NPR's Book List for 2023: Your Guide to the Year's Must-Read Books

Every year, NPR's book critics and editors compile a list of the must-read books of the upcoming year. The list includes a wide range of genres, from fiction to nonfiction, and it's a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest releases and discover new authors.

The 2023 NPR book list includes some highly anticipated titles, such as "The Candy House" by Jennifer Egan and "All the Frequent Troubles of Our Days" by Rebecca Makkai. It also features some lesser-known works that are sure to be just as captivating. No matter what your taste in literature, you're sure to find something to love on this list.

So settle in, get comfortable, and prepare to be swept away by these incredible stories.

npr book list 2023

Discover the year's must-read books.

• Wide range of genres
• Highly anticipated titles
• Lesser-known gems
• Something for everyone
• Captivating stories
• Sweeping narratives
• Thought-provoking
• Unforgettable characters
• Literary excellence

Explore new worlds and expand your horizons with NPR's 2023 book list.

Wide range of genres

One of the best things about NPR's book list is the wide range of genres it covers. Whether you're a fan of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or something in between, you're sure to find something to your taste.

• Fiction:
  

  The 2023 NPR book list includes a variety of fiction genres, from literary fiction to thrillers to historical fiction. Some of the most anticipated titles include "The Candy House" by Jennifer Egan, "All the Frequent Troubles of Our Days" by Rebecca Makkai, and "Sea of Tranquility" by Emily St. John Mandel.

• Nonfiction:
  

  The nonfiction section of the list is just as diverse, with books on topics ranging from history to science to memoir. Some highlights include "Invisible Child" by Andrea Elliott, "The Forgotten Girls" by Monica Potts, and "The Body Liberation Project" by Chrissy King.

• Poetry:
  

  Poetry lovers will also find something to enjoy on the NPR book list. This year's list includes collections from some of the most celebrated poets writing today, such as Tracy K. Smith, Ocean Vuong, and Billy Collins.

• Other genres:
  

  In addition to fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, the NPR book list also includes books in other genres, such as graphic novels, short stories, and essays. This year's list includes highly anticipated releases from authors such as Gene Luen Yang, George Saunders, and Roxane Gay.

With such a wide range of genres to choose from, there's sure to be something for everyone on NPR's 2023 book list.

Highly anticipated titles

Every year, there are a few books that generate a lot of buzz even before they're released. These are the books that readers are eagerly awaiting, and they often end up being some of the most popular and talked-about books of the year. The 2023 NPR book list includes several highly anticipated titles that are sure to be at the top of many readers' reading lists.

• "The Candy House" by Jennifer Egan:
  

  Jennifer Egan's latest novel is a highly anticipated follow-up to her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "A Visit From the Goon Squad." "The Candy House" is a multigenerational story that follows the fortunes of the Bixby family, a wealthy New York clan, as they navigate the changing world of the 21st century.

• "All the Frequent Troubles of Our Days" by Rebecca Makkai:
  

  Rebecca Makkai's new novel is a sweeping epic that spans several decades and follows the lives of four friends as they navigate the AIDS crisis in Chicago. "All the Frequent Troubles of Our Days" is a powerful and moving story about love, loss, and resilience.

• "Sea of Tranquility" by Emily St. John Mandel:
  

  Emily St. John Mandel's latest novel is a time-traveling story that follows a group of characters as they try to prevent a global pandemic. "Sea of Tranquility" is a thought-provoking and suspenseful novel that explores the nature of time and the interconnectedness of all things.

• "The Body Liberation Project" by Chrissy King:
  

  Chrissy King's memoir is a powerful and inspiring story about her journey to body liberation. King writes about her experiences with eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and self-acceptance. "The Body Liberation Project" is a must-read for anyone who has ever struggled with body image issues.

These are just a few of the highly anticipated titles on NPR's 2023 book list. With so many great books to choose from, there's sure to be something for everyone.

Lesser-known gems

In addition to the highly anticipated titles, NPR's book list also includes a number of lesser-known gems that are sure to be just as captivating. These are books that may not have received as much attention as some of the other titles on the list, but they are no less deserving of your attention.

One such gem is "The Forgotten Girls" by Monica Potts. This powerful and moving novel tells the story of two young women who are abducted and held captive for years. Potts' novel is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope.

Another lesser-known gem on the NPR book list is "The Body Liberation Project" by Chrissy King. King's memoir is a powerful and inspiring story about her journey to body liberation. King writes about her experiences with eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and self-acceptance. "The Body Liberation Project" is a must-read for anyone who has ever struggled with body image issues.

For fans of literary fiction, "The Great Mistake" by Jonathan Lee is a must-read. This novel tells the story of a young woman who makes a mistake that has far-reaching consequences. Lee's novel is a beautifully written and thought-provoking exploration of love, loss, and redemption.

Finally, for fans of historical fiction, "The Book of Form and Emptiness" by Ruth Ozeki is a must-read. This novel tells the story of a young boy who finds solace in books after the death of his father. Ozeki's novel is a magical and heartwarming story about the power of books and the importance of family.

These are just a few of the lesser-known gems on NPR's 2023 book list. With so many great books to choose from, there's sure to be something for everyone.

Something for everyone

One of the best things about NPR's book list is that it truly has something for everyone. Whether you're a fan of fiction or nonfiction, literary or commercial, there's sure to be a book on the list that you'll enjoy.

For fans of literary fiction, there are books like "The Candy House" by Jennifer Egan and "All the Frequent Troubles of Our Days" by Rebecca Makkai. These novels are critically acclaimed and have been praised for their beautiful writing and thought-provoking stories.

For fans of commercial fiction, there are books like "The Forgotten Girls" by Monica Potts and "The Body Liberation Project" by Chrissy King. These novels are page-turners that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

For fans of nonfiction, there are books like "Invisible Child" by Andrea Elliott and "The Forgotten Girls" by Monica Potts. These books tell important stories about real people and issues. They are both informative and inspiring.

And for fans of poetry, there are books like "The Great Mistake" by Jonathan Lee and "The Book of Form and Emptiness" by Ruth Ozeki. These collections are filled with beautiful and thought-provoking poems that will stay with you long after you finish reading them.

No matter what your taste in literature, you're sure to find something to love on NPR's 2023 book list.

Captivating stories

Sweeping narratives

Many of the books on NPR's book list feature sweeping narratives that span generations and continents. These books offer readers a chance to immerse themselves in other worlds and experience life from a different perspective.

One such book is "Sea of Tranquility" by Emily St. John Mandel. This novel tells the story of a group of characters who are connected across time and space by a mysterious artifact. Mandel's novel is a beautifully written and thought-provoking exploration of the nature of time and the interconnectedness of all things.

Another book with a sweeping narrative is "The Forgotten Girls" by Monica Potts. This novel tells the story of two young women who are abducted and held captive for years. Potts' novel is a powerful and moving story about the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope.

For fans of historical fiction, "The Great Mistake" by Jonathan Lee is a must-read. This novel tells the story of a young woman who makes a mistake that has far-reaching consequences. Lee's novel is a beautifully written and thought-provoking exploration of love, loss, and redemption.

Finally, for fans of literary fiction, "The Book of Form and Emptiness" by Ruth Ozeki is a must-read. This novel tells the story of a young boy who finds solace in books after the death of his father. Ozeki's novel is a magical and heartwarming story about the power of books and the importance of family.

These are just a few of the books on NPR's 2023 book list that feature sweeping narratives. With so many great books to choose from, there's sure to be something for everyone.

Thought-provoking

Many of the books on NPR's book list are thought-provoking and will stay with you long after you finish reading them. These books challenge your assumptions about the world and force you to think about things in a new way.

• "Sea of Tranquility" by Emily St. John Mandel:
  

  This novel explores the nature of time and the interconnectedness of all things. Mandel's novel is a beautifully written and thought-provoking meditation on the human condition.

• "The Forgotten Girls" by Monica Potts:
  

  This novel tells the story of two young women who are abducted and held captive for years. Potts' novel is a powerful and moving story about the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope.

• "The Great Mistake" by Jonathan Lee:
  

  This novel explores the consequences of a single mistake. Lee's novel is a beautifully written and thought-provoking exploration of love, loss, and redemption.

• "The Book of Form and Emptiness" by Ruth Ozeki:
  

  This novel tells the story of a young boy who finds solace in books after the death of his father. Ozeki's novel is a magical and heartwarming story about the power of books and the importance of family.

These are just a few of the thought-provoking books on NPR's 2023 book list. With so many great books to choose from, you're sure to find something that will challenge your assumptions and make you think about the world in a new way.

Unforgettable characters

One of the best things about reading is meeting unforgettable characters. These are characters that stay with you long after you finish reading a book. They may be funny, charming, inspiring, or even infuriating, but they are always memorable.

The 2023 NPR book list is full of unforgettable characters. Here are a few examples:

"The Candy House" by Jennifer Egan: This novel features a cast of unforgettable characters, including Bix Bouton, a tech entrepreneur who becomes obsessed with a new technology that allows people to relive their memories; his wife, Lillian, a former actress who is struggling to find her place in the world; and their daughter, Caroline, a young woman who is trying to find her own identity.

"All the Frequent Troubles of Our Days" by Rebecca Makkai: This novel tells the story of four friends who are navigating the AIDS crisis in Chicago. The characters in this novel are all complex and well-developed, and they stay with you long after you finish reading the book.

