I read 132 books in 2023. If you’re sitting there thinking, wow, that sounds like a lot – you’re right. It’s a lot. And I kept track of every single one, because of course I did.
I won’t bore you with the intricacies of my Excel spreadsheet, but I did think it would be fun to look at some of my reading stats and patterns for the year.
On average, it took about 4 days to complete a single book. In terms of physical books and eBooks, I read 29,214 pages. I listened to about 308 hours of audiobooks, or just under 13 days.
I read books from 66 different authors this year, including 41 authors who were new to me. Of those 66, 22 were authors of color and 21 identified as LGBTQIA+.
I used the public library a lot this year, borrowing 103 books total – most of which were eBooks or audiobooks through services like Libby or Hoopla. While I did not read everything I borrowed, I still saved a whopping $1,213.81 by using the library.
I averaged about 11 books per month in 2023, with my most-read month being May (17 books) and least-read month being September (6 books).
There is definitely a correlation here with the number of eBooks and manga I read here (most of the manga I read was digital). I also really came to love novellas this year, and the level of tight storytelling that shorter fiction requires.
My most-read genre by far was fantasy with 70 books. Other genres not listed here include science fiction, supernatural fiction, space westerns, mystery, historical fiction, and historical fantasy.
I only read 7 nonfiction books in 2023. Most of them were memoirs, with a few other miscellaneous subjects mixed in like religion and history.
As you’ve probably gathered by now, I read a lot of manga this year, which was a major contribution to the high number of books I read. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but a few highlights:
Demon Slayer by Koyoharu Gotouge (23 volumes)
A friend recommended the Demon Slayer anime to me, and after falling in love with it, I devoured the manga. There are many things to love about the series, but it’s the brother-and-sister heroes that really take the cake for me.
Daemons of the Shadow Realm by Hiromu Arakawa (3 volumes)
Hiromu Arakawa (known for Fullmetal Alchemist and Silver Spoon) never misses, in my opinion. Her new series combines the modern world with supernatural elements, and just three volumes in, I already know we’re building up to an epic tale.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess by Akira Himekawa (10 volumes)
Never having played Twilight Princess, I was a bit hesitant going into this one, but I really enjoyed it. Akira Himekawa are a great writing team, and I love their approach to Zelda lore.
Trigun and Trigun Maximum by Yasuhiro Nightow (5 volumes)
After watching the 1998 Trigun anime and the 2023 adaptation, Trigun Stampede, I decided to check out the manga it was based on. From what I’ve seen so far, I know it’ll be a favorite.
Is Love the Answer by Uka Isaki
I picked this one up on a whim and was not disappointed! This was an lovely coming-of-age story about a girl’s journey of self-acceptance and finding community.
Talk to My Back by Yamada Murasaki
Confession: I don’t remember where I first heard of this book, but I’m glad I read it. It’s different from a lot of the other manga I read, and I enjoyed this chance to learn more about this area of manga I’m not as familiar with.
And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for….
1) Painted Devils by Margaret Owen
No one is surprised by this. I loved Owen’s Little Thieves, and Painted Devils was everything I wanted from a follow-up. I don’t have enough space to say everything I love about this book, so I’ll leave it at this: Vanja deserves the world.
2) The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty
I see “pirates” in a blurb and I’m already sold. Amina is a sweeping tale with magic and monsters, and a crew that is as capable as they are chaotic. This book was epic, and I can’t wait to see what adventures await our heroes.
3) Hell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph White
I’m not typically a horror reader, but this one captured my attention and didn’t let go. This one also has a splash of dystopia in it, and there’s just something cathartic about watching a group of teens fight back against the powers that have harmed them.
4) Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes
After reading Haynes’s essay collection Pandora’s Jar last year, I was excited to read her retelling of Medusa’s story. Medusa is one of mythology’s most-maligned characters, but Stone Blind asks its readers to think a little more – who are the true monsters in this tale?
5) The Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan
This Percy Jackson book has lower stakes than its predecessors, and that’s what I found comforting about it as a longtime fan. It was nice to read a story where our heroes got to live (relatively) normal lives, and the only thing they had to worry about was a college recommendation letter.
6) A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown
This was a fresh and exciting novel that also explores themes of family, grief, and fate. Brown is incredibly skilled at building the tension between the main characters, while still making the readers want to root for each of them.
7) Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. Polk
Remember what I said about novellas and tight storytelling? This book is an excellent example of that. It’s got murder and magic and angels and demons, all set against the backdrop of 1940s Chicago. I loved every page.
8) The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas
This book was billed as “Percy Jackson meets The Hunger Games,” and I couldn’t think of a more apt description. Thomas’s witty dialogue and colorful cast of characters made this tale all the more exciting.
9) Promise Boys by Nick Brooks
It’s not often that a mystery novel absolutely floors me, and Promise Boys now has that honor alongside Truly, Devious and One of Us Is Lying. I especially enjoyed the various perspectives we got to see throughout the book, through interviews and articles and the like. I felt like I was investigating alongside the main characters, instead of just watching them do it.
10) Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli
I’m past the age where most young adult contemporary fiction is relevant to me, but every so often, I find one that hits home. Imogen was one of these, and its commentary on identity and community is very timely.
And finally, here are a few honorable mentions.
Aces Wild: A Heist by Amanda DeWitt
While the main story is about a heist, Aces Wild also has a lot of emphasis on family, both the kind you are born with the and the kind you make yourself.
This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
This award-winning novella skyrocketed in popularity in 2023 thanks to a viral Tweet in May. I love a good epistolary tale, and the sci-fi and time travel elements made this one especially enjoyable.
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
The cast of characters is largely endearing, but perhaps more importantly, they feel real, which makes Simon all the more powerful.
The Sun and the Star by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro
Riordan and Oshiro work well together to deliver an intense yet comforting story featuring fan-favorite characters Nico DiAngelo and Will Solace.
Cosmoknights vol. 1 by Hannah Templer
I love the mashup of sci-fi tech with fantasy-style culture and politics in this graphic novel. The artwork is also absolutely stunning.
Into the Light by Mark Oshiro
Part contemporary, part thriller, and part supernatural fiction, Into the Light kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading it.
What were some of your favorite books from 2023? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
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