Here is my entirely personal and highly subjective list of the 10 best books I read last year. These books are not ranked by their “awesomeness.” I’ve listed them in the order they came to mind.

1. Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson

I haven’t read a biography in a long time because I find this genre to be too subjective (need to keep the “bullshit factor” in mind while reading). But I couldn’t miss the life story of the great and powerful Elon. You can read more about my thoughts here.

2. Journey of Souls: Case Studies of Life Between Lives by Michael Newton

A wonderful book about what comes after death. To recap, a scientist puts hundreds of people under hypnosis and asks them about their past lives. Surprisingly, the details various people give are virtually identical. This book had a strong effect on me as I was working on my attitude towards the subject of death.

3. Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse

I’m continuing to explore the works of Hesse, and I loved this book! It is concise, philosophical, beautiful, and so real.

4. The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz

A wonderful book! This short and brilliant work explains ways to reshape your mindset.

5. The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

Despite considering myself an expert on healthy relationships (not really), I hadn’t read this book before. It is really good — sweet and pleasant. It will be useful for those who wish to build healthy relationships with their loved ones.

6. The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida

This book probably had the biggest impact on me in 2023. It’s brilliant, terrific, and beautiful. An absolute must-read for any man.

7. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson

I watched the author’s interview with Joe Rogan a while ago and became quite curious about his book. It is a simple and clear summary of how the universe is organized, based on today’s understanding of its structure. That being said, I never got through Deutsch’s The Beginning of Infinity; now I’m planning to re-read it.

8. The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Edith Eva Eger

This is a powerful and touching story of a German concentration camp prisoner. The Choice is one of the three most famous books written by Holocaust survivors. I was deeply moved by this one.

9. Journey to Ixtlan: The Lessons of Don Juan by Carlos Castaneda

This was the first book by Castaneda that I’ve read. Mysticism, philosophy, spirituality, the unknown — you can find it all here.

10. The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer

I discovered this book almost by accident, and I was not disappointed. It’s an excellent read on how to let go of yourself, give yourself permission to live, and become free. I liked it a lot! You can read more about my thoughts here.