"The Forgotten Girls" by Monica Potts: This novel tells the story of two young women who are abducted and held captive for years. The characters in this novel are incredibly resilient and resourceful, and their stories are both heartbreaking and inspiring.

"The Great Mistake" by Jonathan Lee: This novel tells the story of a young woman who makes a mistake that has far-reaching consequences. The characters in this novel are all flawed and relatable, and their stories are both moving and thought-provoking.

These are just a few of the unforgettable characters you'll meet on NPR's 2023 book list. With so many great books to choose from, you're sure to find a character that you'll never forget.

Literary greatness

Finally, no list of must-read books would be complete without a few literary classics. These are books that have stood the test of time and are considered to be among the best ever written.

• "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald:
  

  This classic American novel tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy man who throws elaborate parties in the hopes of winning back his lost love, Daisy.

• "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee:
  

  This powerful novel tells the story of a young girl who learns about racism and injustice in the American South.

• "1984" by George Orwell:
  

  This dystopian novel tells the story of a totalitarian society where the government has complete control over its citizens.

• "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger:
  

  This coming-of-age novel tells the story of a young boy who runs away from home and tries to find his place in the world.

These are just a few of the literary classics that you'll find on this year's list. With so many great books to choose from, you're sure to find something that you'll love.

FAQ

Have questions about books? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:

Question 1: How can I find books that I'll enjoy?
Answer 1: There are many ways to find books that you'll enjoy. You can ask friends and family for recommendations, read book reviews, or browse online bookstores. You can also try taking a book quiz or personality test to help you find books that match your interests.

Question 2: How can I get books for free?
Answer 2: There are many ways to get books for free. You can check out books from your local library, use a book-sharing app, or find free books online. You can also try attending book swaps or garage sales.

Question 3: How can I read more books?
Answer 3: There are many ways to read more books. You can set a goal for yourself, find a reading buddy, or join a book club. You can also try reading different genres or formats, such as audiobooks or e-books.

Question 4: How can I get my children interested in reading?
Answer 4: There are many ways to get your children interested in reading. You can read to them aloud, take them to the library, or let them choose their own books. You can also try making reading a fun activity, such as playing games or doing crafts related to books.

Question 5: How can I keep up with new book releases?
Answer 5: There are many ways to keep up with new book releases. You can sign up for newsletters from your favorite authors or publishers, follow book blogs or websites, or use a book discovery app.

Question 6: How can I find books that are similar to ones I've already enjoyed?
Answer 6: There are many ways to find books that are similar to ones you've already enjoyed. You can ask a librarian for recommendations, use a book-recommendation engine, or look for books that have been compared to your favorites.

Question 7: How can I support my local bookstore?
Answer 7: There are many ways to support your local bookstore. You can buy books from them, attend author events, or donate to their fundraising campaigns. You can also volunteer your time or spread the word about their store on social media.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ

These are just a few of the many questions that people have about books. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask your local librarian or bookseller.

Now that you know more about books, you can start exploring the wonderful world of literature. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Tips

Here are a few practical tips for book lovers:

Tip 1: Find a comfortable reading spot.

Whether it's a cozy armchair, a park bench, or a coffee shop, find a place where you can relax and focus on your book. Make sure you have good lighting and comfortable seating.

Tip 2: Set aside time for reading.

Even if it's just a few minutes each day, make time for reading. You can read on your commute, during your lunch break, or before bed. The more you read, the easier it will become.

Tip 3: Keep a book with you at all times.

This way, you'll always have something to read when you have a few spare minutes. You can keep a book in your bag, your car, or even your pocket.

Tip 4: Join a book club or online reading community.

Book clubs are a great way to connect with other readers and discuss your favorite books. Online reading communities are also a great way to find new books and get recommendations.

Closing Paragraph for Tips

Reading is a lifelong journey. The more you read, the more you'll learn and the more you'll grow as a person. So pick up a book today and start reading!

Now that you have some tips for reading more books, it's time to start exploring the wonderful world of literature. Here are a few final thoughts:

Conclusion

Books are one of the greatest gifts in life. They can transport us to other worlds, teach us new things, and help us understand ourselves and the world around us better. Whether you're a lifelong reader or just starting out, there's something for everyone in the world of books.

The NPR book list is a great place to start your literary journey. With its wide range of genres, highly anticipated titles, and lesser-known gems, there's sure to be something on the list that you'll enjoy. And with so many captivating stories, sweeping narratives, thought-provoking ideas, unforgettable characters, and literary excellence to choose from, you're sure to find a book that stays with you long after you finish reading it.

So pick up a book today and start reading. You never know what you might discover.

Happy reading!