my must-read books of the year 📕
i read over 70 books in 2023 and admittedly, most were average (which fundamentally and statistically, makes sense). therefore, this year's roundup is shorter than usual (which, perhaps, will make it easier for you to choose if any are worth a read for you).
what hasn't changed is my penchant for non-fiction and the following genres specifically: business, psychology, and personal development. also note that many of these books didn't release in 2023, that's simply when i read them.
might one or more be a good fit for your reading list? listed in no particular order:
unreasonable hospitality: this was excellent and left me inspired to think in different ways about hospitality and customer service in each of my companies. it's likely extra enjoyable if you are a foodie (i am not) as it details the rise of acclaimed restaurant eleven madison park to becoming one time 'best restaurants in the world'. extra bonus for fans of the show the bear because some scenes seem straight out of these stories. it's absolutely worth a read if you're ready to challenge and grow the way you treat your clients and customers.
the psychology of money: this book is a worthwhile read that reframes the conversation about money and wealth from one of strategies to deploy to one about behaviors and mindset. it shares poignant insights about this that all drive towards a couple of things with which i couldn't agree (or value) more: that what most people want with wealth is freedom of how, on what, and with whom they spend their time. yet, no matter how much one earns, what often happens is that their life cost creeps higher and higher so that they're not building wealth or the opportunity for more choices and flexibility. they're simply redeploying their earnings and distancing themselves from the freedom, happiness, and/or fulfillment they desire. in no way does the author shame or lambast you spending money or doing so on luxury items. what he does do is offer suggestions for ways to consider how to do what you desire while also building wealth (as well as to do so from a place of deeper self-knowledge, rather than autopilot decision-making). it's an uncomplicated approach that might help you to make a small (but powerful) shift or two in your relationship with money.
$100m offers: don't let the title or cover art fool you: this book is well worth a read if you're a service-based business owner. if you want to sell more of what you offer, there will be nuggets worth excavating. reading it had me taking a deeper look at how i package and promote my offers for each of my businesses (in my opinion, a good book causes you to reflect and take action). no matter if you're just starting or far down the path, i bet you'll gain something from this if you go in with an open mind.
the everything store: this is a fascinating (albeit dense read) that chronicles the first two decades of amazon. if you're a business nerd like i am, you, too, might enjoy the behind-the-scenes look at all the steps (and many missteps) of the company and its founder. it was a great reminder that we need not be defined by our failures and that they can help be drivers forward. it also offers many leadership lessons and the pros and cons of certain leadership styles (without spelling them out). i'd love to see an updated version for the last 10 years as this was published in 2013.
spirit babies: this, topically, may feel a bit out of left field, but this book completely shifted my perspective (and reduced my fears) about becoming a parent. it's a fascinating explanation of the soul contract, journey, and karma of 'spirit babies' (souls that have yet to incarnate) with their parents. a great read for anyone who finds this fascinating and/or is on the family planning journey.
the perfectionist's guide to losing control: this has been, hands-down, the book i've recommended the most this year. do you know that feeling when you finish a book and you feel both delighted (because you completed something and enjoyed it) and sad (because it's over)? that's how i felt finishing this. perfectionist or not, there is so much richness in this book. i highlighted the hell out of it and took oodles of pictures of excerpts to share with clients.
adult children of emotionally immature parents: if the title of this book speaks to you, then i highly recommend you read it. everyone is influenced by their upbringing and many of the effects are insidious (and often are easily masked by culturally celebrated things. for example: workaholism and perfectionism). books like this help to shed light on the root cause, invite you to feel seen and understood, and then offer tools to support your healing and growth.
educated: i'm very late to the game on reading this book… alas, i'm so glad that i did. a coming of age story unlike any other i've read in modern times. the author shares her wild experiences of living off the grid with her family and what transpires there is mind-boggling and heart-wrenching. it turns into a journey of self-discovery (and bravery… and healing) through education and access to the world outside of this bubble. where she lands from where she starts is astonishing. and the personal cost of relationships, trauma, and more is huge. absolutely worth reading this inspiring tale!
the tools: if you've watched the netflix documentary stutz, the concepts in this book will be familiar to you, but they (naturally) go much deeper in the book. this book was written over a decade prior to the film and the tools are simple (but not easy) to deploy, in the face of pain, negative thoughts, or otherwise. i really enjoyed it and plan to continue to go back to it as i fine-tune the use of one tool at a time.
looking for more book recommendations? check out my lists from the past: