How to Build Real Happiness: 13 Books to Read in 2023

I did consider continuing on last year’s theme (22 books for 2022, 23 books for 2023), but thought that would very quickly bcome unsustainable, so we’ve gone down to 13 for this year. It’s been hard to narrow down the books, and not to get carried away and talk about each for half an hour, but here’s a whistle-stop tour of the books that have been the most lifechanging for me this year. They’ve honestly given me amazing frameworks that have made seeing life a lot more interesting, easier, more productive and healthy.
PS. Please forgive the super-cringe inclusion of my book in the list given the title of the video. I only titled it after it was filmed and given I think 12/13 of these books are actually underrated and life-changing, I took the emotional hit titling it this. Soz

To make your life easier:
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[SaiGurubhyo]

“The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.” –

[xangel]

Elizabeth, I just discovered your channel and have been binging all the videos. I relate to you so hard... I am a doctor (just finished training) who heavily questioned quitting medicine and went into pathology instead, but now trying to get back in touch with my artistic, creative, math-loving, book-loving side! And definitely share your 'chaotic, ' lazy study style. Your videos are so inspiring for me. Good for you for figuring yourself out BEFORE going through all of med school and for making room to discover yourself!

[millsjenna]

Great inspo thank you for your recommendations, for me I believe reading is not just enough". Take the action! Put your newfound knowledge to use. I read for a long time but Action made my life change in no time ( generally and mostly financially)
That's my two cents on this

[sheenasproule]

I was open minded but wary of "woo" when it came to The Untethered Soul and decided to take it out from the library at your behest a few videos ago and I'm so glad I gave it a chance. I followed it up with The Body Keeps the Score and I'm finding tremendous motivation to develop a regular practice to connect with my body, process my feelings, and integrate the experiences of both. Book recommendations are vulnerable and so I sincerely appreciate your willingness to share books that have had a significant and positive impact so we can all benefit.

[LittleAshThings]

The first book you mention is "The Untethered Soul"... this was the first book that sent me down the absolute rabbit hole. I knew I could be exactly who I wanted to be with that book in my hand. I'm so glad someone with as large a platform as yours recommends it! I always like your videos within the first minute. 😭 Thank you so much for all you do!

[ZoeysMusings]

Sci-fi is one of my fave genres. It gets me. That "creator-created" part was phenomenal editing. What a tongue-twister of a surname 😅This is a great, insightful reading list. 2023 is going to be an intellectually-stimulating year for me with these books. Thanks, Liz!

[amin_dhou]

I love the recommendations! Hopefully more people can start reading books. A lot of them have such amazing insights and value to obtain!

[chrissy]

The passion that came with some of these reviews cannot be faked! I'll definitely be picking up a few on this list. Thanks Elizabeth!

[katexy]

Adding to my list!
Another recommendation from me: *Colette Dowling, The Cinderella Syndrome-Women's hidden fear of independence*
This one is especially for women who come from more conservative communities, most importantly for women who suffer imposter syndrome or sudden loss of ambition and motivation. Really, it can be read by anyone, but for women in this situation can just get so much out of it!

[eyoutube]

Loved how you described the sci-fi genre during the Project Hail Mary bit. It's a genre that is easily misunderstood but explores humanity so well.

[vaibhavi.singh.]

Having watched your last book recommendation videos I was predetermined not to add more than 5 books to my TBR, but guess what? 13 new additions are sitting in my endless pile right now.
Thank you so much, because of you I'm more welcoming towards non fiction.

[oneworldonehome]

Thank you! I also absolutely love to read books, especially when they provide meaning and value to my life.
Here is my list of 3 incredible books I would recommend in 2023 to everyone who is really into finding their way in life.
1. Wisdom from the Greater Community, Book 1 & 2
2. Steps to Knowledge: The Book of Inner Knowing
3. Life in the Universe

All these are by the same author - Marshall Vian Summers. And the most incredible thing is that they are all available totally free online! Enjoy your reading!

[stephaniem]

You've officially changed my life for the better. I got a library card and started reading the books you suggest. Project Hail Mary was beautiful. I learned a lot of cool science stuff and there was a lot of philosophy/human-nature stuff to ponder too, as you said. I even learned about myself from how I thought things would turn out. I can't thank you enough for inspiring me to reignite my love for reading!

[gentlemanner]

A book recommendation for 2023 (or earlier ;) ) from me would be: Chris Palmer MD, Brain Energy. In this book Chris Palmer, a Harvard psychiatrist, describes a unified theory of mental illnesses. The hypothesis is: Mental disorders are metabolic disorders of the brain.
It's the research topic that could be excited the most in the last years. There is a 3h podcast episode in the Huberman lab with Chris Palmer.

[Nox]

Love the editing in this one, so stylish and unique! And great recommendations, I'm adding some to the list.
My current favorite books are The Brothers Karamazov and Anna Karenina. A lot of people seem to think that the russian classics are heavy and difficult, but there is so much to ponder about the human condition in them, and much to enjoy.

[PaulinaHerries]

Omg! I have that same copy for "The Vindication of the rights of women"! I would highly recommend that particular edition because the first part of the book is about the life of the author and the context in which she was situated, which explains the relevance of her work. Additionally, the text notes at the back are essential for some terminology and cultural references that are very specific to Mary Wollstonecraft's time period.

[shraddhapandey]

Hi Elizabeth, Out of all the recommended books I have only read The Untethered Soul when I was in the really low phase of my life and I must say that this book was doing the work of a therapist and learned how we are different from our thoughts. I will try other recommended books ❤️

[elliejackson]

My favorite Sci-Fi is the Ender's Game series, especially as it continues Ender's life and humanity's interaction with aliens. It gets very philosophical toward the end. I've read each book at least 3 times. If you're into audiobooks, they are narrated very, very well.

[sarast.]

I love the way you edit your videos and all the small animations! It keeps me interested and attentive while listening to you!

[kikitauer]

My three favourite books:
1. Robert Anson Heinlen: To Sail Beyond Sunset - the very last and very best Heinlein's book. Everything comes together. I simply love Maureen 😍
2. Terry Pratchett: Thief of Time - best book about time I've ever read. Also Susan is my role-model 😉
3. Neil Gaiman: American Gods - it is hard to describe what this book is about. Maybe about searching for one's soul but make it crazy and colorful ✨