Our 2023 Book of the Year Finalists

“It’s not often that I consider a new release to be an instant classic, but Kate DiCamillo’s latest modern fairytale is totally worthy of that distinction. The Puppets of Spelhorst is deserving of a cherished spot on bookshelves for years to come.” Steph P., Baltimore, MD

“Once again David Grann’s exquisite storytelling truly kept me hooked from start to finish, reading well beyond any reasonable bedtime! A finely detailed, ferociously raucous tale of high seas, murder, madness, intrigue and treachery bursting forth with a passionate and irresistible exuberance.” — Sallye L., New York, NY

“This book literally blew my mind. I’ve read a lot of art history but never have encountered a text that made me laugh and cry countless times. Katy Hessel did a phenomenal job with this.” — Allie L., Aliso Viejo, CA

“Proving she can do it all, R.F. Kuang has written a bracing satire that interrogates the rampant white privilege and cultural appropriation within the publishing industry. Immersive and biting, this is not for the faint of heart.” — Josh S., St. Louis, MO

“James McBride has written a gorgeous story, a murder mystery laced into a community of such grit and heroism that you live this novel rather than just read it, every last page of it.” — Ashleigh D., Cleveland, OH

“Who couldn’t benefit from some well-crafted, whimsical, chuckle-inducing rhymes? The Odenkirk Family has gifted us all some much needed laughs.” — Scott B., Denver, CO

“This visually stunning cookbook is a love letter to all enthusiasts as well as the chili crisp curious. James Park’s passion and joy for this versatile condiment is infused into every recipe. It’s the perfect foodie cookbook.” Kathleen C., Brooklyn, NY 

“A debut that knocked my socks off. What starts as a narrative about a missing indigenous girl becomes an unforgettable meditation on how trauma ripples throughout families, and how maintaining hope in the face of devastation is ultimately an act of love.” – Lexie S., Alexandria, VA 

“This sweeping enemies-to-lovers, historical-fiction-meets-fantasy tale is as immersive as it is original. You’ve Got Mail set against the backdrop of a war among the gods? Sign me up.” — Alex H., Charlotte, NC

“The Creative Act houses Rick Rubin’s considerable wisdom in a beautifully designed package. It has all the magic ingredients to make an instant self-help classic.” Alisa S., Pennsburg, PA 

“Let’s just say that there is a reason Jesmyn Ward is a two-time National Book Award winner. With echoes of Dante’s Inferno, Let Us Descend weaves a narrative of beauty and resilience in the face of the worst humanity has to offer.” Brenda A., Bentonville, AR

“This spellbinding fantasy has everything — dark academia vibes, epic world-building, enemies to lovers, heart-racing action and dragons! This is a book you devour; one you stay up all night reading and spend all day thinking about.” Kimmy K., Long Island, NY