20 Best Book You Ve Ever Read (2023 Update)

You was interesting and highly engrossing from the very beginning. I enjoyed that the story is from 2nd narration. The story is a little bit creepy, but not too creepy. It does feature lots of stalking, violence, and murder, just so people are aware before starting the book.Peppermint1991

This was definitely very different than what I have ever read before. Creepy. Odd. Messes up with your mind but addicting. This book is not for everyone. *Note: I read this way before the TV series came out. Still haven't watched it yet.I am so conflicted in whether I like or hate Joe Goldberg. He is a creepy,smart, psychotic stalker. I should dislike him for that but sometimes I don't. He is a hopeless romantic that needs help. But I don't think any help will actually help him. He knows what he is doing therefore none of his actions are acceptable. Joe meets Guinevere Beck at the bookstore he works at and is instantly obsessed. He will do anything for her, and he does. Every other character in this book isn't any better than him in a way. Yes they don't stalk and hurt people but their actions and personality aren't the greatest either. This book is a crazy read. It will make you so conflicted because you will hate yourself for liking this guy.tiffany.l

Received a copy of this novel as an advanced reader edition in my store a month or two before the release date. While I lay hands on nearly every new release of the year, this one immediately caught my attention and I took it home to read. I found the use of the 2nd person pov a refreshing perspective and was instantly caught up in a love affair with the narrator – his keen wit, unconventional viewpoints and social awkwardness were very endearing. A little into the novel, I started thinking "This guy might be a little creepy." A little further, I started thinking, "Yeah…this guy is kinda creepy.". A little further, and I realize, "Yes. Yes, this guy is definitely a creeper," but yet I'm still somewhat enthralled. His actions and conclusions seem so normal and such a matter-of-course to him, it's very easy to sympathize and see him as the victim rather than the victimizer. I sometimes hesitate to recommend this book to customers as it's so incredibly creepy, but if you are a mature reader with a love for psychological thrillers, this book is an absolute must read!Lisa, GM

Francine has done a phenomenal job in translating the book of Hosea in the era of the Gold Rush. This story is about redemption of a young woman who had little choices in life. The first edition of this story I think was the best. Other editions had changes that I felt left a more vanilla view. I would recommend this book as a good read for anyone but especially for those who want to understand more deeply the scriptures. I went straight to the book of Hosea and read the whole thing with different eyes!hooverjax

Redeeming Love is one of those rare books that, while relating the main characters' stories, also tells our own. Angel is a young woman brutalized by many and dismissed by the rest as a lost cause, but when Michael Hosea enters the picture, Angel is given the opportunity to change the future that she believed to be set in stone. Though beginning to love an entirely different kind of life, the past confronts Angel through Michael's embittered brother-in-law and her own unnerving suspicion that she will be found unworthy in the end. In a desperate move to remember who she was before she was given the name 'Angel,' she returns to the confines of the city, only to stumble upon a freedom and sense of purpose she never believed she could find. Unaffected and honest, Francine Rivers weaves a story of unconditional love at its finest, pulling readers in and convincing them, page by page, that it cannot be set aside.Alexandria M

Purchased this book many years ago in a Christian book store near Hilton Head while vacationing there. The sales agent said: If you love Christian fiction books, I promise you this one is one you will always remember…… I purchased it and could not put it down or get away from its message! Does God really Love someone like Michael loved Angel even when she is unfaithful time and again..? I could go on but the book of Hosea in the Bible will never be the same to me again after reading Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers… Highly recommend this book-I purchase it for gifts now….1964ski

Emily Henry has done it again. This book made me laugh so hard I woke up the neighbor's dog at 6am (sweet revenge). I laughed, I cried and I didn't want it to end while dying to know how it ended. If you like Rom Com then this should be your first summer read this year. I kept sending screen shots of pages to my friends. It is a witty read with a romance between a characters that would get dumped in a Hallmark romance. Just go read it!Kristen

Emily Henry manages to capture the fun of romance while putting her own unique twist on classic tropes. Her characters feel grounded within the fun, rompy plot lines. Perfect to save for a vacation or a lazy sunday afternoonEmily

– 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 -𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞- 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐬. Book Lovers, definitely surpasses any expectations I had for it. It is *chefs kiss*. Emily Henry has a new fan, I'm ordering her other two books right now. I have committed to read everything she ever writes. ✔️ Tall Girl Representation ✔️ Enemies to Lovers ✔️ Bookish Humor ✔️ Workplace Romance It gives me Devil Wears Prada (But not Andrea… more like Emily) Hallmark Rom-Com vibes. And the male lead is also changed. But still that vibe. "𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮." The writing is absolutely spectacular! I was laughing, then I was holding back tears, then I was laughing again. The way she writes the emotional depth is just wonderful. This isn't just a fun, romance book about Nora and Charlie. It's a book about family, learning how to put yourself first, and letting go. – 𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐇𝐞'𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞… "𝐈'𝐦 𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐚. 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐮𝐲 𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐠𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡." It was so heartwarming, the perfect book to read on a rainy summer day, under a cozy blanket.ellen.f

