The Popular Books Challenge: How Many of the Most Popular Books of 2023 Have You Read?
As book lovers, we are constantly on the lookout for the next captivating story to dive into. Goodreads, the popular online platform for book recommendations, provides us with a wealth of information about the books that are making waves in the literary world.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the most popular books of 2023, as labeled by Goodreads. Whether you’re an avid reader or simply curious about the literary landscape, join us as we delve into these intriguing titles and see how many of them you’ve had the chance to read.
From heart-pounding thrillers to soul-stirring romances, mind-bending science fiction to powerful historical sagas, the literary landscape of 2023 has something for every taste and preference. Our challenge is simple yet enticing: how many of these remarkable works have you devoured? It’s time to embark on a literary adventure and discover if you’re up to date with the most popular books that have captured readers’ hearts and minds.
Happy Place by Emily Henry
Emily Henry, the #1 New York Times bestselling author, takes us on a journey with Harriet and Wyn, a couple who broke up six months ago but decide to pretend they are still together during their annual vacation with friends. Set in a Maine cottage, this glittering and wise novel explores the complexities of love, friendship, and the lengths we go to protect those we care about.
Spare by Prince Harry
Prince Harry, with the help of acclaimed ghostwriter J.R. Moehringer, shares his deeply personal story in Spare. From the loss of his mother, Princess Diana, to his struggles with grief, mental health, and navigating life in the public eye, Prince Harry provides raw and unflinching honesty in this landmark publication.
Things We Hide from the Light by Lucy Score
In this emotionally charged novel, Lucy Score introduces us to Nash Morgan, a police chief recovering from a traumatic event, and Lina, his next-door neighbor. Both carrying their own secrets, they find solace and a deep connection in each other’s arms. However, the risks they take to explore their intense physical and emotional bond threaten to unravel their lives.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Rebecca Yarros invites us into a brutal and elite world of dragon riders at a war college. Violet Sorrengail, a young woman considered fragile in a world of powerful dragons, faces incredible odds as she fights for her place among the candidates. As war looms and secrets unfold, Violet must rely on her wits and uncover the truth behind a terrible secret.
All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham
Isabelle Drake’s life was shattered when her son was taken from his crib in the middle of the night. Struggling with insomnia and consumed by the need to find her child, Isabelle agrees to be interviewed by a true-crime podcaster. However, as memories from her own past resurface, she begins to question her recollection of the night her son disappeared, as well as the trustworthiness of those around her.
The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden
Douglas Garrick hires a housemaid, not knowing the dark secrets she hides. As their lives become intertwined, Douglas becomes suspicious of his wife’s mysterious illness and the bloodstains on her nightgowns. Unsettled by what he discovers, Douglas vows to protect his wife at any cost, unaware of the depths to which he must sink to keep his own secrets hidden.
Final Offer by Lauren Asher
Callahan Kane, the black sheep of the Kane family, returns to Lake Wisteria after his grandfather’s will changes everything. To receive his inheritance, Callahan must spend a summer at the family lake house, only to discover that his childhood best friend, Lana Castillo, claims ownership of the house. As tensions rise, old feelings resurface, and Callahan and Lana must confront their shared past and the possibilities of a future together.
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
Sally Milz, a comedy writer for a late-night show, is disillusioned with love until she meets Noah Brewster, a charismatic pop star. Their connection is undeniable, but Sally can’t help but wonder if a relationship between them is possible. Curtis Sittenfeld explores the neurosis-inducing and heart-fluttering wonder of love, while delving into the social rituals of romance and gender relations in the modern age.
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
Hello Beautiful tells the story of William Waters, a man haunted by a tragic past and his damaged relationship with his parents. When he meets Julia Padavano and her three sisters, his life takes a different turn. But when darkness from his past resurfaces, the loyalty between the sisters and the power of love are put to the ultimate test.
What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall
Naomi Shaw’s life was forever changed when she and her friends witnessed a murder in the woods as children. Years later, she is determined to uncover the truth behind the crime and the flawed investigation that followed. Kate Alice Marshall weaves a tale of mystery and deception, where the consequences of long-buried secrets threaten to tear apart the lives of those involved.
