Author Dreamer Planner Reader
The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,639 authors and super readers for their 3 favorite reads of the year.

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

My favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of The Hunger Games

Tayler Marie Brooks Why did I love this book?

I’ve always loved The Hunger Games since I read it 10 years ago with my friend.

Now after watching the movies, I could barely wait to get my hands on the books and start the whole thing again. I wasn’t disappointed. Reading the series was absolutely exceptional. I’m a major fan of suspense and this book is filled with action. I couldn’t put the books down!

By Suzanne Collins,

Why should I read it?

45 authors picked The Hunger Games as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. But Katniss has been close to death before - and survival, for her, is second nature. The Hunger Games is a searing novel set in a future with unsettling parallels to our present. Welcome to the deadliest reality TV show ever...


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of A Thousand Heartbeats

Tayler Marie Brooks Why did I love this book?

This book was action-packed. While it was much longer than an average novel, I breezed through it.

I just discovered Kiera Cass this year and am already in love. I only need 2 books, to have everything she’s written. She gives the action I crave with a fairytale coating. Highly recommended.

By Kiera Cass,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked A Thousand Heartbeats as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

#1 New York Times bestselling author of The Selection series Kiera Cass is back with her most epic novel yet - a sweeping enemies-to-lovers standalone romance.

'Love has a sound. It sounds like a thousand heartbeats happening at the same time.'

Annika has lived a life of comfort and luxury as the Princess of Kadier-but now, after the death of her mother, she's weighted under the looming threat of a loveless marriage arranged by her cold father.

Far outside the palace walls, on the outskirts of the land Annika's family has long ruled over, Lennox is waiting for his moment.…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of The Heir

Tayler Marie Brooks Why did I love this book?

Well, I haven’t made it to the last book in the series yet but I’m about to begin just as soon as I get off of this computer.

I loved America’s story, but Eadlyn has more spunk and independence. I loved seeing how she handled whatever came her way. Her strength is a huge highlight of the story.

By Kiera Cass,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Heir as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

Kiera Cass's Number 1 New York Times bestselling Selection series has enchanted readers from the very first page. In this fourth romantic novel, follow Illea's royal family into a whole new Selection - and find out what happens after happily ever after.

Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series has enchanted readers from the very first page. In this fourth romantic novel, follow Illea's royal family into a whole new Selection-and find out what happens after happily ever after.

Eighteen years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won Prince Maxon's heart. Now the time has come for…


Plus, check out my book…

Assassin

By Tayler Marie Brooks,

Book cover of Assassin

What is my book about?

Welcome to Assassin. Where the hunter is also the hunted. The rules are simple. The story complex. And only one will remain in the end. No one is safe and things aren't quite what they seem. The stakes are higher than anyone signed up for. But everything will be alright in the end because it's only a game, isn't it?