Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
What do Alexa Chung, Ari Aster, Mitski, Law Roach, Sheynnis Palacios, and Chioma Nnadi have in common? They are all global tastemakers who have shaped the cultural landscape of 2023, from fashion to film, from music to media, from activism to art. And they are all avid readers who have shared their favorite books of the year.
In a year marked by uncertainty, turmoil, and change, reading has been a source of comfort, escape, and enlightenment for many people. Whether it is to learn something new, to challenge one’s perspective, to spark one’s imagination, or to simply enjoy a good story, reading has the power to enrich our lives and connect us with others.
That is why CNN has asked 23 tastemakers from around the world to share what they have been reading in 2023 and why they recommend it to others. The result is a curated list of the best books of 2023, covering a wide range of genres, topics, and perspectives, from celebrity memoirs to literary classics, from utopian experiments to haunted houses, from global politics to personal stories.
Some of the books are new releases, such as The Secret History of Home Economics by Danielle Dreilinger, a fascinating exploration of how home economics shaped American society and culture, recommended by fashion designer and TV personality Alexa Chung. Some are older works that have gained new relevance, such as The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin, a visionary science fiction novel about a utopian anarchist society, recommended by filmmaker and horror master Ari Aster. Some are cult favorites, such as The House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski, a mind-bending and genre-defying horror story, recommended by singer-songwriter and indie darling Mitski. Some are undiscovered gems, such as The Book of Delights by Ross Gay, a collection of lyrical essays about finding joy in everyday life, recommended by stylist and image architect Law Roach.
The list also features books by diverse and underrepresented voices, such as The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, a compelling saga of twin sisters who live different racial identities, recommended by activist and poet Sheynnis Palacios. Palacios, who is the founder of the Afro-Colombian Collective, says that the book resonated with her because of her own experience of being a black woman in Colombia. “It made me reflect on the importance of embracing our roots, our identity, and our history,” she says.
Another book that celebrates diversity and identity is Black Futures by Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham, a stunning anthology of black creativity and culture, recommended by Vogue editor Chioma Nnadi. Nnadi, who is the creative director of Vogue.com, says that the book is “a treasure trove of inspiration” that showcases the richness and complexity of the black experience. “It’s a book that I will return to again and again, not only for the incredible images and stories, but also for the questions and prompts that invite the reader to participate in the conversation,” she says.
The list also includes books that tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time, such as The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson, a realistic and hopeful vision of how humanity can cope with the climate crisis, recommended by architect and urbanist Carlo Ratti. Ratti, who is the director of the MIT Senseable City Lab, says that the book is “a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of our planet.” He adds that the book is “not only a gripping story, but also a source of ideas and solutions that can inspire us to act.”
To accompany the list, CNN has also commissioned illustrations of the tastemakers and the covers of the books they recommended, creating a visual feast for the readers. The illustrations are done by various artists from different backgrounds and styles, reflecting the diversity and creativity of the tastemakers and the books. The illustrations are also interactive, allowing the readers to click on them and learn more about the tastemakers and the books.
The best books of 2023, according to global tastemakers, is more than just a list. It is a celebration of reading and culture, a window into the minds and hearts of some of the most influential people of our time, and a guide to discovering new and diverse voices, as well as revisiting some of the most influential works of the year. It is a list that will inspire, challenge, and delight readers of all tastes and interests. It is a list that will make you want to read more.
