Top New York Times Best Sellers of 2023

2023 has been an exciting year for readers, with a diverse range of both fiction and nonfiction titles dominating the New York Times Best Sellers list. From thrilling historical narratives like Killers of the Flower Moon to powerful nonfiction works like Fire Weather, these books represent the best of modern literature. This article offers a deep dive into the year’s most popular books, exploring each one’s author, themes, favorite quotes, and why they became must-reads.

Table of Contents:

1. Top Fiction Best Sellers of 2023
   1.1 Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
   1.2 The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
   1.3 Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
   1.4 The Fraud by Zadie Smith
   1.5 Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
2. Top Nonfiction Best Sellers of 2023
   2.1 Fire Weather: A True Story From a Hotter World by John Vaillant
   2.2 Master Slave Husband Wife by Ilyon Woo
   2.3 The Best Minds by Jonathan Rosen
   2.4 Bottoms Up and the Devil Laughs by Kerry Howley
   2.5 Some People Need Killing: A Memoir of Murder in My Country by Patricia Evangelista

1. "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

• Author: David Grann, a journalist and staff writer at The New Yorker, is known for his meticulously researched narratives. His work often blends historical events with investigative journalism, creating compelling non-fiction narratives.
• Introduction: Set in 1920s Oklahoma, Killers of the Flower Moon tells the tragic true story of the Osage Nation murders. After discovering oil beneath their land, the Osage people became incredibly wealthy, but soon, they were targeted in a series of brutal killings. This dark chapter in American history led to the creation of the FBI, as agent Tom White took on the investigation.
• Favorite Quote:
  “History is a merciless thing. It’s a record of what’s done, not what could have been.”
• Why it’s Special: The story reveals the brutal exploitation of Native Americans and the systemic corruption of the U.S. government at the time. Grann brings this historical moment to life, providing a gripping account of greed, racism, and justice.

For more on the book, visit Killers of the Flower Moon.

2. "The Bee Sting" by Paul Murray

• Author: Paul Murray is an Irish author and former Booker Prize finalist known for his wit and complex characters. His previous novel Skippy Dies was shortlisted for various prestigious awards.
• Introduction: The Bee Sting explores the collapse of an Irish family that once basked in wealth. Set against the backdrop of Ireland's economic collapse, the novel interweaves humor and tragedy as it delves into the family’s disintegration, focusing on greed, betrayal, and personal failure.
• Favorite Quote:
  “Sometimes it’s the small betrayals that are the hardest to forgive.”
• Why it’s Special: This novel shines for its portrayal of deeply flawed yet sympathetic characters. Murray's writing style blends humor with deep emotional insight, making readers both laugh and reflect on the human condition.

3. "Chain-Gang All-Stars" by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

• Author: Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah is a Ghanaian-American writer known for his short story collection Friday Black, which garnered critical acclaim for its satirical take on race and consumerism.
• Introduction: Set in a near-future dystopia, Chain-Gang All-Stars follows incarcerated individuals who are forced to compete in gladiatorial-style death matches for the entertainment of the public. The novel critiques America's prison-industrial complex and explores themes of exploitation, spectacle, and freedom.
• Favorite Quote:
  “What is a cage if not a place where you make people smaller than they are?”
• Why it’s Special: The novel’s vivid portrayal of violence and injustice offers a stark commentary on mass incarceration and the entertainment culture. Adjei-Brenyah blends dystopian fiction with real-world relevance in a way that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

4. "The Fraud" by Zadie Smith

• Author: Zadie Smith is a British novelist, essayist, and short-story writer known for her sharp social observations. Her previous works, including White Teeth and Swing Time, are critically acclaimed for their wit, intellect, and insight into identity.
• Introduction: The Fraud is set in 19th-century England and follows the Tichborne trial, a famous case of an imposter claiming to be the heir to a fortune. Through the eyes of Eliza Touchet, a servant in the home of a failed novelist, Smith explores themes of class, colonialism, and identity.
• Favorite Quote:
  “We are all frauds of one kind or another, but some wear their masks more convincingly.”
• Why it’s Special: This historical fiction, blending real events with rich character studies, provides a keen examination of Victorian society. Smith’s deep dive into identity and deception resonates with contemporary issues of truth and authenticity.

5. "Iron Flame" by Rebecca Yarros

• Author: Rebecca Yarros is a USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen novels, primarily known for her contemporary romances and emotionally charged stories.
• Introduction: Iron Flame is the highly anticipated sequel to Fourth Wing, set in the world of Basgiath War College. The novel follows Violet Sorrengail in her second year of training as she faces increasingly deadly challenges, including betrayals from allies and unforeseen dangers from within the academy.
• Favorite Quote:
  “The flames that forge you can also burn you.”
• Why it’s Special: Iron Flame captivates readers with its intense battles, complex characters, and a richly developed fantasy world. Fans of young adult fantasy and romance will find themselves immersed in the thrilling twists and relationships that define Violet's journey.

