The Ranking Of My BEST Five Books Of 2023
Here are my favourite books of 2023.
1. As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
If it is possible to feel EVERY emotion all at once, then this book did exactly that to my heart. It shredded the pieces of my heart and sewed them back together.
I’m talking about ‘As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow’ by Zoulfa Katouh. And in today’s blog, I’ll be giving you 5 reasons why you should go 
READ THIS BOOK!
The Plot:
“Your history is embedded in this soil. No country in the world will love you as yours does.”
Of course, the best part of any book should be its plot. And ‘As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow’ slayed in every way possible.
The book follows Salama and Kenan during the revolution in Syria. For your information, this revolution is a real-life incident and has been going on in Syria for the past 12 years. And that makes this book so much more impactful and heartbreaking to read.
Not to mention the plot twist that caught me off-guard and made me want to throw the book at a wall. 
Made me sob.
Salama, Layla, Kenan, and all the characters in this story may be fictional, but they exist in every single Syrian out there. These stories happened– are still happening. (from the author’s note)
Salama Kassab was a pharmacy student when the cries for freedom broke out in Syria. She still had her parents and her big brother; she still had her home. She was even supposed to be meeting a boy to talk about marriage.
Now, she works at a hospital helping the wounded who flood through the doors every single day. She lives along with her pregnant sister-in-law, her only remaining family
. Faced with death and destruction everywhere she goes, Salama struggles to decide whether she should stay in her homeland or flee. Her fear is fueled by Khawf, a haunting image she has conjured up in her mind as a last-ditch attempt at self-preservation. But is Khawf the only thing that her mind has conjured up? (I guess you’ll have to read to find out.)
Even with Khawf pressing her to leave, when she crosses paths with Kenan, the boy she was supposed to meet on that fateful day, she starts to doubt her resolve to leave home at all. Soon, Salama must learn to see the events around her for what they truly are–not a war, but a revolution–and decide how she, too, will cry for Syria’s freedom.
5 Reasons To Read As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow
1. The Sadness:
“Don’t focus on the darkness and sadness. If you do, you won’t see the light even if it’s staring you in the face.”
If you are looking for a reason to cry, then lo and behold! You’ve got your answer. On the other hand, if you already feel sad and unmotivated, As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow is still the perfect book to read.
Have you ever tried so hard to hold back your tears that it feels like a monster is clawing at your throat? That’s exactly what reading this book felt like. I have NEVER read a book that made me feel so helpless and sad. It had me sobbing at several parts of the story. And to think the situation of this book’s characters is a reality in many parts of the world breaks my heart to pieces.
You might be wondering why I am recommending a sad book to people who are already sad.
Because reading this book made me realize how unimportant all the problems we face in our lives are. Even after being such a saddening story about characters living a hopeless life, As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow, made me feel hopeful and gave me a positive outlook on life.
The author of this book, Zoulfa Katouh said in her author’s note: But in the end, ultimately, I hope you close this book with a newfound sense of hope. With a fire burning in your heart that ‘yes, I will change the world’ because this world is waiting for you.
And that’s exactly what this book did for me.
Above all, it is a sad story that leaves you with a happy aftertaste.
“We don’t have to stop living because we might die.”
2. The Romance
“I’m sure our souls met way before they found their way into our bodies.”
“In the midst of all the death, he made me want to live.”
Before we start, let me put it out there that As Long As The Lemon Trees Grows is by no means a romance book. And romance is definitely not the main plot.
However, the romance between the main characters in this book is by far the ✨most pure and heartwarming lovestory✨ I’ve ever seen in ANY book or movie.
There are no smut scenes, no spice, no you-know-what scenes. Their love story is just 448 pages of fuzzy feelings and butterflies in the stomach.
3. The Writing Style
As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow is a story that needed to be told, and I am glad that it was voiced by Zoulfa Katouh. The descriptions, the dialogues, the emotions, she has made everything beautiful and impactful.
In her author’s note, Zoulfa says, “This book comes from my pain, my guilt, my love, my sorrows, my dreams, and my hopes. In short, this book comes from the raw parts of my heart.”
Once you read the book, you’ll realize that she was right. She really did put her heart and soul into this book. And I appreciate that.
For example, here are a few of the many quotes from the book that really prove the beauty of her writing:
“Your history is embedded in this soil. No country in the world will love you as yours does.”
“The exterior I’ve put up is nothing more than brittle twigs against a strong wind.”
“This world is more than the agony it contains.”
“A smile lights up his face. It’s as if I’m gazing at the sun.”
“A war rages inside me and it seems I’m the only casualty.”
“There are enough people hurting you. Don’t be one of them.”
“This blanket of darkness isn’t our forever. Their evil isn’t forever. Not as long as we have our faith and Syria’s history running through our veins.”
“With all the destruction happening down there, it’s so easy to forget the beauty that’s up here. The sky is so beautiful after rainfall.”
“Might. What a word. It holds infinite possibilities of a life that could have been. So many options stacked one on top of the other, like cards waiting for a player to pick and choose.”
“This is my land, and just like the lemon trees that have been growing here for centuries, spilled blood won’t stop us.”
“In the midst of all the death, he made me want to live.”
“We don’t have to stop living because we might die.”
“Bury me before I bury you. Please.”
“Know that even in death, you are my life.”
“I’m sure our souls met way before they found their way into our bodies.”
“Grief isn’t constant. It wavers, tugging and letting go like the waves on the sea.”
“You’re human. No matter what, you have a heart so soft, it easily bruises.”
“As long as the lemon trees grow, hope will never die.”
4. The Representation:
“This blanket of darkness isn’t our forever. Their evil isn’t forever. Not as long as we have our faith and Syria’s history running through our veins.”
It is so rare, in today’s world to find a book that so accurately represents the culture of a nation’s people and their religion. As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow is a huge breath of fresh air, from all the American sitcoms, animes, and K-dramas.
Something about the way it depicts patriotism and religiousness is just so powerful.
5. The Memories :
“No one will remember our names. No one will know our story.”
Usually, I forget everything about a book or movie I’ve watched in about a day. But I still remember everything about this book in vivid detail after months. And I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.
The image of Salama and Kenan watching the sunset amidst the ruins of her old house will be etched in my mind forever.
I will forever cherish my memories of Selama, Kenan, Yusuf, Lama, Layla, Dr.Ziad, and all the other characters in this book and the lessons they taught me.
Overall, As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow is a story everyone should read and remember. (Though please check the trigger warnings before you do)
- trigger warnings: war and violence, sexual assault (on page), parental deaths (on page), murder, gore, child abuse, torture, starvation, PTSD, grief, hallucinations.
To sum up, although fear is the overarching theme of the book, the hope it has restored and embedded in me will last forever. I don’t think it is possible for me to ever forget any detail about this book!
The writing style, the plot, the emotions, the characters, the portrayal of trauma, the love story, the depiction of Syrian and Muslim culture, everything about this book screamsperfection.
As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow is not only my favourite book of 2023, it is also my favourite book of all time. (along with Six of Crows)
If I had to read only one book in my entire life, I would undoubtedly wish it was this one.
2. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Note : I added this on to the review cause I read it in December, after I wrote the blog and was my second last book of the year. Wasn’t planning to include it since I didn’t think I would read it before 2024 (pre-boards and board preperations are really kicking my ass). But it was sooo good , that I could not just rob you of the chance to read it.
Anyway, I’m pretty sure any avid reader influenced, atleast a bit by social media, has heard of this one. A Man Called Ove was extremely popular on booktok a few years ago and also has a movie adaption titled ‘A Man Called Otto’.
“Ove feels an instinctive skepticism towards all people taller than six feet; the blood can’t quite make it all the way up to the brain.”
I went into this expecting it to be the most gut-wrenching book in existence. (This is the last sad book rec, I promise!) Honestly, it felt like a wholeseme , heart-warming , slice of life kinda book. I felt sad, but like in a good way.
If you’re like me and is easily made emotional by cute old grumpy people then, this is definetely the book to read. It has found family, an uplifting outlook on life and really great vibes.
If all of the above seem like things you could enjoy then A Man Called Ove is your next comfort book. Although, do check the trigger warnings.
- tw : suicide attempts (multiple, on page) , grief/loss of a loved one , miscarriage , fatphobic and homophobic people , cancer, gun violence (mild/mentions) , mentions of domestic abuse and animal abuse , vehicle accident.
“Because Ove, as Parvaneh had soon realized, was the sort of man who, when he was not quite certain where he was going, just carried on walking straight ahead, convinced that the road would eventually fall into line.”
Plot :
1. Goodreads Synopsis :
A grumpy yet loveable man finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door.
Meet Ove. He’s a curmudgeon, the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. People call him the bitter neighbor from hell, but must Ove be bitter just because he doesn’t walk around with a smile plastered to his face all the time?
Behind the cranky exterior there is a story and a sadness. So when one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove’s mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship, and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul. All of which will change one cranky old man and a local residents’ association to their very foundations.
11. A slightly spoiler-ey synopsis (only the first 2 chapters)
Set in Sweden , A Man Called Ove follows the grumpy 59 year old Ove as he tries ( and fails) to take his life day-after-day , after the death of his wife, Sonja — his only source of happiness after the many tragedies of his olden days.
Even at the brink of suicide , Ove is still ever-so particular about maintaining the decorum and discipline about his residential area. He is the kind of man who does what is right just for the sake of doing the right thing. I’m sure we’ve all met atleast a few grumpy grandpas like him.
However, with the chaotic arrival of his new neighbours Pervanah and Patrick into both his life and locality, things start to change. As we follow, Ove both in his past and present, we learn a few tough lessons in life and feel as though he is a dear friend we’ve known personally. Yes, tears will be spilled but it will all be worth it. (The ending 🤌✨)
My Opinion
“Ove has been a grumpy old man since the first day of second grade”
A Man Called Ove is an exeptional story about how human connections and relationships are vital to life, no mattter how hard we insist on being the lonely misunderstood emo-kid. It follows the journey of an old man an as he re-discovers how to live life and most important of all, be happy.
This is perfect read for anyone who appreciates a deep, tear-jerking yet heartwarming story about ordinary people and their extraordinary lives. Of course, it might take you a little time to connect to the story, and only like to read fantasy (or any other genre of books such as romance, or psychological thrillers) that are far from reality. Or even if you are a beginner. But I would definetely suggest that you pick it up to read it at some future point in your life. ‘A Man Called Ove’ is the kind of book that calls to you when the time is right and teaches you unforgettable lessons.
“We always think there’s enough time to do things with other people. Time to say things to them. And then something happens and then we stand there holding on to words like ‘if’.”
“Ove had never been asked how he lived before he met her. But if anyone had asked him, he would have answered that he didn’t.
3. Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter
Better Than The Movies is probably the best romance novel I have ever read. Which, to be honest, is not much of a surprise cause the bar is so low nowadays. Give me a non-toxic, not-so-cringe romance book, and I will be happy.
Also, Swifties seemed to love this book (and its male main character Wes Bennet) a lot more than the average reader. So, that should tell you something.
I don’t have a proper self-written rant for this😬 because I read it months ago. I unfortunately can’t remember much except that I explained its plot to almost every person I know (pretty sure I annoyed most of them). So, here are a few reviews I found on Goodreads that pretty much sums it up:
“Maybe straight people aren’t so bad.” – Abi
“THIS WAS SO CUTE IM ACTUALLY CRYING” – Heather
“If I’m Romeo, this book is Juliet. I can literally die for this book ” – Dia
“I need every word spoken by Wes Bennett to be engraved onto my body. ” – Ashley
In Conclusion, Better Than The Movies is a lovely recommendation for anyone who wants to read a cute YA romcom. It is one of my favourite romance books ever!
4. The Do Over by Lynn Painter
I picked this one up because of my love for Better Than The Movies. And I liked it better.
In The Do-Over, Emilie, our main girl, gets stuck in a disastrous time loop as she watches her boyfriend, Josh, cheat on her day after day. She also keeps running into Nick, who happens to be a really cute, sweet, caring, cool guy.
You guessed it! Of course, things start brewing between Emily and Nick.
But remember, Emilie is still stuck in the time loop. And it is becoming a pain in the ass.
How many days can one girl passively watch her life go up in flames? And when something good starts to come out of these terrible days, what happens when the universe stops doling out do-overs?
I did not write a review for this one either. So, bring on the Goodreads reviews! :
“The way she casually admitted to committing crimes at the beginning of every chapter was my favorite part of this book.” – Kelly Gillan
” Dying over how cute this was. ” – Aleena
” My swiftie ass loved it. ” – Sabrina
” I owe Lynn Painter my firstborn child.” – Bugreadss
5. The Twisted Tree by Rachel Burge
I picked this one up because it was free on Kindle for Prime members. The Twisted Tree is an underrated gem!
Synopsis: Part ghost story, part Nordic thriller – this is a twisty, tense, and spooky YA debut, perfect for fans of Coraline and Michelle Paver.
Martha can tell things about a person just by touching their clothes as if their emotions and memories have been absorbed into the material. It started the day she fell from the tree at her grandma’s cabin and became blind in one eye.
