Author Curious Creative Copywriter Humorous Reader
The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,639 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 Last Action Heroes: The Triumphs, Flops, and Feuds of Hollywood's Kings of Carnage

Joshua Womack Why did I love this book?

The Last Action Heroes’ is one of the only books I’ve read in recent memory that I didn’t want to end.

Most times, I think books can be cut down by 50-100 pages, but author Nick De Semlyen keeps the pace moving like the great action movies of the late 80s and early 90s. If you’re a fan of this era, and these actors, I highly recommend you check it out.

By Nick de Semlyen,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

'A blast' - Ian Rankin
'A joyous celebration of 80s action cinema' - Robbie Collin

The behind-the-scenes story of the action heroes who ruled 1980s and 90s Hollywood and the beloved films - from Die Hard to The Terminator - that made them stars.

This wildly entertaining account of the golden age of the action movie charts Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger's carnage-packed journey from enmity to friendship against the backdrop of Reagan's America and the Cold War. Revealing fascinating untold stories of the colourful characters who ascended in their wake - high-kickers Chuck Norris and Jackie Chan, glowering tough…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of There's Just One Problem...: True Tales from the Former, One-Time, 7th Most Powerful Person in the WWE

Joshua Womack Why did I love this book?

Growing up as a wrestling fan, it’s always fun to relive the nostalgic era of WWE’s ‘Attitude’ era (late 90s & early 2000s).

Gewirtz gives a fly-on-the-wall account of all the craziness that happened before the superstars walked down the ramp and into the ring. His sense of humor throughout this book is very relatable to writers, too.

By Brian Gewirtz,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked There's Just One Problem... as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Former WWE head writer Brian Gewirtz brings readers behind the scenes for an unprecedented look at the chaotic, surreal, unbelievable backstage world of the WWE.With untold stories from a career spanning over 15 years and featuring the biggest names and controversial moments in wrestling history, HEELS AND HEROES is an honest, unflinching look on how an introverted life-long fan unexpectedly became one the most powerful men in all of professional wrestling.For decades wrestling was shrouded in secrecy. It had larger than life personalities, bone crunching physicality and jaw-dropping theatrics but backstage it was an industry devoid of outsiders. Then in…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less

Joshua Womack Why did I love this book?

As a copywriter, I’m always trying find ways to say more with less. The dwindling attention spans of most readers are a real challenge for writers of any kind.

The authors give practical advice on how to shorten everything from emails, to speeches, to newsletters. Highly recommend for those who are trying to get their message across, no matter what field you’re in.

By Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, Roy Schwartz

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The big idea: If you want to get heard in the information age, you need to change the way you write. Now. Smart Brevity will teach you how.

Brevity is confidence. Length is fear. This is the guiding principle of Smart Brevity, a communication formula built by Axios journalists to prioritize essential news and information, explain its impact and deliver it in a concise and visual format. Now, the co-founders of Axios have created an essential guide for communicating effectively and efficiently using Smart Brevity - think Strunk and White's Elements of Style for the digital age.

In SMART BREVITY:…


Plus, check out my book…

You are not that funny: Stories from Cleveland Stand-Up

By Joshua Womack, Rebecca Ferlotti (editor),

Book cover of You are not that funny: Stories from Cleveland Stand-Up

What is my book about?

Josh Womack had a short run in stand-up comedy, but along the way he met some interesting people who left a profound impact on him. In his second book, Josh talks about falling in and out of love with comedy. You'll recognize some of the names, but you'll also hear the backstories of why certain venues hold a special place in the hearts of former and current Cleveland comedians. If you're a fan of stand-up and the stories behind the stage, You are not that funny is worth the two-drink minimum.