"Must-Read Books of 2023: Critics' Picks, Staff Favorites, and Award-Winning Novels"

Book critics Maureen Corrigan and Gilbert Cruz share their favorite books released in 2023. Some of the recommended fiction books include "Absolution" by Alice McDermott, "The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store" by James McBride, "The Bee Sting" by Paul Murray, and "North Woods" by Daniel Mason. Nonfiction picks include "The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder" by David Grann, "How to Say Babylon" by Safiya Sinclair, and "Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World" by John Vaillant. The critics also mention the inclusion of social issues in literary fiction and recommend additional books like "Tom Lake" by Ann Patchett and "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" by Rebecca Yarros.