Hey there, book lovers, and Happy New Year! 🎉 Can you believe 2023 is already behind us? As we kick off this fresh chapter, I’ve been reflecting on all the incredible stories that made last year so special. Over the past 365 days, I dove into 145 books (yes, you read that right!) and let me tell you, it was a wild, wonderful, and sometimes emotional ride. From heart-wrenching literary fiction to mind-bending fantasy, and everything in between, each book left its mark on me in some way.
Today, I’m super excited to share my absolute favorites from 2023, broken down into categories like Best Literary Fiction, Best Fantasy, Best Manga, Best Graphic Novel, Best Magical Realism, and more. These picks are based on the ratings I gave them, so you know they’re the crème de la crème. And hey, if any of these catch your eye, I’ve linked my full reviews below so you can decide before adding them to your TBR pile.
So, grab a cozy blanket, maybe a cup of tea (or coffee, no judgment here), and let’s take a stroll through the best books of 2023. Who knows? Your next favorite read might be waiting for you right here. Let’s get into it! 📚✨
A. BEST LITERARY FICTION
1. True Mothers by Mizuki Tsujimura
True Mothers by Mizuki Tsujimura is a story that makes you think about what it means to be a mother, adoption, and the pressure society puts on us. With strong characters and a great plot, it sticks with you and shows why it's important to be kind, talk openly, and understand each other in relationships. True Mothers reminds us how powerful a mother's love can be and leaves you thinking about all the feelings that come with it.
Full review| Where to buy: Penerbit Haru
2. What You Are Looking For Is In The Library by Michiko Aoyama
What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama is a heartwarming story about how books can totally change things, all set in a library where interesting things happen. This story follows five main characters: Tomoka, Ryo, Natsumi, Hiroya, and Masao, as they deal with some important moments happening in their lives. With a little help from the wise and smart librarian, Sayuri Komachi, these characters find comfort and inspiration in the library's books. This leads them to make some awesome changes in their lives, both personally and professionally. This story shows how reading and being part of a community can totally shape how we look at things and give our lives a whole new meaning.
Full review| Where to buy: Periplus
3. Britt-Marie was Here by Fredrik Backman
Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman tells the story of Britt-Marie, a woman with lots of quirks and charm. She leaves her cheating husband and ends up in a rundown village called Borg. There, she gets a job looking after a beat-up recreation center and befriends a rat. The village is struggling economically, but through Britt-Marie's adventures, the book shows how people can change and help each other out, even in tough times. It's a feel-good story about kindness, empathy, and how we all can grow, no matter where life takes us. It reminds us not to judge others too quickly and shows the importance of understanding and being understood.
4. The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn
The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn is a story about Carl Kollhoff, an old man who sells books in Germany. It starts with Carl doing his usual thing, delivering books to people who can't go to the bookstore. But then, a lively girl named Schascha joins him on his deliveries, and they become unlikely friends. Even though Carl wasn't sure about it at first, Schascha's energy brings some excitement to his life.
Full review| Where to buy: Penerbit Baca
5. The Disaster Tourist by Yun Ko Eun
The Disaster Tourist by Yun Ko-eun is an interesting yet unsettling novel that made me think a lot about the dark side of tourism and corporate greed. This story follows Yona, who works for a travel company called Jungle. But this isn’t a normal travel agency, Jungle specializes in disaster tourism, and offers trips to places devastated by natural and man-made disasters. When Yona faces workplace harassment and is suddenly seen as disposable by her company, she gets sent on a trip to inspect a struggling disaster tour destination. What starts as a routine work assignment quickly turns into something much darker when she uncovers Jungle’s horrifying plan. As Yona gets pulled deeper into the company’s schemes, she has to question her role in an industry that profits from suffering.
