The bestselling books of 2023, according to 3 Greater Boston bookstores

As a writer, it's a little embarrassing to admit that I fell out of love with reading over the past few years. But in 2023, I devoted more time to reading, became addicted to #BookTok (TikTok's hashtag for book lovers) and got through some great new releases, like Lisa Jewell's thriller "None Of This Is True" and Jesmyn Ward's historical drama "Let Us Descend." And while I devoured many books this year, there were just as many that I couldn't get to.

It made me wonder what recently published titles other people in my area put on their physical and virtual bookshelves in 2023. I asked Brookline Booksmith's Alex Schaffner, Papercuts' Kate Layte and Harvard Book Store's Brad Lennon for their bestselling 2023 releases. The results span genres and provide insight into what people in Greater Boston are reading. Whether you're an e-book lover or a fan of the physical version, you may want to consider these titles for your 2024 "to be read" list. 

"He's a Pulitzer Prize-winning local author, telling an inspiring local story about a doctor who truly cares for those struggling the most — the homeless. Tracy Kidder stopped by to sign copies earlier in the year" — Papercuts

Tracy Kidder and the doctor he profiled in "Rough Sleepers," Jim O'Connell, spoke with WBUR's Lisa Mullins and Lynn Jolicoeur in January. Kidder said of the population O'Connell serves, "It's a part of the country that many people don't even want to imagine exists here." Read the interview here.

"Kuang is a staff favorite. She's mostly known for fantasy, but this is a brilliant takedown of the publishing industry." — Harvard Book Store

NPR's Keishel Williams wrote in her review, "Kuang's novel is a strong commentary on the exploitation and rigors writers face under the pressure to be successful." Read more.

"Emily Henry and Hannah Grace demonstrate the full emergence of romance into bookstore culture — long one of the heavyweights of the publishing industry, romance was sidelined or completely ignored in many bookstores for a long time. We created our romance section a few years ago, a labor of bookseller love that has become one of the most successful and popular sections of the store." — Brookline Booksmith

WBUR's Christian Burno recommended the book for our summer reading list and summarized it this way: Harriet and Wyn had been together since college until their breakup five months ago. Their shared group of friends has been renting a Maine cottage for the last decade, and this year is the last time they’re able to go. Harriet and Wyn also haven’t informed their friends about the breakup in order to keep the peace for the week. Will they be able to keep up the ruse? Read more.

"After her bestselling translation of 'The Odyssey,' classicist Emily Wilson takes on Homer's account of the Trojan War." — Harvard Book Store

New York Times critic Natalie Haynes reviewed the translation: "Her thoughtful, scholarly introduction helps a modern reader to understand that however petulant we may find the behavior of Agamemnon and Achilles as they snatch at women as though they were objects and consider little beyond their individual status as warriors, they are reflecting the values of the time." Read more.

"We've got lots of creative folks among us wanting to learn from [Rick] Rubin. Rubin helped popularize the Beastie Boys, LL Cool J and produced albums for Metallica and Slayer and so many more household names. Perfect for both the budding and experienced creative." — Papercuts

NPR host Rachel Martin wrote of Rubin's book, "Rubin could have written a bestselling book about the music industry and insider stories about huge music stars. Instead, he spent eight years writing what is basically a spiritual text for anyone who wants to make something meaningful — not for praise or admiration or money, just because it brings you closer to who you really are." Read her interview with the author here.

"This is Zadie Smith's first historical novel. It focuses on a con man's trial and the popular divide it creates. Pretty relevant to today." — Harvard Book Store

NPR's Gabino Iglesias reviewed Smith's book, and while he did state it was very long, he also wrote about its complex narrative. "'The Fraud' is a work of historical fiction and is thus filled with real events and characters. However, Smith's knack for developing full secondary characters and her talent for descriptions and witty dialogue make some parts of this novel as entertaining as the wildest fiction." Read more.

"We're also seeing a huge interest in nonfiction, particularly books like ... 'Poverty, By America' that delve into the social failures and challenges of American life. To see people so engaged is encouraging, and reaffirms our mission to be a place where critical ideas are discovered and explored." — Brookline Booksmith

Desmond pulls from history, research and original reporting to illustrate how the rich keep poor people poor in America. Here & Now co-host Robin Young spoke with the author about his book at WBUR's CitySpace. Watch the conversation here.

"He's a crime writer famous for writing about Boston. His latest is about busing, racism, public schools, and crime in 1970s Southie." — Papercuts

WBUR book critic Carol Iaciofano Aucoin wrote in her review: "No one book can contain all of the complexity of the busing years, but with 'Small Mercies,' Lehane has opened an illuminating window on one neighborhood caught in one of the most turbulent periods in Boston’s history." Read more.