My Favourite Books of 2023.
Choosing favourite books is hard. This is a selection of the books I enjoyed in 2023, not necessarily the “best” ones I read, nor the titles the book critics deemed the year’s most brilliantly written.
Harry S. Truman said, “not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” I love reading both because it’s enjoyable, because it allows me to learn from people who have different perspectives than mine and because it plays a critical role in helping me become a better leader.
Growing up, I loved to read. If I wasn’t outside playing, I was reading, and that love of books has never gone away. I’m usually in the middle of three or four books so I can choose what I feel like reading at any given time – whether that’s a book on business or leadership, a fiction book for when I want to relax, and one or two non-fiction books for when I’m motivated to learn.
My favourite books of 2023
The Good Life by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz
What does it take to live a truly good life? Directors of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz, distill over 80 years of research to explore the key components of a happy and fulfilled life. Contrary to the notion that success and financial achievement define a rich life, the book emphasizes that true happiness stems from the quality of our relationships. Through a blend of scientific precision, traditional wisdom, real-life stories, and actionable insights, the authors assert that our well-being and ability to flourish are fundamentally within our control.
For the Culture: The Power Behind the World's Most Successful Brands, from Apple to Beyoncé by Marcus Collins
In "For the Culture," Marcus Collins contends that genuine cultural engagement is the most potent method for influencing behaviour in various aspects of life, whether it be managing a team, making a presentation, staging a protest, or marketing a product. Drawing on a century's worth of data and using compelling stories from his own experiences as a top marketer, including work with Beyonce, iTunes and Nike+, Collins demonstrates how understanding and appealing to cultural values can inspire communities and create lasting engagement and influence.
When Women Lead: What We Achieve, Why We Succeed and What We Can Learn by Julia Boorstin
Given my deep-seated interest in all things female entrepreneurship, I found "When Women Lead” fascinationg. The celebrated journalist, Julia Boorstin, highlights the underestimated leadership approaches of the women leading the world's most innovative and successful companies, offering a groundbreaking perspective on their odds-defying strategies. Boorstin combines narrative and research to showcase the superpowers found in once-underestimated characteristics, such as vulnerability, gratitude, and divergent thinking. Featuring stories from over sixty female CEOs and leaders, the book presents a radical blueprint for the future of business and emphasizes the universal applicability of these approaches in navigating unprecedented times of change.
Normal Women: 900 Years of Making History by Philippa Gregory
Challenging the assumption that women played no part in major historical events, bestselling historical novelist Philippa Gregory provides an alternative account of Britain's past through the perspectives of guild widows, highwaywomen, and other pivotal female figures. Gregory seeks to redefine the narrative of history by highlighting the agency, persistence, and effectiveness of women in society, reframing the conventional eras through stories of soldiers, pirates, miners, and other diverse roles. The book aims to showcase a broader spectrum of "normal" female behaviour, including heroism, rebellion, crime, treason, money-making, jousting, sainthood, and rioting.
Women in Intelligence: The Hidden History of Two World Wars by Helen Fry
Historian Helen Fry presents a groundbreaking history of the pivotal roles which women played in British intelligence during the first half of the twentieth century. Contrary to conventional norms, women defied societal expectations and took on diverse roles across both world wars, running spy networks, parachuting behind enemy lines, and performing crucial administrative work in MI offices. The book unveils hitherto unknown stories, showcasing the rich and varied contributions of women in intelligence, from knitting coded messages in jumpers to interpreting aerial images and running entire sections, providing a panoramic view of their inspirational efforts.
But What Can I Do? By Alastair Campbell
Inspired by his frustration with the current state of politics, one of my favourite podcasters, Alastair Campbell, addresses the question many ask about how to effect change in a world filled with ineffective leaders and divisive policies. Drawing from his experience, Campbell passionately advocates for active participation, providing motivation and practical tools to make a difference. The book first analyzes our polarized world; then guides readers on developing advocacy skills, leading campaign teams, building confidence, and taking practical steps to become political players, making it a required read for those seeking to make a positive impact.
King: A Life by Jonathan Eig
Jonathan Eig's "King" is a vividly written and extensively researched biography, offering the first major portrait of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. in decades, incorporating recently declassified FBI files. Eig provides an intimate view of King's courageous yet emotionally troubled nature, shedding fresh light on his family origins, complex relationships, and the internal struggles he faced. The biography traces King's journey from the classroom to the pulpit and through pivotal moments in the civil rights movement, presenting a compelling narrative of a man who reshaped American race relations and remains a symbol of justice and activism today.
Hitler, Stalin, Mum and Dad by Daniel Finkelstein
In "Hitler, Stalin, Mum and Dad," Daniel Finkelstein recounts the devastating experiences of his parents during the Second World War. His mother, Mirjam Wiener, and her family faced persecution, humiliation, and imprisonment in Bergen-Belsen after escaping Nazi Germany, while his father, Ludwik, survived the harsh conditions of a Siberian gulag after being rounded up by the communists in Poland. Finkelstein's deeply moving memoir sheds light on the horrors of totalitarianism, portraying the bravery and survival of two ordinary families under the oppressive regimes of Hitler and Stalin.
The Earth Transformed: An Untold History by Peter Frankopan
Most people can name the influential leaders and major battles of the past. Few can name the most destructive storms, the worst winters, the most devastating droughts. In “The Earth Transformed,” the ground-breaking historian Peter Frankopan reconnects us with our ancestors who, like us, worshipped, exploited and conserved the natural environment. Taking us from the beginning of recorded history to the present day, Frankopan shows that engagement with the natural world and with climatic change and their effects on us are not new.
Damascus Station by David McCloskey
I love thrillers and the debut novel of the former CIA analyst David McCloskey, didn’t disappoint. CIA officer Sam Joseph and recruit Mariam Haddad form a forbidden relationship while hunting for a killer in Damascus, boosting their recruitment efforts. As they delve into the search for an American spy, they uncover a trail of high-profile assassinations and a dark secret within the Syrian regime. Against the backdrop of a fearful and rebellious Syria, "Damascus Station" weaves a gripping tale of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most challenging CIA assignments.
I hope you enjoyed browsing this roundup of some my favourite books of 2023. So let me know your favourite books of the year in the comments section below.
N.B. All books featured here were chosen because I enjoyed them. If you buy something through my retail links, I may earn an affiliate commission. More information here.
About The Author
Hi. I’m Denyse Whillier, a former CEO and strategic business coach specialising in female entrepreneurship. A very warm welcome to CEO Secrets, a business blog dedicated to one thing, breaking down the strategies, concepts and tools that I’ve gathered from 25 years working in purpose-led companies and showing you how you can use them in your business.
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