It is tough to pick just one favorite book of the year, but BCPL staff share some of the best books they read in 2023. From fantasy lovers to heartwarming stories to mysterious plot twists, there is a little bit of everything!
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Favorite 2023 read for Debbie, Youth Services Associate
I did the audiobook version from Libby, which was quite a long wait but so worth it. This is a story of a brilliant, young, single-parent female scientist struggling against the expectations of the 1950’s. It features timeless themes of love, loss, and trying to live your best life.
By the Book: A Meant To Be Novel by Jasmine Guillory
Favorite 2023 read for Becca, Youth Services Associate
I absolutely love fairytale retellings, and this was a wonderfully written modern take on Beauty and the Beast.
Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree
Favorite 2023 read for Hypha, Public Service Associate
It was such a soft book about people being kind to one another, while also sticking it to mean and arrogant people. Easily a book meant for everyone to enjoy.
The Guncle by Steven Crowley
Favorite 2023 read for Cindy, YS Collection Development Librarian
I picked it up because the cover made it seem like it was a light read. It wasn’t a light read, dealing with death, addiction, and a mid life crisis, but the characters’ witty banter and their love for each other made it a book I will always treasure.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Favorite 2023 read for Karen, Public Service Associate/Page Manager
I enjoyed the dragons, world building, great magic system, and romance.
Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
Favorite 2023 read for Jenn, Page
This book came to me at the right place and the right time. I have never met characters so real that you could meet them in the next room. Before I knew it I was at the last page when I wanted it to continue. I will never stop recommending this.
Babel by R.F. Kuang
Favorite read for Lindsay, Youth Services Librarian
Her writing style drew me in completely, and I loved the story. It took a typical dark academia novel to the next level, exploring the real dark sides of academia and including some fantasy elements.
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
Favorite 2023 read for Lauren, Youth Services Circulation Assistant.
Tress was an amazing fairy tale. Although it is part of a larger world and plot known as the Cosmere, it is still a great standalone read. It was inspired by the Princess Bride, which makes it even more amazing!
Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman
Favorite 2023 read for Dana, Public Service Associate.
A superbly written YA story about living with mental illness. Eye-opening and informative.
A Sudden Light by Garth Stein
Favorite 2023 read for Sheila, Circulation Assistant.
A novel that showcases family trials and tribulations trying to connect the past with the present. This story has the history of the Pacific Northwest, wood barons, ghosties and unkept promises that keep you moving through the drama of past and present relationships.
Circe by Madeline Miller
Favorite 2023 read for Sarah, Page.
I’ve always loved Greek mythology and this retelling was one of the best that I’ve come across. This book does a wonderful job of telling Circe’s story.
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Guide for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Favorite 2023 read for Suzanne, Circulation Assistant
This is a fun one! It is a perfect summer read. I love Vera. She is honest and forthright. She feels everyone should just say what they are thinking and feeling and stop wasting time. Almost all of the characters, except for Vera, suffer from extreme self-esteem and confidence issues, however, Vera is there to help in her own domineering way.
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
Favorite 2023 read for Cara, Early Literacy Librarian.
This whirlwind romance is also seven years in the making, as the book involves a magical apartment that allows for limited time travel. Poston is one of my new favorite authors!
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Macksey
Favorite 2023 read for Lacy, Videographer and Content Creator
I love this heartwarming and beautifully illustrated book! It follows a group of unlikely friends on their journey. It explores themes of friendship, kindness, and self-discovery that can resonate with people of all ages. It’s a comforting tale that I highly recommend! I’ll definitely revisit this one often!
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Favorite 2023 read for Stella, Community Events Liaison
This book spans the lifetime of creative partners Sam and Sadie as they code video games and rise to fame. I’m not really a gamer, but I was sucked into this narrative of video game design, friendship, disability, identity, and play.
