Author Self-improvement fanatic Mini-golfer Enthusiastic but unskilled dancer Afternoon napper
The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,686 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 The Creative Act: A Way of Being

Adam Wallace Why did I love this book?

This book has blown me away. It’s not only the concepts in the book, but the way Rick Rubin writes that bring about so many aha moments. I have underlined so many sentences and paragraphs that I have already gone back to again, to reinforce the idea but also to read how beautifully it was written!

It almost makes it feel safer for me to create and be creative after reading this, to take risks, and to let inspiration guide me!

By Rick Rubin,

Why should I read it?

12 authors picked The Creative Act as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The #1 New York Times bestseller.

From the legendary music producer, a master at helping people connect with the wellsprings of their creativity, comes a beautifully crafted book many years in the making that offers that same deep wisdom to all of us.

"A gorgeous and inspiring work of art on creation, creativity, the work of the artist. It will gladden the hearts of writers and artists everywhere, and get them working again with a new sense of meaning and direction. A stunning accomplishment.” —Anne Lamott

“I set out to write a book about what to do to make a…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Before & Laughter

Adam Wallace Why did I love this book?

I loved this book because it is part self-help, part memoir, and all hilarious! I cracked up the whole way through, but at the same time found so many sections that made me reflect not only on my own life so far, but going forward as well.

It’s one of those books I know I will read again, and that each time I do I will find more little gems in there.

By Jimmy Carr,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Before & Laughter as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?



* THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER - September 2021 *

*A SUNDAY TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR *

'Very funny and very beautiful, packed with jokes and genuinely wise advice' - Chris Evans

'So good. I've loved every second of reading it' - James Corden

'Riveting' - Daily Mail

'A hilarious book that will be adored by Jimmy's fans. Both of them' - David Walliams

'I was really annoyed at how good this book is and that's the biggest compliment I can give' - Romesh Ranganathan

'It's the first life advice book from someone whose life you would actually want' -…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Perspectives

Adam Wallace Why did I love this book?

Cat Kid Comic Club was recommended to me by a 7-year-old I met in a bookstore in Pleasanton, California! He was so excited about it, and once I read it I could see why.

I had never read a Cat Kid book before, and it was hilarious! Not only that, it very cleverly taught kids how to draw perspective, tell a story, and more.

The pictures are simple yet effective and the characters were hilarious. I read this on the plane in one sitting, and hope I didn’t annoy the other passengers because I kept laughing out loud!

By Dav Pilkey, Dav Pilkey (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Perspectives as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 7, 8, 9, and 10.

What is this book about?

The perfect present for Dog Man fans - starring
some of your favourite characters from the series!

Cat Kid Comic Club is back in session in this groundbreaking graphic
novel narrative by Dav Pilkey, the worldwide bestselling and
award-winning author and illustrator of Dog Man.

Flippy, Molly, Li'l Petey, and twenty-one baby frogs each
have something to say.

Naomi and Melvin don't see eye to eye and Poppy perceives the
world differently than her siblings.

Will the baby frogs figure out how to work together and appreciate
one another's point of view - both inside and outside the classroom?

The…


Plus, check out my book…

Book cover of A Very Dinosaur Birthday

What is my book about?

What would happen if dinosaurs showed up at your birthday party? Well, it would be chaos! From prehistoric presents to games crashing out of control and your snacks going extinct, it’s a dino disaster! Birthdays will never be the same with this silly picture book featuring lively rhymes and hilarious illustrations.

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