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The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,627 authors and super readers for their 3 favorite reads of the year.

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My favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Midnight in Washington: How We Almost Lost Our Democracy and Still Could

Barry J. Robinson Why did I love this book?

A tremendously courageous account of what it was like to stand up to the immorality and corruption of Donald Trump and the Republican Party between 2016 and 2021 by a dedicated public servant who put everything on the line for the truth and the country he loves.

I believe we could well be witnessing the end of the American Republic. Adam Schiff explains why and how it can be prevented.

By Adam Schiff,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The “fascinating” (Rachel Maddow) inside account of American democracy in its darkest hour, from the rise of autocracy unleashed by Trump to the January 6 insurrection, and a warning that those forces remain as potent as ever—from the congressman who led the first impeachment of Donald J. Trump

LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE WINNER: “Brilliant, sobering, and unforgettable.”—from the Current Interest Judges’ citation

In the years leading up to the election of Donald Trump, Congressman Adam Schiff had already been sounding the alarm over the resurgence of autocracy around the world, and the threat…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Fascism: A Warning

Barry J. Robinson Why did I love this book?

One of my great fears is the assault on democracy, the truth, and common decency happening in so many parts of the world.

Fascism is on the rise even in nations who pride themselves on their democratic principles like Canada and the United States. I loved Albright's easy-reading summary and analysis of the rise of fascism in countries all over the world and its most dangerous manifestation in the nation she has served as a highly respected public servant.

By Madeleine Albright,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

A personal and urgent examination of Fascism in the twentieth century and how its legacy shapes today's world, written by one of America's most admired public servants, the first woman to serve as U.S. secretary of state

A Fascist, observes Madeleine Albright, "is someone who claims to speak for a whole nation or group, is utterly unconcerned with the rights of others, and is willing to use violence and whatever other means are necessary to achieve the goals he or she might have."

The twentieth century was defined by the clash between democracy and Fascism, a struggle that created uncertainty…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of There Is Nothing for You Here: Finding Opportunity in the Twenty-First Century

Barry J. Robinson Why did I love this book?

I was fascinated by Fiona Hill as she was called to give her testimony at the impeachment hearings of Donald Trump.

Fired by the former president because she would not go along with his corruption, she gives a vivid account of her own background growing up in poverty in the United Kingdom, eventually studying in Moscow, then at Harvard, and being hired by the White House as an expert on Russia.

Her prophetic analysis of the similarities between the Russian, British, and American societies is like nothing you have ever read.

By Fiona Hill,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked There Is Nothing for You Here as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"This book has a miraculous quality.... As a memoir this is hard to put down; if you are seeking a better American future you should pick it up."-Timothy Snyder, New York Times best-selling author of On Tyranny

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER | A celebrated foreign policy expert and key impeachment witness reveals how declining opportunity has set America on the grim path of modern Russia-and draws on her personal journey out of poverty, as well as her unique perspectives as an historian and policy maker, to show how we can return hope to our forgotten places.

Fiona Hill grew…


Plus, check out my book…

A Seagull Named Papa

By Barry J. Robinson,

Book cover of A Seagull Named Papa

What is my book about?

A gentle but powerful exploration of those aspects of our experience that invite and sometimes challenge us to develop such vital human qualities as courage, compassion, tolerance, humility, patience, defiance, and perseverance.

Using compelling illustrations from traditional tales, classic literature, scripture, film, history, and his own personal and professional life, Barry invites you to hear the call of your "essential self", calling you to be who you really are.

"If we take the risk of growing down, we may just find... that there are forces in the universe, both above us and beneath us that mean us well... beneath the very heart of things... there is a grace that means to make wonders of us in the end."