2023 Hidden Gems Book Tournament

12 books. 4 genres. 1 head-to-head tournament to determine the best under-the-radar read of 2023. The votes on our Instagram polls have been counted and we have a winner! 

And the winner is...

The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley Winstead, selected by Brant Hills Librarian Heather in the Romance category! 

Learn more about all the best books you may have missed this year with our staff reviews below. These aren’t just books—they’re treasures waiting to be discovered! 

The Experts

Our genre experts for 2023 were Neighbourhood Branches Programmer Jasmine (Biographies), Brant Hills Librarian Heather (Contemporary Romance), Digital Resources & Collections Manager Cody (Thrillers/Mysteries), and Tansley Woods Librarian Deepti (Historical Fiction).

headshots of Jasmine, Heather, Cody, and Deepti

Image left to right: Jasmine, Heather, Cody, and Deepti faced off in a head-to-head Instagram battle

Check out what each defender has to say about their favourite reads below, and don't forget to follow us @BurlONLibrary on social media! Which hidden gems will YOU pick to read?

The Books

Biographies - Jasmine

cover of funny you should say that by Gerry Dee

Funny You Should Say That

For fans of Mr. D, Family Feud Canada, and Last Comic Standing comes Canadian comedian Gerry Dee’s new book of essays chronicling his life with hilarious stories throughout. Dee began his career as a physical education teacher but dreamt of becoming a stand-up comedian and has since become one of Canada’s top funny men.

Borrow Funny You Should Say That by Gerry Dee

cover of good girls by Hadley Freeman

Good Girls: A Story and Study of Anorexia

Journalist Hadley Freeman details her adolescent battle with anorexia nervosa. With thorough research and personal stories from the author, insights from doctors and interviews with past patients, readers learn why and how some teens fall victim to eating disorders. As with any personal study, readers may be divided in their opinions of Freeman, making the Good Girls an ideal selection for lively book club discussions.

Borrow Good Girls by Hadley Freeman

cover of black friend by Ziwe Fumudoh

Black Friend: Essays

“How many Black friends do you have?” challenges comedian, writer, actor, and late-night variety show host Ziwe in her funny, yet challenging book of personal essays about race. In her trademark blunt and satirical voice, Ziwe covers her experiences as a child of immigrants to her own difficulties with discrimination. Her essays educate readers on unlearning biases with confrontational, sarcastic humour. Prepare to gasp, laugh, and unlearn!

Borrow Black Friend by Ziwe Fumudoh

Contemporary Romance - Heather

cover of bellies by nicola dinan

Bellies

Compassionate, perceptive, and compelling, this novel focuses on the relationship between two young graduates building a life together, and how their connection fluctuates through Ming’s transition. Tender, loving and funny, this is a beautiful book to fall into.

Borrow Bellies by Nicola Dinan

cover of with love from cold world by Alicia Thompson

With Love, from Cold World

Enemies-to-lovers Lauren and Asa band together to save their theme park workplace while dishing out an entertaining page-turner. A spicy, funny, truly cozy book that will keep you laughing and blushing.

Borrow With Love, from Cold World by Alicia Thompson

cover of the boyfriend candidate by Ashley Winstead

The Boyfriend Candidate

When her heart is broken, shy librarian Alexis decides to jump-start her life with a one-night stand! Secrets are exposed, passion is shared, and politics are played in a fun read all about pushing your boundaries and going outside your comfort zone.

Borrow The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley Winstead

Mysteries & Thrillers - Cody

cover of the block party by Jamie Day

The Block Party

Did you miss your neighbourhood block party this summer because you were avoiding your noisy neighbours? No problem! Relive the drama and mystery vicariously through the residents of Alton Road in this title by Jamie Day for a party to die for! For fans of Lucy Foley, this thriller will make you question how well you know your neighbours.

Borrow The Block Party by Jamie Day

cover of thicker than water by Megan Collins

Thicker Than Water

A page-turning thriller focusing on family and friendship. This emotionally charged mystery is an immersive nail-biter that will have you staying up late to discover the shocking conclusion. Be sure to check out this twisty psychological journey if you’re a fan of female leads.

Borrow Thicker Than Water by Megan Collins

cover of drowning by TJ Newman

Drowning

This fast-paced thriller chronicles an emergency plane crash into the ocean that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. As a former flight attendant, Newman creates a gripping and suspenseful survival story that rivals blockbusters like Apollo 13, the Martian, and the Poseidon Adventure.

Borrow Drowning by TJ Newman

Historical Fiction - Deepti

cover of journey after the crown by Andrew Mackie

Journey After the Crown

A story about the sweet rivalry between two twin sisters while accompanying the Royal family on their Australia tour in 1954. This is an intense historical drama with painful memories, some wickedness, and a lot of laughter. If you enjoyed watching The Crown, Bridgerton, and Downtown Abbey, then this book is for you.

Borrow Journey After the Crown by Andrew Mackie

cover of pandora by Susan Stokes-Chapman

Pandora

This story is a great mash-up of historical setting, mystery, romance, and a bit of mythology. Immerse yourself in the world of Georgian England, wrapped in mystery, myth, and magic. For fans of The Lost Apothecary.

Borrow Pandora by Susan Stokes-Chapman

cover of flipping boxcars by Cedric Kyles

Flipping Boxcars

A thoroughly enjoyable debut crime novel by comedian Cedric the Entertainer, this book tells the story of close-knit Black communities during the Depression and World War II. The main character, Babe, is a homage to Cedric’s grandfather. Babe is a Black WWII veteran living in a racist world trying to save his life and his marriage.

Borrow Flipping Boxcars by Cedric Kyles

Looking for More Hidden Gems?

Check out the books that were championed in our 2022, 2021 and 2020 tournaments—all winners in our view—to add to your 2023 reading list!

Check It Out

BPL Instagram - Watch the pitch videos for all 12 Hidden Gems