B. BEST FANTASY
1. The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang
R.F. Kuang’s The Poppy War is one of the most intense and intriguing fantasy books I’ve ever read. It mixes history, mythology, and war in a way that feels both real and brutal. The story follows Rin, a war orphan from a poor village who manages to get into Sinegard, the top military academy in the Nikara Empire. While training, she discovers she has the rare ability to use shamanic magic, which connects her to the Phoenix god, a source of incredible power but also terrifying destruction. As war breaks out between the Nikara Empire and the Federation of Mugen, Rin is thrown into the chaos and forced to face the brutal reality of war, power, and survival.
Full review| Where to buy: Dojo Buku
2. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Graceling by Kristin Cashore is a YA fantasy book about people called Gracelings who have extraordinary skills and powers, known as Graces. The main character, Katsa, is really good at fighting and killing. Katsa works for her uncle, King Randa, as a tough enforcer in Middluns, one of the Seven Kingdoms. But secretly, she's not into it and teams up with others who also want to make things fairer in the kingdom. Then she meets Prince Po, who has his own special powers. He makes Katsa question everything she knows about herself and what she's supposed to do. As they become friends, they discover a dangerous plot that could threaten everything in the Seven Kingdoms.
3. The Grace of Wild Things by Heather Fawcett
The Grace of Wild Things by Heather Fawcett is a magical and heartwarming middle-grade book that follows Grace, a brave orphan whose magical power, she is determined to become a real witch. To prove herself, she goes into the forest and asks the grumpy witch, Mrs. Puddlestone, to take her as an apprentice. But Grace has to complete 100 ½ spells from a special spellbook before a cherry tree blooms, and then she can be the witch's apprentice. Along the way, she meets some amazing friends, like Rum, a playful fairy; Windweaver, a smart and loyal crow; and Sareena Khalil, a kind girl who becomes an important part of her journey.
4. The Mystwick School of Musicraft by Jessica Khoury
The Mystwick School of Musicraft by Jessica Khoury is a middle-grade fantasy book about Amelia Jones, a talented flutist who really wants to go to the Mystwick School of Musicraft. But there's a mix-up during her audition, and she gets accepted by mistake because they thought she was a different Amelia Jones. The school gives her trial period as a chance to prove herself. Along the way, she deals with all sorts of challenges, weird magical occurences, and even a haunting ghost.
C. BEST HISTORICAL FICTION
1. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus is a mix of historical fiction, feminism, and humor, which tells the story of Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist in the 1960s who refuses to follow society’s rules for women. She constantly faces sexism in her field, but instead of giving up, she pushes back. Then, in an unexpected twist, she ends up as the host of Supper at Six, a cooking show, but instead of just teaching recipes, she uses it to educate and empower women.
Full review| Where to buy: Periplus
2. The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is a story set during World War II. It's about a girl named Ada who lives in London with her mean mom and little brother Jamie. Because of her clubfoot, Ada's stuck inside their cramped apartment and has never been outside.
When London starts getting bombed, kids are sent to the countryside to stay safe. Ada sees this as her chance to get away from her mom, so she grabs Jamie, and they run off to join the other kids. They end up in a small village called Kent, where they meet Susan Smith, who reluctantly becomes their caregiver.
Full review| Where to buy: Gramedia / Wonderstore
D. BEST ROMANCE
1. A Taste for Love by Jennifer Yen
A Taste for Love revolves around Liza Yang, a high school senior with a passion for baking. She dreams of attending culinary school, but her traditional mother has other plans for her, including finding her a suitable Asian boyfriend. When Liza agrees to help with her family's annual baking competition, she discovers her mother's secret plan: all the contestants are young Asian American men her mother has handpicked for Liza to date. Among them is James Wong, whom Liza initially dislikes.
2. Love, Decoded by Jennifer Yen
Love, Decoded is a young adult contemporary book about Gigi Wong, a high school student with ambitious goals and a need to be the best at everything. She's from a rich family and wants to be a matchmaker, being involved in her family's matchmaking business. Things get interesting when she starts making a matchmaking app for a school project. Her app ends up in a contest where the winner gets a summer internship.
