Brenda’s 2023 Reading List
This year’s reading list comes with a bit of a warning…many experts tell us that if we want to read more, we should stop reading a book immediately if we don’t like it. That’s where my warning comes in…. I have developed an extremely high standard for non-fiction books, and a fairly low standard for my fiction. The thing is I went years and years not allowing myself to read fiction at all. I was a die-hard learner, self-helper, professional development junkie. But something shifted during COVID and now I am relatively obsessed with fiction…all kinds. And because I have read SO much non-fiction, and written a few of them myself, I am super picky. On the fiction side, I am recommending some excellent “trash” and I have no shame about it. Hey, we all need a little something to transport us from this crazy world!
Non-Fiction Books
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
Meh! More productivity via superhuman discipline.
Smart Brevity by Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, Roy Schwartz
Loved it. Should be mandatory for everyone everywhere.
Your Life Is Not A To-Do List by Dawn Abbott
Loved it. A must for Entrepreneurs.
Simple Wealth by Holly Morphew
Loved it. Fundamentals of money.
Loved it. For the workaholic in your life.
Liked it.
The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
Loved it. Second time reading it.
The Body Keeps Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.
Had to stop. This is an important book about trauma—but it was too traumatic for me to read.
Meh! I always prefer the book Essentialism when thinking about time and time management.
Millenneagram by Hannah Paasch
Loved it. My new favorite Enneagram book.
Loved it. My second time listening to this book on money empowerment for women.
Mindshift by Erwin Raphael McManus
Liked it. Good for graduates. Too basic for self-improvement junkies.
Pussy: A Reclamation by Regena Thomashauer
I don’t know what to say. It was recommended. I listened. It’s a feminist rant.
Talking on Eggshells by Sam Horn
Loved it. A must-read for communication.
Fiction Books
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Loved it! One of my favs this year.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Loved it. Dramatic.
Loved it. Adorable.
It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover
Loved it. Ideal if “It ends with us” devastated you like it did me.
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
Loved it. Whoa on the suspense. So good.
The Summer Place by Jennifer Weiner
Loved it. Weiner always delivers.
Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren
Loved it.
- Neanderthal Seeks Human
- Neanderthal Marries Human
- Friends Without Benefits
- Love Hacked
- Ninja at First Sight
- Dating- ish
Loved all six of these books in the Knitting in the City series—despite the silly titles. Strong women, supportive men, delish fiction.
Meh. Took too long to make its point.
Loved all four of these! Nora’s got game! Read these in record time.
Loved it. Suspense and revenge—what’s not to like?
Loved it. Cultural insights and a good read.
Anybody Out There? By Marian Keyes
Loved it. Blew my mind. Not what I was expecting.
Honey and Spice by Bolu Babaloa
Loved it.
The Last Flight by Julie Clark
Loved it. Super suspenseful.
Loved these two. If you don’t like reading about sex—don’t read these.