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
Dr. Briana Ortiz’s life is in disarray following her divorce and her brother’s urgent need for a kidney transplant. When she receives a letter from a man named Jacob Maddox, her life takes an unexpected turn. Abby Jimenez explores the power of connection and second chances as Briana and Jacob navigate a relationship built on letters and unforeseen circumstances.
The Right Move by Liz Tomforde
Ryan Kane, the newest captain of the Devils, Chicago’s NBA team, finds his life turned upside down when his childhood best friend, Indy Ivers, moves into his apartment. As they navigate their complex history and pretend to be a couple, their lives become intertwined in unexpected ways. Liz Tomforde explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the challenges of pretending in this captivating novel.
Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune
Fern Brookbanks dreads returning home after her parents’ death, but circumstances lead her back to her family’s lakeside resort. As she deals with the challenges of running the resort, she reunites with Will Baxter, a figure from her past. Carley Fortune weaves a tale of second chances and self-discovery, as Fern and Will confront their shared history and the possibilities of a future together.
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
In Yellowface, authors June Hayward and Athena Liu were meant to be twin rising stars in the literary world. When June witnesses Athena’s death, she seizes an opportunity and claims Athena’s just-finished masterpiece as her own. R.F. Kuang explores themes of identity, diversity, and cultural appropriation as June navigates the consequences of her actions.
I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai
Bodie Kane, a film professor and podcaster, is drawn back to her past when she learns of her former roommate Thalia Keith’s murder. As she delves into the case, she questions the flawed investigation and the truths she once believed. Rebecca Makkai explores themes of memory, friendship, and the power of questioning in this gripping novel.
How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
Grady Hendrix takes on the haunted house in this thrilling novel. When Louise’s parents die, she must face the daunting task of dealing with her family home, filled with remnants of her father’s academic career and her mother’s obsession with puppets and dolls. With her brother Mark’s help, Louise intends to get the house ready for sale. However, they soon discover that some houses don’t want to be sold, and their home has other plans for them.
Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo
In this sequel by Leigh Bardugo, the Ivy League is going straight to hell. Alex Stern, determined to break her friend Darlington out of purgatory, embarks on a dangerous mission. Forbidden from seeking help from the Ninth House, Alex assembles a team of dubious allies to save her friend. Together, they must navigate arcane texts and uncover closely guarded secrets while confronting monsters and a darkness lurking within the university’s walls.
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
Elsie Hannaway, a theoretical physicist, leads a double life as a fake girlfriend. However, when she encounters Jack Smith, the older brother of her favorite client and the person responsible for ruining her mentor’s career, Elsie finds herself torn between scholarly sabotage and the possibility of love. As she faces an all-out war of scholarly sabotage, Elsie must decide if falling into an experimentalist’s orbit will tempt her to put her guarded theories on love into practice.
The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes
Maya, who witnessed her friend’s sudden and mysterious death in her past, sets out on a journey to uncover answers. Plagued by hazy memories and lost time, Maya discovers a recent YouTube video in which a young woman dies while sitting across from Frank, the enigmatic man who was present during her friend’s death. Maya returns to her Berkshires hometown to relive that fateful summer, unearthing fragments of her past and hidden messages that lead her back to Frank’s cabin.
Maame by Jessica George
Maddie’s life in London is far from rewarding, but when her mother returns from Ghana, she seizes the opportunity to escape the family home and experience important firsts. As Maddie navigates flat sharing, after-work drinks, career ambitions, and internet dating, tragedy strikes, forcing her to confront her unconventional family, the complexities of love, and the sacrifices she’s willing to make.
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
Emily and Chess, childhood friends, plan a girls’ trip to Villa Aestas in Italy to reconnect. Unbeknownst to them, the villa holds a dark history involving a notorious rock star, murder, and the works left behind by two women, Mari and Lara. As Emily digs into the villa’s complicated past, tensions arise between her and Chess, and they discover that the villa may claim another victim before the summer ends.
