I read a lot of books in 2023. But I didn’t read like I have, historically—reading a book from beginning to end and marking it “Read” in a reading list. Instead, I started many books, quit most of them, and skimmed chapters of those that piqued my interest.
Still, I learned a lot in 2023 and realized, perhaps for the first time in the eight years I’ve been writing this best book list, that it’s not the number of books we read that’s important but the number of ideas we gleam that leave a lasting impression.
With that realization in mind, here are the ten best books I read in 2023 that stayed with me long after I read them (complete with links to Amazon and related past issues of Words Into Works, should you choose to learn more at some point).
The 10 Best Books I Read In 2023
- The Daily Laws by Robert Greene
- The Art and Business of Online Writing by Nicolas Cole
- Who I Am by Melanie Chisholm
- The Latte Factor by David Back
- Excellent Life Advice by Kevin Kelly
- The Greatest Song by Kevin Griffin
- $100M Leads by Alex Hormozi
- The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett
- Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish
- Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger
The Daily Laws by Robert Greene
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The Daily Laws is a thought-provoking compilation of 366 meditations and teachings, one for each day of the year, drawn from Robert Greene’s expansive works on power, strategy, and human nature. This book distills Greene’s wisdom into daily morsels, offering insights on increasing self-control, developing a strategic mindset, and understanding the dynamics of people and power. Each day presents a specific law or principle, accompanied by stories and examples illuminating its application in real life. This guide is ideal for anyone seeking daily inspiration and practical advice to navigate life’s complexities with more skill and understanding.
The Art and Business of Online Writing by Nicolas Cole
The Art and Business of Online Writing is an essential guide for anyone navigating the rapidly evolving world of digital content creation. Drawing on his own successful journey as a writer and entrepreneur, Nicholas Cole shares valuable insights into developing a unique voice, building an online audience, and monetizing content effectively. From the nuances of different online platforms and the importance of storytelling in engaging readers, Cole does a fine job of detailing how readers can build authenticity and consistency in creating a personal brand.
Who I Am by Melanie Chisholm
Who I Am is a candid and intimate memoir by the renowned Spice Girl, Melanie Chisholm, better known as Sporty Spice. In the book, Melanie shares her journey from a small-town girl to an international pop sensation, delving into her struggles with fame, identity, and mental health. An honest account of the highs and lows of her life and career, the book is a testament to her resilience, showcasing how she overcame challenges and reinvented herself beyond the Spice Girls. It’s an inspiring read for fans and anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes realities of the music industry and celebrity life. I listened to Chisholm narrate the book on Audible, which I recommend, too.
The Latte Factor by David Back
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The Latte Factor is an enlightening financial parable that simplifies the concept of personal finance and wealth building. The book tells the story of Zoey, a young professional living paycheck to paycheck who learns simple yet powerful lessons about saving and investing from a local coffee barista. Through her journey, readers discover the “Latte Factor” — the idea that small, regular expenses, like daily lattes, can add to significant sums over time. Bach explains that, to the surprise of many, we can achieve financial independence by redirecting these funds into savings and investments. This accessible and engaging story provides practical advice for anyone looking to take control of their financial future, emphasizing that financial freedom is achievable regardless of income.
Excellent Advice for Living by Kevin Kelly
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Excellent Advice for Living by Kevin Kelly is a thought-provoking collection of insights and wisdom from one of the most influential thinkers in the tech world. In the book, Kelly distills lessons learned over his lifetime, particularly his experiences as a co-founder of Wired magazine and a notable figure in the digital revolution. The book covers a wide range of topics, from embracing change and continuous learning to understanding the impact of technology on our lives. Kelly’s reflections are deeply personal and universally applicable, offering readers practical advice on living a more fulfilled and meaningful life. His unique perspective makes this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in self-improvement, technology, and the intersection.
The Greatest Song by Kevin Griffin
The Greatest Song is a fictional novel that explores the transformative power of music and the complexities of human relationships. The story revolves around Jake Stark, a gifted and hit songwriter for Nashville’s MegaMusic. When MegaMusic doesn’t renew his contract due to a lack of hit songs, Jake’s creative energy wanes, and he faces financial pressures. Enter Sir Daniel Smith-Daniels, the owner of The Row, another music publisher in Nashville. Sir Daniel introduces Jake to “The Method,” a unique approach to work and life. This reinvigorates Jake’s creativity, helping him produce some of his best music in years. The book, beyond its narrative, is intended for people in any profession, sharing ideas that can be used to transform one’s career and life.
$100M Leads by Alex Hormozi
$100M Leads by Alex Hormozi is a groundbreaking guide in entrepreneurship and marketing, focused on creating irresistible offers that drastically improve business success. Hormozi, a successful entrepreneur, breaks down the psychology and strategy behind crafting offers that attract customers and increase the value of products or services. The book is packed with actionable advice, real-world examples, and simple yet effective techniques that can be applied to any business model. If you only read one business book in 2024, make it $100M Leads. The book is worth its weight in gold.
The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett
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The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett offers an insightful and unfiltered glimpse into the life and mind of a young entrepreneur. Bartlett, the founder of the successful social media company Social Chain, shares his journey from a university dropout to a renowned CEO. The book is a compilation of his experiences, thoughts, and lessons learned. It candidly discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the weight of leadership, and the personal struggles faced while climbing the ladder of success. Bartlett provides valuable advice on business, leadership, and personal growth through each chapter, making this book a source of inspiration and guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. His podcast, The Diary of a CEO, is a must-listen too.
Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish
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Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish is a guide to better decision-making and problem-solving in an increasingly complex world. Parrish, known for his work with Farnam Street and The Knowledge Project, distills insights from psychology, philosophy, and business to help readers refine their thinking processes. The book emphasizes the importance of mental models, critical thinking, and the avoidance of cognitive biases. Parrish presents these concepts through engaging examples and practical strategies, making them accessible to a broad audience. This book is particularly beneficial for leaders, managers, and anyone seeking to enhance their cognitive skills, make better decisions, and navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and confidence.
Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger
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Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger is an inspirational and practical guide that reflects on Schwarzenegger’s diverse experiences as a bodybuilder, actor, businessman, and politician. He combines personal anecdotes with actionable advice, illustrating how discipline, hard work, and a positive mindset can lead to success in various aspects of life. Schwarzenegger’s unique journey and the lessons he’s learned make this book a compelling read for those seeking motivation and guidance in personal growth and service to others.
Conclusion
And that’s it!
If you enjoy my book recommendation, you might like previous years’ entries:
- 2022 Best Books
- 2021 Best Books
- 2020 Best Books
- 2019 Best Books
- 2018 Best Books
- 2017 Best Books
- 2016 Best Books
- 2015 Best Books
Lastly, if you’re looking for more good book recommendations, you can never go wrong with any I list on my book summaries page.