It’s that time of year—time to share my book list for 2023.
As you know, I like to mix up my reading material throughout the year by choosing books from several different categories. This year’s categories include:
Business
Personal & Intellectual
Music & Teaching
Community & Relationships
Spiritual
Health & Lifestyle
Nonfiction & Memoir
Fiction
A short disclaimer before we begin: My book list at the end of the year is often different from the list I start out with in January. That’s because I like to stay open to books I may encounter during the year: books I find on a shelf at an independent bookstore or in our neighborhood lending library, books I hear others recommend on Instagram, or books I pick up at a rummage sale.
That being said, I’ve found that having some idea of what I want to read in the coming year helps me get started. Hence, a January book list.
Looking for a few books to add to your reading list this year? I hope you find something from my list below. Happy reading!
What’s On My 2023 Book List
*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Business
The Practice (Seth Godin)
I love Seth Godin’s writing style but more so his perspective on business, creativity, and marketing. This book is all about the creative practice.
“Godin insists that writer's block is a myth, that consistency is far more important than authenticity, and that experiencing the imposter syndrome is a sign that you're a well-adjusted human. Most of all, he shows you what it takes to turn your passion from a private distraction to a productive contribution, the one you've been seeking to share all along.”
Profit First (Mike Michalowicz)
Most businesses follow the traditional accounting method: Sales - Expenses = Profit. In this book, Mike Michalowicz offers a different approach to managing business finances: Sales - Profit = Expenses.
He teaches four simple principles to simplify accounting and dozens of case studies to inspire entrepreneurs in all industries.
Personal & Intellectual
The Gifts of Imperfection (BrEné Brown)
From the book description: “Each day we face a barrage of images and messages from society and the media telling us who, what, and how we should be. We are led to believe that if we could only look perfect and lead perfect lives, we'd no longer feel inadequate. So most of us perform, please, and perfect, all the while thinking, What if I can't keep all of these balls in the air? Why isn't everyone else working harder and living up to my expectations? What will people think if I fail or give up? When can I stop proving myself?”
Music & Teaching
The Perfect Wrong Note: Learning to Trust Your Musical self (William Westney)
Written by a prize-winning pianist and educator, William Westney offers a fresh perspective on lifelong learning, how music is taught, and the role of mistakes in the learning process.
Westney shares insight from his own experiences as well as the world of psychology.
The Mindful Musician: Mental Skills for Peak Performance (Vanessa Cornett)
This book is designed to help musicians “cultivate artistic vision, objectivity, freedom, quiet awareness, and self-compassion, both on- and offstage… to become more resilient performers.”
Integrating mindfulness with cognitive research and sports psychology, this book explores performance anxiety and related challenges.
Teaching the Whole Musician (Paola Savvidou)
Paola Savvidou, a pianist, teacher, and wellness advocate shares valuable information and practical resources for applied music teachers so they can support their students’ physical and emotional wellness.
This book also includes movement exercises, audio files, and downloadable worksheets.
Learn Like a Pro: Science-Based Tools to Become Better at Anything (Barbara Oakley & Olav Schewe)
Written for learners of all ages, this book contains some of the best and most current research on the learning process from the worlds of neuroscience and cognitive psychology.
“Successful learners gradually add tools and techniques to their mental toolbox, and they think critically about their learning to determine when and how to best use their mental tools. . . .This book will teach you how you can do the same.”
Community & Relationships
Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect (Will Guidara)
A recommendation from one of my favorite authors, Shauna Niequist, this one is written by Will Guidara, former co-owner of the legendary NYC restaurant Eleven Madison Park. In it, he shares essential lessons in hospitality that are applicable to every business and ideas for transforming “ordinary transactions into extraordinary experiences.”
Now What? How to Move Forward When We’re Divided (About Basically Everything) (Sarah Stewart Holland + Beth Silvers)
Written by co-hosts of the popular podcast, Pantsuit Politics, Sarah Steward Holland and Beth Silvers talk about the powerful connections we have with each other on a personal, community, national, and international level.
You’ll learn new communication skills, peacemaking strategies, and ways to make a positive impact in the world around you.
Spiritual
Start with Hello (Shannan Martin)
Shannan Martin talks about what it means to live as neighbors in this new (2022) book about community. “Packed with street-level practices and real-talk storytelling, Start with Hello is your field guide for a life of security, camaraderie, and joy.”
Inspired (Rachel Held Evans)
In this book, “Evans examines some of our favorite Bible stories and possible interpretations, retelling them through memoir, original poetry, short stories, soliloquies, and even a short screenplay.”
Health & Lifestyle
Maybe You Should Talk To Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed (Lori Gottlieb)
A book about what it means to be human and the power we have to transform our lives. “With startling wisdom and humor, Gottlieb invites us into her world as both clinician and patient, examining the truths and fictions we tell ourselves and others as we teeter on the tightrope between love and desire, meaning and mortality, guilt and redemption, terror and courage, hope and change.”
Nonfiction & Memoir
Have I Told You This Already? (Lauren Graham)
Lauren Graham wrote a new book! “Filled with surprising anecdotes, sage advice, and laugh-out-loud observations, these all-new, original essays showcase the winning charm and wry humor that have delighted Graham’s millions of fans.”
The Light We Carry (Michelle Obama)
In this book, Michelle Obama creates space for an open and honest dialogue with readers. “How do we build enduring and honest relationships? How can we discover strength and community inside our differences? What tools do we use to address feelings of self-doubt or helplessness? What do we do when it all starts to feel like too much?” Featuring stories, advice, and reflections to inspire us all.
Fiction
Remarkably Bright Creatures (Shelby Van Pelt)
This book came recommended by a friend on Instagram.
A debut novel by author Shelby van Pelt, this book is about loneliness, friendship, wonder, hope, and connection. It tells the story of a widow, an octopus, and a disappearance.
Chestnut Street (Maeve Binchy)
I enjoyed reading Maeve Binchy’s A Week in Winter last year, so I added this one to my list. The Boston Globe writes: “Packed with charming takes on people's quirks and foibles, nosy neighbors and friendly ones. Binchy eloquently exposes and explores relationships between parents and children, husbands and wives, longtime and recently acquired friends.”
Empire Falls (Richard Russo)
I discover Richard Russo’s books last year: Elsewhere and That Old Cape Magic.
This book is about an old mill town in Upstate NY, the people who live there, and a glimpse into their stories and lives written with “hilarity, heartache, and grace.”
Our Missing Hearts (Celeste Ng)
I read Celeste Ng’s novel, Everything I Never Told You a few years ago and loved it. It was the perfect combination of a compelling story and poetic prose.
This new novel is about a 12-year-old boy whose mother, a Chinese American poet disappeared several years earlier and the search that ultimately leads him to NYC. It’s a story about injustice, power, change, legacy, and living in a broken world.
I’d love to hear from you:
Have you read any of these? If so, I'd love to hear your thoughts. What's on your book list this year?
