📚 The Beat Books I read in 2023 📚

1. The Book of the Unnamed Midwife by Meg Elison: just WOW. This book blew me away. It is all about a dystopian apocalypse situation and kind of like a more realistic handmaids tale. Not scary, but deep.

2. Severance by Ling Ma: a fun dystopian novel

3. Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata: a lighthearted book about a convenience store clerk finding peace with her life and possible neurodivergence

4. Animal Farm by George Orwell: a quick read with great political commentary that anyone can value to, no matter what their views are

5. Things we Lost to the Water by Eric Nguyen: a story about Vietnamese refugees and their struggles

6. Rebecca of Salerno by Esther Erma: Historical fiction about being a female physician in Spain during the dark ages

7. The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri: a story about a young man and his father who are immigrants from Calcutta

8. The Trap by Catherine Ryan Howard: a fun, quick thriller

9. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins: surprisingly insightful and deep prequel to The Hunger Games series. Fun read and not too scary.

#book #booksoflemon8 #booktok #bookrecommendations #reading #readingaesthetic #l8r2023

2023/12/28 Edited to

... Read moreIn 2023, literature has continued to shine with a diverse array of books that resonate with readers on various levels. Notable titles such as 'The Book of the Unnamed Midwife' by Meg Elison have captured attention with their bold narratives set in dystopian environments, illustrating realistic yet profound scenarios that challenge our perceptions of society. Similarly, 'Severance' by Ling Ma introduces readers to an engaging storyline that merges the trivialities of daily life with existential themes amidst an outbreak, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Meanwhile, 'Convenience Store Woman' by Sayaka Murata presents a unique perspective on social norms and individualism through the lens of a convenience store clerk. This narrative touches on themes of neurodivergence, encouraging readers to reflect on the nature of happiness and fulfillment in a modern context. On the other hand, George Orwell's classic 'Animal Farm' remains as relevant as ever, offering incisive political commentary that resonates with every generation, provoking discussions about power dynamics and societal structures. Further enriching the year’s literary offerings, 'Things We Lost to the Water' by Eric Nguyen tells the poignant story of Vietnamese refugees, shedding light on personal struggles and cultural identities while 'Rebecca of Salerno' by Esther Erma takes readers back in time to explore the trials faced by a female physician during the dark ages. Both novels delve into the complexities of human experience in different historical contexts, providing readers with valuable insights. Jhumpa Lahiri's 'The Namesake' shares the immigrant experience through a father-son relationship that bridges cultural gaps, while Catherine Ryan Howard’s 'The Trap' serves up a riveting thriller that promises to keep readers at the edge of their seats. Finally, Suzanne Collins’ 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' enriches the beloved Hunger Games universe, expertly blending nostalgia with fresh exploration of its lore. Each of these books offers unique perspectives, ensuring that there’s something captivating for everyone this year.

11 comments

Captain Lemon8's images
Captain Lemon8

Love your sharing 💛 Welcome:)

Related posts

A woman lies on a bed, holding an open book, with the text overlay "MY FAVORITE READS of 2023" in blue and white. She is looking towards the camera, with her bare feet visible in the background.
A book cover for "If We Were Villains" by M.L. Rio, rated 9.6/10. It's described as a dark academia, great mystery thriller with an ending that made the reader bawl, focusing on theater students.
A book cover for "American Psycho" by Bret Easton Ellis, rated 7.8/10. It's described as satire horror that explores consumerism and apathy, with an insane level of desensitization that had the reader's heart in their throat.
The BEST books I read in 2023.
The last one was by far one of the best mysteries I’ve ever read! #Lemon8Diary #l8r2023 #lemon8christmas #books #tbr #booktok #bookaesthetic #bookwormsoflemon8 #booksoflemon8 #booksthatchangedmylife
Reese Casey

Reese Casey

10 likes

A white bookshelf filled with stacks of books, with text overlay 'BEST BOOKS' and smaller text 'thriller + romance', indicating a collection of favorite thriller and romance reads.
Two books, 'Archer's Voice' by Mia Sheridan and 'Say You Swear' by Meagan Brandy, are displayed on a light blue stool, with text stating they are a 'FAVORITE BOOK I'VE EVER READ'.
The book 'A Flicker in the Dark' by Stacy Willingham is shown on a light blue stool, accompanied by text describing it as the 'Best thriller I've read in a long time! A lot of plot twists.'
Best Books of 2023 (so far)
My favorite thriller + romance reads of 2023 January-March! #bookcollection #bookrecommendations #favoritebooks #romancebookrecommendations #thrillerbooks
Khloemyers

