My 5 Best Reads of 2023

Are you looking for the perfect holiday gift for the book lover in your life? Look no further. These were my Top 5 reads of 2023, in no particular order.

A Totally Professional Disclaimer: I didn’t receive any money for this article. I’m a cheap date, though, and probably would’ve done it for a six-pack. Just saying …

Tempered Glass by Stacy Longo – Best Horror Collection

Tempered Glass earned an Indie Spotlight in Publishers Weekly for a reason: it’s a damn good book.

Acclaimed author Stacey Longo masterfully weaves a tapestry of dread, seamlessly blending psychological terror with supernatural horrors and a dash of dark humor.

Longo’s collection of short stories is like a rollercoaster through the bizarre and eerie. Yet, there were moments where I found myself laughing out loud, even as I cringed and thought, “Why the hell am I laughing at this?” That’s the Longo magic right there.

What sets this collection apart is the variety of situations and characters she throws at you. We’re talking women in a weight loss group meeting mysterious ends, a reclusive neighborhood of carnie folk harboring dark secrets, and a guy questioning if he’s criminally insane or if the whole world is just messed up.

Longo blends horror with comedy like the seasoned pro she is. The scenarios she crafts are exciting and chilling, and you’ll find traits of people you’ve probably known at some point in your life – the arrogant womanizer, the overbearing spouse, the angst-ridden teenager. Longo breathes life into these characters in the best of ways.

So, if you’re up for spine-tingling fiction that’s both haunting and, at times, hilarious, give Tempered Glass a shot.

Available from Amazon in ebook or print.

The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell – Best Sci-Fi Novel

If you liked Cloud Atlas, get ready for a heck of a trip because The Bone Clocks is even better.

Is it sci-fi? Fantasy? A character-driven drama with enticing characters caught in a mystical battle between good and evil?

All of the above.

Mitchell has a knack for bending genres with a literary flair, and The Bone Clocks fits right into the enigmatic groove he’s known for.

In terms of the story, it’s one of those books I don’t want to say too much about for fear of spoiling the many gems that unfold as you read.

Mitchell hooked me, reeling me in with a narrative that’s as intriguing as it is elusive. The characters are like puzzle pieces in this grand, mysterious tapestry, and I just had to keep going to see how it all fits together.

As I read, I kept thinking, “What the hell is going on?” but I always had to know more. I had to know where Holly Sykes would end up and what those weird mystic soul thieves secretly pulling on the strings of human civilization were after.

And let me tell you, the ending is like a symphony reaching its crescendo. The mysticism builds up, the threads intertwine, and you’ll be left in awe of its brilliance. I won’t spoil anything, but the payoff is worth every moment of anticipation. Grab a copy, dive in, and prepare for a literary sci-fi adventure!

Published by Penguin Random House.

Fairy Tale by Stephen King – Best Fantasy/Adventure Novel

Simply put, Fairy Tale by Stephen King is unputdownable, and it was exactly the kind of escapist story I needed when I cracked it open in September.

The story revolves around Charlie Reade, your typical high school kid on the surface but carrying a load heavier than most. His life takes an unexpected turn when he befriends the town recluse, Howard Bowditch, and his mysterious dog, Radar.

Charlie’s journey of self-discovery and the bond he forms with Radar hooked me from page one as King masterfully weaves in Charlie’s past, his struggles, and the eerie secrets surrounding Bowditch’s locked shed. I cheered for Charlie as he took on odd jobs for Bowditch and, of course, fell head over heels for Radar.

Seriously, who can resist a good dog sidekick?

Things get intense when Bowditch leaves Charlie a cassette tape with a mind-boggling revelation about a portal to another world locked inside the shed. Like many good fairy tales, the friction between good and evil is never far away as Charlie Reade takes on the adventure of a lifetime into a strange world that can only come from the mind of King; he’s taken the fairy tale concept and made it his own.

If you’re into stories where the forces of good clash with unimaginable evil, and a young hero and his furry sidekick lead the charge, this book is an absolute must-read.

Published by Simon and Schuster.

Beach Town by David Daniel – Best Literary Short Story Collection

You’re missing out if you haven’t explored a Daniel story. Daniel is a literary shapeshifter, as comfortable writing mysteries and horror as he is penning literary fiction.

You might know him from his gripping mystery White Rabbit or his chilling tales in Coffin Dust, but he takes a different route in Beach Town. This collection of short stories is like a snapshot of humanity, and it’s as heartwarming and enigmatic as it is thought-provoking.

The characters are your everyday folks, but their experiences are anything but ordinary. From clam diggers to sailors to barmaids to disillusioned lovers, Daniel weaves poignant and mysterious tales. It’s like he’s pulling back the curtain on the loves and losses, the magic and hard realities of life in the seaside town of North Weybridge.

Beach Town is one of those books that lingers in your mind. It makes you think, makes you feel things. A nostalgic vibe runs through these stories, reflecting the human condition that resonates long after you’ve turned the last page.

Each story is a trip, an insight, and a moment of reflection that left me yearning for more while reminiscing about people from the “good old days.”

Beach Town is an absolute gem if you’re into short story collections with a literary flair that tug at your heartstrings. Daniel’s storytelling is a treat, and this book is a testament to his skill in capturing what it means to be human.

Available in paperback from Loom Press and in ebook and print on Amazon.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin – Best Literary Fiction Novel

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is a literary fiction masterpiece that propels readers through the dynamic realm of video game design, human connections, and love.

I was hooked from the moment Sam Masur spotted Sadie Green, whom he hasn’t seen in years, in a subway crowd. Against his better judgment, Sam calls out to her, and that moment is the catalyst that launches them into the stratosphere of success … and all the baggage that comes with it, both personal and professional.

One of the things I loved about this book is that their success – and failure – doesn’t shield them from the pitfalls of their creative ambitions and the betrayals of the heart. The novel takes you on a thirty-year odyssey from Harvard to Venice Beach, exploring identity, disability, failure, and the redeeming power of play.

And did I mention the need to connect? We all crave love, and this book dives deep into the complexities of human connections.

If you’re into gripping narratives, rich characters, and a unique take on love, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is your next must-read. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

P.S. The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry, here I come!

So, what’s up next on my TBR list?

Black River Orchard by Chuck Wendig. Somehow, I’ve never read Wendig, so this seemed like a good place to start.

Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell. I’m a huge fan of Mitchell’s work. He excels at building worlds populated by rich and rewarding characters.

America Fantastica by Tim O’Brien. I really enjoyed In the Lake of the Woods, so I figured I’d give this one a shot.

Well, that’s a wrap. I hope you enjoy these books as much as I did. Until next time, happy reading!

-Adrian Vladimir