With another year in the books (see what we did there?), the staff here at Borrow. Read. Repeat. are looking back on some of our favorite reads of 2023—it was hard to pick just one!
Jen C.’s Pick:
West Heart Kill: A Novel by Dann McDorman
Jen C. says:
“This murder-mystery is a delight. Perfect for fans of Knives Out and Only Murders in the Building, this debut is anything but an ordinary whodunit?!”
A unique and irresistible murder mystery set at a remote hunting lodge where everyone is a suspect, including the erratic detective on the scene—a remarkable debut that gleefully upends the rules of the genre.
Available in Hardcover, eBook, Audio, and Large Print Editions.
Click to Read an Excerpt
Listen to a Clip from the Audiobook
Maureen’s Pick:
The Shards: A Novel by Bret Easton Ellis
Maureen Says:
“Bret Easton Ellis did it again in 2023. This (big) book hooked me from page one and kept me hanging on until the last word. I’ll never tire of Ellis’s writing. If you haven’t already—step into the horrifying and erotic 1980’s era of The Shards.”
A novel of sensational literary and psychological suspense from the bestselling author of Less Than Zero and American Psycho that tracks a group of privileged high school friends in a vibrantly fictionalized 1980s Los Angeles as a serial killer strikes across the city.
Available in Hardcover, Trade Paperback, eBook, and Audio Editions.
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Listen to a Clip from the Audiobook
Kelly’s Pick:
Somebody’s Fool: A Novel by Richard Russo
Kelly says:
“Anytime I can spend time with Sully and the rest of the cast from Schuyler Springs, count me in!”
The Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Empire Falls returns to North Bath, in upstate New York, and to the characters that captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of readers in his beloved best sellers Nobody’s Fool and Everybody’s Fool.
Available in Hardcover, eBook, Audio, and Large Print Editions.
Click to Read an Excerpt
Listen to a Clip from the Audiobook
Miriam’s Pick:
Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond
Miriam says:
“’Because poverty is the dream killer, the capability destroyer, the great waster of human potential. It is a misery and a national disgrace, one that belies any claim to our greatness.’ Matthew Desmond’s Poverty, By America is both a necessary read and thought-provoking call to action.”
The Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Evicted reimagines the debate on poverty, making a “provocative and compelling” (NPR) argument about why it persists in America: because the rest of us benefit from it.
Available in Hardcover, eBook, Audio, and Large Print Editions.
Click to Read an Excerpt
Click for a Discussion Guide
Click for a First-Year Reading Guide
Listen to a Clip from the Audiobook
Liz’s Pick:
Watch Your Language: Visual and Literary Reflections on a Century of American Poetry by Terrance Hayes
Liz says:
“Watch Your Language: Visual and Literary Reflections on a Century of American Poetry is poet Terrance Hayes’ brilliant invitation into the world of his poetic influences. With essays, timelines, bios, and his illustrations, this is a survey course like no other!”
From the National Book Award–winning author of Lighthead, Terrance Hayes, a fascinating collection of graphic reviews and illustrated prose addressing the last century of American poetry—to be published simultaneously with his latest poetry collection, So to Speak.
Available in Trade Paperback, eBook, and Audio Editions.
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Listen to a Clip from the Audiobook
Sharnell’s Pick:
Love in Winter Wonderland: A Novel by Abiola Bello
Sharnell says:
“This book, set in a London bookshop during the holidays, is a mix of You’ve Got Mail and The Sun is Also a Star. What’s not to love?”
A heartwarming and romantic Christmas love story set in a London Black-owned bookshop.
Available in Hardcover and eBook Editions.
Click to Read an Excerpt
Rachel’s Pick:
Vampires of El Norte: A Novel by Isabel Cañas
Rachel says:
“Gothic allure, vampire horror, and childhood frinds-to-lovers? A perfect storm for a perfect read!”
Vampires, vaqueros, and star-crossed lovers face off on the Texas-Mexico border in this supernatural western from the author of The Hacienda.
Available in Hardcover, eBook, and Audio Editions.
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Listen to a Clip from the Audiobook
Watch Our ‘Mysteries, Chills & Thrills’ Author Panel Featuring Isabel Cañas
Elizabeth’s Pick:
Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—and What We Can Do About It by Jennifer Breheny Wallace
Elizabeth says:
“A clarion call for all parents: Make sure your children know that they MATTER for who they are, not for what they can achieve. This book moved me, and changed me, and makes me think every day about how to work to be a better parent.”
The definitive book on the rise of “toxic achievement culture” overtaking our kids’ and parents’ lives, and a new framework for fighting back.
Available in Hardcover, eBook, and Audio Editions.
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Listen to a Clip from the Audiobook
Jen R.’s Audiobook Pick:
My Name Is Barbra by Barbra Streisand
Jen R. says:
“Musical theatre & film enthusiasts—as well as anyone who can appreciate the unique and undeniable talents of Barbra—will love hearing her inspiring, candid, and honest take on her life story in her own words. Even better—I am loving the audiobook, with Barbra’s off-the-cuff anecdotal comments and music!”
The long-awaited memoir by the superstar of stage, screen, recordings, and television.
Available in Hardcover, eBook, and Audiobook Editions.
Listen to a Clip from the Audiobook
Click to Read an Excerpt
