5 Books You Must Read in 2023
“Can you share a list of your TOP Books of 2022?” — This might have been the most frequently asked question I got towards the end of the year.
Mid-2022, I started doing Sundays without a phone and the results were astonishing. One of the things I noticed was how much more I could do in one day. Every Sunday, I would pick a different bookstore or coffee shop in Chicago and read a book. Yeap, one book a week! Therefore, here is my list of books you should read in 2023!
Why I picked these books out of all the books I read in 2023 to share with you:
- Level of engagement: most of them I was able to read in less than three days;
- Amount of content I learned: most of them taught me a lot of new concepts that I was able to apply to my everyday life. In short, these books changed my way of approaching money and automatic payments/ discounts; allowed me to share my negotiation tricks with the sales people I work with; taught me how to detect avoidance style in relationships
I picked a variety of topics to accommodate everyone’s taste.
1. Self-Help — Maybe You Should Talk to Someone — Author: Lori Gottlieb
If you have never been to therapy, you will want to go after reading this book! It is a dense [lots of pages] book that is worth every minute you read it. Think about a therapist who goes to therapy and shares her journey of healing along with her patience’ journeys.
This book gave me the perspective and empathy I needed for the many situations and people I encountered in 2022. Most of the time, the people we meet, even ourselves, are just reacting to past traumas that we’ve never healed from.
This book can be especially powerful for women in their late 30s who are single and have or have not had kids.
The Biggest learning: People don’t do things to you. Most of the time, we choose to avoid going internally to face our darker sides!
2. Finance — We Should All Be Millionaires — Author: Rachel Rodgers
Rachel is a lawyer who became a millionaire by teaching others about money. This book is not only about finances, but touches on all aspects of your life; especially how to change your relationship with money.
There are old beliefs that we have attached to money that block us from advancing. Rachel explains this along with actions to take to reach the next level. I recommend this book to anyone, especially people starting a new business or career.
The book is tailored to women and in particular, black women but anyone will learn reading this book.
The Biggest Learning: Shift your mentality to earning more instead of spending less!
3. Novel — Violeta — Author: Isabel Allende
Written by a master and Nobel prize writer, you will love this book. The author is such a good writer who takes you through every detail that she describes — it is impossible not to believe you are in Chile as the author describes the different corners of the country. You will learn a lot about Latin America and the Chilean Government during the Second World War. More than history, it is a book which empowers women and the fact that so many of us have been oppressed despite women’s contribution to society.
The Biggest learning: Do what your gut tells you. If you fail it is ok! You can always start over.
4. Business — Never Split the Difference — Author: Chris Voss
If you are trying to negotiate your salary, buy a house, a car, or even define boundaries with your family and friends, this book is the way to go!
I started this book sometime at the beginning of the year and I couldn’t engage with it after 50 pages. I gave it a second chance and I FELL IN LOVE WITH IT. The book goes into a lot of detail about the author’s experience as an FBI hostage negotiator. BUT overall, the insights are practical and applicable to life.
The Biggest learning: Think about what you want and hold it; Believe it so hard that you will not be able to accept anything less than that
5. Dating — If the Buda Dated — Author: Charlotte Kasl
Regardless of your romantic status, you have to read this book. It is enlightening about the things we expect and wish to find in someone else to share our lives with. If you have been struggling with dating or if you are in a long-term partnership, this book will help you focus on the important questions that you need to solidify before you continue your search.
The Biggest learning: Get very specific about who you want, not just physically, but personality.
I might do an in-depth post in the future if you wish to have more suggestions on one type of book. Let me know if you have read any of these books. If so, how did you like it?
Daniela
