Best Audiobooks of 2023: My 5 Star Recommendations

Although this is a DIY and Interior/ Home design blog, one of the things I do most beyond home décor projects is listen to audiobooks. When my kids are older, and my time isn’t so stretched I plan to go back to reading books, but for now audiobooks have been an excellent replacement.

In 2023, I listened to 83 audiobooks. Out of the 83 books I listened to 15 were 5 Star picks to me. This year I listened to a lot of 4 star books but very few that made it to a 5 star rating. To see my full audio book list click HERE.

Below is my list of 5 star picks along with links to their descriptions. If you read or listened to a 5 star book this year, please share in comments, I would love to check out any recommendations.

AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL

• Make Life Beautiful by Syd & Shea McGee – nice backstory to their fame and company evolution
• The Many Lives of Mama Love – a soccer mom turned drug addict turned author and ghost writer.

FANTASY-ROMANCE

• Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yaros – Hunger games meets Game of Thrones
• Iron Flame by Rebecca Yaros – the second book in the series

THRILLERS

• Mystic River by Dennis Lehane – great story told from multiple perspectives
• None of the is True by Lisa Jewell – One of her best books – a podcaster takes on a new story and uncovers many twists and turns.
• All is Not Forgotten by Wendy Walker – A therapist tasked with helping a young woman regain her memories now wonders if there is more to the night she forgot.
• On a Quiet Street by Seraphina Nova Glass – a neighborhood drama
• I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkai – A podcaster goes back to her old school to look into a murder she remembers years ago.
• The Family Game by Catherine Steadman – A lot like the movie “Ready or Not”

FICTION

• The Imperfects by Amy Meyerson – a dysfunctional family comes together for a death in the family – leading to a quest to figure out the past.
• Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin – as an artist I really enjoyed this book. It follows the lives of 2 friends who create a video game.
• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver- one of the best books I’ve read this year. A story about a boy no one wants and the life he makes.
• Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult – story takes an unexpected turn midway through

NON FICTION

• Atomic Habits by James Clear – a great book about creating habits