Jason Cavallaro's Top Ten of 2023

I read 222 books (a personal record) this year, so I need you guys to appreciate how hard it was to narrow down to just ten.

This represents the top FIVE percent of books I read. Honorable mentions are for losers. Let's start.

10. The Gypsy Moths by Greg Gifune

Greg's best book, and I've enjoyed many of them.

9. Seven Ways to Get Rid of Harry by Jen Conley

Anthony Award winning young adult novel. This book will instantly transport you back into the 13-yr old you.

8. The Merciless by Danielle Vega

Another YA novel. There are 4 books in the series, but the others aren't as good as this one, and it can work fine as a standalone. Mean Girls meets The Exorcist.

7. The Quarry Girls by Jess Lourey

I've read five of her books, and this is my favorite so far. She takes true crime scenarios and does a fictional version.

6. Small Town Sins by Ken Jaworowski

Easily one of the best debut novels I've ever read. Let's see if he can keep it up. Can't wait to see what he does next.

5. Saving Noah by Lucinda Berry

This book will challenge your preconceived notions of justice and punishment, societal or otherwise.

4. Hard Mountain Clay by CW Blackwell

A family in crisis, told through the eyes of the youngsters. One of the best crime novellas I've ever read.

3. How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix

It's like a demented Toy Story 3. Just when you thought Hendrix couldn't get any better.

2. Freaks of the Heartland by Steve Niles (writer) and Greg Ruth (artist)

Instantly one of my favorite graphic novels. It's like a gothic Of Mice and Men.

1. ?The Traveling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa

A very simple and effective story about the bond between and man and his cat.

That's it! Bring on 2024!

Jason Cavallaro
jcavallaro42@gmail.com
Twitter: @pinheadspawn