The 8 best books I read in 2023

As the year comes to a close, it’s time for a “best of” roundup!

Because of the eventful nature of this year, I found myself reading less than in previous years. However, I still enjoyed some truly fantastic books. Here are the top reads from the 30+ books I delved into in 2023, spanning both fiction and non-fiction.

In recognition of this being the year of breakthroughs in AI, the one-sentence summaries are created by ChatGPT. Pretty good, don’t you think?

8. “Clear Thinking” by Shane Parrish – A guide to enhancing decision-making and improving life outcomes through the power of rational thinking and mental models.

7. “When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi – A profound memoir of a neurosurgeon’s poignant journey facing terminal cancer, exploring what makes life worth living in the face of death. A recommendation from a friend who is grappling with similar issues, bringing an added emotional dimension.

6. “City on Fire” by Don Winslow – A gripping, epic crime saga set against a 1980s New England backdrop, where two criminal empires collide with devastating consequences. Will read part 2 (of 3) in 2024!

5. “Touching the Void” by Joe Simpson – This is an astonishing account of survival against all odds during a near-fatal mountaineering expedition in the Peruvian Andes, which I read as I hiked along his very path.

4. “Waarachtige beschermingen uit de permafrost” by Donald Niedekker – An evocative narrative uncovering the profound and ancient secrets preserved in the permafrost, reflecting humanity’s enduring quest for meaning. Unique prose.

3. “Le mage du Kremlin” by Giuliano da Empoli – A riveting, imaginative dive into the world of political advisors, revealing the hidden influence and cunning strategies that shape governments.

2. “Trust” by Hernan Diaz – A multifaceted exploration of wealth, power, and perception, weaving together the lives of four characters connected by a mysterious investment tycoon.

1.”Lessons” by Ian McEwan – A sweeping, introspective novel that traverses decades, exploring the profound impacts of love, loss, and chance encounters on one man’s life. My book of the year.

To view the full list, please check my Goodreads page.

My 2022 favourites can be found here.

Here are my picks from 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 (Dutch & English).

What should be my next read? Open to suggestions!