For almost as long as there’s been a New York Times Book Review — that is, since 1896 — their book editors have named the annual standouts of the many, many, many books they read. And for the past two decades, they’ve named the 10 Best Books of the year, recognizing some of the most inventive and well-crafted works of fiction and nonfiction. 2023’s standouts include a dystopian satire, a “journey through the deep state” and an account of one house and its inhabitants over 300 years. Editor Gilbert Cruz joins us to share the 10 best, why they’re worth a read — and the year-long process that goes into selecting them. And we’ll hear from you: What was your favorite book released this year?
Books Mentioned
“The Bee Sting” by Paul Murray
“Fire Weather” by John Vaillant
“The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store” by James McBride
“Time’s Mouth” by Edan Lepucki
“Birnam Wood” by Eleanor Catton
“Eastbound” by Maylise de Kerangal
“The Fraud” by Zadie Smith
“Chain Gang All-Stars” by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
“Good Night, Irene” by Luis Alberto Urrea
“Doppelgänger” by Naomi Klein
“Raw Dog” by Jamie Loftus
“The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Vergheese
“Let Us Descend” by Jesmyn Ward
“Bottoms Up and the Devil Laughs” by Kerry Howley
“The Best Minds” by Jonathan Rosen
“Translation State” by Ann Leckie
“Birdgirl” by Mya-Rose Craig
“Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin
“How Far the Light Reaches” by Sabrina Imbler
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