All of the Best Books I Read in 2023
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Tress of the Emerald Sea: A Cosmere Novel
Tress of the Emerald Sea might just be my favorite fictional book of the entire year. I was completely captivated by every second of it and found it impossible to put down. Admittedly, I may be biased as I've enjoyed nearly everything I've read from Brandon Sanderson, but I genuinely believe this is one of his best standalone works. It not only stands on its own merit but also leaves you eagerly wanting to read more of his books.
" Do you know how many grand romances would have avoided tragedy if the hero had thought, "You know, maybe I should ask her if she likes me first"?” " - Brandon Sanderson, Tress of the Emerald Sea
Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It
Never Split the Difference is an incredible book—I'm considering making it an annual re-read. As I delved into its pages, I applied its strategies in my everyday conversations. The results were nothing short of amazing! My interactions became more meaningful, and I felt a deeper connection with others. Even my wife noticed and remarked on the improved quality of our conversations.
" If you approach a negotiation thinking the other guy thinks like you, you are wrong. That’s not empathy, that’s a projection. " - Chris Voss, Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
"Influence" is a must-read for all marketers, but its insights are beneficial for everyone. This book has had a huge impact on my marketing efforts, leading to remarkable results by implementing the strategies Cialdini outlines.
" A well-known principle of human behavior says that when we ask someone to do us a favor we will be more successful if we provide a reason. People simply like to have reasons for what they do. " - Robert B. Cialdini, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
Even if marketing isn't your forte, understanding how "influencers" shapes our daily lives is invaluable. The principles in this book offer a deeper understanding of human behavior and decision-making, which can be applied in various aspects of life.
I'm had such success with this book and by its impact in my life that I plan to revisit this book every year — it's just that good! Whether you're looking to enhance your marketing skills or simply want to understand the subtle forces that drive our choices, "Influence" is an essential read.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
Starting this review is a challenge because 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' is simply excellent. This book tugs at your heartstrings, blending darkness with a sense of realism that is captivating from start to finish. It's hard to find fault with it; while I recognize it may not be everyone's cup of tea, I believe there's a good chance you'll like it.
" What is a person, if not the marks they leave behind? " - V.E. Schwab
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder
I picked up The Wager without knowing much about it, except for the meaning I gathered from the title. I assumed it to be a popular fictional pirate-themed book. To my surprise, this non-fiction book is just as captivating as any fantasy tale and a testament to the incredible resilience of human willpower.
If you're looking for a book that challenges your perception of determination or immerses you in real-life stories, this is the one for you.
" Presence of mind, and courage in distress, Are more than armies to procure success. " - David Grann, The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder
Recursion: A Novel
Writing this review without giving anything away is like walking a tightrope. So, here's the deal: Recursion isn't my usual read, especially with all the concepts it throws at you early on. But, after enjoying Dark Matter by Blake Crouch, I thought, 'Why not give this one a shot?' And you know what? Despite not being big on time travel stories, I was sucked in! It's worth a read.
" He has wondered lately if that’s all living really is—one long goodbye to those we love. " - Blake Crouch, Recursion
Dark Matter
Dark Matter is a sci-fi book I find myself recommending time and time again to fans of the genre. With its fast-paced narrative and gripping storyline, once you start reading, be prepared to be hooked.
" No one tells you it’s all about to change, to be taken away. There’s no proximity alert, no indication that you’re standing on the precipice. And maybe that’s what makes tragedy so tragic. Not just what happens, but how it happens: a sucker punch that comes at you out of nowhere, when you’re least expecting it. No time to flinch or brace. " - Blake Crouch, Dark Matter
While I have heard repeatedly that this is someone’s all-time favorite sci-fi book, it’s not quite that good for me. Crouch's writing is compelling, and he makes complex scientific concepts intriguing without slowing down the plot. I really enjoyed the emotional depth of the main character's struggle to return to his family, which adds a poignant layer to the thrilling narrative.
Although "Dark Matter" is thrilling and a page-turner, there are points in the story that felt like they were added just to extend the narrative a bit further. This might sound odd as a reason for giving it only 4 stars, but I thought his book "Recursion" was better!
So overall? I don't think you can go wrong with reading this book, especially if you are a fan of Sci-fi. It might even become your favorite; it just wasn’t a 5 star read for me.
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood
Trevor Noah brilliantly wrote the stories in this book. With each turn of the page, I found myself laughing, on the edge of my seat, and shocked by the realities of apartheid. But most importantly, I had the chance to read about an incredible woman and mother. I have a new hero I look up to, his mom. I'm thankful for the recommendation that led me to this book. I believe everyone should give this book a chance.
" We tell people to follow their dreams, but you can only dream of what you can imagine, and, depending on where you come from, your imagination can be quite limited. " - Trevor Noah, Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood
Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know
Too often, we're swayed by our instincts, influenced by our upbringing, social circles, and the ever-evolving technology that caters to our desires. While technology can serve us well, providing what we want and desire, it also traps us into unquestioningly accepting everything we encounter. For professional marketers like me, it has served me well in my career to provide people with answers to their questions and getting my questions answered. However, it's also led us into a trap of unquestioningly accepting everything we encounter.
" We listen to views that make us feel good, instead of ideas that make us think hard. " - Adam M. Grant, Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know
That's why I believe Adam Grant's "Think Again" is essential reading for everyone. Grant delves into the pervasive phenomenon of instinctively believing what we feel, offering a compelling call to arms for us all to reassess our beliefs and cultivate the crucial skill of critical thinking.
Yumi and the Nightmare Painter: A Cosmere Novel
Yumi and the Nightmare Painter felt like a Chef’s Kiss from Brandon Sanderson. The story refused to let me put the book down, the worldbuilding felt mysterious, and it's a display of Sanderson at his best. Plus, this book isn’t as long as many of the others Sanderson has written and can be a stand-alone piece.
If you're looking for a book that feels like the art of storytelling is fully on display and offers a satisfying love story, you will enjoy this book.
" Art - and all stories are art, even the ones about real people - is about what it does to you. " - Brandon Sanderson, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter
DotCom Secrets: The Underground Playbook for Growing Your Company Online with Sales Funnels
If there's one book you should read to succeed in digital marketing, it's "DotCom Secrets" by Russell Brunson. This isn't your average business book—it's a proven roadmap to success. From the moment I implemented its strategies, I witnessed remarkable results, almost instantly after launching. Many of the tactics I've applied on this website stem directly from the insights gained from this book.
" Ultimately, the business that can spend the most to acquire a customer wins. A business beats its competition by making the same prospect worth more to his business than to that of his competition. " - Russell Brunson, Dotcom Secrets: The Underground Playbook for Growing Your Company Online with Sales Funnels
Brunson delivers a wealth of practical advice and actionable strategies for online businesses. While there were moments where I felt like I was being sold to, it doesn't detract from the overall value of the book. In fact, I understand why those parts were included and still find them worthwhile.
I can personally vouch for the effectiveness of the strategies outlined in "DotCom Secrets," and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to elevate their online business to the next level.
Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad
"Keep Going" is a quick read, perfect for an afternoon, yet it's packed with powerful motivation and insightful tips on nurturing creativity. What I appreciate most is its accessibility—you can pick it up anytime and find valuable nuggets of wisdom in any chapter. That's why it's earned a permanent spot on my desk.
" Let go of the thing that you’re trying to be (the noun), and focus on the actual work you need to be doing (the verb). " - Austin Kleon, Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad
The House in the Cerulean Sea
For anyone seeking a heartwarming escape into the realm of fantasy, 'The House in the Cerulean Sea' is an excellent choice. This whimsical tale takes reading into a charming orphanage on a remote island, where extraordinary children with unique abilities live under the care of an interesting caretaker.
" We should always make time for the things we like. If we don’t, we might forget how to be happy. " - T.J. Klune, The House in the Cerulean Sea
We follow the journey of Linus Baker, a case worker who finds himself falling in love with everyone at the orphanage and learning valuable lessons on the way. The House in the Cerulean Sea is more than just a feel-good fantasy read—it's a poignant exploration of compassion, diversity, and the transformative power of love.
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
Reading "Shoe Dog" came at a pivotal moment in my life. Fresh from a job layoff, the corporate world felt uncertain and daunting. But diving into Phil Knight's memoir provided a sense of solace and connection as I navigated these uncharted waters.
" War is the most extreme of conditions. But business has its warlike parallels. Someone somewhere once said that business is war without bullets, and I tended to agree. " - Phil Knight, Shoe Dog
This book isn't just a memoir; it's a thrilling journey that kept me hooked from start to finish. Knight's story of building Nike from the ground up is filled with valuable lessons and insights into entrepreneurship. The timing of my reading might have made me more biased, but it only deepened my admiration for this captivating account.
I wholeheartedly recommend "Shoe Dog" to anyone looking for inspiration and insight into entrepreneurship. It's a powerful reminder that even in the face of uncertainty, perseverance and passion can lead to incredible success.
The Lies of Locke Lamora
The Lies of Locke Lamora landed on my radar thanks to a recommendation from "Book Reviews Kill." Initially, I was intimidated by its series length and the promise of a labyrinthine journey filled with intrigue and adventure. However, I'm thrilled I took the plunge because Scott Lynch's craftsmanship shines through in every aspect of this tale. From the fun and meticulously crafted characters to the immersive fantasy world, Lynch delivers an intricate and exhilarating plot that kept me wanting more. I can't wait to dive back into more from this series.
" We’re a different sort of thief here, Lamora. Deception and misdirection are our tools. We don’t believe in hard work when a false face and a good line of bullshit can do so much more. " - Scott Lynch, The Lies of Locke Lamora
Piranesi
Piranesi is a book you've probably seen recommended in some form or another, especially if you're active on BookTok like me. It offers a strange, unique, and ultimately satisfying experience. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and believe many others would too. However, it may not be everyone's cup of tea. It's best suited for those who appreciate strange fantasies and novels that make you question.
" Birds are not difficult to understand. Their behaviour tells me what they are thinking. Generally it runs along the lines of: Is this food? Is this? What about this? This might be food. I am almost certain that this is. Or occasionally: It is raining. I do not like it.. " - Susanna Clarke, Piranesi
It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work
I'm always looking to enhance my productivity. Balancing work, family time, and self-care often feels like a juggling act with never enough hours in the day. This book serves as a powerful reminder that true productivity is about maximizing life, and many commonly held beliefs about productivity, especially in the workplace, miss the mark.
It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work is a must-read for anyone in a 9-5 job, managing teams, or running a business. It's a wake-up call to reevaluate our approach to work and remember that there's a better way to do things.
" Time-management hacks, life hacks, sleep hacks, work hacks. These all reflect an obsession with trying to squeeze more time out of the day, but rearranging your daily patterns to find more time for work isn’t the problem. Too much shit to do is the problem. " - Jason Fried, It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work
The Motivation Myth: How High Achievers Really Set Themselves Up to Win
"The Motivation Myth" single-handedly gave me the formula to conquer 75 hard, build this website, and prepare for a 90-mile bike-packing trip. However, I wouldn't recommend this book to everyone. I know many high achievers who thrive in their pursuits without struggling with motivation. But for us mere mortals who may need guidance in accomplishing significant goals, this book is a game-changer. It's one of the few books that had a profound impact on changing the trajectory of my life.
" The key is to set a goal, use it as a target that helps you create a plan for achieving it . . . and then do your best to forget all about that goal. " - Jeff Haden, The Motivation Myth: How High Achievers Really Set Themselves Up to Win
Expert Secrets: The Underground Playbook for Finding Your Message, Building a Tribe, and Changing the World
"Expert Secrets" is a treasure trove of valuable insights that continue to be useful long after the final page. Tailored for those aiming to strengthen their public speaking prowess or establish themselves as an authority in their field, this book is the first place you should go. Its practical advice makes it a must-read for anyone seeking to refine their skills and confidently assert their expertise. I find myself consistently recommending this book to colleagues and peers alike.
" You have life experiences and talents that others don’t have that do give you an unfair advantage. By getting your process to work for others, you lose those unfair advantages and you have to adjust your process to make up for those shortcomings. " - Russell Brunson, Expert Secrets: The Underground Playbook for Converting Your Online Visitors into Lifelong Customers
A Psalm for the Wild-Built
"A Psalm for the Wild-Built" by Becky Chambers is a charming and thoughtful novella that can easily be read in a day. It offers a fun and unique perspective on humanity
The story follows a tea monk who embarks on a journey with an unlikely companion, a robot. Their meeting sparks a profound exploration into purpose, existence, and the simple joys in life throughout the story.
" You keep asking why your work is not enough, and I don’t know how to answer that, because it is enough to exist in the world and marvel at it. You don’t need to justify that, or earn it. You are allowed to just live. " - Becky Chambers, A Psalm for the Wild-Built
Chambers' writing is like a warm blanket on a cold rainy day—gentle, comforting, and impactful. This story invites you to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the beauty in yourself and the world around you.
There are only two reasons why this book didn't earn 5 stars from me:
- It was too short for me. I fell in love with these characters so quickly that I wanted a big adventure from them.
- I don't think this type of book is for everyone. While it's calming and has great themes, I wouldn't recommend it to someone who loves genres like thrillers or anything adjecent to it. This book will be really good for some and just decent for others.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
This book provides excellent writing advice while keeping you engaged from start to finish. It doesn't read like a dull textbook; instead, it feels like immersing yourself in a captivating story filled with practical tips. Whether you're looking to improve your writing skills or just starting out, I highly recommend giving this book a read. It's the perfect starting point for diving into writing with renewed inspiration.
" You can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will. " - Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
$100M Offers: How To Make Offers So Good People Feel Stupid Saying No
"$100M Offers" is a solid book all around. It's filled with high-level concepts and practical tips scattered throughout. I think the people who will find it most valuable are entrepreneurs, marketers, or sales reps. Personally, I've found myself revisiting it to refresh my memory on concepts or get ideas for crafting compelling offer statements.
