The Five Best Books of 2023
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
It’s been a good year for constant readers. As 2023 comes to an end, the Anderson Observer has chosen five of the best new books of the year. The lists are in alphabetical order, not a ranking in terms of merit.
Book of the Year
“Outrageous: A History of Showbiz and the Culture Wars,” Kliph Nesteroff
Nesteroff, often called the “walking encyclopedia of comedy” delivers perhaps the most timely and important book of 2023. “Outrageous” not only follows the history of entertainers who have faced scrutiny for controversial acts, but the rise of modern right-wing extremism, detailing the Koch family, John Birch Society and White Citizen’s Council (among other groups) setting the talking points for today’s Freedom Caucus, Moms for Liberty and other extreme groups. Well researched and fast paced, this book explains how America arrived at our current state of political and social unrest. Don’t miss this book.
Fiction:
“Tom Lake,” by Ann Patchett
Few writers capture the tight family/friend dynamics as well as Ann Patchett. This one follows the family journey that weaves a story that includes Hollywood and the New York stage, but lands at a family cherry farm in Michigan. Bonus: the audio version of this book is read by Meryl Street, who brings a near magical performance to the story.
“The Running Grave: A Cormoran Strike Novel,” by Robert Galbraith
The seventh installment of the private detective Cororan Strike, might just be the best. Under the Galbraith pen name, J.K. Rowling delivers what might be her best writing to date, with a long, but engaging novel centered around a contemporary religious organization. The entire series is an exhibition of Rowling’s growth as not only an exemplar storytelling, but a fine writer as well.
“Holly,” by Stephen King
Holly Gibney, a character who first appeared in King’s “End of Watch” series and has shown up in two other novels, gets her own book as a private investigator looking into disappearances in a small college town. The book brings together King’s recent detective work with his horror writing and is one of the top stories of 2023.
Non-Fiction:
‘Under the Eye of Power: How Fear of Secret Societies Shapes American Democracy,’ by Colin Dickey
From lizard people under our cities to secret societies to other conspiracies aimed at frightening citizens, this book delivers an entertaining book, full of facts, humor and details on how crazy stories can become mainstream.