My Favorite 22 Books of 2022
Before the year wraps up, I wanted to share my favorite reads of 2022. Honestly there were so many good ones this year that I struggled to limit this list to just 22 books. But each and every one of these brought a lot of enjoyment to my life. There’s plenty of fiction on the list, some new, some old, some thrillers, some popular, some not, and some non-fiction too. Hopefully there’s something for everyone!
our guest bedroom, sconce, plaid pillow, bedding
Like always, I’m sharing links to Amazon and Indiebound. Independent bookstores could use your support and Indiebound offers an easy way to find your local bookstore.
I’ve listed my favorites in no particular order, but read on to see which one or two (or three) books are my absolute favorite reads from 2022. Hopefully you enjoy these books as much as I did!
Here are my favorite 22 books of 2022…
Thank you for Listening, Julia Whalen - My favorite audiobook narrator wrote (and narrated) her own book! It’s a witty and funny book about audiobooks, actors, and romance with serious cheistry. It’s a delight that I was sad to finish. And while I love a good book in hand, this is the perfect book to listen to. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
Devolution, Max Brooks - This book is a complete departure from my usual book list, but such an exciting (and scary!) departure. It’s the Sasquash suspense/horror novel you never knew you would like (speaking from experience here;), but it’s so so good! I stayed up late into the night reading this one, so it deserves a top spot on my 2022 favorites list. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
Wish You Were Here, Jodi Picoult - This is the first novel I’ve read where the pandemic plays a prominent role and it’s as shocking to read about as it has been to live through. The story follows Diana, a woman who’s New York job, fiancé, and apartment are just as she had always planed. Then, on the precipice of the pandemic, she leaves behind her fiancé who is needed in the ER and heads out on vacation to the Galapagos alone. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
Carrie Soto is Back, Taylor Jenkins Reid - I love every one of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books, but this story about an aging tennis pro on the path to reincarnation on the tennis circuit was no exception. You will find yourself rooting for Carrie not only on the tennis court but in her somewhat disastrous personal life as well. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
One Italian Summer, Rebecca Serle - When Katy’s mom, Carol, dies just before their planned mother-taught trip to Positano, a town where Carol spent a summer in her youth, Katy goes on the adventure by herself. This book is all about a mother’s love and the beautiful scenery, delicious food, and gorgeous architecture is the perfect backdrop. If you haven’t guessed it yet, this was one of my tip, top, absolute favorite books of 2022! (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
The Christie Affair, Nina de Gramont - This historical fiction novel depicts the world of Agatha Christie exploring class, family duty and romance in the roaring 1920’s. This story is chalked full of twists and turns until you aren’t sure who you are rooting for. It’s impossible to predict where this story will take you so put on a pot of coffee and prepare to be tired in the morning. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting, Clare Pooley - This was such a quirky, warm-hearted book and I loved every second of it. It follows Iona Iverson, an eccentric magazine advice columnist, and her fellow commuters, who are unexpectedly brought together by a chance encounter. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
Witches of New York, Ami McKay - I have a thing for magical realism and this book definitely falls into that category. When 17-year-old Beatrice answers an ad in the paper for a “…dependable shop girl. Those averse to magic need not apply.” she feels her certain it was placed there just for her. Beatrice’s unfound magical talents are fettered out and trained under her personable boses as they try to keep evil away. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
28 Summers, Elin Hilderbrand - This story, set in Nantucket is full of chances taken, non-traditional romance, love and longing, and a mystery for the next generation to sort out. Elin Hilderbrand’s depiction of Nantucket has made it a top spot on my vacation bucket list for years and this story is no exception. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
Beautiful Ruins, Jess Walter - I’ve had this book on my nightstand for years, but never got into it until now. It’s the story of an almost-love affair in 1960’s Italy, an unplanned pregnancy, and the modern rekindling in California. The writing is beautiful. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
The Book Women of Troublesome Creek, Kim Michele Richardson - this was such a good listen! The story follows Cussy, a tough member of the Pack Horse library service in the Appalacchias, and one of the last blue-skinned people in Kentucky. She confronts prejudice and brings people together with brooks. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
The Kindest Lie, Nancy Johnson - the story of Ruth, an Ivy-League educated Black engineer in Chicago who’s married to a wonderful man and who’s life is a seeming success. But as they begin to discuss having a baby, Ruth’s secret teenage pregnancy and subsequent adoption come surging into her present. I listened to this one and the audio copy is great! (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
Hatchet, Gary Paulson - I read this one with my 6-year-old at bed time and I’m not sure who liked it more! The story follows Brian, a 13-year-old who crash lands in the Canadian wilderness and is the sole survivor. He has to learn to survive with nothing but the clothes on his back and the hatchet on his belt. This story is about so much more than just surviving, it’s about discovering courage you didn’t know you had and adapting no matter the circumstance. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
The Story Keeper, Lisa Wingate - Jen is a successful publisher in New York with a hidden past. When a mysterious novel appears on her desk, she travels to the Blue Ridge Mountains and back to the childhood she’s spent a decade forgetting. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
Black Cake, Charmaine Wilkerson - After a woman’s death in modern-day California, her two children are surprised to learn of a long-lost sister, an unsolved muder, and hidden identities from tape recordings made in the days before her death. It’s a sweeping family drama spanning generations and circling the globe and it’s as mysterious as it is romantic, joyful, and delicious. I listened to the audio copy and the narrator was excellent. This book is one of my absolute favorite books of 2022. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
Yerba Buena, Nina Lacour - love, old houses, and detailed prose about food and flavors…this book had it all! The story follows Sara and Emilie as they grow up hundred of miles apart, find their callings, and journey towards each other while the trauma of their pasts pulls them apart. It’s wonderfully written and narrated (love Julia Whelan!). (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
Every Summer After, Carley Fortune - This nostalgic story takes place over six summers and a weekend as teenage Percy befriends the boy who lives next door to her parent’s summer cottage. The two grow together, fall in love, break up, make mistakes, and meet again as adults. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
Blush, Jamie Brenner - I’m fairly certain I picked this book for the narrator, and I’m so glad I did! It’s the multigenerational story about the family behind Hollander Estates winery, love, finding your calling, and second chances. I just loved the feel of this book so much that it deserves a spot amongst my absolute top favorite books of 2022. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
Lessons in Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus - It took me a few chapters but I fell in love with this book! It’s follows a brilliant chemist, Elizabeth Zott, who is confident and brilliant, but faces the challenges of being a working woman in the 1960s. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes a single mother and the star of a beloved cooking show. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
Book Lovers, Emily Henry - Like Emily Henry’s other books, Book Lovers is totally addicting and laugh-out-loud funny. Nora Stephens is a successful book editor who is completely unlike the heroines in the books she works on. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
Counterfeit, Lauren Chen - when college roommates Ava and Winnie meet up 20 years later, the once awkward Winnie is now confident, dripping in luxury, and owns her own business. When she offers Ava a job in what turns out to be a counterfeit scheme, her life changes forever. (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
Wintering, Katherine May - A few readers recommended this one to me and I picked it up at the perfect time. It’s a beautiful, healing narrative about getting through the the trenches in life. Or as the Amazon description so eloquently put it, “an intimate, revelatory book exploring the ways we can care for and repair ourselves when life knocks us down.” (amazon affiliate, indiebound)
