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 Little Stories of Your Life: Find Your Voice, Share Your World and Tell Your Story

Claudia Amendola Alzraa Why did I love this book?

This book has, quite truthfully, changed my life. It’s been so transformative that I’ve already gifted it to others. It helped me understand that the creative spirit that lives within me has a story that needs to be told, and hiding it is doing me– and the world–a disservice.

This book got me to start writing and creating again every single day. I owe this book for putting life back into so many of my creative projects.

By Laura Pashby,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Little Stories of Your Life as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Embrace the power of storytelling with Little Stories of Your Life. Start telling your own story, find your creative self and be more mindful.

Combining the wellbeing benefits of mindfulness, creativity and daily photography, this book shows you how to use words and photographs to capture precious little moments and how to share these in order to connect with others.

Each chapter explores the different ways you can tell your own stories, considers why you might choose to tell them and helps you to create a patchwork of tiny tales about your life, however small they might be. Throughout the…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Rewild Yourself: 23 Spellbinding Ways to Make Nature More Visible

Claudia Amendola Alzraa Why did I love this book?

I love nature, and I love the outdoors, and yet, like Larry David, I’m the first to complain about walking with no destination and to start swinging my hand around to protect myself from bugs.

I wanted to really love nature and be one of those forest nymphs you see all over social media. This book did just that. Not only was I more observant about things I didn’t even think to tune into before, it even convinced me to get myself a pair of bins (binoculars); I never thought I’d be a bin-carrying nature lover, let me tell you! But now I am, thanks to this book.

By Simon Barnes,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

We're not just losing the wild world. We're forgetting it. We're no longer noticing it. We've lost the habit of looking and seeing and listening and hearing.

But we can make hidden things visible, and this book features 23 spellbinding ways to bring the magic of nature much closer to home.

Mammals you never knew existed will enter your world. Birds hidden in treetops will shed their cloak of anonymity. With a single movement of your hand you can make reptiles appear before you. Butterflies you never saw before will bring joy to every sunny day. Creatures of the darkness…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Philosophical Dictionary

Claudia Amendola Alzraa Why did I love this book?

As a philosophy student at university, I stuck my nose up at Voltaire and his cynicism and blunt words. Now, in my wise old age, I not only realize the truth behind his aphorisms but I am also astounded by how accurately he speaks to life happening now.

History repeats itself is not a cliche, it’s fact, and while reading this book, I found myself taken aback by Voltaire’s wisdom. It highlighted so many present-day issues despite being written centuries ago and offered meaningful and groundbreaking approaches to navigating life. I’m so grateful I returned to Voltaire.

By Francois Voltaire, Theodore Besterman (translator), Theodore Besterman (editor)

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary, first published in 1764, is a series of short, radical essays - alphabetically arranged - that form a brilliant and bitter analysis of the social and religious conventions that then dominated eighteenth-century French thought. One of the masterpieces of the Enlightenment, this enormously influential work of sardonic wit - more a collection of essays arranged alphabetically, than a conventional dictionary - considers such diverse subjects as Abraham and Atheism, Faith and Freedom of Thought, Miracles and Moses. Repeatedly condemned by civil and religious authorities, Voltaire's work argues passionately for the cause of reason and justice, and criticizes…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

The Transformational Path: How Healing, Unlearning, and Tuning into Source Helped Me Manifest My Most Abundant Life

By Claudia Amendola Alzraa,

Book cover of The Transformational Path: How Healing, Unlearning, and Tuning into Source Helped Me Manifest My Most Abundant Life

What is my book about?

Determined to unravel the truth behind the power of manifestation, Claudia healed trauma, cut abusive relationships, unlearned negative patterns, faced her sexual assailant in court, and quit a secure career in Canada. She sold her home and belongings to follow a dream to Paris, France. There, she met her soulmate by absolute chance and developed some pretty phenomenal clairaudient mediumship gifts along the way. 

Part memoir, part spiritual handbook, follow along with her journey, and learn the lessons needed that will help you manifest the abundant life you deserve. The well isn't limited, so come take a drink from this book and watch your life transform–but just be ready to put in the work! 

My 2-year-old's favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of There's No Place Like Space: All about Our Solar System

Claudia Amendola Alzraa Why did they love this book?

 My space-loving kiddo picks up this book every time he spots it on the shelf, “No Place, Space!” he shouts.

While it’s dated and says Pluto is a planet, he laughs out loud and enjoys pointing to the planets and saying the names along with the book.

By Tish Rabe, Aristides Ruiz (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked There's No Place Like Space as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

The Cat in the Hat takes readers on an out of this world reading adventure through outer space! The Cat in the Hat's Learning Library is a nonfiction picture book series that introduces beginning readers ages 5-8 to important basic concepts.

Learn about the solar system, planets, the constellations, and astronauts, and explore the wonders of space with the help of everyone' favorite Cat in the Hat! Perfect for aspiring astraunauts, or any kid who loves learning and science.

The universe is a mysterious place. We are only just learning what happens in space.

Featuring beloved characters from Dr. Seuss's…


My 2-year-old's 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Mind Body Baby: Chakras

Claudia Amendola Alzraa Why did they love this book?

My son knows this book by name and will tell me when he wants to read it. He loves to count the Chakras as the book begins. He loves the colours as the book moves through each Chakra and enjoys describing what the baby is doing on every page.

This one is a winner, winner, chicken dinner!

By Imprint,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

This board book introduces the concept of chakras and color to the youngest readers. With simple text and instructive illustrations, babies will learn about each of the seven chakras, the energy centers in our bodies, and how we express this energy in our daily lives. This book also serves as a first introduction to colors!

With adorable illustrated babies and a hip design, Mind Body Baby is a perfect fit for all parents looking to connect with their little ones.


My 2-year-old's 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Peek-a-Flap Space

Claudia Amendola Alzraa Why did they love this book?

The chunky flaps on this book are incredible for tiny hands! As any parent knows, flap books are prone to ripping, but not this one! He can explore all of space to his heart’s desire, and he gets very excited by the bright and beautiful illustrations!

This book is a winner with my little spaceman.

By Jaye Garnett, Junissa Bianda (illustrator), Cottage Door Press (editor)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Peek-a-Flap Space as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 2, 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

Welcome to the planetarium where you will begin your SPACE exploration! Friendly little astronauts guide you through the solar system, give you a lesson on our sun, land you on the moon, and take you inside a space ship. Big chunky flaps look inside and under and all around, with fun peek-a-boo holes to keep you guessing. A wonderful book for curious kids who want to know who, why, and what! Space is a really big subject and this lift-a-flap board book can help you explain stars and the sun, planets and the moon.

Check out more peek-a-flap and lift-a-flap…


Explore all books for 2-year-olds

Book cover of Little Stories of Your Life: Find Your Voice, Share Your World and Tell Your Story
Book cover of Rewild Yourself: 23 Spellbinding Ways to Make Nature More Visible
Book cover of Philosophical Dictionary

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