It would be fantastic if a new year somehow signaled a fresh start. However, 2022 served as a constant reminder that the same things keep happening, that global events continue in their own unexpected way, and that, in the end, we have very little control over anything other than our own thoughts and deeds.
Walter Mosley, a novelist, provided one of my favorite quotations, which I have written on the wall across the back of my bookstore. He asserted, “I’m not suggesting you have to be a reader to rescue your soul in the current world. I’m suggesting it’s beneficial.”
Books are investments in you; they can take many different forms, including fiction, nonfiction, how-to, poetry, classics, and biographies. They support your ability to think clearly, to be kind, to understand the big picture, and to do better at the things that are important to you. Books are a tradition that dates back thousands of years and continues to this day when authors are still writing the condensed products of countless hours of difficult thought on challenging subjects. Why wouldn’t you use this knowledge for yourself?
In light of this, we’ve compiled a list of the 5 best English novels, some recent and others classics that we hope will help you achieve your objectives for 2023 and help you live a better life.
Table of Contents
Put Your Ass Where Your Heart Wants To Be by Steven Pressfield
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, arguably the best book ever written about the creative process, is something I reread before beginning any book endeavour. Because I had an advance copy of Pressfield’s new book, Put Your Ass Where Your Heart Wants to Be, I made a few changes to the one I had just begun. I adore the title since it offers the best guidance for almost any challenging situation. Put your ass in the gym if you want to lose weight. Get your ass down on the floor where your kids are playing if you want to have a nice relationship with them. Put your ass in the chair if you want to write a book even if you’re exhausted. notwithstanding your opposition. even if you fail to understand. That is its main focus. You don’t need to be flawless, but you must still turn up. He is also discussing discipline, to put it simply. I was delighted to have him do an interview for the book as well.
Range by David Epstein
David was one of the few authors I knew who didn’t advise me against starting a bookstore. He consistently pushed me to widen my stance! When it first came out, I adored this book and frequently remarked to others that I believed it to be a book on parenting. It begins by comparing the careers of Roger Federer and Tiger Woods, who both achieved greatness. One was a specialist from a young age, while the other was a generalist (who appeared to have a much more enjoyable upbringing and existence). I’ve always considered myself to be a multi-hyphenate, and I think my experiences, passions, and jobs have improved my writing. Additionally, having range makes you more resilient during a downturn.
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
I suggested this fresh annotated edition by Robin Waterfield for this article last year. Although I strongly recommend the Gregory Hays translation, reading a new translation of a work you’ve already read (or adored) is a terrific opportunity to discover fresh insights into old concepts. Marcus shared Heraclitus’ view that we should never cross the same river twice. I experienced a similar incident more recently. My 16-year-old (almost entirely marked-up) book was beginning to show its age, so I made a premium edition that would endure the test of time, much like the information inside.
The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Dr. Edith Eva Eger
I spoke with Dr. Edith Eger Regarding a person I had lost touch with and had only recently reconnected with, I felt bad. She interrupted me and said she could offer me a present that would immediately allay my guilt. She added, “I give you a sentence. If I knew then what I know now, I would have done things differently. She concluded, “That’s the end of that.” “Guilt is in the past, and the past is the only thing you cannot change.” My absolute hero is Dr. Eger. She is transported to Auschwitz at the age of 16. And how can this not destroy someone? What keeps them alive? How do they put up with the intolerable? And how can they come out of this not only unscathed but also upbeat, joyful, and willing to help others? That very Stoic principle—that even when we find ourselves in horrific situations, we can always choose how to respond to them, who we’re going to be inside of them, and what we’re going to hold onto the inside of them—was the last thing Dr. Eger’s mother said to her before she was sent to the gas chambers. “Everything may be taken from a man except one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to select one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way,” Dr. Eger cites Viktor Frankl, who she later studied under.
The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness by Morgan Housel
The economy this year started out well and is now in recession. Crypto has collapsed. The housing market is not doing that well. This book, in my opinion, is excellent if you’re trying to figure out how to deal with the erratic, unpredictable character of the global economy as an individual who wants to make plans (and feel secure) for the future. It’s full of inspiring tales that impart important lessons, much like the ones I attempt to tell in my books. In my opinion, there is no better way to study. You might also enjoy my wonderful talk with Morgan on the podcast. However, when it comes to podcasts and financial guidance, this year I have absolutely adored Ramit Sethi’s program, which focuses on couples and their financial concerns. It’s fascinating and quite informative. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge. Here is my conversation with Ramit about that.
Conclusion
I would like to emphasize that the above-mentioned novels are well-considered to make your reading journey smooth, comfortable, and enjoyable. If you want to add a few more novels from your treasure in the comment section that would be great motivation for me.