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The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,633 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 Illustrated Guide to Home Forensic Science Experiments

Bill Lindsay Why did I love this book?

I suppose I miss chemistry-believe it or not. This book is lab-only hands-on forensic techniques you can do yourself.

Tips and sources help amateur sleuths set up their own labs so they can get a more realistic sense of how real crime labs operate on a day-to-day basis. I’ve always enjoyed crime TV shows where they examine the evidence to present to court. Now one can learn how the process goes when obtaining equipment and performing these experiments.  

By Robert Bruce Thompson, Barbara Fritchmann Thompson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Illustrated Guide to Home Forensic Science Experiments as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

If you're taking a basic course in classical physics, or have a healthy curiosity for the way things work in the physical world, the Illustrated Guide to Home Physics Experiments provides an ideal hands-on introduction to physics lab techniques and data analysis. With this book and a few simple (and inexpensive) tools and materials, you'll learn to conduct experiments that answer questions about our world, make demonstrations to show off physical principles, and do theoretical lab work to discover how the world works. Perfect for do-it-yourselfers, home-schooled high school students, and college students, this book will help you: Learn everything…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Everyday Magic

Bill Lindsay Why did I love this book?

This book was a step outside my normal reading tastes. I like to refresh my palate by tasting different essences.

I also read it for research involving my next book, which contains aspects of magic and study of the Grimoires. This book shows a different way of looking at everyday occurrences and objects and presented me with good information to help mold my story.

By Dorothy Morrison,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Everyday Magic as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Looking for simple solutions for today's problems: computer viruses, traffic that drives you crazy, and an overextended schedule?

There's an easy way to incorporate magic into your life without adding more stress to it. Everyday Magic updates the ancient arts to fit your busy lifestyle. It promotes the use of modern convenience items as viable magical tools, and it incorporates the use of easy-to-find spell ingredients―most of which are already in your kitchen cabinet. It discusses the items and forces that boost magical work, as well as offering a multitude of time-saving tips and a large assortment of recipes for…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Composing Magic: How to Create Magical Spells Rituals Blessings Chants and Prayers

Bill Lindsay Why did I love this book?

Like the above-mentioned book, I read this for research and to learn more about magic spells and incantations.

This book is focused on writing spells and reciting them to help you out in your daily life challenges. Much like in storytelling, this book shows how to build your spells and then polish them as a writer does in rough drafting and then editing.  

By Elizabeth Barrette,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Composing Magic as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

You've attended rituals that took your breath away. You've borrowed spells out of books. You've read splendid Pagan poetry in magazines. Now learn to compose all these types of magical writing yourself!

Composing Magic guides you through the exciting realm of magical and spiritual writing. You'll explore the process of writing, its tools and techniques, individual types of composition, and ways of sharing your work with other people.

The book shows you how to write:

Basic and advanced forms of poetry Spells Chants and rounds Prayers Blessings Solitary and group rituals

Each type of writing includes its history and uses,…


Plus, check out my book…

Curse of a Devil

By Bill Lindsay,

Book cover of Curse of a Devil

What is my book about?

Sequel to The Bones of Jack. Three main characters escape London in 1900 to the US and are shadowed by Victorian nightmare legend, Spring-heeled-Jack. Most theories about what or who Jack was are weaved into a story while the three continue their lives in NYC. Jack creates chaos for them and the city. Unique characters inhabit these pages.