The best books I read in 2023

Every year, some books stand out for different reasons. Sometimes, I read a book that resonates exactly with some question I have, or I’m caught up in deeply interesting perspectives about things I’ve never thought about.

In this list, I chose the best 5 books I read in 2023.

1 – Deep Work, by Cal Newport

I’m familiar with Cal Newport’s writing -I read his book So Good They Can’t Ignore You, which I absolutely loved. Also, this is a “hot topic” for me right now -I’ve been writing about what takes to do meaningful work, and this book is precisely about that. If you are looking for a way to improve your productivity and/or manage better your time, Newport leaves you with a clear idea of what it takes to do high-quality work.

2 – Darwin on Man, by Howard Gruber

I’m always curious about Darwin’s life and work. But in this book Gruber explored an interesting perspective, thoroughly researching Darwin’s creative process, all the way from his early years until after his death. At the same time as the author brings scientific data and evidence to Darwin’s work, he makes room for somewhat poetic comments that make us reflect on the true nature of creativity.

3 – The Progress Principle, by Teresa Amabile

Teresa Amabile is a well-known researcher with a bunch of papers published. But in this book, she explains one of the most incredible studies in creativity field through a more personal perspective. Drawing from the diaries of professionals she interviewed, Amabile leaves you with a real feeling of what looks like to work with those teams -and what “true innovation” looks like.

4 – The Great Good Place, by Ray Oldenburg

This book made me rethink what I understand by “cities”. The urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg explained what he called Third Places and how important these places are for our urban lives -and how can be harmful to us if these places go extinct. It was interesting to read about his theory and it really makes sense how these environments influence our connection and exchange as a society. Worth a read!

5 – Creative People at Work, By Wallace & Gruber

Gruber’s Evolving Systems Approach is one of the most brilliant theories of creativity I have ever read. It is extremely complete and considers various aspects of the nature of creativity and how to do meaningful work. Throughout several case studies, it is possible to understand how the theory can easily be applied to other contexts in anyone’s individual and social universe and is not just limited to the field of creativity. Undoubtedly one of the most important reads I’ve ever done.

What about you? What books made your 2023?


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