E. BEST MAGICAL REALISM
1. Catalyst by Sarah Beth Durst
Catalyst is a really fun book to read (listen to, in this case I listened to the audiobook). The story begins with the introduction of Zoe, whose birthday is coming, Zoe's family, namely Alex (her older brother), who is very supportive, and her busy parents. Then there is Zoe's best friend named Harrison who likes reading books and always has a way of making readers laugh with his cleverness. Zoe finds a little kitten which she names Pipsqueak. Giving this name also really shows Zoe's character, who doesn't like changes, especially sudden ones, so she gave this name even though she knew this kitten wasn't always small and would grow up.
2. A Castle in the Clouds by Kerstin Gier
A Castle in the Clouds is a book for young adult written by Kerstin Gier. It first came out in German in 2017, and then in English in 2020. The story happens in the Swiss Alps and follows a 17-year-old girl named Sophie Spark. She's interning at a famous hotel called Castle in the Clouds.
In this book, Sophie has all sorts of adventures and funny moments while she's working at the hotel. She meets lots of interesting people, like other interns, hotel workers, and some mysterious guests. There's Ben Montfort, whose parents own the hotel, and Tristan Brown, a mysterious guy who catches Sophie's eye.
F. BEST SCIENCE FICTION
1. Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro is an interesting book set in the future, where high-tech stuff and artificial intelligence are part of everyday life, but not everyone has the same opportunities because of socioeconomic disparities. The story is told by Klara, an AI companion made to hang out with people and help them feel better. Klara really wants to be someone's friend, and she gets her wish when a girl named Josie picks her. Klara's super happy to be Josie's pal and does everything she can to make sure Josie has a good life.
As Klara gets to know Josie and her family, she sees all the ups and downs of human feelings and relationships. Josie's mom is trying hard to find a cure for Josie's sickness. Klara gets super close to Josie and wants to keep her safe, even if it means Klara has to do something tough. The ending of the book leaves you thinking about how important friendships are, what role robots might play in our lives, and how complicated being human can be in a world where technology is everywhere.
Full review| Where to buy: Gramedia / Periplus / Wonderstore
2. The Stone Sky by N. K. Jemisin
The Stone Sky is the last book in N.K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth trilogy. It's about a world facing environmental catastrophes and societal oppression. The story follows Essun and Nassun, a mother and daughter who both have special powers to manipulate the Earth forces. Essun wants to stop the world from falling apart caused by the Season and find Nassun to keep her safe. But Nassun is struggling with her powers and has to make some tough choices that could change everything. Along the way, they learn about the Stone Eaters, immortal beings with their own plans, and uncover secrets about why disasters keep happening.
G. BEST COVER
1. Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Full review | Where to buy: Gramedia / Periplus / Wonderstore
2. The Poppy War trilogy by R. F. Kuang
Full review: The Poppy War / The Dragon Republic / The Burning God| Where to buy: MBN
3. Song of Silver, Flame Like Night by Amélie Wen Zhao
It's a perfect book for Daughter of the Moon Goddess fans and those who love reading books inspired by Chinese mythology. Song of Silver, Flame like Night is YA fantasy (and a little bit romance) book which absorbs every reader to its world and holds their attention until the very last words. Told in multiple POVs, mainly our main characters Lan and Zen, the author gives them balanced portion of pages to tell their stories with distinctive voices.
H. BEST MANGA
1. Yona of the Dawn by Mizuho Kusanagi
Yona of the Dawn is about Yona, a princess who's out to protect her kingdom after her dad, King Il, gets murdered. She's got her trusty bodyguard Hak with her as she sets off on this epic quest. This manga digs into things like growing up, making friends, and dealing with all the complicated politics involved. Throughout this story, Yona goes from being a sheltered princess to a strong and kind leader.
2. Food Diary of Miss Maid by Maeya Susumu
The Food Diary of Miss Maid Vol. 1 by Susumu Maeya is an absolute gem that’s equal parts adorable, mouthwatering, and just plain fun. Imagine this: a sweet, curious maid is left alone in her master’s house while he jets off to London for a year. What does she do? She embarks on the most wholesome mission ever, to explore Japan through its incredible food. With a guidebook in hand, she sets out to taste all the iconic dishes Japan has to offer. We’re talking dango, takoyaki, mochi, and so much more. And let me tell you, the food illustrations are so vivid and drool-worthy, you’ll probably find yourself reaching for a snack (or three) while reading. This manga also features some fascinating little facts about Japanese cuisine, so you’re not just enjoying a story, but you’re also learning something new, too. It’s like a food tour and a history lesson wrapped up in one adorable package.
I. BEST GRAPHIC NOVEL
1. The Sprite and the Gardener by Rii Abrego, Joe Whitt
A simple story about asking a help and working together. I love the art style, the color palette, and how short the story yet it deliver the authors' message beautifully. The sprites appeared in different appearances and I love how diverse their skin color and body size are. It's a strong graphic novel debut and I want to read more from them. I recommend this graphic novel for everyone who wants to read a lighthearted, quick, beautiful and happy story about plants, human and sprites.
2. The Tea Dragon Society by Kay O'Neill
The Tea Dragon Society follows Greta, a young blacksmith's apprentice. One day, she finds a strange little creature in the marketplace. It turns out to be a tea dragon, a rare and magical animal that grows tea leaves on its horns. Greta then meets Hesekiel, an old tea dragon owner, who shows her how to care for these special creatures. As Greta learns about tea dragons, she joins the Tea Dragon Society, a group dedicated to keeping the knowledge and traditions of tea dragons alive. She also meets Minette, a girl from the city who has forgotten about her own tea dragon because of memory loss. Throughout this story, Greta makes close friends in the Tea Dragon Society.
3. Ink Girls by Marieke Nijkamp, Sylvia Bi
Ink Girls is a graphic novel set in a fictional Renaissance city. It's about Cinzia, who works in a printing shop, and her mentor, Mestra Aronne. Trouble starts when they print some stuff criticizing the ruling family, and they got arrested. But with Elena, the Principessa's daughter, and some other friends by her side, Cinzia sets out to find the truth, fight corruption, and rescue her mentor. This book talks about girl power, friendship, and why having a free press is so important. It's a colorful adventure inspired by Italian history.
J. BEST NONFICTION
1. The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read by Philippa Perry
The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read gives a new and gentle view on parenting. It talks about important topics like thinking back on how we were raised, understanding our children's feelings, communication, setting reasonable rules, dealing with modern issues, and taking care of our own emotions. This book is a game-changer for anyone raising kids, showing us that with love, listening, and looking inward, we can make our homes a happy and supportive place for our children to grow up in.
Full review| Where to buy: Reneturos / Periplus
2. Eight Setbacks That Can Make A Child A Success by Michelle Icard
Michelle Icard's book, Eight Setbacks That Can Make a Child a Success, helps parents dealing with common challenges that come up when raising kids. It covers various things like relationship problems and academic performance, and it gives parents tips and support. The book says that setbacks are actually opportunities for kids to get better and emphasizes the importance of giving them a safe space to learn and grow from their experiences.
K. BEST PICTURE BOOK
There Must Be More Than That by Shinsuke Yoshitake
L. BEST SERIES
1. The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang
Full review: The Poppy War / The Dragon Republic / The Burning God| Where to buy: Gramedia
2. Yona of the Dawn by Mizuho Kusanagi
M. BEST REREAD
Babel, or the Necessity of Violence by R. F. Kuang
Finishing my second read of Babel, Or the Necessity of Violence has given me a deeper appreciation for its complexity and nuance, so I decided to revisit my thoughts and write a more structured review this time around. Written by R.F. Kuang, Babel is a dark academia fantasy novel that ties together themes of language, colonialism, and power. This story follows Robin Swift, a Chinese boy brought to England and prepared to become a student at Babel, the Royal Institute of Translation at Oxford University. Babel is not just an academic institution but also the center of a unique magic system powered by silver bars and the subtle meanings lost in translation between languages.
