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The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,624 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 Time Bind: When Work Becomes Home and Home Becomes Work

Mark Jabbour Why did I love this book?

The book gives insight into the beginnings of so many problem issues that face America today. Specifically, it discusses men without work, the male loneliness epidemic, joblessness, homelessness, depression, addiction, and suicide.

This book can help a reader understand why Trump won in 2016. Additionally, it can explain why he is still popular and may win again in 2024.

By Arlie Russell Hochschild,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

A New York Times Notable Book


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Silicon Snake Oil: Second Thoughts on the Information Highway

Mark Jabbour Why did I love this book?

Stoll is prescient in that he foresaw all the problems that the Internet would present.

He was one of the first users and successfully tracked down one of its first criminal hackers. Stoll understands human nature well and how "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." He warns, "Big-time disasters creep up on us."

I love the Internet. However, it's obvious now that it can be hazardous to your health. Can we change our nature? Or are we doomed because of an 'upgrade problem'?

By Clifford Stoll,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Silicon Snake Oil as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In Silicon Snake Oil, Clifford Stoll, the best-selling author of The Cuckoo's Egg and one of the pioneers of the Internet, turns his attention to the much-heralded information highway, revealing that it is not all it's cracked up to be.  Yes, the Internet provides access to plenty of services, but useful information is virtually impossible to find and difficult to access. Is being on-line truly useful? "Few aspects of daily life require computers...They're irrelevant to cooking, driving, visiting, negotiating, eating, hiking, dancing, speaking, and gossiping. You don't need a computer to...recite a poem or say a prayer." Computers can't, Stoll…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Confidence Man: The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America

Mark Jabbour Why did I love this book?

Actually, I called this book the "worst book of the year." However, it's my third favorite because it demonstrates a critically serious problem in our current culture.

That is the corruption of journalism and, more broadly, the media as a whole. With the internet and social media (big tech) having opened up 'news' and information - the competition for money, status, and power has overwhelmed human reason and sensibilities.

Haberman is a prime example of the destructive force of the new world we have created. It has infected all aspects of society, leading to the collapse of civil discourse. And perhaps even to civil war. Trust is gone, and primitive tribalism reigns. 

By Maggie Haberman,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The instant #1 New York Times bestseller.

“This is the book Trump fears most.” - Axios

“Will be a primary source about the most vexing president in American history for years to come.” - Joe Klein, The New York Times

"A uniquely illuminating portrait." - Sean Wilentz, The Washington Post

“[A] monumental look at Donald Trump and his presidency.” — David Shribman, Los Angeles Times

From the Pulitzer-Prize-winning New York Times reporter who has defined Donald J. Trump's presidency like no other journalist, Confidence Man is a magnificent and disturbing reckoning that chronicles his life and its meaning from his…


Plus, check out my book…

Election 2016: The Great Divide, the Great Debate

By Mark Jabbour,

Book cover of Election 2016: The Great Divide, the Great Debate

What is my book about?

A psychological inquiry of the American psyche as revealed through the election of 2016.

Election 2016 is a collection of essays written in real-time, reacting to and predicting the emergence of Donald J. Trump as a viable and then winning candidate—interrupted periodically by fictional analysis from the author and fictional characters, demonstrating the psychological aspects of the campaign regarding the American psyche. In addition, there are fictional futuristic happenings and speculations about what could happen.

Taken as a whole, it is a story about an unprecedented event in American and world history. The book aims to give accurate, entertaining analysis and accounting of unprecedented events from a unique perspective and hopefully will help readers bridge "The Great Divide."