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 The Gospel of Wellness: Gyms, Gurus, Goop, and the False Promise of Self-Care

Marcey Rader Why did I love this book?

I begged all of my friends to read this book!

Rina Raphael discusses what's wrong and right about the wellness industry. She cites research articles and studies all throughout the book, not something you see in your fitfluencers post or hear on The Today Show. She tells us why a study wasn't significant or how savvy marketing somehow became known as a scientific fact. 

I've accidentally shared some of the misinformation she discusses and feel duped for believing it. But I'm much more informed now. I resisted some of it but checked my bias at the door several times. I threw away my embarrassment of what I believed. I told everyone that we can no longer have grocery-shame, fit-shame, and self-care shame after reading this book!

By Rina Raphael,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

'An excellent expose of the "wellness" industry' Daily Telegraph

'Revealing' Sunday Times Style

'Excellent ... Rina really knows her sh*t' Jameela Jamil

'Next level revelatory' Sarah Knight, internationally-bestselling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck

What happens when the cure becomes as bad as the disease?

Women are pursuing their health like never before. Whether it's juicing, biohacking, clutching crystals, or sipping collagen, today there is something for everyone, as the wellness industry has grown from modest roots into a $4.4 trillion movement, promising health and vitality in the most fashionable package. So why are we suddenly…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of The Creative Act: A Way of Being

Marcey Rader Why did I love this book?

This book reads like poetry. I highlighted entire passages to reread and read to others.

Rubin dispels many myths about being creative, explores how to work as and work with an artist, musician, or others in the 'creative' fields, and includes a few stories of artists he has worked with without naming names.

As a productivity coach, speaker, and consultant, I appreciated his approach to discipline and routine, often shunned by those in the arts. His point is to create a routine in areas of your life that you can, opening up your time and energy to be more creative.

By Rick Rubin,

Why should I read it?

15 authors picked The Creative Act as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The #1 New York Times bestseller.

From the legendary music producer, a master at helping people connect with the wellsprings of their creativity, comes a beautifully crafted book many years in the making that offers that same deep wisdom to all of us.

"A gorgeous and inspiring work of art on creation, creativity, the work of the artist. It will gladden the hearts of writers and artists everywhere, and get them working again with a new sense of meaning and direction. A stunning accomplishment.” —Anne Lamott

“I set out to write a book about what to do to make a…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Finding Me

Marcey Rader Why did I love this book?

If I could give this book six stars, I would.

Viola Davis's childhood is something a fiction writer wouldn't or couldn't create. It would seem too made up and cruel. It is inspiring to see how she was able to grow and learn from such trauma and be so successful, which is the epitome of resilience and grit. I opted for the audio version read by the author, and it did not disappoint.

By Viola Davis,

Why should I read it?

6 authors picked Finding Me as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

'A breathtaking memoir...I was so moved by this book.' Oprah

'It is startlingly honest and, at times, a jaw-dropping read, charting her rise from poverty and abuse to becoming the first African-American to win the triple crown of an Oscar, Emmy and Tony for acting.' BBC News

THE DEEPLY PERSONAL, BRUTALLY HONEST ACCOUNT OF VIOLA'S INSPIRING LIFE

In my book, you will meet a little girl named Viola who ran from her past until she made a life changing decision to stop running forever.
This is my story, from a crumbling apartment in Central Falls,…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

Book cover of Work Well. Play More!: Productive, Clutter-Free, Healthy Living - One Step at a Time

What is my book about?

What if you could transform your life one step at a time without sacrificing your productivity and health? Grab this book if you're ready to become more productive, declutter your spaces, and embrace healthy living! 

This easy-to-use and adaptable guide will show you how to kick your productivity into high gear and is a must for anyone looking for clear steps, goals, and habits but for whom strict rules feel...well, too restrictive. The best part is you can approach this book like the menu at your favorite restaurant. The habit changes are sorted by category (productivity, decluttering, and health) and difficulty level (Novice, Pro, Master). Go ahead! Pick and choose, mix and match, and, above all, do what works for you.

Book cover of The Gospel of Wellness: Gyms, Gurus, Goop, and the False Promise of Self-Care
Book cover of The Creative Act: A Way of Being
Book cover of Finding Me

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