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The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,641 authors and super readers for their 3 favorite reads of the year.

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

My favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Mad Honey

Naomi Latini Wolfe Why did I love this book?

As a sociologist, I've always been captivated by stories that challenge societal norms and offer fresh perspectives on life.

Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan is one such book that has left a lasting impression on me. What sets it apart is its inclusive portrayal of LGBT characters, navigating their lives and dilemmas with sensitivity and authenticity.

As an educator, I was particularly moved by the ethical dilemmas presented in the storyline. They reminded me of many classroom discussions with my students, exploring complex social issues and seeking ways to navigate them ethically. The storytelling prowess and the nuanced social commentary made Mad Honey a standout read for me last year.

Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates a thought-provoking, inclusive narrative.

By Jodi Picoult, Jennifer Finney Boylan,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Mad Honey as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “Alternatingly heart-pounding and heartbreaking. This collaboration between two best-selling authors seamlessly weaves together Olivia and Lily’s journeys, creating a provocative exploration of the strength that love and acceptance require.”—The Washington Post
 
GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK • PEOPLE’S BOOK OF THE WEEK • ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: PopSugar

Olivia McAfee knows what it feels like to start over. Her picture-perfect life—living in Boston, married to a brilliant cardiothoracic surgeon, raising their beautiful son, Asher—was upended when her husband revealed a darker side. She never imagined that she would end up…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of The Midnight Library

Naomi Latini Wolfe Why did I love this book?

The Midnight Library is a profound exploration of life's possibilities, which resonated deeply with my personal philosophies.

As a lover of impactful fiction, I found Haig's magical realism engaging and thought-provoking. The book's central theme—the power of choices and their impact on our lives—struck a chord with me. It reminded me of my own crossroads and the decisions I made that shaped my life.

This book is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of life's complexities. Its narrative will leave you contemplating your own 'midnight library.' Highly recommended.

By Matt Haig,

Why should I read it?

35 authors picked The Midnight Library as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The #1 New York Times bestselling WORLDWIDE phenomenon

Winner of the Goodreads Choice Award for Fiction | A Good Morning America Book Club Pick | Independent (London) Ten Best Books of the Year

"A feel-good book guaranteed to lift your spirits."-The Washington Post

The dazzling reader-favorite about the choices that go into a life well lived, from the acclaimed author of How To Stop Time and The Comfort Book.

Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the story of…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83¼ Years Old

Naomi Latini Wolfe Why did I love this book?

The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83¼ Years Old, translated by Hester Velmans, is a delightful exploration of aging, filled with humor and wit.

As someone living in a multigenerational home and providing care to aging parents, I found Groen's honest depiction of life in his eighties deeply relatable and touching. The book offers a unique perspective on the joys and challenges of growing older, which resonated with me as I navigate the daily realities of caregiving.

Groen's diary entries, filled with his observations and experiences, serve as a heartwarming reminder that age is just a number. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an insightful, humorous read.

By Hendrik Groen, Hester Velmans (translator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83¼ Years Old as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The hilarious international bestselling novel that has had pensioners ditching their sticks and zimmers to follow the age-defying, youth inducing antics inside The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 1/4 Years Old . . .

'Terrific. This geriatric Adrian Mole made me laugh' Woman and Home

'Funny and touching' BBC Radio 4

Meet Hendrik Groen. An octogenarian in a care home who has no intention of doing what he's told, or dying quietly. To that end, he creates the Old-But-Not-Dead Club and with his fellow members sets about living his final years with careless abandon. Such anarchism infuriates the care…


Plus, check out my book…

Implementing Success: Strategies for Effective Caregiving and Care Support

By Naomi Latini Wolfe, Schieloh M S Wolfe,

Book cover of Implementing Success: Strategies for Effective Caregiving and Care Support

What is my book about?

Implementing Success: Strategies for Effective Caregiving and Care Support provides a comprehensive guide to evidence-based practices for caregiver support. With a surging global aging population and rising rates of chronic illnesses, the need for quality caregiving has never been greater. This textbook offers an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted needs of caregivers and proven strategies to address them.

Grounded in extensive research, the text covers essential topics such as assessing caregiver needs, core competencies for caregivers like self-care and communication, implementation of caregiver support programs, connecting caregivers to community resources, and preventing caregiver burnout. It emphasizes the importance of contextual factors, continuous learning and improvement, and integrating empirical evidence with professional expertise and caregiver perspectives.