We Were Wondering...What were your favorite reads of 2023?

Public radio listeners love a good story; that's why, in December, We Were Wondering...what our listeners' favorite reads of 2023 were! 

From fiction to memoir, we received so many title suggestions. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their answer. We've organized a gallery of books below, and invite you to read on and search for your next read of the new year!

Listener Staci F. recommended Tom Lake, a novel about family, love, and growing up. The book was published in 2023 by Ann Patchett , the author of The Patron Saint of Liars and The Magician’s Assistant. Other titles in this row include Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (a WFDD Book Club read!), Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano, and On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder.

Lisa B.'s favorite read of 2023 was Independent People by Halldor Laxness. Laxness won the 1955 Nobel Prize in Literature for this novel, and it is highly acclaimed as his greatest masterpiece. Other recommendations include Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride, Old Babes in the Wood by Margaret Atwood, and Spare by Prince Harry.

Jan H. recommends a story set in Appalachia! Try picking up Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, inspired by the Charles Dickens novel David Copperfield. Other recommendations include Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano, All Sinners Bleed by S. A. Crosby, Search by Michelle Huneven, Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger.

Donna J. loved reading The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, which has now been turned into a Netflix show! Final titles include True Biz by Sara Novic, The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams, and The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray.