I’m Booked: My top ten books of 2023

Written by Ally Abruscato.

It’s hard to believe that another year has passed, leaving me with the exciting challenge of choosing my top ten books of 2023. Although 2023 was a bit slower than 2022, I still managed to reach my reading goal (in large part thanks to our six-week-long winter break). Among the 33 books that I read, here are my top ten.

10. “The Right Call: What Sports Teach Us About Work and Life” by Sally Jenkins

As a sportswriter for The Washington Post, Sally Jenkins has many stories of famous athletes to share. From Michael Phelps to Tom Brady, Jenkins shares lessons that apply to people’s everyday lives. “The Right Call: What Sports Teach Us About Work and Life” is an engaging and informative book for athletes and spectators alike. 

9. “Bossypants” by Tina Fey

Back in the day, when my mom would force me to listen to her audiobooks in the car, I heard a fair amount of Tina Fey’s “Bossypants.” In 2023, I revisited this book in its entirety. “Bossypants” is a hilarious autobiography documenting Fey’s life from her childhood into her career as a writer and comedian. It is a remarkably fun read that I’d recommend to anyone looking for a quick and silly book. 

8. “Daisy Jones & The Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Although I was a little late to the “Daisy Jones & The Six” hype, I enjoyed it nonetheless. Taylor Jenkins Reid is exceptionally talented when it comes to building complex worlds and intricate characters. The writing style of this book forces the reader into the story, making them feel a part of the fictional band drama of the late 60s. 

7. “Normal People” by Sally Rooney

Did I read “Normal People” by Sally Rooney just to watch the show with Paul Mescal? Maybe. Am I glad that I did? Definitely. What could be a stereotypical romance is made much more meaningful by the complexity of the characters and their relationship. I always enjoy being exposed to other people’s thoughts and feelings, and this book did a great job providing that. 

6. “Honey, Baby, Mine: A Mother and Her Daughter Talk About Life, Death, and Love” by Laura Dern

Seeing as “Little Women” and “Jurassic Park” are my two favorite movies of all time, it is no wonder fellow editor Abby Chadwick gifted me Laura Dern’s book. Little did I know the first page of “Honey, Baby, Mine” would be one of the saddest things I read all year. The book beautifully documents conversations between Laura Dern and her mother, Diane Ladd, as they reflect on their lives together. 

5. “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom

Speaking of sad books with conversations about death… “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom documents the teachings Albom’s professor gives on his deathbed. Full of life lessons, this book is perfect for anyone looking for a good cry. 

4. “Carrie Soto Is Back” by Taylor Jenkins Reid

In 2023, I discovered how much I love Taylor Jenkins Reid. Maybe it’s my tennis roots, but I was really entertained by “Carrie Soto is Back.” Not only was the tennis storyline captivating, but the relationship between an unlikeable character and her adoring father was precious. I’d highly recommend this book to anyone, no matter their love of tennis. 

3. “Six Walks in the Footsteps of Henry David Thoreau” by Ben Shattuck

Although Henry David Thoreau’s “Walden” did not make my top ten, “Six Walks in the Footsteps of Henry David Thoreau” by Ben Shattuck was good enough to be my number three. In the depths of uncertainty and pain, Shattuck looked to Thoreau and nature for guidance. It is one of those books that makes you want to touch some grass and cry a little. What could be better than that? 

2. “Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man’s World” Lauren Fleshman

As a past professional runner and current coach, Lauren Fleshman has a lot of experience as a female athlete trying to fit into a man’s world. “Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man’s World” taught me about the science behind female athletes’ changing bodies that is not taught to young girls. On top of this, Fleshman dives into her own experience and how society mistreated her. It is an important read for any athlete! 

1. “Hello Beautiful” by Ann Napolitano

Pitched to me as a modern “Little Women,” it should be no surprise that “Hello Beautiful” by Ann Napolitano was my favorite book of 2023. This book is an emotionally layered story describing the Padavano sisters and William Waters as they come of age over a series of years. It was an emotional rollercoaster that left me sobbing. Please put it on your To-Read list for 2024 right now!