Welcome to the Cup of Tea’s Best Books of the Year, where I list the best of the best books I read this year.
Unfortunately, I didn’t read as much general fiction compared to the YA titles that I read this year, which is surprising since most of the time, it is the other way around. Nevertheless, the fiction and YA titles I read are the type of books I always look for in books: emotional, thought-provoking, impactful, and compelling. I found these titles to be mesmerizing and memorable, and once you hear about them and pick them up, you will feel the same way. So here are my picks for the best of 2023 in fiction and young adult genre:
Fiction
The Gifts by Liz Hyder
Captivating and mesmerizing, The Gifts is a thrilling story that perfectly blends fantasy, literature and mystery genres. It is a breathtaking novel that I have never encountered before. Once you pick up this historical fiction, you will have a hard time forgetting the magical story you’ve just read.
Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati
I’ve always been fascinated with mythology, and this one gives a Greek figure a voice from a myth that took it away from her. It is a stunning debut that tells a captivating story through the themes of female empowerment, power, and revenge.
Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes
As always, Moyes hits this one out of the park. Full of warmth and wit, Moyes tasks readers on another ride full of complex life choices and self-exploration. Moyes is only author that has the ability to make me laugh and cry at the same time. I always learn so much about myself and the world after reading Moyes’ books. And “Someone Else’s Shoes” with its lovely writing and compelling storytelling is one again another favorite of mine by Moyes.
Teens and Young Adult
Where The Light Goes by Sara Barnard
Barnard has once given readers a book that is full of breathtaking emotion and thought-provoking storytelling that would stay with readers for a long time and also make them return to this heartbreaking but important story again and again.
What I genuinely love about Barnard’s books is the truth and realism she incorporates into her stories. She doesn’t mince words, especially when it comes to the topic of mental health. But how Barnard openly discusses the topic of suicide, an issue that a lot of people have a hard time discussing, with such honesty and openness that it is rare to find books like that.
The Society For Soulless Girls by Laura Steven
Dark and insightful, just like The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Hyde, Steven brings a compelling retelling that is perfect and relevant for the 21st century. Steven has created a haunting dark academia that is such a great page turner. You have everything you need for this be a wonderful read: paranormal events, suspenseful mystery and a lovely, LGBTQ romance. This feminist twist of Jekyll and Hyde is a story that will stay with readers for a long time and share an important message that begins with the epitaph:
For the girls who were born angry
Wearing My Mother’s Heart by Sophia Thakur
I fell in love with Thakur’s debut poetry collection, Somebody Give This Heart a Pen and it was exciting to see she was coming out with another poetry collection. This latest one is just as powerful as the first one. Wearing My Mother’s Heart is a heartfelt collection of poems full of self-love, healing and the importance of inter-generational relationships. If you are a fan of poetry, you definitely want to pick this one up.
Sisters of Sword and Shadow by Laura Bates
Laura Bates has done it again by creating another YA novel full of female empowerment but now with added adventure and fantasy elements, making this one mesmerizing story. Laura is such a great writer, and her talent for creating unique stories that are filled with inspiration and strength. I loved how she put a different spin on the tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Bates takes an adventurous step like her characters into this new genre, and if more of her stories turn out like this, I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
We Don’t Swim Here by Vincent Tirado
Bronwyn is only supposed to be in rural Hillwoods for a year. Her grandmother is in hospice, and her father needs to get her affairs in order. And they’re all meant to make some final memories together.
Except Bronwyn is miserable. Her grandmother is dying, everyone is standoffish, and she can’t even go swimming. All she hears are warnings about going in the water, despite a gorgeous lake. And a pool at the abandoned rec center. And another in the high school basement.
Anais tries her hardest to protect Bronwyn from the shadows of Hillwoods. She follows her own rituals to avoid any unnecessary attention–and if she can just get Bronwyn to stop asking questions, she can protect her too. The less Bronwyn pays attention to Hillwoods, the less Hillwoods will pay attention to Bronwyn. She doesn’t get that the lore is, well, truth. History. Pain. The living aren’t the only ones who seek retribution when they’re wronged. But when Bronwyn does more exploring than she should, they are both in for danger they couldn’t expect. (Credit: Sourcebooks Fire)
Only For The Holidays by Abiola Bello
Another cute holiday read by Abiola Bello! Bello does a great job creating realistic teen characters in a romantic setting, and at the same time making it an enjoyable book for readers who either enjoy YA or just a cute romantic romp.
Gay Club! by Simon James Green
Barney’s a shoo-in for his school’s LGBTQ+ Society President at the club’s next election. But when the vote is opened up to the entire student body, the whole school starts paying attention. How low will the candidates go to win? Buckle up for some serious shade, scandals and sleazy shenanigans. It isn’t long before it’s National Coming Out Day – for everyone’s secrets!
But when the group faces an unexpected threat – and a big opportunity – can the club members put politics aside and stand united? (Credit: Scholastic Press)
Outcasts by Claire McFall
Dylan and Tristan have finally found their place in the world of the living, guarding it from any wraiths that manage to break through from the wasteland. But it seems that in escaping death, they have upset a careful balance–more and more wraiths are appearing in their world, causing destruction. The wasteland itself is changing as well, with safe houses becoming less safe and wraiths acting more human than ever. When two innocent souls are taken by the wasteland in place of Dylan and Tristan, they must choose: let others be unjustly sentenced to death, or sacrifice themselves and be separated forever. Will Dylan and Tristan risk everything for their love? Or is there another way for them to set the world right? (Credit: Walker Books US)
Win Lose Kill Die by Cynthia Murphy
Reading “Win Lose Kill Die” brought memories of watching High School Slashers as a teenager, but this one throws different red herrings and misdirection that you are left shocked and chilled when you reach the end. You have secret societies, secluded schools, twisted ambition and of course, teen drama…everything you need in a dark academia. You want to get your hands on this dark and creepy thriller that will take you on one horrific ride ☠️.
The Stranded by Sarah Daniels
WOW… just WOW! This was such an amazing ride. I never read a dystopian like this one! I was turned off from the genre after reading “The Hunger Games.” But after reading this “The Stranded,” if they turn out to be like this, I will be reading more of the genre. It was so well written and filled with everything that will have a reader on the edge of your seat: action, amazing world building, and great character development.
This Winter by Alice Oseman
A very special Heartstopper story set over a challenging holiday season…
Reuniting Tori Spring, her little brother Charlie, and Charlie’s boyfriend Nick, this novella sees the Spring siblings brave a particularly difficult festive season. (Credit: Scholastics Press)
Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert
Bradley Graeme is pretty much perfect. He’s a star football player, manages his OCD well (enough), and comes out on top in all his classes . . . except the ones he shares with his ex-best friend, Celine.
Celine Bangura is conspiracy-theory-obsessed. Social media followers eat up her takes on everything from UFOs to holiday overconsumption—yet, she’s still not cool enough for the popular kids’ table. Which is why Brad abandoned her for the in-crowd years ago. (At least, that’s how Celine sees it.)
These days, there’s nothing between them other than petty insults and academic rivalry. So when Celine signs up for a survival course in the woods, she’s surprised to find Brad right beside her.
Forced to work as a team for the chance to win a grand prize, these two teens must trudge through not just mud and dirt but their messy past. And as this adventure brings them closer together, they begin to remember the good bits of their history. But has too much time passed . . . or just enough to spark a whole new kind of relationship? (Credit: Random House Children’s Books)
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