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The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,639 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 Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed

Betsy Brown Braun Why did I love this book?

As an admirer of the author, I read this book. I didn’t expect to love it so much, thinking it would simply be useful for my work. Not so! 

I was totally drawn in, and grew to care deeply for both the narrator and each of her patients, relating to the journey of each. It was emotional like great fiction and yet I learned so much…about myself. I sure hope it’s the first of many more to come.

By Lori Gottlieb,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Maybe You Should Talk to Someone as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A TIME magazine Must-Read Book of the Year

Ever wonder what your therapist is thinking? Now you can find out, as therapist and New York Times bestselling author Lori Gottlieb takes us behind the scenes of her practice - where her patients are looking for answers (and so is she).

When a personal crisis causes her world to come crashing down, Lori Gottlieb - an experienced therapist with a thriving practice in Los Angeles - is suddenly adrift. Enter Wendell, himself a veteran therapist with an unconventional style, whose sessions with Gottlieb will prove transformative for her.

As Gottlieb explores…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Lessons in Chemistry

Betsy Brown Braun Why did I love this book?

Reading this book was a total treat. It was so different, quirky, and unexpected that It was hard to put down.

Elizabeth, the protagonist, was totally unlikely yet grew to be quite likable. As odd as she is, you can’t help but love, respect, and feel for her. The subtle humor is fabulous. I was completely entertained, which was just what I had wanted.

By Bonnie Garmus,

Why should I read it?

60 authors picked Lessons in Chemistry as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK • Meet Elizabeth Zott: a “formidable, unapologetic and inspiring” (PARADE) scientist in 1960s California whose career takes a detour when she becomes the unlikely star of a beloved TV cooking show in this novel that is “irresistible, satisfying and full of fuel. It reminds you that change takes time and always requires heat” (The New York Times Book Review).

A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, Oprah Daily, Newsweek, GoodReads

"A unique heroine ... you'll find yourself wishing she wasn’t fictional." —Seattle Times…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Remarkably Bright Creatures

Betsy Brown Braun Why did I love this book?

My daughter recommended this book to me. She knows what I like: a book that takes me away from my work life. Right she was! 

I loved this enchanting book, especially the way it was expressed through the voice of the octopus. It was unusual, fun and funny, emotional and satisfying. I cared about each character, most especially the octopus. I read it on the heels of watching My Octopus Friend, which made it even more special.

By Shelby Van Pelt,

Why should I read it?

21 authors picked Remarkably Bright Creatures as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER BBC RADIO 2 BOOK CLUB PICK 'Full of heart and humour . . . I loved it.' Ruth Hogan 'Will stay with you for a long time.' Anstey Harris 'I defy you to put it down once you've started' Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney After Tova Sullivan's husband died, she began working the night cleaner shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Ever since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat over thirty years ago keeping busy has helped her cope. One night she meets Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium who…


Plus, check out my book…

Just Tell Me What To Say: Sensible Tips and Scripts for Perplexed Parents

By Betsy Brown Braun,

Book cover of Just Tell Me What To Say: Sensible Tips and Scripts for Perplexed Parents

What is my book about?

 Just Tell Me What To Say is an indispensable book written in an easy-to-digest, easily readable manner. It gives parents the skills, the words,  and the basics they need to deal with the often challenging situations that are inevitable in raising children.