Ellen Ryan has brought female agency to the centre of her work. I’d have loved to read something like this when I was thirteen, and I believe this book will comfort and inspire young readers. 

My review of Gods Don’t Cry by Ellen Ryan will be my first review of 2024. 

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. 

I’ve spent the last year and a half writing my master’s dissertation, and I spent lots of time reading and studying A Little Princess. I read this story for the first time when I was young. I’ve come back to it many times throughout the years and after receiving my master’s degree, it will always have a special place in my heart. If you have not read it, I would highly recommend it, especially if you like period pieces. 

These are just a few of the books that I enjoyed this year, but when I sat down to write this list, these were the books that immediately came to mind. If you have not read them yet, then I hope you’ve got some new inspiration about what you’ll read next. 

#letstalkaboutliterature