Wow. This book made me laugh, cry, scream, and tear up with happiness all at once. That is so rare in a book, and Laurie Frankel captures it all in this book. It was so engaging, even when I didn't have time to read, I was thinking about the book. Incredibly written and so very important to have such a book for people to read. Loved every minute.Rach C

Nothing I say could do this novel justice: it is the first book I've read in years that I want to hand out on street corners and force all my friends and family and neighbors to read IMMEDIATELY. It is profound and hilarious and uplifting and thought-provoking and page-turning. I fell in love with the entire family: parents, five kids, and grandma. The writing made me laugh out loud and stay up late for just one more chapter. The story made me think about society and gender in a way I never had before, impressing upon me how absurdly preoccupied we are with what happens to be in other peoples' pants (or skirts). There are fairy tales and horror stories, parenting tips and transformations. Read it!!!!Becca

This book is so honest and real and deals with being different in today's society. It's so raw and definitely a book I couldn't put down. I would read it again. And again.Kadybug

I absolutely LOVE this book. It was beautifully written, I may have cried over it a few times. It’s my all time favorite book.Taco

First of all the cover is stunning!! absolutely loved this book. I finished it in one sitting it was so beautiful, and the ending was so heartbreaking, but beautiful at the same time. I don’t think I could ever get over Sam he’s going to remain in my mind for a long time.Isabelle

I finally just received my book but for some reason it looks used? Like it has some bends and the spine looks cracked? Very disappointing.Bookandfoodxo

This book is well written and humorous, even if it deals with a range of serious subject matter such sex discrimination and orphanages run by the Catholic church. If this sounds like a contradiction, you will have to read the book to find out how well it works.Derrith

Thanks to NetGalley & Doubleday Books for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own. This novel, a debut no less, was all over the place for me. Funny, satirical, sad, ironic, entertaining, witty, with elements of fantasy and feminism. And don't forget the magic realism of the dog. So did I like the novel and how would I rate it? I'm giving it 4 stars – read my review to find out why. Cleverly written with a quirky and memorable heroine, this is the story of chemist Elizabeth Zott. In the 1950s, when the story begins, it was very nearly impossible to be anything but a housewife/mother, nurse, or secretary. But Elizabeth fights against stereotypes throughout the novel – whether it's cooking, rowing, motherhood, or chemistry. Elizabeth's on-the-spectrum personality (literal, headstrong, blunt) propels the plot. And the plot is brilliant – things happen and people connect (and reconnect) in ways that both surprised me and had me admiring how the author fit everything together. There were several provoking aspects to the story – some of which were the way people misunderstood each other, the sexist attitudes, and how some characters fought against and often overcame the 1950s cultural norms. What gives the novel depth is that the story is told from different characters' points of view, including Six-Thirty, the dog. And these characters were compelling. The reader learns what each is thinking, and why, and we can often anticipate the way things will be misunderstood, which makes for laughs as well as sighs. While the book contains a great deal of wit, as another reviewer mentioned, there are serious issues including brutal abuse which is described in detail, and a suicide due to homophobia. And the sexism is rampant which unfortunately was how it was back in the 1950s, with some areas still troublesome today. But in the end the bad guys get their comeuppance, with loose ends tied up, providing a satisfying conclusion.PhyllisE

Recently widowed Tova works nights at an aquarium and forms a relationship with an octopus named Marcellus. He is nearing the end of his life and wants to help Tova solve the disappearance of her son decades earlier. This is a heartwarming story of love and loss that will appeal to young and old alike. You will fall in love with Marcellus, trust me!Kim8

It's a sweet story that is part fantasy including a wise octopus Marcellus, who thinks and manipulates events with personality that impacts the outcome. Many life issues touched upon. Listening to the audio version is a fun way to enjoy this book. Very likable!Cmll

This is the book I will be trying to convince other people to read for the rest of my life. I read a ton for work, and this is one of my favorites for the year!nilachristine

This book broke my heart into a million pieces. It is a truly beautiful and intriguing reimagining of the life of Achilles that showcases themes of true friendship, lovers, enemies, innocence, kindness, and of course pure love. This book gives a glimpse of Greek mythology through a love story between an exile and a prince who are ready to be the best warriors of their generation, with thousands of emotions tied into every chapter. In the end nothing but love matters, love between the souls that is far from the boundaries of gender, looks, or age. There is so much thought put into every page, and lots of small lessons are tied with each passing event! This book is stunningly written, I could not recommend it more.Bookish Nerd