Full review| Where to buy: Periplus
N. BEST ARC
June Hayward is a writer who wants to be famous amd gain recognition for her writing. But then, her friend Athena Liu, who's also a writer, accidentally dies. June sees this as her chance. She decides to take Athena's latest draft, a book about Chinese workers in World War I, as her own work. She even changes her name to Juniper Song and puts out a picture of herself that makes it seem like she's from a mix of different backgrounds. The book gets popular and ends up being a bestseller, even making it to the top of the New York Times list.
Full review| Where to buy: GPU / Periplus
2. Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura
Lonely Castle in the Mirror tells the story of Kokoro Anzai, a 13-year-old girl who's been avoiding school because of bullying. One day, she finds a magical castle inside her bedroom mirror. In the castle, she meets six other teens, each facing their own challenges, and the mysterious Wolf Queen. The Wolf Queen gives them a quest: find a hidden key within a year, and the one who finds it gets a wish granted.
Full review : Indonesian edition / English edition / Comparison | Where to buy: Gramedia / Periplus
3. Perempuan Rok Ungu by Natsuko Imamura
The Woman in the Purple Skirt by Imamura Natsuko is told through the eyes of the Woman in the Yellow Cardigan, who narrates it continuously without chapter titles or numbers. The Woman in the Yellow Cardigan becomes curious about a woman in her neighborhood. She nicknames her the Woman in the Purple Skirt because of her always wearing a purple skirt. Intrigued by the mystery surrounding this woman, our narrator starts following and observing her. The more she learns about the Woman, the stronger her wish becomes to be friends. But talking to her face-to-face feels super awkward. And that's where things get interesting as we dive into the complicated relationship between these two characters.
Full review| Where to buy: Penerbit Haru
O. BEST BOOKCLUB PICK
This story follows the daily life of Na Willa, a young girl who shares these simple yet so meaningful stories about her everyday life. It’s set in a time when radios were the main source of entertainment and kapok mattresses were the cozy norm. Just reading about her daily routine and the world around her makes you feel this warm, nostalgic pull for a simpler, slower-paced life. It’s like stepping into a time capsule where everything feels quieter and more intentional.
But here’s what really gets you, the relationship between Na Willa and her mom, Mak. Their interactions are just chef’s kiss. Mak’s words and advice are filled with so much wisdom and love, it’s impossible not to be moved. If you’ve ever had a heart-to-heart with your own mom (or wished you had), this part of the story will hit you right in the feels. It’s a beautiful reminder of those universal truths and unconditional love that moms seem to carry in their back pockets.
Full review| Where to buy: Book by Ibuk
P. BOOKS WITH MOST RELATABLE THEMES
1. The Forest Brims Over by Maru Ayase
The Forest Brims Over tells the story of Nowatari Kazuya and his wife, Rui. Nowatari is a writer who gets a lot of ideas from his relationship with Rui, who's been his muse for a long time. One day, Rui turned into a forest which grows inside their house. The story shows us different point of views, so we get to see what their marriage is like from different angles. It talks a lot about how men and women are treated differently, especially in fields like writing. It shows us the discrimination women deal with in a field where men are in charge, like being seen as annoyance and being treated like objects.
2. Inheritance from Mother by Minae Mizumura
Inheritance from Mother by Minae Mizumura is a novel that digs deep into family relationships, especially between mothers and daughters, and how cultural expectations affect them. It's about Mitsuki Katsura, a woman in her middle years who takes care of her sick mom, Noriko. As Mitsuki deals with being a daughter and a wife, she also wrestles with regrets from the past, her own dreams, and all the feelings passed down through her family.
