Top 4 Books | Read in 2023

Here are 4 highly recommended books in various genres that you may want to consider reading in 2023:

1. "Klara and the Sun" by Kazuo Ishiguro - a poignant and thought-provoking novel about a robot trying to understand humanity.

The story takes place in a future world where artificial intelligence has become commonplace and follows the journey of Klara, an artificial friend designed to keep children company. As she watches the world around her, she begins to develop a deep fascination with humanity and a desire to understand the complexities of human emotions.

Through Klara's perspective, Ishiguro explores themes of love, loss, mortality, and what it means to be human. The novel raises questions about the nature of consciousness, the limits of artificial intelligence, and the role of technology in our lives. With its lyrical prose and deeply empathetic characters, "Klara and the Sun" is a haunting and unforgettable exploration of what it means to be alive.

2. "Empire of Pain" by Patrick Radden Keefe - a riveting investigative non-fiction book about the Sackler family and their role in the opioid crisis.

It is a gripping and meticulously researched investigative non-fiction book that delves into the role of the Sackler family in the opioid epidemic that has ravaged the United States. The book chronicles the rise of the Sacklers, a wealthy family of philanthropists and art patrons who built their fortune on the sale of OxyContin, a powerful painkiller that has been widely abused and has contributed to the deaths of thousands of people.

Through interviews with family members, former employees, and government officials, Keefe exposes the ruthlessness and greed that drove the Sacklers' business practices, as well as the complicity of regulators and politicians who turned a blind eye to the devastating consequences of the opioid epidemic. The book is a powerful indictment of the pharmaceutical industry and a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked corporate power.

"Empire of Pain" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the roots of the opioid crisis and the complex web of factors that allowed it to flourish. It is a sobering and important book that raises important questions about accountability, justice, and the role of corporations in society.

3. "The Last Thing He Told Me" by Laura Dave - A suspenseful thriller about a woman trying to uncover the truth about her husband's disappearance.

It is a riveting and suspenseful thriller that tells the story of a woman named Hannah who is suddenly faced with the disappearance of her husband, Owen. Before he vanished, Owen left Hannah a note with just three words: "Protect her. Trust no one." As Hannah tries to unravel the mystery of her husband's disappearance and protect his daughter from danger, she discovers a web of secrets and lies that threaten to upend her entire life.

With its fast-paced plot, complex characters, and surprising twists and turns, "The Last Thing He Told Me" is a gripping and emotionally resonant thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. But it's also a poignant and deeply human story about love, loss, and the lengths we will go to protect the people we care about.

Laura Dave's writing is sharp, engaging, and full of heart, and she masterfully weaves together the various strands of the story to create a satisfying and satisfyingly complex narrative. "The Last Thing He Told Me" is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery or thriller, and a testament to the enduring power of love and family in the face of adversity.

4. "Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir - a thrilling science fiction novel about a lone astronaut trying to save Earth from destruction.

It is an exhilarating science fiction novel that tells the story of Ryland Grace, a lone astronaut who wakes up on a spacecraft with no memory of how he got there or what his mission is. As he begins to explore his surroundings and piece together his past, he discovers that he has been sent on a desperate mission to save Earth from an impending disaster.

With its intricate plot, vivid world-building, and engaging characters, "Project Hail Mary" is a thrilling and thought-provoking read that explores complex themes like the nature of consciousness, the ethics of scientific experimentation, and the fragility of life in the face of a hostile universe. Weir's writing is witty, smart, and full of heart, and he has a gift for making complex scientific concepts accessible and entertaining.

Whether you're a die-hard science fiction fan or just looking for a great adventure story, "Project Hail Mary" is a must-read. It's a testament to the power of human ingenuity, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of working together to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.