December 22, 2023, by Annemijn Heijstek

These they are, the best books of 2023

December 22, 2023, by Annemijn Heijstek

These they are, the best books of 2023

We finished reading something this year at Barts Book Club. And of course the year is not complete without a book list containing the absolute highlights of 2023. Here they come, the best books of this year:

OK then not - Katrin Swartenbroux

OK then not - Katrin Swartenbroux

De millennial mind fuckis what writer Katrin Swartenbroux calls the phenomenon that today's people in their forties, thirties and twenties find themselves in. A reality that turns out to be very different from what they have always been told. Even if you don't officially belong to the millennial generation, Katrin's funny essays are very recognizable. About freezing eggs, being busy and burnouts, botox and our need for a sense of community in times of individualism. A book that continues to resonate for a long time. Must read!

 

Then don't order OK

I have a few questions for you – Rebecca Makkai

I have a few questions for you – Rebecca Makkai

A 'whodunit' meets literary drama. In this book, Bodie Kane – a well-known podcast maker – will give a guest lecture at the elite boarding school where she used to be a student. Her return to boarding school brings back memories of the death of one of her classmates, Thalia, who was found dead in her senior year. Black gym teacher Omar Evans was quickly convicted for her death, but is this justified? Bodie starts to doubt her observations and testimonies from that time. Exciting until the last page!

Order I have a few questions for you

Listen – Sacha Bronwasser

Listen – Sacha Bronwasser

A pearl from Dutch soil. In 'Listen' you follow the life of Marie, a Dutch au pair in Paris and the rich but somewhat strange family she works for. You are tossed back and forth between the Paris of the eighties and today and with each chapter you get a little closer to the reason why Marie fled to the French capital. You have to be a little patient, because the book builds up to the plot very slowly, but you will certainly be rewarded for that in the final chapters.

 

Order Listen

We talked about you - Stéphanie Hoogenberk

We talked about you - Stéphanie Hoogenberk

Anyone who thinks that breaking up a relationship is difficult has never broken off a friendship. In 'We talked about you', Stéphanie Hoogenberk writes about her experiences and challenges with friendships. What do you do when your oldest friend costs you more energy than it gives you? Which friend is (un)suitable to go on holiday with? And how do you move on after being dumped by your girlfriends? A bit painful, but above all very recognizable. And funny, most of all.

Order We talked about you

Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow - GABRIELLE ZEVIN

Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow - GABRIELLE ZEVIN

If you're thinking, hey, haven't I read something about this before? That's right, we already included it in the list the most beautiful books about friendship. But this book is so beautiful (and released in 2023), that it absolutely deserves a place on this list. Friends Sam and Sadie develop video games together and are very successful. But success puts their friendship to the test. And really, you don't have to be a gamer to love this book. Go, on the reading list!

Order Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow