Best Books To Read In 2023

Best Books To Read In 2023

I’ve assembled a list of the best books to read in 2023. Inspiration to create new recipes, learn new things, and become a better you! Some years I set a goal on a particular goal of books I hope to read. This year I’m not overly focused on the number, but more so on the creative juices that flow following the completion of each book. So, lets’s get started with Just Marla’s Best Book List 2023.

Entertaining Is My Love Language by Dawna Pitts 
“Treating others at your home is a special act and one of the most beautiful things you can do for others. Often it’s hard to know where to begin, but I’m here to help you! I am not a chef or celebrity. I’m just passionate about sharing my simplified, easy recipes and best entertaining tips with you. From casual to impressive, dining al fresco to a wine-paired dinner, travel  stories with quick bites and Asian-inspired delicious get-togethers. If I can do it, you can do it too!”

Just Marla Notes – This book is the prefect hostess gift, coffee table book, and so much more. The imagery is spectacular with great tips for the beginner to the well established entertainer. Recipes I’m most excited to replicate include sushi tacos, fresh spring rolls, and bibimbap in one hour!

ISBN 979-8-9880520-0-5

Now & Then  by Tessa Kiros “A collection of recipes for always. This is beloved food writers Tessa Kiros’s definitive reflection on a lifetime of cooking and eating.

With characteristic generosity of spirit, Tessa invites us into her kitchen to share what she’s cooking now: an exciting blend of new discoveries and enduring favorites that connect the threads of her life. While the Tuscan countryside has been Tessa’s home for more than 20 years, her culinary influences are wonderfully diverse: her childhood in South Africa, travels to Mexico and New Orleans as a young adult, frequent visits to family in Thailand and Greece, all overlaid with a growing appreciation for lighter, more grounded, plant-focused eating. Part memoir, part travel guide, part food odyssey, this collection of more than 150 new recipes is accompanied by Tessa’s personal reflections and favorite food memories. Long time fans will rejoice in her best work yet, and aspiring cooks will discover how and why she has redefined the modern cookbook.”

Just Marla Notes – This culinary collection of recipes with flavors from around the world will inspire even the most novice cook to get in the kitchen. The culinary photography included in Now & Then is visually impressive. Recipes I’m looking forward tasting include Tomatoes Provencal, Ashok’s Lamb Biryani with Rose, and Marco’s Mascarpone Cake

ISBN 978-1922616524

Hand Lettering For Self – Care – Calligraphy Projects to Inspire Creativity, Practice Mindfulness, and Promote Self Love by Lauren Fitzmaurice. Letter from the heart with this first-ever calligraphy-meets-self-care guide packed with fun and easy projects each designed to soothe anxiety and decrease daily stress while creating beautiful art.

Learning calligraphy and hand lettering is not only a fun hobby, but also a calming self-care practice—no prior experience required! With simple and mindful practice, you’ll cut down on stress, make time for yourself, and learn a new skill. With an easy-to-follow guide on lettering, explanations of the common tools you’ll need, and tips on how to establish a routine for regular practice and creative time, you’ll be relaxing before you know it! From brush pen lettering to calligraphy, you’ll learn how to create your own unique style even if you’re a beginner. To help you along your self-love journey, Hand Lettering for Self-Care, includes:

• Fun and inspiring projects
• Exercise prompts
• Step-by-step instructions
• Practice sheets
• And so much more!

Written by educator and lettering-artist Lauren Fitzmaurice (@renmadecalligraphy), this book offers plenty of tips and advice to show you not only how to improve your lettering but also how you can use lettering to find peace and calm.

Just Marla Notes – This book is perfect for someone looking to start a new hobby by learning the basics, in addition to those would like a little practice to enhance their lettering skills.

Bone by Bone: A Memoir of Trauma and Healing – Geralyn S. Ritter
Bone by Bone is the author’s account of suffering near-fatal injuries in the derailment of Amtrak 188 outside Philadelphia in 2015 and her long recovery in the years since. The forthcoming book deals honestly with the long-lasting impact of sudden trauma and offers hope – from the perspective of someone who has been there. And back.

Juggling the Issues: Living With Asperger’s Syndrome – Matthew Kenslow
Matthew Kenslow was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, which is within the autistic spectrum, when he was six years old. He shares its common symptoms, such as lacking social and conversational skills, and having poor eye contact with others. In school he had difficulty with certain subjects, but others (like math and science) came easily to him. He has the ability to remember a myriad of facts and the events in his life–some he would rather forget!

Juggling the Issues: Living With Asperger’s Syndrome is a collection of short stories from his life. He describes many of the issues that those with autism and Asperger’s face each day. He also talks about some of the positive aspects of having Asperger’s as well. What is life like living with Asperger’s? Matthew describes it as having “an enhancer” plugged into his brain, which accelerates his thoughts and even his emotions. “Asperger’s will deepen everything’s significance, causing us to take things to a more intense level,” he confides.

If you want to better understand those living with Asperger’s, you need to read this book. The insights Kenslow shares come from his deep experience of living with it and making the most of life’s opportunities.

It’s All About Me! Breaking Cycles and Loving Who I Am – Stacia M. Sims
“In this collection of true stories about her life, Stacia Sims unpacks the impact of an upbringing in a narcissistic family where love had to be earned, her true self had to be hidden, and generational cycles needed to be broken. What happened in her past doesn’t define her present nor her future. With the right mindset and guidance, this can be your truth too.