"We were like gods at the dawning of the world, and our joy was so bright we could see nothing else but the other." The Song of Achilles, set in ancient Greece 'in the age of heroes' follows the perspective of protagonist Patroclus and his life's journey up until the trojan war. Patroclus, strong willed, yet weak bodied, son of King Menoitius, is exiled to the court of King Peleus of Phthia where he comes into the acquaintance of Peleus' son, Prince Achilles. The unlikely relationship between the two evolves from a hazy friendship, later maturing into one of intimacy, tenderness, and love. Madeline Miller presents this elegant and devastatingly beautiful story, contemporarily reimagining Homer's mythological tale 'Iliad'. This reconceptualisation of a tale as old as history presents modern and ancient philosophies of changing gender expectations and the influence of power and agency over the aspirations of both male and female characters. As far as queer literature goes, this is absolutely one of the most perfectly and beautifully crafted pieces ever written. I found that regardless of the gender of the two protagonists, this book merely showcased two people, who, were simply and utterly, in love. As a historically fictional and mythological retelling, Miller characterises the heroes, gods, and men over the course of the book, achieving this by emphasising the importance of honour, pride, and legacy. Personally, I discovered that the characterisation of Achilles after he receives a prophecy from the Fates before the battles at Troy, alludes to the suggestion that, after the battle, 'his honour is all that will remain'. Miller skilfully articulates historical jargon throughout the book, in such a way that it would be comprehensible to anyone who wishes to read it. After finishing this story, I would unequivocally recommend this book for anyone over the age of 15 interested (or not) in ancient Greek mythology. To those who wish to read this story, be prepared to have your heart – metaphorically – ripped into a thousand tiny pieces.Gus the booknerd

Madeline Miller is a sweetheart and a goddess for this one. I love the song of Achilles, and I will always have a place in my heart just for it. This is one of those books that you never want to finish, you know it would break your heart but you still read it and after reading it you sit in your tears, and you wish it has a different ending or at least a resolution in the ending that goes like, "and then they lived happily ever after", but I guess we don't always get what we want. Not a summary but my wishes, likes, and dislikes: Anyway,I'm glad that Thetis later chose the right thing the do and redeemed herself. I didn't like how Briesis ended, I dislike phyruss and I kinda like that he died. I didn't have any dislike for Hector, he was a good man who was fighting for the honor of his family. I despise Agamemnon because he had a hand in what happened to Patroclus, although Achilles pride was a huge contributor (reminded me so much of Arthur and Merlin). I wish patroculus dad would've known the brave, strong man his son grew up to be. I wasn't happy for the man Achilles became after the death of Patroclus. I wouldn't say I was happy, happy at the end because I don't think they found peace, but I'm glad that at least they found something almost like peace in the darkness of the afterlife. ✨"Go," she says. "He waits for you." IN THE DARKNESS. two shadows, reaching through the hopeless, heavy, dusk. Their hands meet, and light spills in a flood like a hundred golden urns pouring out of the sun✨😭Just Readit

Let me first say I usually don't write reviews about anything, but this deserves it. First off, it's an easy read and understanding everything that is going on so you could get thru the series fairly quick, and that is the hard part because you want to finish it as soon as possible, but want it to continue. Hardin and Tessa's relationship is one of the hardest I have ever read, but it is raw and passionate love, and it is the worse kind of love, but that is what love is about, sometimes. I have never cried in my life as much as I have over a book, not even when Dobby dies in Harry Potter. I even threw the books a few times, cursed at it, curled up under my husband's arms because the emotions in their story is so raw.I hated Hardin, loved Hardin, hated Tessa, and loved her again. This book is not for people who take things series , as it does have a lot of emotional abuse in it. At the end of everything no one should go through the process that this couple goes through, but again some people actually do.That is what makes series so great, it could actually happen. And to think it started with a One Direction. I will honestly reread the whole series again, and I don't do that.Nessa

In this twisted and trying tale, an ambitious, college-bound girl, Tessa Young, has found herself entangled with a wild boy that she would have never have given the time of day. Her main goal was to focus on school, her too-good-to-be true boyfriend, Noah, and to start her career in English, but all of that changes after. After she meets Hardin. He is a bad boy with a traumatic past he has completely captured Tessa's attention. In the first book of the After series we find Tessa trying to find out how she fits into her new college life while also figuring out if she is falling for Hardin Scott. My favorite trope is that of enemies to lovers and this book fulfills that fantasy!Mack

