The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

Join 1,707 readers and share your 3 favorite reads of the year.

My favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Three Simple Lines: A Writer's Pilgrimage into the Heart and Homeland of Haiku

Carl Phillips Why did I love this book?

As a writer of haiku/short-form poetry myself, this book was one that should have been on my radar long ago, but I only read it this year because of a recommendation by Kevin Rose on Tim Ferriss’s podcast. It’s a gem.  

Natalie transports you to Japan with her writing to be a travel partner to her making the journey of a lifetime to pay respect to her favorite Haiku poet, Buson.

The book is beautifully written and full of moments that will make you smile, laugh, sad, and nod with approval. It’s so much more than a book of poetry; it’s a book that utilizes poetry to tackle some of life’s mystery, fragility, and beauty. She highlights the history of haiku, shows why masters such as Basho and Issa are so revered, and provides insight into writing and reading haiku. 

The book is also a wonderful love letter to Japan (and the importance of travel in itself.)

By Natalie Goldberg,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

One of the world’s foremost writing teachers invites readers on a joyful journey into the reading and origins of haiku

A haiku is three simple lines. But it is also, as Allen Ginsberg put it, three lines that “make the mind leap.” A good one, he said, lets the mind experience “a small sensation of space which is nothing less than God.” As many spiritual practices seek to do, the haiku’s spare yet acute noticing of the immediate and often ordinary grounds the reader in the pure awareness of now.

Natalie Goldberg is a delightfully companionable tour guide into this…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of The Song of Significance: A New Manifesto for Teams

Carl Phillips Why did I love this book?

I’m a long-term fan of all things Seth. I think he’s one of the clearest thinkers and writers on the planet. His work always makes you stop and think. This book is no different.

This book is Seth’s manifesto for leaders facing unprecedented challenges in a rapidly changing workplace. It’s about sustainable leadership, cultural change, and building teams. 

The workplace is facing massive shifts. Remote work and technology have changed many of us work and want to work. Seth tackles this and more, including quitting quiet, creating purpose and meaning in the workplace, and more. It’s about treating teams with compassion and setting them up to succeed.

It is a great read, and there are many actionable steps I have already started to implement and experiment within my corner of the world.

By Seth Godin,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

"Humans aren't a resource to be bought, used and discarded - they are the point of the workplace, the life essence of innovation, growth and success."

From the bestselling author of Purple Cow and This Is Marketing comes an urgent manifesto for leaders facing unprecedented challenges in a rapidly-changing workplace.

The workplace has undergone a massive shift. Remote work and economic instability have depressed innovation and left us disconnected and disengaged. Paychecks no longer buy loyalty, happiness, and effort. Quiet quitting runs rampant, and people show up without truly showing up. Alarmed managers are doubling down on keystroke surveillance, productivity…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Hybrid Strength Training: How to Get Jacked and Shredded With Calisthenics and Free Weights

Carl Phillips Why did I love this book?

Another gem of a book from Coach Danny. I call him "Coach" as I have been fortunate enough to be trained by him in person several times when visiting New York City.  The Kavadlo brothers (Danny and Al) are known for their no-nonsense approach to getting strong, and this book carries on that theme.

This time, Danny has focused on how to get strong with a blend of calisthenics, weighted calisthenics, and good old-fashioned weights. The book is comprehensive, with exercise progressions and regressions covering the entire body. There are also 3 complete program options along with programming principles.

Long-term fans (like myself) will be pleased to see the return of "Danny’s Dos and Don’ts" focused on nutrition and lifestyle factors. Wherever you are in your strength journey, this book deserves a place on your shelf.

By Danny Kavadlo,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

“Hybrid Strength Training is the perfect book for any fitness enthusiast, at any level. The three levels of programming that Danny put together are beautifully laid out and easy to follow. This book is a must have if you’re serious about training.” — MIKE FITCH, founder & creator, Animal Flow “I have been asked countless times over the years to recommend the finest source on combining weight training and bodyweight work... but I have always had to just shrug. Coaches and authors who really understand both disciplines at an elite level are few and far between. But the wait is…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

Seeking the Light: Essays for the Way

By Carl Phillips,

Book cover of Seeking the Light: Essays for the Way

What is my book about?

A powerful force we can all learn to wield in our lives is lightness. That’s what this book is about—seeking the light. But To step into the light, to learn to leverage the light, we must also face up to the existence of darkness. Exploring each and understanding each will help us understand ourselves and the world more fully.

What follows is a dip into the shadows, the darkness, and finally into the light—an exploration of each and why they all have a place in our lives.

Some essays end with proposed follow-up steps so the reader can put what you read to test. More of the book is left open-ended, with space for you to draw your own conclusions.