Top Nonfiction Best Sellers of 2023

1. "Fire Weather: A True Story From a Hotter World" by John Vaillant

• Author: John Vaillant is an award-winning journalist and author known for his works on nature, survival, and the human impact on the environment.
• Introduction: Fire Weather tells the harrowing story of the wildfires that ravaged Fort McMurray in Alberta, Canada, and explores the larger issue of how global warming is intensifying such disasters. Vaillant draws attention to the intersection of human industry, environmental degradation, and climate change.
• Favorite Quote:
  “We play with fire, not understanding its true nature, but we’ve stoked it for too long.”
• Why it’s Special: This book combines investigative journalism with vivid storytelling, making the science behind wildfires accessible and engaging. Vaillant’s storytelling brings urgency to the climate crisis, making it a must-read for environmental enthusiasts and policymakers alike.

2. "Master Slave Husband Wife" by Ilyon Woo

• Author: Ilyon Woo is a historian and nonfiction author who focuses on extraordinary stories from American history.
• Introduction: This book tells the true story of Ellen and William Craft, a married couple who escaped slavery in 1848 by posing as master and servant during a daring escape from Georgia to Philadelphia. Woo’s retelling is gripping, revealing not only the physical dangers of the journey but also the emotional depth of their partnership.
• Favorite Quote:
  “Freedom was not a destination, but a constant journey.”
• Why it’s Special: Woo’s detailed research and powerful storytelling bring the Craft’s courageous story to life. The book is both an exciting adventure and a heartbreaking look at the brutal realities of slavery and the long road to freedom.

3. "The Best Minds" by Jonathan Rosen

• Author: Jonathan Rosen is an accomplished journalist, essayist, and memoirist whose work has been featured in The New Yorker and The New York Times.
• Introduction: This memoir chronicles Rosen’s friendship with Michael Laudor, a promising Yale law student who was diagnosed with schizophrenia and later committed a horrific crime. Rosen examines the broader failures of America’s mental health system while telling a deeply personal story of friendship and tragedy.
• Favorite Quote:
  “Sanity, once lost, can be impossible to regain.”
• Why it’s Special: Rosen’s memoir is both a personal reflection on mental illness and a critique of the American mental healthcare system. It’s a harrowing and thought-provoking read that raises difficult questions about the intersection of genius, madness, and societal responsibility.

4. "Bottoms Up and the Devil Laughs" by Kerry Howley

• Author: Kerry Howley is a journalist and essayist known for her in-depth explorations of American culture, politics, and the surveillance state.
• Introduction: This nonfiction work dives into America’s surveillance state, blending true crime with political journalism. Howley takes a unique approach to the genre, exploring the stories of whistleblowers and surveillance victims caught in the web of national security.
• Favorite Quote:
  “In the age of constant surveillance, freedom becomes a matter of evasion.”
• Why it’s Special: Howley’s book is a chilling exploration of privacy, freedom, and how surveillance erodes individual autonomy. It’s both an eye-opening critique and a gripping narrative of modern-day whistleblowers and government secrecy.

5. "Some People Need Killing: A Memoir of Murder in My Country" by Patricia Evangelista

• Author: Patricia Evangelista is an investigative journalist from the Philippines whose work focuses on state-sponsored violence and human rights abuses.
• Introduction: This memoir exposes the brutal reality of President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war in the Philippines, where thousands have been killed in extrajudicial executions. Evangelista’s harrowing accounts of state-sanctioned violence are balanced with her own reflections on journalistic responsibility and courage.
• Favorite Quote:
  “In a world where life can be taken without trial, the truth is all that remains.”
• Why it’s Special: Evangelista’s memoir is a heart-wrenched account of the Duterte regime’s extrajudicial killings. Her book stands as a powerful testament to the importance of journalism in exposing government brutality, and the personal risks journalists take to reveal the truth. Evangelista brings a unique perspective as both an insider and an observer of the violence in her country.

Why it’s Special:
Through her lens, Some People Need Killing unveils the emotional and psychological toll on those witnessing violence, providing a powerful critique of state-sanctioned murder and the journalists who brave these environments. Her memoir blends investigative reporting with personal narrative to offer a deeply emotional perspective on human rights abuses.

Conclusion:

The New York Times Best Sellers of 2023 highlight a diverse range of stories—from historical non-fiction to dystopian fiction. The mix of literary talent and gripping subject matter in each book ensures they resonate with readers across genres. From the true crime of the Osage murders in Killers of the Flower Moon to dystopian gladiators in Chain-Gang All-Stars, these books reflect the challenges and intricacies of the human experience.

Whether you're drawn to thrilling narratives, historical revelations, or heartfelt memoirs, this list of bestsellers promises an engaging, thought-provoking reading experience for all.