Determined to understand her strange ability, Martha sets off to visit her grandmother, Mormor – only to discover Mormor is dead, a peculiar boy is in her cabin and a terrifying creature is on the loose.
Then the spinning wheel starts creaking, books move around and terror creeps in . . .
Set in the remote snows of contemporary Norway, The Twisted Tree is a ghost story that twists and turns – and never takes you quite where you’d expect.
Review: I’m one of those people who love the foggy, grey, mystical atmosphere before it starts to rain. I live for that gloomy vibe! And The Twisted Tree is just that feeling in the form of a book.
And of course give me anything about greek or norse mythology and I will eat it up! I love how the plot of this story was deeply connected with Norse mythology.
It is definitely not a “horror” book. And not a “masterpiece” either in terms of writing style.
This would be best described as a comfort book for people who enjoy fantasy, magical realism, horror, or teen romance. Definitely a very underrated one. Perfect for fans of Coralline and Night Circus.
I 100% would recommend it to anyone searching for a light/comfort read in between heavier books or just cuz life but don’t want to read contemporary fiction. This my favourite cozy book of 2023.
Bonus: The Missing Of Clairdelune (Book 2 of The Mirror Visitor Series)
The Mirror Visitor quartet consists of four books. I read the first one, A Winter’s Promise. And let me warn you!
I had A LOT to complain about that. I explained its plot and complained about it in my previous blog post. So go check out that before you continue reading!
Missing Of Claiderlune picks up right where A Winter’s Promise left us. And I mean RIGHT THERE. It continues from the exact scene where A Winter’s Promise ended.
My review of The Missing Of Clairdelune:
As you know, I had a lot of complaints about the first book in this series, A Winter’s Promise. However, I decided to pick this one up because I sensed the potential this world and its characters had. *A pat on the back for myself* because I was right!
This book fixed almost all the complaints I had with the first one.
But I have to say it does smack a lot of changes into our faces. The difference becomes especially noticeable if you read it right after finishing A Winter’s Promise. But, you know what? I am not complaining. It’s either that or reading through another trainwreck like A Winter’s Promise. I’ll take what I get and be happy about it.
So, let me explain ALL the changes that take place in this one.
Ophelia and Thorn have finally learned how to communicate, and Ophelia suddenly has what one would call a personality. She has started to have her own opinions and take her own actions instead of being a mute character lurking in the background of a vague story. The people of the Pole are not so manipulative anymore. Archibald, Thorn, and Berenilde have become lovable characters who not just me BUT even Ophelia is attached to. (Yay! No more assholes!)
This is good, but since I delved into this book straight after reading A Winter’s Promise this transition in their characters seemed abrupt.
The Missing of Clairdelune picked up exactly where A Winter’s Promise left off. Hence it seems weird that Ophelia has transformed from a spineless girl to a determined woman in seconds. Berenilde is no longer hatable. Archibald is not so condescending.
It’s almost like the second book has a new set of characters with the same name. Because there is no visible period of character development. Only an abrupt improvement in their personalities from one book to another. But, I was willing to look past that because maybe now these improved characters might contribute something to the story instead of being useless.
The author has remembered Ophelia’s and the Animists’ powers after abandoning them in the first one. Their magic and potential are being put to good use.
And most importantly, there is a proper plot in this book. There is a mystery that kept me wanting to read. And I loved it.
The worldbuilding is closely connected to the mystery, and I love that we finally get to discover the history of this world.
Overall, The Missing Of Clairedelune instills a feeling of nostalgia in me, as if I am a child again, watching an old whimsical cartoon with utter curiosity. Unlike the other books I read, I can only imagine this one in cartoon form ( which is interesting ). Ophelia and her mirror visiting are always animated in my mind and it’s wonderful. The vibe of this book is undoubtedly the best thing about it!
In my review of A Winter’s Promise, I said that the book seemed to be an unnecessarily lengthy introduction to the premise of The Mirror Visitor Quartet. The second book has proven me right. I think it is not necessary to read A Winter’s Promise. Instead, you should just dive into the second book and spare yourself the headache.
Not sure if I can call it one of my favourite books of 2023 now that its december. However, at the time I read it I loved The Missing Of Claidelune. A perfect 4 star read.
Finally, we have reached the end! That’s all my most favourite books of 2023 for you to read and make a part of your 2024 reading list.
If you are too tired of all this positivity, check out “The Ranking Of The WORST Books Of The Year.” Don’t forget to follow my socials.
Hope to see you again,
Bye ~
