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The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,608 authors and super readers for their 3 favorite reads of the year.

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My favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of The Case Against the Sexual Revolution

Lynn M. Griesemer Why did I love this book?

This book is written by a self-proclaimed feminist in her early thirties, and she provides an examination of sexual attitudes and behaviors in modern-day society. Perry argues that sex is not so freeing to men and women. There are expectations and mistreatment.

She calls for a greater respect for each other, more marriage, and restraint. She talks about violence, sexual assault, consent, and family breakdown. Perry concludes by saying readers should “listen to your mother” and shows us how the old-fashioned values of respect can help restore the sexual selfishness that we see today.

I am fascinated because the solutions she suggests are considered conservative and sacrificial. This book makes me think that we need a new definition of feminism.

By Louise Perry,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Case Against the Sexual Revolution as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Ditching the stuffy hang-ups and benighted sexual traditionalism of the past is an unambiguously positive thing. The sexual revolution has liberated us to enjoy a heady mixture of erotic freedom and personal autonomy. Right?

Wrong, argues Louise Perry in her provocative new book. Although it would be neither possible nor desirable to turn the clock back to a world of pre-60s sexual mores, she argues that the amoral libertinism and callous disenchantment of liberal feminism and our contemporary hypersexualised culture represent more loss than gain. The main winners from a world of rough sex, hook-up culture and ubiquitous porn -…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Cult Deception: How a Personal Development Company Seduced Me and How I Broke Free

Lynn M. Griesemer Why did I love this book?

Cult Deception is chilling and disturbing.

As I read this book, I thought about how so many people can be ensnared into a cult-like following or organization. Extreme conformity, ignoring your gut feelings, and being enamored by a charismatic person paves the way for cults.

The author used several stories and examples to back up her claims and described the characteristics of cults. This book shows how powerful and deceiving cults can be. It can happen to almost anyone, and cultish organizations are found in many places.

By Dana Baker,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

About the Book
In this riveting true story, Dana Baker describes her innocent entry into what she thought was a self-improvement organization to her abrupt exit from what was a harmful, mind-boggling institution.
The moment Dana enters “Duped Development,” readers will be intrigued with her story. You will be surprised at the prevalence of mind control and group hypnosis all around us. Readers will learn the dangers of cults and how to avoid being deceived by lofty promises.
Brainwashing does not just happen to the gullible; the most educated and emotionally strong among us are susceptible.


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of My Life Now: Essays by a Child Sex Trafficking Survivor

Lynn M. Griesemer Why did I love this book?

My Life Now is a pivotal book that should be in everyone's library who is working to combat sex trafficking.

I am dumbfounded by the rampant sexual abuse quietly and deviously going on all around us. Mary's book sheds light on all aspects of child sexual abuse - how it can happen, why it happens, and why children are in "survival mode" and don't remember the abuse sometimes until decades later.

Mary Knight also produced a documentary I recommend called Mothers and Molestation: A Film about Child Abuse.

Plus, check out my book…

Porn Free: How to Decrease the Demand for Pornography

By Lynn M. Griesemer,

Book cover of Porn Free: How to Decrease the Demand for Pornography

What is my book about?

Many resources on pornography focus on addiction, recovery, and the impact on brain functioning, but no other book offers innovative ideas and solutions on how to decrease the demand for porn.

Porn Free includes techniques for having courageous conversations with loved ones before and after they’ve come across pornography.