My Favorite Reads of 2023

Posted on November 12, 2023 by Mary Rowen

Happy mid-November!

I’m not going to repeat the rhetorical question everyone seems to be asking these days, because it’s impossible to know where most of 2023 went. But here’s some good news: We’ve got a month and a half to finish (or begin) the stuff we planned to do this year.

For me, that means stepping up my writing game. A lot. I’d hoped to have a second draft of my WIP finished by the holiday season, and … yeah. Time to step it up and remember that books get written one page at a time.

Speaking of books, I’ve read some good ones this year and thought I’d share this list of my three favorites with you. The list–and many others like it–can be found on a great newish website called Shepherd, which I’m guessing many readers will like even more than Goodreads. And if my three faves aren’t right for you, you’ll certainly find something to love on this amazing list of the 100 Best Books of 2023. Shepherd asked over 950 authors and readers to discuss their recent reading experiences and published the results. Note that the books don’t need to have been written in 2023 though. Hence, the list includes multiple genres and books from various eras. Check it out here.

What about you? Did you read anything excellent in 2023? If so, I’d love to hear.

And if you accomplished some great stuff this year, feel free to share that as well. I could use some inspiration!

Love,

Mary

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About Mary Rowen

My three published novels, LEAVING THE BEACH (a 2016 IPPY Award winner), LIVING BY EAR, and IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THAT WAY focus on women figuring out who they are and what they want from life. Music and musicians have a way of finding their way into the stories. I live in the Boston area with my family and pets.
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6 Responses to My Favorite Reads of 2023

  1. Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger says:
    November 12, 2023 at 10:43 pm

    Howdy. Here’s a novel I liked a lot: The Middlesteins, by Jami Attenberg.

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  2. JT Twissel's avatar JT Twissel says:
    November 13, 2023 at 1:50 pm

    I reread the Great Gatsby which I highly recommend. Best wishes on the new manuscript – can’t wait to hear about it.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Mary Rowen's avatar Mary Rowen says:
      November 13, 2023 at 10:40 pm

      Thanks for that recommendation, Jan. I haven’t read all of Gatsby since high school, so I’m putting it on my list for 2024.

      BTW I’m so looking forward to your re-edit of The Graduation Present. I enjoyed that story so much the first time I read it and am excited to read it again. xox

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  3. Book Club Mom's avatar Book Club Mom says:
    November 15, 2023 at 9:12 pm

    Hi Mary! Excited to hear you’re working on something new! I’ve read 2 of these books. The Handmaid’s Tale and I’m Glad My Mom Died. I liked them both. My son recently read (and liked) Breakfast of Champions, so that counts a little! Happy Thanksgiving 🙂

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