It’s been my tradition here on the blog to write a brief review of what I read during the year and share my favorites. I read mostly on my Kindle these days, but I did pick up a few used copies of things I couldn’t find at the library.
If you’re new here, you should know that I tend to alternate between business and entrepreneurship books and novels, with a few memoirs and non-fiction selections added in. This year, I read 29 books (not counting the few I started but didn’t finish).
Here’s the book list I made at the beginning of the year.
Looking for a few new books to read in 2024? In this post, I’m sharing what I read this year, plus the seven best books I read in 2023.
Happy reading!
The 7 Best Books I Read in 2023
*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
The Switch (Beth O’Leary)
A fun British novel about a young working professional who trades long working hours and fast-paced city living for a quiet few weeks in the country, switching places with her grandmother who can’t wait for her London adventure. Bits of romance, small-town charm, and a friendly dog are also featured.
The Perfect Wrong Note: Learning to Trust Your Musical Self (William Westney)
This was our Musician & Co. Book Club pick for April and it was a good one! I purchased a hard copy and had many stars in the margins by the end of it.
Pianist and pedagogue William Westney explores the illusion of control, how to observe mistakes with curiosity, and innovative approaches to practicing (for teachers and students alike).
Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting (Clare Pooley)
A delightful cast of characters (and a dog) who meet on the commuter train (in Upstate NY) each day and become inextricably involved in each other’s lives. I loved the unfolding of storylines and the way the characters built community.
The Portfolio Life: How to Future-Proof Your Career, Avoid Burnout, and Build a Life Bigger Than Your Business Card (Christine Wallace)
Christina Wallace, a Harvard professor and entrepreneur, has written a helpful research-based guide for designing a “portfolio life”—a mix of work and personal experiences that are fulfilling, creatively challenging, and well-balanced.
Daily Rituals: How Artists Work (Mason Currey)
This is our Musician & Co. Book Club pick for January 2024. Want to get a reading plan + access to my private podcast of book reviews? Join for free >>
Steve and I both read this book this fall and were fascinated by the insight into the daily routines and schedules of so many prominent creatives (musicians include Gershwin, Beethoven, Mahler, Satie, Liszt, Schubert, and more).
Unreasonable Hospitality: The remarkable power of giving people more than they expect (Will Guidara)
This one was recommended by someone on Instagram. I loved reading the story behind the iconic Eleven Madison Park restaurant in NYC and their staunch commitment to fine dining and hospitality.
Of course, I found lots of business takeaways throughout—great for anyone who’s in a service-based business or working in the hospitality industry.
The Kingdom of Prep: The Inside Story of the Rise and (near) Fall of J.Crew (Maggie Bullock)
I heard about this book on a podcast and found a copy at the library. I loved reading the story behind J.Crew—the owners, designers, and staff that developed its brand identity and the shift from being a catalog and mail-order business to retail to online.
If you’re curious, here are the
other books I read this year:
*Click Book Covers for Direct links*
*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Looking for more book recommendations?
Here are a few other end-of-year reading reflections:
What was the best book you read (or listened to) this year?
What challenged you, inspired you, or broadened your perspective? What helped you develop a new skill or made you a better person?
