The Top 5 Most Read Books of 2023: A Look at this Year's Bestsellers
Anastasia Copettari
1st May 2023
The year 2023 has been an exciting year for book lovers, with many new releases from some of the most celebrated authors. While it's impossible to know for sure which books will be the most read, we can make some predictions based on what are, at the moment, the best bestsellers.
"The Lost Manuscript" by Margaret Atwood
"The Lost Manuscript" is a highly anticipated novel from one of the most celebrated authors of our time, Margaret Atwood. The story follows a literary scholar named Elaine, who discovers a previously unknown manuscript written by a famous author. As she delves deeper into the manuscript's history, she uncovers a web of secrets and scandal that threatens to upend everything she thought she knew.
At its heart, "The Lost Manuscript" is a gripping mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. But it's also a meditation on the power of literature and the ways in which stories shape our understanding of the world. Atwood's signature wit and sharp social commentary are on full display in this novel, making it a must-read for fans of her previous works like "The Handmaid's Tale" and "Alias Grace."
But even if you've never read Atwood before, "The Lost Manuscript" is a great place to start. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and beautiful prose, it's a book that will appeal to readers of all stripes. Whether you're a fan of literary fiction, mystery, or just great storytelling, "The Lost Manuscript" is a book you won't want to miss.
"The Mirror and the Light" by Hilary Mantel
"The Mirror and the Light" is the highly anticipated final novel in Hilary Mantel's award-winning Thomas Cromwell trilogy. Set in the court of Henry VIII, the novel follows the rise and fall of Cromwell, one of the most powerful men in Tudor England.
As Cromwell navigates the treacherous waters of court politics, he must confront his own personal demons and make difficult choices that will ultimately determine his fate. Along the way, he grapples with issues of loyalty, power, and the cost of ambition, as he tries to secure his place in the world.
Mantel's writing is richly detailed and immersive, transporting readers to a bygone era and bringing historical figures to life in all their complexity. "The Mirror and the Light" is a book that rewards careful attention, with layered characters and intricate plotting that will keep readers engaged from start to finish.
For fans of historical fiction, "The Mirror and the Light" is a must-read. But even if you're not typically drawn to the genre, the novel's timeless themes and compelling storytelling make it a book that will resonate with readers of all tastes. With its impeccable research and masterful prose, "The Mirror and the Light" is a fitting conclusion to a landmark trilogy, and a book that will be remembered for years to come.
"The City We Became" by N.K. Jemisin
"The City We Became" is a gripping urban fantasy novel by N.K. Jemisin, the Hugo Award-winning author of "The Broken Earth" trilogy. In this novel, Jemisin explores the idea that cities have a kind of collective consciousness that can be awakened and personified in human form.
The story is set in New York City, which has just been "born" as a living entity. But the city is under threat from an otherworldly force that wants to destroy it before it can fully come into its own. It's up to a group of "avatars" - people who embody different aspects of the city's personality - to come together and defend New York from this malevolent force.
Jemisin's writing is inventive and immersive, capturing the vibrant energy and diversity of New York City in all its glory. The novel is both a celebration of the city's history and culture, and a commentary on the challenges faced by urban communities in the modern world.
"The City We Became" is a book that will appeal to fans of both fantasy and science fiction, as well as readers who are drawn to stories about the power of community and the importance of standing up for what's right. With its unique premise, well-drawn characters, and fast-paced plot, "The City We Became" is a must-read for anyone looking for an exciting and thought-provoking read.
"The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig
"The Midnight Library" is a heartwarming and deeply moving novel by bestselling author Matt Haig. The story follows Nora Seed, a woman who is struggling to find meaning in her life. When Nora reaches her lowest point, she finds herself in a mysterious library where each book represents a different version of her life.
As Nora explores the different books, she is given the chance to see how her life would have turned out if she had made different choices along the way. Through this journey, Nora learns valuable lessons about regret, forgiveness, and the importance of living in the present moment.
Haig's writing is both lyrical and deeply affecting, drawing readers into Nora's world and immersing them in the novel's themes. "The Midnight Library" is a book that will resonate with anyone who has ever questioned the choices they've made in life, and who has wondered what might have been if they had taken a different path.
With its heartfelt storytelling and powerful message of hope, "The Midnight Library" is a book that will leave readers feeling uplifted and inspired. It's a testament to the power of literature to help us make sense of the world around us, and to find our place in it.
"The Overstory" by Richard Powers
Finally, "The Overstory" is a rich and deeply moving novel by Richard Powers that weaves together multiple narratives centered around the lives of trees and the people who have come to love and protect them. The novel follows a group of disparate characters whose lives intersect in surprising and profound ways.
Through these characters, Powers explores the power and majesty of trees, and the devastating consequences of their destruction. From loggers to activists, each character brings a unique perspective to the complex issues surrounding deforestation and environmentalism.
Powers' writing is both lyrical and deeply moving, capturing the beauty and complexity of the natural world in vivid detail. "The Overstory" is a book that will appeal to readers who are passionate about the environment and who want to learn more about the importance of trees in our lives.
At its core, "The Overstory" is a deeply human novel that asks us to consider our place in the world and our relationship to the natural world around us. It's a book that will leave readers feeling moved, inspired, and deeply connected to the world of trees and the people who fight to protect them.