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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.

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

My favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems

Melina Palmer Why did I love this book?

I read a lot of books for my podcast (nearly one a week), and Both/And Thinking was the perfect mix of brainy insight and business acumen.

In its pages, the reader learns about how the brain really works and that we are wired to see binary solutions to the problems we face when, in reality, there are often many possible answers.

It teaches you to embrace everyday paradoxes and step out of the “either/or” to the “both/and.” This book has great stories, case studies, and scientific research that keep you reading and learning.

I recommend it constantly, and that makes it my number 1 read of the year!  

By Marianne W. Lewis, Wendy K. Smith,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Both/And Thinking as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An insightful and inspiring book on using "both/and" thinking to make more creative, flexible, and impactful decisions in a world of competing demands.

Life is full of paradoxes. How can we each express our individuality while also being a team player? How do we balance work and life? How can we improve diversity while promoting opportunities for all? How can we manage the core business while innovating for the future?

For many of us, these competing and interwoven demands are a source of conflict. Since our brains love to make either-or choices, we choose one option over the other. We…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of The Ultimate Guide to Great Mentorship: 13 Roles to Making a True Impact

Melina Palmer Why did I love this book?

I picked this book because of its value to everyone in business. Everyone knows mentorship matters: 84% of the Fortune 500 have mentoring programs, and 100% of the Fortune 50 do. And yet, how many mentors and mentees are given guidelines to help foster this important relationship?

While well-intentioned, many of these relationships end up on a wing and a prayer, but thanks to The Ultimate Guide to Great Mentorship by Scott Miller, that doesn’t have to be the case anymore!

This book is a super easy read, incredibly relatable, and helpful to everyone in business. It has 13 roles a mentor plays, guidelines and tips, common pitfalls to avoid, and so much more. This book is a must have on every manager’s shelf – I love it!

By Scott Jeffrey Miller,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Ultimate Guide to Great Mentorship as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Easy, practical guidance on how to make the most out of your mentorship journey.

Being a great mentor leads to thriving, engaged employees on both sides of the mentor-mentee relationship and helps drive renewed purpose. There are growing expectations and interest in business today that leaders will make themselves available as mentors to provide future leaders growth opportunities and help them grow in their roles. There is also plenty of evidence that shows how impactful mentorship can be for the mentors when approached with the right mindset.

The Ultimate Guide to Great Mentorship walks mentors through the mentorship journey, from…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

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

Melina Palmer Why did I love this book?

Everyone has goals to achieve and habits they need to embrace (or change) to get there. You can’t do them all at once, and it becomes easy to waste time planning without accomplishing much.

In addition to the science-backed insights and great stories, the sheer volume of advice and how it is expertly organized in Work Well. Play More! is inspiring. The book is divided into 3 areas of focus: productivity, health, and clutter, with 3 levels of expertise: novice, pro, and master. Each of these has 12 months of tips.

This allows everyone to work on something and make consistent progress (instead of productively procrastinating). The way Marcey has balanced so much information and tips in a readable format that isn’t overwhelming is an achievement.

By Marcey Rader,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Work Well. Play More! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

PRINT AND KINDLE VERSIONS UPDATED FOR 2023! If you are ready to become more productive, declutter your spaces, and embrace healthy living, you must read this now!

Did you know engaging in just one unhealthy behavior can decrease productivity in all areas of life? This easy to use and adaptable guide will show you how you can kick your productivity into high gear -- while Working Well and Playing More!

This book is a MUST for anyone looking for clear steps, goals, and habits, but for whom strict rules feel...well too restrictive.

"The timing of this book could not be…


Plus, check out my book…

The Truth About Pricing: How to Apply Behavioral Economics So Customers Buy

By Melina Palmer,

Book cover of The Truth About Pricing: How to Apply Behavioral Economics So Customers Buy

What is my book about?

Pricing. Many consider this a necessary business evil – something we know we must think about but loathe committing to. What if I pick the wrong price? How do I keep from losing the sale? Should my prices end at 5, 7, 9, or 0?

These are some of the many questions business owners struggle with daily, but there’s a hidden truth about pricing that no one has told you: Pricing isn’t about the price. Everything that happens before the price – the psychology behind the decision – matters much more than the number.

In The Truth About Pricing, applied behavioral economist and pricing expert Melina Palmer shares a step-by-step guide that anyone can use to increase pricing confidence and start selling more immediately.

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

Book cover of Goodnight Moon

Melina Palmer Why did they love this book?

Because he is only two, Mommy has to do some guessing here as to why he likes this book so much. His older brother and sister like it, and it is one they have been able to read to him even before he was born.

I believe there is comfort in the rhyme and simplicity of the story, but in a beautiful way that helps him to fall asleep.

This is also one of the first books where we were able to have him be part of the reading experience, so as I read it to him and say, “Goodnight to the old lady whispering…” he will say “Hush” in a whispered tone.

It is adorable and so sweet. He also loves Goodnight Baseball, but Goodnight Moon is a must-have at bedtime.  

By Margaret Wise Brown, Clement Hurd (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

6 authors picked Goodnight Moon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

A beautiful anniversary edition of the classic bedtime story with shiny gold cover flourishes - the perfect gift for christenings and birthdays.

Featuring a look at the fascinating story behind the creation of one of the most famous children's books in the world, beloved by Michelle Obama and Neil Gaiman alike, as well as tips on how to get your child to sleep.

In a great green room a little bunny is tucked up snugly and safely in bed and is getting ready to say goodnight to all the familiar things in his room, one by one.

Margaret Wise Brown's…


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

Book cover of Think Triangles!: A Lift-the-Flap Counting, Color, and Shape Book

Melina Palmer Why did they love this book?

Again, this is mommy’s interpretation for the two-year-old, but I believe he likes this book because he gets to find the shapes and triangles are fun!

Because of this book, one of his first words was “triangle,” and he was saying it reliably even before circle and square, which makes me feel very accomplished as a parent!

This has nice pictures, which let him open each page and see what is behind it, revealing the image, which he enjoys. It is also a good size and easy for him to hold by himself. 

By Karen S. Robbins,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Think Triangles! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Preschool children will find this book's colorful art irresistible as they lift the flaps and learn analytical thinking skills. Ten flaps are uniquely designed with triangles that reveal the hidden image underneath. Think! And then lift the flap to see. Teachers and parents can test children on colors, counting, size, differences, beginning reading, and comprehension. Think Triangles! will increase language and math skills, along with developing small motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Toddlers and preschoolers will have hours of fun playing with this interactive book.





Explore all books for 2-year-olds