Happy New Year, dear friends!

Ah, 2023 was a productive year for books! I set out to read 23 and nailed it.

Very proud.

Initially, I was all about tackling that towering pile of books collecting dust on my shelf (check out my original 2023 reading list), but then something magical happened. I stumbled upon hidden literary treasures at our nearby library, and that tweaked my reading plans a bit.

So, without any more delay, let me take you through my 2023 book journey.

 

The Best Books Of The Year:

Playful Parenting by Lawrence Cohen

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This book stands out as one of the finest guides for parents. Dr. Larry Cohen, drawing on his experience as a play therapist, shares wisdom on how to adopt the Playful Parenting mindset to connect with our children authentically and help them build competence and confidence. A must-read for every parent.

Think like a Rocket Scientist by Ozan Varol

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In this book, Ozan Varol challenges us to reimagine the status quo and embrace the principles of scientific thinking. It’s a roadmap to levelling up in life and work. Absolutely loved this book.

Emotional Agility by Susan David

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Susan David’s book is a gem in the world of Emotional Intelligence. It’s practical, insightful, and essential for anyone wanting to navigate their feelings like a pro. Highly recommended!

3 Best Parenting Books:

Good Inside by Dr Becky Kennedy

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Becky is just incredible, and her book is a treasure trove for gentle parenting. It’s packed with practical tips that create a nourishing environment for our kids to thrive.

The Explosive Child by Ross Greene

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Dr. Greene flips the script on handling challenging behaviour in kids with an approach that truly clicks. His mantra, “Kids do well if they can,” sets the tone for a game-changing method that really works!

The Power of Showing Up by Dan Siegel and Tina Payne-Bryson

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I’m a huge fan of Siegel and Payne-Bryson’s previous works (remember “The Whole-Brain Child” and “The Yes Brain Child”?), and this book? It’s a gem. They delve deep into attachment theory, showing us how we can show up for our kids in a way that sets them up to thrive in life.

 

3 Best Mental Game Books:

The Champion’s Mind by Jim Afremow

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This book is all about how to harness the power of the mind for peak performance. Packed with bite-sized wisdom, it’s like a guide to unlocking your inner champion.

Elite Minds by Stan Beecham

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In this book, Stan Beecham takes us inside the minds of top athletes and business leaders, revealing how their mindset sets them apart. It’s an eye-opener on how winners think differently to gain that competitive edge and skyrocket success.

Limitless by Jim Kwik

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Jim Kwik holds the title of the world’s top brain coach, and this book is a practical guide to expanding your mental horizons and improving your brain fitness. It’s like a user manual for upgrading your mental abilities and achieving more in life.

 

3 Best Brain Power Books:

How We Learn by Benedict Carey

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This book is all about how to harness the power of your brain and how to get the most out of learning and training. It’s packed with practical wisdom on how we can change our study habits and improve performance.

The Molecule of More by Daniel Lieberman and Michael Long

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This book is all about dopamine and how it affects our behaviour. Here, the authors use the latest insights from psychology, neuroscience, and social studies to demonstrate how one brain chemical kindles our desires, fuels our creativity, and makes us fall in love. It’s an informative, thought-provoking, and engaging read.

Mindsight by Daniel Siegel

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This book is all about Mindsight – our ability to observe and shape our own minds. Here, one of my favourite neuroscientists explains how we can all improve our well-being and live our best lives by developing this skill.

 

 

3 Best Motivational Books:

Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo

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This book feels like a powerful shot of motivational espresso straight to your brain. Here, Marie ignites a fire within, daring you to confront your fears, ditch those excuses, and become the driving force in your own life.

Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins

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This book is a powerful wake-up call, urging us to break out of our comfort zones, question our beliefs, and unleash the limitless potential we all hold. It’s a reminder that our choices pave the way to the lives we dream of.

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell

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This is the leadership bible, jam-packed with timeless principles and real-life anecdotes that’ll transform how you lead. It’s a must-read guide for anyone serious about mastering the fundamental laws that define effective leadership.

 

The Best Relationship Books:

The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman

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In this book, Gary Chapman unveils the key to lasting love: speaking your partner’s primary love language—their unique way of feeling and expressing emotional love.

Eight Dates by John Gottman, Julie Schwartz Gottman, Doug Abrams & Rachel Abrams

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This book is all about mastering the art of communication in relationships. Here, The authors guide couples through eight themed dates, encouraging deep conversations that strengthen the bond. It’s hailed as one of the absolute best relationship books out there, and for good reason!

 

Other Great Books I’ve Read in 2023:

The Opposite of Worry by Lawrence Cohen

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A wonderful book exploring why kids get anxious and how we, as parents, can use fun, empathy, and play to help them overcome it. It’s a lifesaver for any parent navigating a child’s anxiety.

The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read by Philippa Perry

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Philippa Perry delivers a gem of gentle parenting wisdom, unpacking how our upbringing influences our parenting. It’s a guidebook to fostering strong, enduring connections with our kids, handling emotions, and understanding the messages behind different behaviours.

The Leader in Me by Stephen Covey

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An inspirational read highlighting how to apply “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” within school settings. It’s a guidebook for creating impactful leadership qualities in students.

Becoming Flawsome by Kristina Mänd-Lakhiani

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This book takes you on an incredible journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It’s a guide to embracing imperfections and living authentically, showing the path to genuine happiness.

 

The Bottom Line

Thanks a ton for sticking around till the end! I hope you discovered a book or two that’ll keep you flipping pages into 2024.

As for me, this year, I’m diving into some other cool projects, so I’m toning it down a notch—let’s shoot for a manageable 20 books. Ambitious yet doable, right?

Loads of love,

Irina