Library Lovers Month: 9 Books To Read In 2023

Library Lovers Month: 9 Books To Read In 2023

It’s Library Lovers Month—and it appears to have arrived just in time, as many local libraries are struggling during the cost of living crisis. So, why do you adore your local library? Libraries provide a safe haven away from the stresses of everyday life; they provide security and peace and quiet. They are also a place where you can concentrate while being surrounded by people who share your desire to learn.

With 2022 behind us, it’s time to look forward to a new year of absolutely fantastic fiction, featuring a fantastic mix of established big hitters and compelling new voices. Margaret Atwood, Salman Rushdie, Richard Osman, and Leigh Bardugo all have new books out, and you can be among the first to discover the brilliance of Hannah Kaner, Emilia Hart, Katy Hays, Alice Slater, and a slew of other exciting debut authors. So make room in your to-read pile and feast your eyes on the best of what 2023 has to offer, which we highly recommend you check out at your local library; we guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Fiction:

Victory City by Salman Rushdie: From the masterly pen of the acclaimed author of Midnight’s Children and The Satanic Verses comes a luminous epic that spans a quarter of a millennium and begins in fourteenth-century India where a girl is tasked by a goddess with giving women agency in a patriarchal world.

The Shards by Bret Easton Ellis: A characteristically provocative blend of fact and fiction from the author of cult classic American Psycho, The Shards recounts disturbing developments during Ellis’ time at prep school in graphic and utterly compelling style.

The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece by Tom Hanks: From the Hollywood legend and author of Uncommon Type comes a panoramic debut novel spanning eight decades, as a multimillion-dollar superhero movie inspired by a classic comic nears completion.

Crime & Thrillers:

The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman: The geriatric sleuths of the Thursday Murder Club are faced with their most dangerous case yet when the disappearance of a highly dangerous package sends the body count spiralling in Osman’s irresistible fourth crime caper.

A Death in the Parish by Reverend Richard Coles: An outrageous ritualistic killing breaks through the petty bickering and parish politics of Champton in the deliciously witty and page-turning sequel to the bestselling Murder Before Evensong.

The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett: From the mega-selling author of The Appeal and The Twyford Code comes another labyrinthine, twist-laden mystery focusing on a true-crime writer investigating the historic case of a disturbing cult.

Science Fiction & Fantasy:

Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare: A prince’s body-double and an outcast with forbidden magic join forces to expose a web of corruption and intrigue in the gilded city of Castellane in the enthralling adult fantasy debut from the author of the bestselling Shadowhunter Chronicles.

A Stroke of the Pen by Terry Pratchett: A final collection of mesmeric short stories from the much-missed author of the award-winning Discworld series, A Stroke of the Pen is filled with Pratchett’s trademark invention, fantastical goings-on and irresistible humour.

A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon: The engrossing prequel to the bestselling The Priory of the Orange Tree delivers more character-driven, emotionally complex adventure and intrigue as the eruption of the Dreadmount brings three formidable women to the fore.

Admire your library for what it is: gathering place for the community or repository of ideas. There is so much to discover there, including new books to read and research tips for papers you may have due. Why not fight the decline in library attendance by going to learn something new that will broaden your understanding of who you are, where you live, or what you do? 

People from all walks of life frequent the library, so you never know what kind of interesting conversations you might strike up.