Personally, I had watched the first three movies before reading the series. The first book was very sexual and detailed. However, I found myself obsessed. I have completed the book two times before ever finishing the series of books. The books are in my opinion way better than the books. However, watching them first allowed me to imagine Tessa Hardin as the characters presented in the movies. My mother has tried to read the series but found no interest. She prefers the movies and is a book junkie. With all that being said I would say give the book a shot. 👍🏼savannah.p

At first glance, the length of this book is intimidating. In fact, it really reads fast. I love character development in a novel, and this does not disappoint! And the style of writing is so smooth and captivating!Donna

I bought this for my husband. From the moment he started reading He could not put the book down. Amazing book. I also read and enjoyed it.Enna

What can one say? Another amazing tale from Amor Towles. This one set in 1950s Americana via Greek Mythology. A great book to suggest to almost anyone!Susan

I read it a couple years ago when I borrowed this from the library. Bought this because I wanted my husband to read it. Actually just recommended it to someone who asked about it on a book group.lilolladystuff

this book was amazing, it was beautifully written much like the last book 'call me by your name' i loved the poetry and the way the plot left off was brilliant. i would deffinetly re read this book 100 more times, witch is saying something given im not one for re-reading things. this book was to die for, i loved every part of it, the happy, the sad, the suspencefull all of it.Elio

The book is not quite what I'd thought it would be, as not much content at the moment of main characters from previous book, still a good read.shma.uk.1hc4hlf

Ok this is the final book and then comes BEFORE . This is the one , every happy ending looks bad after this book , how they grow , destiny is everything here , you gotta read it , movie is coming out this year 2022 , anxiously waiting 🤗 !!carla.g

I can't say enough about the After Series. I am ruined from reading other books! The story of Tessa and Hardin their ups and their downs. Anna Todd pulls you in and makes you want to read the entire series in one night… it isn't possible unless you decide sleep is no longer needed but you will want to. I will reread this series until the pages are worn out.. If you are looking for a new book to obsess about here is the one that you should read! Of course start with After….SophiaIrenesMommy

This book is amazing, honestly a emotional rollarcoaster. I loved it, I even had to put it down for a night because I thought the way it was ending wasn't going to make me happy. Turned out I was wrong, it was perfect. I love how they got the ending they deserve after the whole ordeal #Hessa for life,Tammiee

A most intriguing book. Have never read anything like it before. I am two thirds through it and have no idea how it will finish. It captivates you to read on. The characters are well described. Each has their role to play. Looking forward to more suspense.jackopattojohn

For a few years I was told about this book, how it would capture me from the very beginning… and it absolutely did! Mark Zusak pours his entire heart and soul in the writing process and makes it all just come alive, has become one of my favorite authors. The scariest thing about this book… is the ending. the last page. the last sentence. CHILLING but brilliant.Annie

A beautifully written novel. Very real characters, absorbing, the pages filled with a full spectrum of human emotions. It touched me deeply, as heartfelt as Cafe Francaise, (the latter all the more poignant, because its author, who ceaselessly toiled through her handwritten manuscript, was taken away to die in a concentration camp before its completion). Thank you, Mr Zusak, for a very fine read.compwoman4

Book ordered….went away for a long time..but staff supportive at Btn branch.always good service and clear emails.And there was 10% off in the shop when I bought other items.J C 68

Writing by American authors irritates me because of the language and spelling differences. This book was interesting because of the covid connection, good descriptions of the Galápagos Islands and of the treatment and recovery from covid . Quite a good tale.Mrs E. B.

Book ordered….went away for a long time..but staff supportive at Btn branch.always good service and clear emails.And there was 10% off in the shop when I bought other items.J C 68

Writing by American authors irritates me because of the language and spelling differences. This book was interesting because of the covid connection, good descriptions of the Galápagos Islands and of the treatment and recovery from covid . Quite a good tale.Mrs E. B.

Brene Brown takes topics like vulnerability and shame and makes them easy to understand and relate to. I did alot of underlining. I felt less alone reading this book. This book helped me understand how putting ourselves down holds us back from truly living and how people of all kinds struggle with acceptance of self and confidence. Her writing style is conversational despite the fact that she is an expert in her field and has a PhD. This book made me want to love myself and people more unconditionally. This book would benefit a mom, a construction worker, a teacher, a CEO…any human who wants to live with less junk in their head and less obstacles in their path.AQHayes

This book, like all of Brene's work, is astounding, eye-opening, and so very relevant. Her style is personal, and sometimes funny. Never preachy. She includes her own journey through her work, and how her subject matter and the things she's learned along the way affects her life. Read it, live it, then read it again.Tones

This book seem to be interesting. I shall read it through the beginning to the end. I have trouble accepting my own imperfections.estefania.e