Book Recommendations: A List of Must-Reads for the Season

Nahla Zayed

Gentle reader, as the dawn of a new year approaches, we find ourselves on the precipice of a literary odyssey brimming with anticipation and wonder. The world of books, that timeless realm of imagination and enlightenment, beckons us to traverse its boundless landscapes and discover the treasures it holds. In this hallowed tradition, we present to you a curated selection of book recommendations for the year 2023 — a year ripe with promise, where literary masterpieces await to be unveiled and cherished. In this article, we will explore the best books to add to your list and read, offering a diverse range of genres and themes that cater to every reader’s taste.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

This gripping psychological thriller follows the story of Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who shoots her husband and then remains silent, refusing to speak or cooperate with the police. The novel is a twisty, suspenseful page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end. With its unique blend of mystery, intrigue, and psychological insight, this book is a must-read for fans of Gillian Flynn and Paula Hawkins.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Set in France during World War II, this historical fiction novel tells the story of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, who must navigate the dangerous and uncertain world of occupied France. With its strong female characters, historical setting, and emotional depth, this book is a powerful and moving read that will leave you in tears. Fans of All the Light We Cannot See and The Book Thief will love this one.

Educated by Tara Westover

This inspiring memoir tells the story of Tara Westover, who grew up in a survivalist family in rural Idaho. Despite the challenges she faced, Tara went on to earn a Ph.D. from Cambridge University and became a prominent author and historian. With its themes of perseverance, self-discovery, and the power of education, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for a motivational and uplifting story.

The Last Romantics by Tara Conklin

This poignant and thought-provoking novel tells the story of four siblings who are bound together by their family’s dark history and a mysterious inheritance. With themes of love, loss, and the power of family, this book is a moving exploration of the human condition that will stay with you long after you finish reading.

“The Last Time I Lied” by Riley Sager

In this psychological thriller, a young woman named Emma returns to the same summer camp where her parents were killed when she was a child. As she tries to uncover the truth behind their deaths, she must also navigate a complex web of relationships and motives that will keep you guessing until the very end.

“The Family Upstairs” by Lisa Jewell

In this gripping and suspenseful novel, a young woman named Libby discovers that her family’s new home has a dark history involving a family who disappeared without a trace. With twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end, this book is a must-read for fans of “The Girl on the Train” and “The Woman in the Window.”

“Men in the Sun” by Ghassan Kanafani

“Men in the Sun” is a powerful novella by Palestinian author Ghassan Kanafani. Set against the backdrop of the Palestinian struggle, the story follows three Palestinian refugees as they attempt to cross the border into Kuwait in search of better opportunities. Kanafani’s poignant portrayal of displacement and longing captures the human cost of political conflict.

“Frankenstein in Baghdad” by Ahmed Saadawi

Ahmed Saadawi’s “Frankenstein in Baghdad” is a contemporary take on Mary Shelley’s classic novel. Set in war-torn Baghdad, the story follows Hadi, an eccentric scavenger who stitches together body parts from victims of violence to create a new being called “Whatsitsname.” Saadawi’s novel is a dark and imaginative exploration of the consequences of war and violence.

“Palace Walk” by Naguib Mahfouz

Naguib Mahfouz, an Egyptian Nobel laureate, is one of the most celebrated Arab authors of all time. “Palace Walk,” the first installment of Mahfouz’s Cairo Trilogy, takes readers back to early 20th-century Egypt. The novel portrays the life of a middle-class Muslim family living in Cairo during a period of political and social change.