3. The Forest of Wool and Steel by Natsu Miyashita
The Forest of Wool and Steel by Natsu Miyashita is a deep and thoughtful book that follows the life of Tomura, the main character in the story. It takes place in the beautiful mountains of Hokkaido, Japan, and covers about three years of Tomura's life. The central theme in the book is about piano tuning, a skill Tomura gets interested after meeting a professional tuner named Mr. Itadori.
Q. AUTHORS OF THE YEAR
1. R. F. Kuang (most won categories)
2. Mizuho Kusanagi (most read)
R. HONORABLE MENTIONS
1. Alamanda (dan Sihir Berujung Salah) by Nellaneva
In Alamanda (dan Sihir yang Berujung Salah) by Nellaneva, we meet Alamanda Garthran, a sorceress who had put herself into a deep sleep using a powerful spell called Tidur Panjang, for an astonishing 233 years. But now, she's awake and determined to find Dave (or someone like him, born again) to make things right and resolve a misunderstanding from the past.
Alamanda must also find time to teach magic to a young boy named Rasmus, who claims to be her descendant. In return, Alamanda asks Rasmus to help her understand the modern world, with its televisions, cell phones, and other technologies that she's never encountered in the past 200 years.
Full review| Where to buy: Dojo Buku
2. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna is a heartwarming story about love, family, and belonging in the most unexpected places. It follows Mika Moon, a witch who has spent her whole life hiding her magic. In a world where witches are forced to live in isolation, Mika has always been on her own until she gets a mysterious invitation to Nowhere House. There, she meets a group of magical kids who need guidance, a grumpy librarian who doesn’t trust her, and a household of misfits who could become the family she never thought she’d have.
3. Legenda Perompak Naga: Seni Membangunkan Naga dari Laut by Wisnu Suryaning Adji
Legenda Perompak Naga: Seni Membangunkan Naga dari Laut by Wisnu Suryaning Adji is about a young man who’s supposed to be a pirate, but instead, he discovers his love for cooking. He becomes the ship’s cook on a well-known pirate ship, Kapal Naga Hijau. Even though the pirates love his food, they don’t really understand or appreciate the effort he puts into it. Juru Masak, the main character, dreams of cooking for people who actually care about food and know how to appreciate it. This creates a big internal struggle for him, torn between his passion for cooking and his loyalty to his pirate crew.
4. Mata di Tanah Melus by Okky Madasari
Mata di Tanah Melus is a children book by Okky Madasari. It's about a girl named Matara who loves hearing her grandma's awesome stories. Her parents, who are both writers, are often too busy with their own stuff, which leads to lots of arguments at home. One day, Mata's mom takes her on a trip to Belu, this remote place in Indonesia. But things get crazy when they have an accident and Mata ends up in this weird land with the Melus people, who are the original folks from Belu. There, she goes on all sorts of wild adventures, meeting gods, magical creatures, and even a kingdom of butterflies. The book talks about saving the environment, speaking up for what's right, and learning from different cultures.
Full review| Where to buy: MBN
5. Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
Interview with the Vampire tells the story of Louis, a man from 18th-century Louisiana who gets turned into a vampire by Lestat, a vampire with a mysterious vibe. Louis has a tough time dealing with his new vampire life, feeling like he's lost his humanity and wrestling with some serious moral dilemmas.
The story is told through an interview Louis has with a journalist named Daniel. Louis reveals his vampire life, talking about his relationship with Lestat, including making Claudia a vampire child who then stuck in a child's body but thinks like an adult. Along the way, this book explores themes like immortality, morality, and loneliness.
6. My First and Only Love by Sahar Khalifeh
My First and Only Love by Sahar Khalifeh tells the story of Nidal and her connection to Palestine's past, by mixing personal story with important political happenings. Nidal, an artist, heads back to Nablus to rebuild her family's house. Along the way, she reminisces about her first love, Rabie, during difficult times like the Nakba.
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