Another year gone, and another list of favorites ready to go. 2023 was definitely the year of audiobooks for me, as I spent less time listening to music and more time listening to Agatha Christie mysteries. I made the goal to read her entire collection of writings, and I was able to read most of them this year.

I watched more movies this year, but I hope to watch even more in 2024. I hope that you’re able to find something interesting for you based on the items on my list!

Favorite Books I Read in 2023

Honorable Mentions

• Cryptid Club by Sarah Andersen
• ABC Murders by Agatha Christie

5. The Ancient Magus’ Bride Vol. 1 by Kore Yamazaki (Manga)

Normally, I wouldn’t put a manga on my year end list because it’s usually just one part of a whole. However, as my first introduction to this story and universe, I was immediately hooked with this one volume. I was engaged with the characters, and I wanted to learn more about everything happening in the world.

Not only did it interest me immediately, but I also watched the anime right after reading it. I normally never do that as it takes me a while to take that step. It made it even better that the anime mostly followed the manga panel by panel while also having good animation.

5/5

4. Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura (Young Adult)

Despite the slow burn, I really enjoyed reading this story. The characters were all well-developed, and when the climax of the story happened, I was hooked. It also utilizes elements of fairytales, which I really enjoyed.

This was a very well-written story that shows how different people experience and handle depression and bullying. The author makes you care about the characters and the mystery the weaves around the castle they arrive in.

4.5/5

3. Carrie by Stephen King (Horror)

I have seen every one of the film versions of Carrie (even Carrie 2), and I finally got the chance to read the book. In one of those rare cases where I read the book after watching the movie, the book lived up to my expectations.

I found myself drawn to reading it even though I knew what would happen. I really enjoyed how the book was framed with excerpts from news articles and books reflecting on Carrie White’s past.

My only complaint would be that we don’t get as much time to see how Carrie’s relationship with her mom changes after the initial bathroom incident. That would be one of the things the movies did better.

4.5/5

2. Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson (Mystery)

With a title like this one, who wouldn’t be interested? I stumbled across this when searching online for books, and when I began reading it, it immediately caught my interest.

While there were some slower parts in the book for me, I enjoyed myself the entire time. I kept reading to make the connections needed, and due to our unreliable narrator, certain ideas had to be reformatted.

I am eager to read the second book that follows, and I hope for something just as engaging.

5/5

1. Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega (Graphic Novel)

This graphic novel was so much more than I expected. I related to everything that was going on in this story as someone who has struggled with her relationship with her hair.

This was so relatable, and even provided a good insight into the mindset of people who believe good hair decides how people should be treated.

I loved reading this story so much, and I even bought a copy for my classroom library. This was an amazing read that had a big impact on me.

5/5