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The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,624 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 God Talks: How to Have a Friendship with God (Even if You've Made a Million Mistakes)

Barbara Hemphill Why did I love this book?

At age 11, I tried to commit suicide, and at age 42, I was in a mental hospital from depression because I didn’t hear from God (or, rather, I didn’t think I did!). Since then, I’ve learned that God speaks in ways I didn’t expect or understand, and my passion is to communicate that truth to others who struggle with depression.

God Talks is a great tool I use to share how God speaks to everyone in a unique way, and His way leads to answers that will help you accomplish your work and enjoy your life.

My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Only God Works: Investing Now What Matters Then

Barbara Hemphill Why did I love this book?

This inviting, easy-to-read book is a marvelous gift we can give ourselves and the people we love.  

This book instructs us how to do the work for which God created us, and then the work is easy. It isn’t about working harder, but about doing less of the work that other people were born to do–which is easy for them–and most importantly, to begin every day by asking God what work He is doing and how you can join in the journey.

For over 40 years, I have been an entrepreneur and coaching other entrepreneurs. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is that working too hard is the biggest stumbling block to a clutter-free life and a recipe for physical and mental exhaustion. Although success does come from work, it doesn’t have to be “hard work.”

By Kevin White,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Only God Works as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Is Your Life Filled With Abundance?

Or are you working yourself into the ground? Regardless of wherever you invest the greatest amounts of your time and energy, chances are, you know you’re simply spinning your wheels. Get ready for a new revelation: the truth is, only God works—and only He produces the fruit you’re seeking. Only God Works gives you permission to resign from relying on yourself for the things that only God can give you. Once you realize it’s God who must provide, your intimacy with Him will grow and you will experience Him producing fruit in and through…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less

Barbara Hemphill Why did I love this book?

For over four decades, I have focused on eliminating the clutter that decreases profit, productivity, and peace of mind for individuals and organizations.  From beginning to end, I was mesmerized by Kotz’s ability to document the real cost of clutter.

His story in the first chapter about the “Lego project “ has become a staple in many of the presentations I give to audiences. The closing chapter, “From Information to Wisdom,” confirms my experience that physical clutter, while readily visible, is actually the least damaging to the impact we can make in the world.

Because of this book, I constantly see examples in our society of how we try to solve problems by adding—when we could/should be subtracting!

By Leidy Klotz,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

"You need to read this book." ―Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“A great book changes the world you live in, revealing mysteries you didn't even know were there. This is a great book." ―Sendhil Mullainathan, MacArthur fellow and author of Scarcity

Blending behavioral science and design, Leidy Klotz's Subtract offers a scientific appreciation of why we underuse subtraction―and how to access its untapped potential.

We pile on “to-dos” but don’t consider “stop-doings.” We create incentives for good behavior, but don’t get rid of obstacles to it. We collect new-and-improved ideas, but don’t prune the outdated ones. Every…


Plus, check out my book…

Love It or Lose It: Living Clutter-Free Forever

By Barbara Hemphill, Maggie Bedrosian,

Book cover of Love It or Lose It: Living Clutter-Free Forever

What is my book about?

Finally, here’s your chance to break free from the clutter weighing you down. It’s your opportunity to move from being overwhelmed and disorganized to clutter-free and clear.

In Love It or Lose It, long-time organizational experts Barbara Hemphill and Maggie Bedrosian share the secrets and techniques their clients—everyday people, celebrities, business, and political leaders alike—have used to dig out from under all their junk and distraction. In stories filled with humor, heart, and success, you’ll learn how to declutter your home and work spaces and keep them that way for good.

If you don’t love what’s in your space, you’ll learn to lose it and never look back. And surprisingly, it will be easier and more fun than you think.