The Best Books of 2023, as Crowned by Amazon

Unveiling Literary Gems: The Best Books of 2023, as Crowned by Amazon

Today marks a momentous occasion for bibliophiles around the world as Amazon, the literary compass for the digital age, unveils its highly anticipated list of the Best Books of 2023. A meticulous curation of 100 literary marvels, hand-selected by Amazon’s team of astute editors, this collection transcends the realms of biographies, memoirs, nonfiction, cookbooks, history, romance, science fiction and fantasy, YA, children’s books, and more.

In a literary odyssey that spanned the scrutiny of over a thousand books, the result is a compilation that not only celebrates the established voices of seasoned writers but also welcomes the fresh, invigorating perspectives of debut authors. Amongst the pages of this literary treasure trove lies the much-anticipated cover of The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride, a poignant tale that has emerged as the crowned jewel of 2023.

Sarah Gelmen, Amazon Books‘ editorial director, shared insights into the team’s unanimous love for The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, stating, …it was James McBride’s The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store that our team unanimously fell in love with, wanting to spend time with the residents of Pottstown, Pennsylvania’s Chicken Hill neighborhood long after the last page was turned. Centered on a mysterious murder, it is, at its heart, a story of how powerful communities can be and what it means to be American, and it’s also a hopeful (and sometimes hilarious) reminder of our own capacity for kindness and compassion. Join us as we embark on a literary journey through the realms of imagination and emotion, exploring the standout works that have defined 2023’s literary landscape, according to the discerning eyes of Amazon’s editorial team.

Here are 12 of Amazon’s Best Books of 2023:

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

 In 1972, a skeleton is discovered at the bottom of a well during the construction of a new development in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. As secrets unravel, the novel explores the lives of the residents of Chicken Hill, a neighborhood where immigrant Jews and African Americans lived side by side. The story weaves together the experiences of Moshe and Chona Ludlow, who integrated a theater, and Chona’s role in protecting a deaf boy from institutionalization. Against the backdrop of racial struggles, the narrative unfolds, revealing the resilience of those living on the margins.

Get it now: Amazon

The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters

 Set in 1962, a Mi’kmaq family arrives in Maine to pick blueberries. Ruthie, the youngest daughter, mysteriously disappears, leaving her brother Joe haunted. Simultaneously, a girl named Norma grows up in Maine with a troubled family. As Norma unravels her family’s secrets, the novel explores themes of love, race, brutality, and forgiveness over nearly fifty years.

Get it now: Amazon

The Art Thief by Michael Finkel

A captivating true-crime narrative about Stéphane Breitwieser, the world’s most prolific art thief. Unlike typical thieves, Breitwieser steals for the love of art, amassing a collection displayed in secret rooms. The book chronicles his audacious heists in museums and cathedrals across Europe, leading to his eventual downfall.

Get it now: Amazon

Related: The Best Debut Books of 2023

Fourth Wing (The Empyrean Book 1) by Rebecca Yarros

A fantasy novel set in a war college for dragon riders, where Violet Sorrengail faces challenges due to her size and fragility. Dragons rarely bond with fragile humans, and with the war escalating, survival becomes even more perilous. The story unfolds in a world filled with suspense, romance, and adventure.

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King: A Life by Jonathan Eig

This biography delves into the life of Martin Luther King Jr., exploring his role in the civil rights movement, his complex relationships, and his struggles. The narrative provides a comprehensive view of MLK, incorporating recently declassified FBI files and shedding light on his personal and public life.

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Wellness by Nathan Hill

The story follows Jack and Elizabeth’s evolving love story—from their early days in the ’90s Chicago art scene to suburban married life, navigating parenthood, health pursuits, and home renovations. The novel explores contemporary societal absurdities, blending insight, irony, and heart.

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The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

 Set in Kerala, South India, spanning from 1900 to 1977, the novel follows three generations of a family plagued by a strange secret: one person in each generation dies by drowning. The narrative weaves through love, faith, and medicine, offering a masterful exploration of the characters’ lives.

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Holly by Stephen King

The return of Holly Gibney, a character from previous Stephen King novels, in a thrilling story where Holly investigates multiple disappearances in a midwestern town. As she confronts twisted adversaries and dark secrets, the novel explores themes of vengeance and mystery.

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Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson

A biography of Elon Musk, the innovative and controversial entrepreneur known for his contributions to electric vehicles, private space exploration, and artificial intelligence. The book delves into Musk’s childhood, ambitions, and the impact of his ventures on the world.

Get it now: Amazon

Related: Best Historical Fiction Releases of 2023…So Far

Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane

Set against the backdrop of Boston in the summer of 1974, the novel tells the story of Mary Pat Fennessy and the mysterious death of a young black man. Small Mercies explores family love, festering hate, and the dark heart of American racism, with an epic narrative that is both gripping and wrenching.

Get it now: Amazon

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

 The novel revolves around William Waters and Julia Padavano, whose lives become entwined within the Padavano family. As their relationships face challenges, Hello Beautiful examines the impact of love on broken individuals and explores the bonds that keep people together.

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The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann

 Based on a true story, the book follows the events surrounding the shipwreck of the British vessel Wager and the subsequent survival story of the crew. As accusations of mutiny and murder arise, a court martial ensues, revealing the shocking truth.

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Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward

Reimagining American slavery, Let Us Descend follows the story of Annis, an enslaved girl, from the rice fields of the Carolinas to a Louisiana sugar plantation. With elements of spirits, mythology, and resilience, the novel is a poignant reflection on the pre-Civil War era.

Get it now: Amazon

Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor

Set in contemporary India, Age of Vice unfolds a saga of the Wadia family, entangled in wealth, corruption, and violence. The novel follows three interconnected lives—Ajay, the servant; Sunny, the playboy heir; and Neda, the journalist—against the backdrop of seductive wealth and dark secrets.

Get it now: Amazon

The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose

The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose follows Molly Gray, the esteemed Head Maid at the Regency Grand Hotel. When world-renowned mystery author J. D. Grimthorpe is found dead on the hotel’s tearoom floor, Molly must unravel the mystery surrounding his murder. As suspects emerge and Detective Stark investigates, Molly, with her unique skills and a past connection to Grimthorpe, becomes the key to uncovering the killer’s identity. The high-profile death jeopardizes the hotel’s reputation, and Molly must navigate her memories and secrets to solve the mystery before it’s too late. A page-turning delight filled with humor, intrigue, and a touch of nostalgia, The Mystery Guest is a polished and engaging mystery novel.

Get it now: Amazon

In conclusion, Amazon’s unveiling of the Best Books of 2023 marks a literary milestone, offering a carefully curated selection of 100 captivating works that span genres and themes. The collection, meticulously chosen by Amazon’s astute editorial team, showcases a rich tapestry of established voices and fresh perspectives from debut authors across various genres, from biographies to science fiction. At the heart of this literary treasure trove is James McBride’s The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, a poignant tale that has earned its place as the crowned jewel of 2023.

From small-town secrets and haunting mysteries to thrilling crime narratives and intimate family sagas, these books promise to transport readers to compelling worlds. Whether exploring the complexities of human experience, delving into the art world’s intrigue, or reimagining historical figures, each novel on this list holds the potential to leave a lasting impact on its readers. Happy reading!