The Best Books I Read in 2023, And Hope You Read Them Too
The 2023 year has ended. Of the 50 books I read this year, here are the best books I read in 2023.
Elon Musk, Walter Isaacson
This book — holy cow is this a tremendous book. I’d expect nothing less from Isaacson, who has established himself as the Michael Jordan of biographies. But even with those lofty expectations, his examination of Elon Musk, from his days as a youth in South Africa to the richest man in the world, is phenomenal, a full 360-degree view that presents a fair and honest look. Whether you love Musk, hate Musk, or are one of the few who find themselves in between, this is a must-read.
The Confident Mind, Nate Zinsser
Zana Muno recommended this book when she came on SANDCAST early in 2023. If Zana recommends it, I read it, and I’m glad I did. This was easily the most useful book I’ve read in years, if not ever. I’d consider it mandatory for any athlete, at any level, and have brought it up on probably a dozen episodes since. It is by far the most I’ve ever recommended a single book, even more than The Alchemist.
The Club, Joshua Robinson
I discovered this book when reading a Sports Illustrated preview of the World Cup. I have no interest in soccer and never really have, but I have huge interest in storytelling, sports business, and good writing, and Robinson delivered. This was a fascinating, rollicking tale of how the Premier League became the exorbitant monster that it is today. Soccer — football, whatever — fans will love it, and anyone who enjoys good writing, excellent reporting, and a tale well told will enjoy as well. This has the makings of a documentary.
Turning Pro, Steven Pressfield
I love Steven Pressfield’s writing. I try to read one of his books every year, be it War of Art or, this year, Turning Pro. I’m a fan of short, pithy statements that are easy to remember, especially when you have a day or few hours where you just don’t feel like doing what you know you ought to do. My 2024 Pressfield read will be Put Your Ass Where Your Heart Wants to be, and I’m sure I’ll be writing about that in due time.
The Mindful Athlete, George Mumford
I can sum this book up in two words: Go meditate. But if you’re looking for more evidence, and the importance of meditation, visualization, and how and why it can help you, regardless of your field, read this book.
Stillness is the Key, Ryan Holiday
Like Steven Pressfield above, I’ll read anything Ryan Holiday puts out — and I’ll enjoy it, to the tune of five stars. This was no exception. In a world of, as the Grinch might say, noise noise noise noise, where we are at our best is in stillness and quiet. I am, anyway. Holiday backs it up with stories, anecdotes, and the why behind it. This pairs well with George Mumford’s The Mindful Athlete.
The Last Battle, CS Lewis
This is my favorite fiction book ever written, and I think this is my third time through it, but I wanted to throw it on this list because it’s just that dang good. It helps if you’ve read the previous six books in the Chronicles of Narnia, but you don’t necessarily need to in order to get a wonderful read.
The Inner Knight, Billy Allen
Whenever Billy Allen comes out with a book, I’m going to give it five stars because he’s my friend and that’s something friends should do for other writer friends. Ratings are gold for authors and writers. But I wouldn’t write about The Inner Knight here if I didn’t think it was something everyone should read — and I do think everyone should read this book. It’s a quick, fun, fictional tale that will teach you quite a bit about sports psychology and a few tools that will help you on the court, in the classroom, wherever.
The Comfort Crisis, Michael Easter
When I read The Comfort Crisis in February, it inspired me to go on an elk hunt this past November that would become the most memorable experience I’ve had in quite some time. So bravo, Michael Easter. But even if you’re not interested in hunting, this book packs a ton of valuable lessons in it, beginning with the obvious: We’re too comfortable, and we’re becoming worse because of it. Maybe you’ll take the stairs after reading.
Never Split the Difference, Chris Voss
I’d heard Chris Voss on a number of podcasts, but it wasn’t until Jordan Cheng recommended Never Split the Difference that I actually picked it up to read it. I’m glad I did. We’re all getting sold to, marketed to every day, and many of us are selling and marketing something or other every day. This will help see through a lot of the manipulation, and also help navigate normal, everyday encounters in a more agreeable manner. Big fan, will re-read.