Being true to yourself can sometimes make others uncomfortable, but, as Stacia has learned through disappointments and complications, another person’s discomfort should not become your burden to resolve. Stop carrying other people’s baggage. It Is All About Me! is loaded with other such insights on learning what love means and getting to know yourself. If you find your life revolving around others’ expectations or desires, it’s time to allow your journey to be about you for a change.”

Just Marla Notes – I read the book from start to finish in just one sitting. I was able to relate to the author in many of the situations noted in the book. The author’s sentiments were very inspiring and helpful to learn how to break generational cycles.

Income and Wealth: David Parker Essays Volume One

For 40 years, David Parker served as a teacher in San Francisco’s inner-city schools. Unlike most of his colleagues, however, he did not place his faith and his future in the teachers’ union or the government. Instead, he simultaneously became a real estate investor and entrepreneur, as well as a jazz musician. As Parker jokingly says, “I have 150 years of experience.” His financial journey has been very successful.

A perennial student as well as a teacher, to write “Income and Wealth,” Parker went back to school to study math, finance and economics. It became clear that individual responsibility and initiative are essential keys to financial success, and that government regulation of important sectors of life including healthcare and education will always be a recipe for disaster.

Parker’s message is a positive one. He not only assures readers that financial independence is possible, regardless of annual income, but he provides a step-by-step plan for achieving this desirable goal.

“Income and Wealth” will provide readers with thought-provoking insights into the way the economy really works. It is scholarly writing in political economy, yet provides useful insights into financial decision-making on a daily basis.

Just Marla Notes – This book is an educational read… full of information about economics and finances of the world. I found the book to be most insightful about the how the economy works with small snipets on how to build your personal wealth.

My Culinary Love Story by Pauline Parry 
“My Culinary Love Story charts Dennis and Pauline’s journey through fabulous restaurants, beautiful destinations, and delectable culinary experiences. At every stage, Pauline’s story is peppered with mouth-watering recipes capturing meaningful moments as she grows as a woman, mother, chef, and wife.”

Just Marla Notes – This book is filled with soul as Pauline Parry shares many antidotes that resonated with me. My favorite being – ” My little kitchen had a sturdy table, a few chairs, and very simple cooking equipment. To me it was heaven. It was here that I learned who I was and what I was made of. Up until then I had been someone’s daughter, someone’s wife, someone’s mother. In this kitchen, at twenty seven years old, I began to find out  who I was as a woman and then as a cook.” My Culinary Love Story also includes many delicious recipes including Beef Carpaccio with Mustard Caper Ailoli, Lobster Soup, and Warm Crab Cake Layered with Phyllo Pastry Feuilletée.

ISBN 9781915036285

Coach Yourself!: Increase Awareness, Change Behavior, and Thrive by Antonia Bowring
“Coach Yourself!: Increase Awareness, Change Behavior, and Thrive, veteran executive coach and strategist Antonia Bowring delivers an insightful and easy-to-read roadmap to self-improvement and change. You’ll learn to navigate your personal and professional life by becoming more intentional about how you listen, what you say, and what you do.”

Just Marla Notes – This book is perfect for those hoping to invest in themselves and grow professionally in their career.

A Taste of Opportunity – An Insider’s Guide to Boosting Your Career, Making Your Mark, & Changing The Food Industry from Within by Renee Guilbault
“This book is designed to help anyone who wants a rewarding career in food, whether you’re just starting out or you’re ready to move into leadership roles. Food-industry leader Renee Guilbault draws on her own experiences to teach you how to run your professional life in Mise Mode: her unique career-development version of mise en place. You’ll learn to embrace growth and resilience, and how to navigate the inevitable challenges that come with working in food – all in service to achieving your career dreams. Truly special bonus materials include fifteen industry leaders sharing their personal career stories and leadership insights along with some amazing recipes.”

Just Marla Notes – This is a great read for anyone considering a career in the food industry or who is a foodie but has never worked in the industry. The recipes included are chef inspired, full of flavor, and easy to recreate!

The Glow Up Journal by Danielle Richardson, OD
“Get ready to manifest your transformation and start your glow up! The Glow Up Journal will give you the tools you need to plan your journey of growth, brainstorm your goals, and make the best choices to achieve them.

With daily check-ins and exercises to keep you on track with your goals, you’ll go from creating inspo for your dream self to working on being your best self. Plan who you want to be, then make it happen. Your glow up journey starts now!”

Just Marla Notes – This is a great book to help you achieve a new routine as you set goals for personal improvement with healthy habits, self-discipline, and healthy habits.

What are the Best Books To Read In 2023?

1. Entertaining Is My Love Language by Dawna Pitts
2. Now & Then  by Tessa Kiros
3. Hand Lettering For Self – Care – Calligraphy Projects to Inspire Creativity, Practice Mindfulness, and Promote Self Love by Lauren Fitzmaurice
4. Bone by Bone: A Memoir of Trauma and Healing – Geralyn S. Ritter
5. Juggling the Issues: Living With Asperger’s Syndrome – Matthew Kenslow
6. It’s All About Me! Breaking Cycles and Loving Who I Am – Stacia M. Sims
7. Income and Wealth: David Parker Essays Volume One
8. My Culinary Love Story by Pauline Parry
9. Coach Yourself!: Increase Awareness, Change Behavior, and Thrive by Antonia Bowring
10. A Taste of Opportunity – An Insider’s Guide to Boosting Your Career, Making Your Mark, & Changing The Food Industry from Within by Renee Guilbault
11. The Glow Up Journal by Danielle Richardson, OD

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