The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,705 authors and super readers for their 3 favorite reads of the year.

My favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Phrase Seven

Vennie Kocsis Why did I love this book?

Mind control has long been a fascinating topic for me, and this book fits right in, exploring how a stolen top-secret mind control phrase threatens to ignite global conflict. Because this book was written by ex-intelligence, its nuances of the underbelly of the CIA are written in captivating detail.

I read this book every chance I could and finished it in a week. I recently discovered Chase Hughes wrote a sequel to this book, entitled The Belgrade Archer. I am excited to read it.

By Chase Hughes,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

THE BRAIN HAS NO FIREWALL

Pierce Reston is a member of an elite unit of extreme persuasion experts.

After people across the nation begin reporting 'missing time', and a series of unexplained terrifying coincidences, he's assigned to investigate.

Women going missing in Prague, and a national outbreak of amnesia trigger a full-scale search.

Pierce soon learns that someone is hell bound to use a secret “key” that causes a complete loss of mental control - engineering an epidemic that will change the course of history.

While investigating with Kelly Kennedy, a brand new operative, Pierce discovers something has been lost.…


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

My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Broken People

Vennie Kocsis Why did I love this book?

Rachel’s writing speaks to my heart. Her lyrical style is gripping. She touches on the many aspects of trauma as she tells her own stories. Her writing is filled with beautiful imagery like, “The day is worried about me.”

This book is part of a series of three books. I have read and re-read them, finding much comfort in the words. I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy healing through reading how others healed.

I also must give Rachel’s cover a nod. It’s unique, impactful and represents the depth of the book’s content.

By Rachel Thompson,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Long before the #MeToo movement, Rachel Thompson started sharing what it was like to grow up and live with the constant trauma of childhood sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and other sexual crimes in her award-winning memoirs, Broken Pieces and Broken Places.

Broken People is the third book in this series, where she continues to explore, through hard-hitting essays and lyrical poetry, the difficulties and joys of navigating relationships, healing, and love in an environment not always conducive to survivors.

If you're a survivor or know one, you need this book.

I write what scares me. I tell uncomfortable truths.

I…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Mom's Search for Meaning: Grief and Growth After Child Loss

Vennie Kocsis Why did I love this book?

I thought my heart was going to break reading this book, yet I could not put it down. Melissa laid her toddler down for a nap one day, and little Alice never woke back up, having passed from unknown causes.

Melissa traverses the absolute gut-wrenching emotions of losing a child. I shed a lot of tears as I read this book. It is raw, vulnerable, and doesn’t leave any stone unturned in her journey to try and grieve while also taking care of her older daughter, who’d also just lost her best little sister.

My copy of this book is completely dog-eared, because I had it in my purse for days, reading it at any time I could.

Plus, check out my book…

Keeper of Backwards Men

By Vennie Kocsis,

Book cover of Keeper of Backwards Men

What is my book about?

Keeper of Backwards Men is a touching collection of poetic writings exploring deep emotional themes: trauma healing, renewed hope, self-love, and rebirth. Spanning three decades, each piece from the author's unseen works offers a unique emotional touch, guiding readers on a rhythmic journey.

This book delves into the depths of pain from abuse, the pursuit of inner strength, and the search for solace in life's maze. It encourages readers to let go of the past and bravely welcome new beginnings.

Asserting that everyone has value and is never alone, it shines as a beacon in challenging times. In quiet moments, it offers solace and reflection, resonating with readers' experiences and spurring personal growth.

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