" You can either be right or you can be rich. This book is for getting rich. If that bothers you, just put this down and go back to arguing against human nature. Hint: You’re not gonna change it. " - Alex Hormozi, $100M Offers: How To Make Offers So Good People Feel Stupid Saying No
The Science of Storytelling
Storytelling has shaped humanity for generations, yet mastering the craft remains a challenge for many. In "The Science of Storytelling" by Will Storr, readers are treated to an informative and engaging exploration of this fundamental human art.
" Locked inside the black vault of our skulls, stuck forever in the solitude of our own hallucinated universe, story is a portal, a hallucination within the hallucination, the closest we’ll ever really come to escape. " - Will Storr, The Science of Storytelling
More than just a captivating read, Storr provides practical tools to enhance storytelling skills. Whether you're a writer, marketer, or simply fascinated by the power of narrative, this book offers valuable insights into the science behind storytelling and how to wield it effectively. It's a must-read for anyone looking to understand and improve their storytelling abilities.
Oversubscribed: How to Get People Lining Up to Do Business with You
Before diving into this review, let me clear up a misconception I had when I first picked up this book. Initially, I thought "Oversubscribed" was about managing an overload of attention-grabbing businesses, like streaming services. However, it's actually about creating a business that defies conventional supply and demand dynamics, making your market desperate to do business with you.
" Taking a product to the market is very different to taking a product to your market. " - Daniel Priestley, Oversubscribed: How To Get People Lining Up To Do Business With You
What I discovered within its pages were some of the most practical strategies that I continue to apply in my everyday work. "Oversubscribed" has become a go-to resource for its invaluable advice, and I find myself returning to it time and time again. I highly recommend this book to anyone involved in driving demand for their business.
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
In an era marked by constant change, the unknown, and flexibility demands in things like careers, the economy, and family dynamics, "Atomic Habits" provides a valuable framework for maintaining stability and achieving long-term success. While many have already reviewed this book, its message remains worthwhile. James Clear provides practical strategies for creating positive habits that align with your goals, making it a worthwhile read for anyone looking to navigate life's challenges with intention and purpose.
" Goals are good for setting a direction, but systems are best for making progress. " - James Clear, Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams
As someone who has always struggled to appreciate the value of sleep—I'd much rather be productive and use that time for other things—and find falling/staying asleep to be a challenge, "Why We Sleep" by Matthew Walker was a game-changer for me.
Through his research-backed explanations and practical advice, I've learned to prioritize and optimize my sleep habits. Since applying what I've learned from the book, I've noticed significant improvements in the quality of my sleep and overall well-being.
" Practice does not make perfect. It is practice, followed by a night of sleep, that leads to perfection. " - Matthew Walker, Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams
If you, like me, struggle with sleep or simply want to understand its importance better, I highly recommend checking out "Why We Sleep." Additionally, for those looking for supplemental advice on improving sleep, I've found this YouTube video to be particularly helpful: My Evidence-Based Sleep Routine.
Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine
I first came across "Profit First" thanks to a recommendation from the successful owner of Market Vision Media, who runs his entire business based on the formula presented in this book. Written by author Mike Michalowicz, "Profit First" offers a refreshing approach to building a healthy and sustainable business—one that challenges conventional wisdom.
" Putting your nose to the grindstone is a really easy way to cover up an unhealthy business. We think that if we can just work harder, longer, better—if we can just hold out—something good will happen one day. " - Mike Michalowicz, Profit First: A Simple System To Transform Any Business From A Cash-Eating Monster To A Money-Making Machine
Michalowicz challenges the notion that success in entrepreneurship is solely determined by effort and perseverance, instead advocating for a formulaic approach to profitability. This book provides practical guidance and references that entrepreneurs can revisit whenever needed.
Unlike other business books focused solely on making money, "Profit First" stands out for its actionable strategies and long-term sustainability. I highly recommend it to any entrepreneur looking to create a more profitable and sustainable business.
11/22/63
The story of "11/22/63" by Stephen King can be summed up by the title of this review. This book answers the question: what if a high school teacher could travel back in time to save JFK?
This compelling concept, combined with King's prolific writing ability, makes for an exceptional read. King’s meticulous attention to historical detail and his skill in building suspense create an immersive experience that kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters are richly developed, and the plot is filled with unexpected twists.
" We never know which lives we influence, or when, or why. " - Stephen King, 11/22/63
However, be warned: while this book is not as intense or scary as other Stephen King novels, it still bears his distinctive style throughout. If you’re not a fan of King’s writing, this book might not change your mind. Despite its quality, it won't make King’s other works more palatable for you.
Lastly, I want to give a shout-out to "Booksaresick" on TikTok, who recommended this book. I highly recommend checking him out!