Best books of 2023: our experts share the books that have stayed with them.

The Conversation has compiled a list of the best books of 2023, recommended by 20 contributors. The selections cover a wide range of genres and topics, including evolutionary history, family novels, environmental ethics, migration, Chinese social marginality, spy stories, memoir, orchid pollination, political intrigue, Aboriginal identity, and a slow-burn thriller. The contributors provide brief descriptions and personal insights into each book, making this selection a valuable resource for library patrons looking for diverse and engaging reads. The summaries are concise, factually accurate, and respectful of diverse perspectives, written by academics from various universities in Australia. [Extracted from the article]