2023: Five Star Round Up

Here are the books that I rated FIVE stars in 2023. Ratings are subjective and this is a great way to see if we have similar tastes in reading. I sincerely hope that you enjoy! xx

Source: Penguin Random House

1.       The Art Thief by Michael Finkel

  True story about an art thief who steals billions (!!) from museums around Europe and his ultimate demise. So interesting and entertaining.

2.       Stone Cold Fox by Rachel Koller Croft

Potentially a niche five stars – I love a novel about wealth and class and those striving to enter the upper echelon of society. High anxiety, page turner

3.       Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor

The first book of a planned trilogy. Set in India, Age of Vice is an engrossing novel that deals in parts with crime, inequality in India, family dynamics, and corruption. I thought it was going to be more serious than it was – which is a blow to my intellectual façade, but had no impact on my enjoyment

4.       Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

An original, heart warming novel. We read this in my book club and every single woman was excited about this one. Van Pelt whips up an unexpected happy ending that will have you recommending this one anyone who will listen

5.       Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Another fan favorite. Really excellent if you know and like tennis. This comeback story follows a tennis great as she comes out of retirement to beat a record that she set six years prior. Emotions and rivalries are running high throughout. You’ll like this if you like Open by Andre Agassi.

6.       Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

A love song to New York. Read this one for a second time in 2023. It is worth it! Takes place over the course of 1938 as our protagonist, Katey Kontent, navigates New York society.

7.       Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

My favorite book of 2023! A meditation on the realities of life in Appalachia. Similar backdrop to Hillbilly Elegy without the self-promotion. The novel is sad and difficult to read at times, but all that makes it even more worthwhile. Winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize