I made a reading resolution in 2022 to read fewer books. You read that right—as someone who reads a lot, I wanted to spend more time this year on other things, like developing more hobbies. I wouldn’t say I failed my goal—I did read fewer books than I did in 2021!—but I still finished more than 100 books, so I could certainly dedicate even more time to other hobbies next year. In any case, I was fortunate to read many wonderful books this year, but here are the 10 that stood out. From epic historical fantasy to creative memoirs and pandemic fiction to spicy romance, I hope you’ll find something on this list of book recommendations to add to your 2023 TBR.

R.F. Kuang

Babel

One of the benefits of focusing on reading fewer books this year meant I was encouraged to pick up lengthier tomes that I may have put off in the past. Exhibit A: This historical fantasy epic set in an alternate-history Oxford is worth every one of its nearly 600 pages! This genius novel features a group of translation students and clever commentary on colonialism, imperialism, civil disobedience and so much more.

Mai Al-Nakib

An Unlasting Home

This debut novel tells the story of three generations of women on both sides of a Kuwaiti family from the early 20th…