Weyward by Emilia Hart
Emilia Hart’s Weyward takes readers on a captivating journey through time and generations. Kate, in the year 2019, seeks refuge in the ramshackle Weyward Cottage, inherited from a distant great aunt. As she explores the cottage’s overgrown garden and unravel its mysteries, Kate uncovers a secret that has been hidden within its bones since the 17th-century witch hunts. In 1619, Altha, a girl with a deep knowledge of natural magic, awaits trial for a murder she didn’t commit. She must use her powers to navigate the dangers and maintain her freedom.
Fast forward to 1942, where Violet is trapped in her family’s crumbling estate, yearning for education and the memory of her mother. With traces of her mother in a locket and the word weyward etched into her bedroom, Violet must unravel the secrets that lie within her ancestral home. Through the intertwined stories of these three extraordinary women, Weyward explores themes of resilience and the transformative power of the natural world.
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
In Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries, Emily finds herself on a journey to a remote village in the far north to study faerie lore. Emily excels in her scholarship and knowledge of the Fair Folk but struggles with social interactions and prefers the company of her books and her faithful dog, Shadow. However, her path crosses with Wendell Bambleby, a charismatic academic rival, as they both investigate the secrets of the Hidden Ones—the elusive faeries lurking in the shadowy forest. As Emily delves deeper into her research, she discovers not only the dark magic of the fae but also unexpected friendship and the possibility of love. Heather Fawcett’s heartwarming and enchanting fantasy captures the essence of faerie folklore, the complexities of human connection, and the wonders that await those who venture into the realm of magic.
Just the Nicest Couple by Mary Kubica
In Mary Kubica’s Just the Nicest Couple, the lives of two couples intertwine in a suspenseful tale of a missing husband and hidden secrets. When Jake Hayes disappears, leaving his wife Nina devastated and searching for answers, her friend and coworker Lily becomes entangled in the mystery. Lily believes she may have been the last person to see Jake before he vanished and, together with her husband Christian, they make a pact to keep the truth hidden. As Nina tirelessly searches for her missing husband, the web of secrets begins to unravel, leading to shocking revelations and a race against time to uncover the truth. Mary Kubica’s gripping storytelling keeps readers on the edge of their seats, questioning the nature of trust, the complexities of relationships, and the lengths people will go to protect their own secrets.
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Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes
In Someone Else’s Shoes, Nisha Cantor, a wealthy globetrotter, faces a drastic shift when her husband announces a divorce and cuts her off financially. Determined to maintain her glamorous lifestyle, she struggles to cope with the sudden loss, even down to not having the shoes she was wearing a moment ago.
Meanwhile, Sam Kemp, going through her own hardships, accidentally takes Nisha’s gym bag, containing expensive Christian Louboutin shoes. Trying on these shoes boosts Sam’s confidence, leading her to realize the need for personal change.
With Jojo Moyes’ trademark humor, compelling storytelling, and warmth, the novel explores how one small event can dramatically alter everything.
The London Séance Society by Sarah Penner
Set in 1873, Lenna Wickes accompanies acclaimed spiritualist Vaudeline D’Allaire to England to solve a high-profile murder. As they team up with London’s exclusive Séance Society, Lenna and Vaudeline suspect they may be entangled in a web of secrets and dangerous betrayals.
The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson
Set in the 1950s, this novel explores the story of Ruby Pearsall, who aspires to become the first in her family to attend college, and Eleanor Quarles, who seeks love and acceptance in Washington, DC. Their lives intersect, and as secrets and decisions shape their trajectories, they navigate the complexities of womanhood, motherhood, and sacrifice.
The world of literature is vast and ever-evolving, with new books captivating readers’ imaginations each year. The most popular books of 2023, as identified by Goodreads, offer a diverse range of stories and genres, from heartwarming romances to gripping mysteries and thought-provoking memoirs. Whether you have read all, some, or none of these popular titles, the beauty of reading lies in the endless exploration of new stories and ideas. So, grab a book and embark on your own literary adventure, discovering the joy and wonder that lies between the pages.