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Laura Joy Lloyd

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Memorable Books of 2023

A list of the most memorable books I read in 2023.

Home » Laura's Journal » Memorable Books of 2023

Posted by Laura Joy Lloyd In: Laura's Journal Tags: What I'm Reading

Like you, I love to read. Some books I thoroughly enjoy in the moment, then quickly forget. Others I nearly set down, again and again, but push through—only to discover I’m still thinking about them days, weeks, months later.

Some books won’t let me walk away unchanged.

What causes a book to stay in our hearts and minds, long after we’ve finished reading it? What makes a book continue to influence our thoughts, ideas, and dreams?

Below, you’ll find a list of the most memorable books I read in 2023.

To find out what I’m reading right now, subscribe to receive my emails. When you subscribe, you’ll also get a story I’ve written for readers just like you. Subscribe here.

 

The Most Memorable Books I Read in 2023

Fiction

Flight Behavior

While waiting for Barbara Kingsolver’s newest release to become available at my library, I reached for an older Kingsolver novel I hadn’t read yet. (And for the record, I enjoyed Flight Behavior much more than the new release—which you might notice I’m not even naming here. Wink.)

Go as a River

I almost stopped reading Shelley Read’s novel several times. While the writing is stunningly beautiful, the subject matter is intense, and sensitive readers should tread cautiously. But I’m still thinking about the story—often—so it definitely deserves to be on this list.

Hello Beautiful

Ahh. Ann Napolitano’s stunning family drama. I loved this story so much I looked up earlier novels and discovered Dear Edward, which also makes the list of most memorable. (Caveat: Do not read Dear Edward just before or while traveling by air!)

In Hazard

This novella by Richard Hughes is based on a true story about a merchant steamship caught up in a hurricane for four days in 1929.

Lessons in Chemistry

Parts of Bonnie Garmus’s new release may be difficult for sensitive readers, but I will not soon forget the main character, Elizabeth Zott.

My Sister’s Keeper

Jodi Picoult’s novel is an emotional story about family relationships and where lines of morality can be drawn.

On Moonberry Lake

Filled with delightful characters, light-hearted mystery, and fun romance, my friend Holly Varni’s new release is the first in a promising new series. Listen to Holly read the story aloud on her podcast, Moments from Moonberry Lake.

Peace Like a River

Leif Enger’s lyrical novel about the Land family in 1960s North Dakota continues to stay with me.

Remarkably Bright Creatures

I enjoyed Shelby Van Pelt’s novel so much I offered it as a choice in my current interactive serialized fiction experience. Readers liked it, too, and determined Amelia would read the novel in Part 4 of The Wren Island Series.

The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water

Erin Bartels’s captivating story is a beautiful exploration of how we define friendships—and how they define us.

The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise

Colleen Oakley’s fantastic story of an unlikely friendship between a restless young woman and an underestimated older woman.

Tom Lake

While waiting for Ann Patchett’s extraordinary new release to become available at my library, I read Taft, Patchett’s 1994 novel, which also deserves a place on this list.

Very Far Away From Anywhere Else

I read this lovely coming-of-age story by Ursula K. Le Guin in one sitting—poolside, while on vacation. Memorable? Definitely.

We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves

This entirely captivating novel with difficult, thought-provoking themes might be my favorite yet by Karen Joy Fowler.

When Crickets Cry

2023 was the year I discovered Charles Martin’s novels. (Hubby’s enjoying them, too!) My favorites so far are When Crickets Cry, Chasing Fireflies, and Send Down the Rain.

Whose Waves These Are

Amanda Dykes’s moving story includes mystery, romance, and the gorgeous setting of coastal Maine.

 

Home & Life

Art & Fear

David Bayles’s thought-provoking little book explores many ways creative people experience and can overcome fear.

The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning

Margareta Magnusson offers a compassionate and no-nonsense approach to simplifying life at any stage.

Things that Matter

Joshua Becker’s book helps readers identify priorities and align daily routines to achieve goals and dreams. Also memorable by Becker, The More of Less, which helps readers sort through physical and mental clutter to live life more purposefully.

What’s So Amazing About Grace

The themes in this classic by Philip Yancey continue to stay with me, and I’m glad I reread this book.

 

Memoir & Biography

Education of a Wandering Man

This memoir by author Louis L’Amour was life-changing the first time I read it, years ago. I’m glad I reread it in 2023.

No Time to Spare

Author Ursula K. Le Guin wrote this memoir while in her eighties, and I really enjoyed the perspectives she brings to a myriad of subjects.

On a Farther Shore

William Souder’s biography of naturalist Rachel Carson was educational, thought-provoking, and inspiring.

The Other Wes Moore

A compassionately-told story about two young men with the same name, this is a memoir filled with themes I will continue to think about.

Undivided

This double memoir by Patricia Raybon, a Christian mother, and Alana Raybon, her Muslim daughter, is poignant and memorable.

 

Just like you, I’m still reading! To see my current choices, subscribe to receive my emails. Or check out my Most Memorable Books from 2024 and 2022.

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