After 4 years of taking a break from reading challenges, I finally completed Goodreads’ yearly reading challenge this year. I tried not to be ambitious and kept a goal of 24 books. But as the months passed by, my reading streak improved. I would be reading in the parking lot, in the kitchen while waiting for rice to cook, in the evening while waiting for my kid to arrive and once in an airplane I finished a whole novel from start to finish. I also signed up for Kindle Unlimited when it was offering the first 3 months free. Although there weren’t many authors of my liking, I did manage to find some gripping sci-fi short stories and thriller novels.
Here’s the complete list of books I read in 2023 till now. I will be adding a few more to the list by December.
Some of my favorite reads this year are:
Wrong place wrong time by Gillian McAllister – Omg, what a storyline. If you have enjoyed movies like Premonition starring Sandra Bullock, you will love it. This book definitely added to my dark circles as there was no way I could have slept without knowing the ending.
Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides– A fast-paced thriller that still keeps me awake. The slow unraveling of the suspense towards the end boggled my mind.
The Blue Monsoon by Damyanti Biswas – This one ticked all the points of a good thriller and murder mystery. Dark gruesome murder, a fast-paced storyline, and a surprise ending.
The Nurse by Valerie Keogh – I loved this book mostly because it was written from the point of view of a murderer.
Never Lie by Freida McFadden – I have read two of her books till now and both have kept me hooked till the end. I liked Never Lie better because of the characters and the plot. I planning to read a few more this year. Nerve-wracking suspense, fast-paced read with twisted endings, just what I need at the end of the day.
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger – A unique and somewhat bizarre love story. The story starts when the girl is 6 and the man is 40 years old. They start to date when she is 20 and he is 28. The ending isn’t a happy one although it ends on a happy note. If I have piqued your interest, do grab a copy.
The Keep of Happy Ending by Barbara Davis was another emotional read. The storyline wasn’t bad but I found the narration monotonous. I finished it only because I liked the characters and wanted them to have a happy ending.
I am currently reading Beekeeper of Allepo by Christy Lefteri. I don’t have enough words to describe the beauty of this book. Compelling, heartbreaking – after The Book Thief, this book has managed to tug at my heartstrings.
I wish to include Nonfiction in my reading list, but frankly, I always fall asleep or lose interest whenever I pick one. I have more success with audiobooks. 🙂 I have been listening to the Placebo effect and Atomic habits.
Let me know in the comment section about your favorite book or the best book you read this year.
This a a wonderful list, Raj!
You are welcome 😊
What a fab list! I have The Silent Patient on my TBR, and I found some really cool thrillers to add to my list.
Oh you will love it. I still think about the storyline. 🙂
What an interesting list. I’ve read the Silent Patient and Time Traveller’s Wife and liked them. Wrong Place Wrong Time has been on my TBR. Need to get to it.
One of my favourites this year. I love a good time travel story 🙂
What a fabulous list!! Thanks for reading two of mine–can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate that.
It was a pleasure to read both of them. And I look forward to read more in the series 🙂