5 Underrated Books You Need to Read in 2023

All of them inspired me to become a better person

Are you tired of seeing the same books on every single recommendation list? Are you looking for new and interesting titles you’ve never even heard of? Well, look no further.

Here are five underrated books you need to read in 2023. All of them inspired me and put a smile on my face.

Enjoy!

An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield

An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth is one of the best memoirs I have ever read. I read it at a time when I was struggling with the direction I wanted my life to go in. This book helped me get through that transition and honestly changed my life.

In the book, Colonel Chris Hadfield uses his experiences as an astronaut to give practical life advice to people on Earth. He talks about how to handle criticism, how planning for the worst-case scenario can actually make you less stressed, and how you should aim to ‘be a zero’ whenever you’re in a new situation.

As someone who is fascinated by space exploration, I loved learning about Hadfield’s extraordinary life experiences. I was also inspired by his wisdom and curiosity.

If you want a touching memoir that will teach you new things about the world around you, pick up An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth. It’s ‘out of this world’ good, and definitely worth the read!

“If you start thinking that only your biggest and shiniest moments count, you’re setting yourself up to feel like a failure most of the time.” ― Chris Hadfield, An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth

Everyone’s A Aliebn When You’re A Aliebn Too by Jomny Sun

Everyone’s A Aliebn is about an alien who travels to Earth to learn more about humanity.

At first glance, the story seems simple. It has adorable illustrations and some cute typos that demonstrate the alien’s attempt to communicate with the Earthlings. But, as you read further in the story, you discover the book is actually much deeper. It covers philosophy and asks big questions about the universe. During his time on Earth, for example, the alien learns more about loneliness, friendship, and mental health.

One of my favorite moments in the book discusses the fleeting feeling of happiness:

“The comforting thing about feeling lonely is that every thing that has ever existed also knows what loneliness feels like too. You may be sad because you are sad. It is ok to be sad. But if you are sad because happiness is fleeting, just remember that sadness is also fleeting too.”

I’ve reread this book more times than I can count. I also keep recommending it to friends and family because it is such a valuable and insightful story. If you like The Little Prince and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, I recommend you pick up Everyone’s A Aliebn as soon as possible!

“Everybody tells me I am too small and too slow to make a difference in this world but I am making a difference in my own world and I hope that is enough.” ― Jomny Sun, Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too

The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson

The Last Chance Library is a sweet and uplifting story.

It’s about a community coming together to save a library. It’s also about a woman’s journey to be more confident and step outside of her comfort zone after her mother’s death.

The characters made this book memorable. I enjoyed the main character’s journey through grief and self-confidence, as well as the side characters who added some humor and heart to the story. I also appreciated the book’s overall message about the importance of libraries.

If you’re looking for a charming story about unity and community, you need to read The Last Chance Library!

“Libraries are places where everyone, rich or poor, wherever they come from in the world, can feel safe. Where they can access information that will empower them.” ― Freya Sampson, The Last Chance Library

The Journey by James Norbury

I was completely blown away by The Journey the first time I read it. It is a story about two best friends, a panda and a dragon, who go on an adventure to find a new home.

The illustrations are beautiful: a mix of black and white sketches and vivid watercolors. The Journey talks about mental health, friendship, and having faith in yourself that you can get through any hardship.

This book is so meaningful and moving. If you want a book that will comfort you in difficult times, pick up The Journey!

“In some way, the mind is much like a garden. It needs your care, attention, and effort. Left to its own devices it will soon become overrun with weeds. And where there are too many weeds, flowers cannot grow.” — James Norbury, The Journey: Big Panda and Tiny Dragon

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

Instructions for Dancing is a coming-of-age story about a girl who has the power to see the future outcomes of relationships.

Every time Evie watches a couple kiss, she can see how their relationship will end. And after watching her parent’s messy divorce and seeing so many doomed relationships around her, Evie doesn’t believe in love anymore. Then Evie meets a boy who makes her question everything she thought she knew about love. If no one escapes love unscathed, is love worth the risk?

I had a lot of fun reading this book. The magical element kept the contemporary story engaging. At the core, Evie’s journey encourages us to live in the moment and embrace love, no matter the outcome.

Both younger readers and adults can appreciate this insightful coming-of-age story. I highly recommend Instructions for Dancing!

“Happiness is tricky. Sometimes you have to fight for it. Sometimes, though — the best times — it sneaks up behind you, wraps an arm around your waist and pulls you close.” ― Nicola Yoon, Instructions for Dancing

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