Khloemyers

5090 likes

An introductory slide for a list of "best spicy books," featuring a silhouette of two embracing figures against a red background, with text indicating it's for 18+ audiences and to "SWIPE" for more.
A hand holds the book "Twisted Love" by Ana Huang, which is rated 2/10 for spice, with a white cover featuring blue text and an icy design.
A hand holds the book "Icebreaker" by Hannah Grace, rated 6/10 for spice, featuring an illustrated cover of a female figure skater and a male hockey player.
🌶️BEST SPICY READS 🌶️
I will not elaborate, you just have to read them to understand. I recommend all of them except the twisted series, def not my favorite. #spicy #booktok #sexyreads #saucy #books #raunchyreaders #smutbooks
sillygooseontheloose

sillygooseontheloose

21.4K likes

A collection of books stacked on white shelves, with the overlay text "BOOKS that will make you love reading romance thriller." A framed vinyl record art piece is on the right. The image promotes reading romance and thriller genres.
The book "Call It What You Want" by Alissa Derogatis, featuring a pink cover with a vintage telephone design. It is described as a new release about a situationship, easy into romance, with a 5/5 Goodreads rating.
The book "Rock Paper Scissors" by Alice Feeney, with a wintery cover depicting a small church. It is highlighted as an "Extra twisty" and "CRAZY thriller" with a 9/5 Goodreads rating.
Books to Fall in Love With Reading
If someone came to me looking to get into reading, there are four books that come to mind to recommend! These were all easy reads for me that I just keep revisiting. One — Call it What You Want by Alissa Derogatis. This was a quick and easy read about a “situationship” rather than a real relati
Khloemyers

Khloemyers

13.7K likes

The image features a collection of book covers with the bold text "SPICIEST BOOKS EVER" and five chili pepper emojis, indicating a list of highly recommended romance novels. The background shows various book titles like "Haunting Adeline" and "God of Malice."
A grid displays 12 book covers for spicy romance recommendations, including titles such as "Priest," "Den of Vipers," "The Ritual," "Does It Hurt?," "Icebreaker," "Haunting Adeline," "St. Mary's Beating," "Pucking Around," "Praise," "Twisted Love," "God of Malice," and "The Predator."
This image presents 12 book covers for romance novels, featuring titles like "Flock," "Love Redesigned," "Bride," "Consider Me," "The Deal," "It Happened One Summer," "Butcher & Blackbird," "Credence," "Flawless," "Forever Never," "Mile High," and "The Sweetest Oblivion."
100+ spicy romance book recs
how many of these have you read? in honor of reaching 3k followers i thought i’d drop some of my spiciest book recs. i hope you love all these books. #bookrecommendations #lemon8bookchallenge #lemon8bookclub #booktok #darkromance
romance books

romance books

5398 likes

Must Reads for Fall 2023
Here’s some of the most popular books right now to get in the fall mood! 🤎 I know these books can be very corny, but what can I say I’m a corny girl 🤪 Let me know if you’ve read any of these please!!! ❣️❣️They all look so good I don’t know which one I want to read first. I’m thinking I’m going
Soph

Soph

1239 likes

A stack of books on a white blanket, adorned with knitted pumpkins, a small pumpkin, and fall leaves. Text overlays read 'The ultimate FALL book guide' and list categories like Romance, Cozy fantasy, Cozy mystery, Witches, Vampires, Dark academia, Gothic, Dark romance, and Thriller.
A grid of 12 book covers under the heading 'Romance p1.' The covers feature various fall-themed romantic stories, including titles like 'The Cinnamon Bun Book Store,' 'The Pumpkin Spice Cafe,' and 'The Dead Romantics.'
A grid of 12 book covers under the heading 'Romance p2.' These book covers continue the fall and cozy romance theme, with titles such as 'The Fall of Bradley Reed,' 'Pumpkin Everything,' and 'Love at the Salted Pumpkin Caramel Cafe.'
Ultimate Fall Book Recommendations
#summervibes #lemon8contest #fallbookstack #notmypicture #fallvibes🍂
Samantha_ingold

Samantha_ingold

2022 likes

A stack of five pastel-colored books on a floral background, featuring titles like "Kisses and Croissants," "Icebreaker," "Last Chance Books," "Daydream," and "Picking Daisies on Sundays," with the overlay text "BOOK RECS ENEMIES TO LOVERS."
A grid displaying 20 book covers recommended for "enemies to lovers" trope, including titles such as "A Court of Thorns and Roses," "The Spanish Love Deception," "Red, White & Royal Blue," and "Book Lovers."
A grid showcasing 20 book covers for "enemies to lovers" recommendations, featuring titles like "The Hating Game," "Twisted Love," "Icebreaker," "Things We Never Got Over," and "The Fine Print."
ENEMIES TO LOVERS BOOK RECS 🎀✨🪩
#bookrecommendations #lemon8bookclub #AskLemon8 #Lemon8Diary
jos 👼🏻

jos 👼🏻

5325 likes

best books of 2023📚
next up… best books of 2024! #gettoknowme #booktok #bookrecs
Allie

Allie

10 likes

A person holds an open book titled "A Deadly Education" by Naomi Novik, with text overlay "Books I Would Sell My Soul To Read For The First Time Again." The image shows the book's pages and the person's hands, with a Lemon8 watermark.
The book cover for "Archer's Voice" by Mia Sheridan, featuring dandelions against a blue sky. Surrounding text highlights themes like "Small Town Romance," "Friends to Lovers," "Grumpy x Sunshine," and "Trauma Bonding."
The book cover for "Things We Left Behind" by Lucy Score, with purple cut-out letters and white flowers. Keywords around it include "Second Chance Romance," "Enemies to Lovers," "One Night Stand," and "Dark Secret."
Books l Would Sell My Soul To Read Again
✨What's your "sell-my-soul" book? Drop it in the comments—let's build the ultimate unforgettable bookshelf!📚 #lemon8challenge #lemon8bookclub #romancebooks #romancebookrecommendations #booktok
ClaraReadsRomance

ClaraReadsRomance

2961 likes

A person relaxes on a blanket in a grassy park with an open book and snacks. Text overlay reads: 'six of the most MIND F*CKING thrillers I've ever read.'
A person relaxes on a blanket in a grassy park with an open book. The book cover for 'Dark Matter' by Blake Crouch is displayed, described as a 'mind-bending thriller about a man abducted into a different reality.'
A person relaxes on a blanket in a grassy park with an open book. The book cover for 'The Butcher's Wife' by TJ Law is displayed, described as a 'fantastic book that asks 'What could be worse than murder?''
6 of the most mind-f*cking thrillers I’ve everread
These thriller books were so mind-bending, and I loved it. Some must-reads if you like twisty, intense, mind-warping stories. Add to your TBR list and tell me if you know any others! What are your thriller book recommendations for readers who love mind-blowing plots? #thrillerbooks #thrill
Great Thriller Books

Great Thriller Books

970 likes

📚My Favorite Books of 2023 (By Month)📚
I had trouble choosing just one so I chose two of my favorite reads from each month! Overall my favorite reads of the year were: ✨If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin ✨Book Lovers by Emily Henry ✨Serpent & The Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent ✨Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros ✨Tomo
Tori 📚🔮💕

Tori 📚🔮💕

80 likes

A collage of Colleen Hoover book covers and promotional text is overlaid with large white text reading 'My Unpopular Opinion on Colleen Hoover'. The author's name 'Colleen Hoover' is crossed out with a red circle and line, indicating a negative stance.
I can’t help it 💁🏼‍♀️
I refuse to read a single Colleen Hoover book. I’ve seen multiple problematic articles and book reviews and I’m just not interested. I have so many books in my TBR pile that I don’t want to waste any of my precious reading time (or money) reading books that are repetitive, badly written, or that
Sutton

Sutton

1695 likes

Top Reads of 2023
A few of my favorites for all of the Fantasy lovers 💌📖🧚‍♀️💕 #romantasy #topreadsof2023 #tbrlist #fantasybooks #fantasy #fantasyromance #favoritebooks #tbr2023 #tbr #favoritebooks
carolynjeffries

carolynjeffries

302 likes

A flat lay of various books, including 'Icebreaker,' 'Divine Rivals,' 'The Love Hypothesis,' 'The Cheat Sheet,' 'Practice Makes Perfect,' 'Check & Mate,' 'Come Morning Light,' 'The Seven Year Slip,' and 'As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow,' on a pink blanket, with a 'HOMEBODY COFFEE' pillow, highlighting 'Top 10 Reads of 2023'.
my top 10 reads of 2023 📚💖✨
Books featured— with insta handles ✨As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow by @thelemonwitch_ ✨Icebreaker by @hannahgraceauthor 🌶️ ✨The Cheat Sheet by @authorsarahadams ✨Practice Makes Perfect by @authorsarahadams ✨Drown the Sea by @elisha.kemp RH ✨Come Morning Light by @charlottedaeauthor 🌶️ ✨D
Jules ✿

Jules ✿

243 likes

Three books are displayed: "Around the Way Girl" by Taraji P. Henson, "Finding Me" by Viola Davis, and "Master of Me" by Keke Palmer. These are memoirs and self-help books by Black authors.
Book recommendations 💕 Theseeeee 😫 Must read 🩷🫶🏽
Book recommendations 💕 Theseeeee 😫 Must read 🩷🫶🏽 My Summer Reads!!!! #lemon8bookclub #blackgirlslemon8 #blackauthors #books 🫶🏼 #lemon8partner
Creative Bundles

Creative Bundles

3364 likes

Books you should read in your 20s
If I’m going to read nonfictional books 9 times out of 10 it’s going to be a self help book! I’m always open to learning new ways to be a better person. To act better, think better, respond better. I just want to be the best version of myself that I can be. I come from a pretty broken, toxic parent
Abigail__

Abigail__

3375 likes

An image showing a bookshelf with various books, overlaid with text asking readers for books they couldn't put down, and stating the top 6 results.
The book cover for 'Listen For The Lie' by Amy Tintera, featuring a red background and a headphone jack, with text indicating it has received much praise.
The book cover for 'Lies and Bones' by TJ Law, depicting a person walking in a dark alley, accompanied by text praising the book.
I surveyed 160,000 readers—they chose these books
I asked 160,000 readers to share a book they couldn’t put down start to finish. These six books were named the most! Some great thriller books, mysteries, and psychological thrillers here. Consider them for your must-read TBR list! #bookwormsoflemon8 #booksoflemon8 #bookstagram #booktok
Great Thriller Books

Great Thriller Books

1424 likes

A stack of books on a gray blanket with text overlay: 'Six books so f*cking good I couldn't speak after they were done 🫠'. This image introduces the book recommendations.
The book cover for 'Burn After Reading' by Catherine Ryan Howard, showing a burning book over a house, is displayed on a stack of books. Text reads: 'Twisty and wickedly fun.'
The book cover for 'The Butcher's Wife' by R.J. Law, featuring a silhouette on a hill, is shown on a stack of books. Text states: 'What in the f*ck just happened? I need more!'
6 books so f*cking good I was speechless
These book recs were so good. Some really nice dark thriller books, psychological thrillers, and one great nonfiction book rec. if ur looking for some great book recommendations, ass these to ur TBR! #thrillerbookrecommendations #bookrecommendations #bookwormsoflemon8 #booktok #booksofl
Great Thriller Reads

Great Thriller Reads

2949 likes

A dark image with a silhouette of a person in a red-lit doorway. Overlay text reads "SPICY BOOKS THAT MADE ME RED IN THE FACE +18 SWIPE" with a swipe arrow, indicating a book review series.
A book cover for "again A NOVELLA BY J.L. SEEGARS" is displayed above a review. The review praises the chemistry and spicy scenes, recommending it for readers seeking enjoyable content.
The book cover for "Give Me More by Sara Cate" is shown with a tagline "THEY'RE BEST FRIENDS, BUT THEY MIGHT BE EVEN BETTER LOVERS." A review below describes it as unexpectedly delicious and captivating.
🌶️ SPICY BOOKS PART III 🌶️
Sorry y’all it’s been a very busy week. I meant to post this on Monday but it’s been Hella busy in my life. Also, disclaimer anything I say it’s not meant to be racist, homophobic, whatever you wanna call it. I don’t want what I said to be misinterpreted, so please if you’re offended, it is what it
sillygooseontheloose

sillygooseontheloose

3173 likes

A person holds a book in a library setting, with a black overlay stating, 'I read books for a living, and these 6 are easily the best I've read in 2025.'
The book cover for 'Fog and Fury' by Rachel Howzell Hall is displayed, with text describing it as a high-stakes thriller where an ex-spy navigates lies, betrayal, and murder.
The book cover for 'Kill Your Darlings' by Peter Swanson is shown, with text explaining that a thriller writer's plot mirrors a real-life murder, causing fiction and reality to collide.
I read books for a living—here are the best
I read books for a living at a literary agency. Here are the best books of 2025 I’ve read so far. Some great thriller books, psychological thrillers, and mystery books here! Add them to your TBR list! #bestbooks #mustread #bookrecommendation #booksoflemon8 #booktok
Kara Reads Thrillers

Kara Reads Thrillers

463 likes

A hand holds a stack of four books, with text overlayed stating "4 books that will make you bawl your eyes out 😭". Blue arrows point from the text to the books.
A hand holds the book "Pack Up The Moon" by Kristan Higgins. Text describes the plot as "Letters are left from a wife who's dying of an illness" and gives a "Sadness rating: 😭 😭 😭 😭".
A hand holds the book "Divine Rivals" by Rebecca Ross, featuring two figures on the cover. Text describes the plot as "Enemies to lovers and war 😭" and gives a "Sadness rating: 😭 😭 😭".
4 BOOKS THAT WILL MAKE YOU 😭
Personally, I love pain in books 🥹 if a book can bring me to tears, that means that I’ve really fallen in love with the story and characters! So, here are some of the books that ripped open my heart 💔 Pack Up The Moon by Kristan Higgins ⭐️Overall rating: 4/5 This book shows a very realistic pi
KENNEDY ♡

KENNEDY ♡

1264 likes

A flat lay of numerous books on a white blanket, with an overlay stating '35+ book recommendations for any mood you're in'. Visible titles include 'Lies', 'Pestilence', 'Final Offer', 'Reckless', 'The Cruel Prince', and 'Good Girl, Bad Blood'.
Four book covers are displayed under the prompt 'i need a good cry'. Titles include 'The Way I Used to Be', 'My Dark Vanessa', 'The Kite Runner', and 'This Tender Land', suggesting emotional reads.
Four book covers are shown under the prompt 'i'm trying to get into fantasy'. Titles include 'Divine Rivals', 'The Cruel Prince', 'Caraval', and 'Fourth Wing', offering fantasy genre recommendations.
Booktok
#summervibes #lemon8contest #booksy #booktok #reading
Samantha_ingold

Samantha_ingold

3200 likes

A numbered reading list on a black background, displaying 19 book titles and authors, such as 'Why Men Love Bitches' and 'Frankenstein'. The image also contains 'Lemon8' and a username watermark at the bottom.
Reading List
A list of books I have read and I want to read
kailynn denson

kailynn denson

532 likes

The book cover for "Credence" by Penelope Douglas, featuring the title in orange and green against a misty forest backdrop with pine trees.
A rustic wooden cabin is nestled among snow-covered pine trees in a winter forest scene.
A person's hands are on a steering wheel, holding a white mug with a dark beverage inside a car.
Convincing you to read Credence based on aesthetic
If you love 🪵winter based books 🪵more than one man 🫣 🪵strong character development 🪵taboo topics This is definitely the book for you!!! My personal rating was about a 3.25 Let me know yours in the comments! #credence #bookasesthetic #penelopedouglas #bookreccomendations202
Cheyenne Bishop

Cheyenne Bishop

8 likes

A flat lay shows a Kindle, a strawberry-patterned bikini, sunscreen, makeup, and gold jewelry on a white blanket, with the text 'BOOKS I LOVED💗📖' overlaid.
A hand holds 'The Paris Apartment' by Lucy Foley over a pool, with annotations highlighting it as a thriller, murder mystery, set in Paris, with an unexpected ending and cliff hangers.
A hand holds 'Ugly Love' by Colleen Hoover, with annotations describing it as spicy romance, emotional, with plot twists, a then/now perspective, loved main characters, and a friends-with-benefits vibe.
BOOKS I LOVED💗📖
These are some books I read in the last year that I absolutely loved. The Paris Apartment- Lucy Foley I just finished this a few days ago and it was my first thriller! What I loved was how it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time and was seriously shocking in the end. The last 100 pages
BROOKE RAYMOND

BROOKE RAYMOND

2443 likes

A display of three self-help books: 'Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before,' 'Find Your People,' and 'Badass Habits,' with text overlay 'Books that will: Turn your Life Around Seriously!' on a pink background.
A hand holds 'The Book of Boundaries' by Melissa Urban, a New York Times Bestseller, in a bookstore aisle. Text overlay states it offers scenarios and suggested responses.
A hand holds 'Badass Habits' by Jen Sincero, a book about cultivating confidence and upgrading life, in a bookstore aisle. Text overlay describes it as talking like a real friend.
Books that will turn your life around! 🫶🌸✨
These books have helped me turn my life around for the better and become a MUCH better version of myself! I want to share these finds with yall because no matter who you are or what stage of life you are at, these books WILL help you on that journey! TRUST ME! #bookfinds #BookReviews #st
RittenhouseArt

RittenhouseArt

2078 likes

See more