2022 Favorites
I read a total of 64 books in 2022 (fuck yeah!) Some were great! Some made me want to use the pages as toilet paper. Here are the books that, in my humble (and correct) opinion, were the best books of the year.
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane
An enchanting historical fiction detailing a rural part of southern China, I found this book not only atmosphere but informative. Lisa See is an extremely talented writer.
This, while not groundbreaking, was a charming little slice of life book, detailing a neurodivergent woman’s struggles dealing with societal expectations. I enjoyed it thoroughly, particularly the message it gives out and the themes and ideas woven between the words. Also, translated books rock.
This is not an easy read. It gives such detail on young women’s eating disorders. I didn’t have high expectations for this book, but it was so well done, and opens the dialogue for a sad reality that much of America faces but doesn’t talk about.
The Rise of Kyoshi and The Shadow of Kyoshi
I’m not even embarrassed my it. Avatar the Last Airbender is unequivocally the best children’s show and best show for adults. It’s made for children and yet it explores, history, culture, colonialism, and war in a digestible and accurate way. And these books were an impressive addition to the Avatar universe.
The Girl with Seven Names: A North Korean Defector’s Story
Nothing I say will give grace to this book. Not only is it vastly moving and heart-wrenching, but it’s true. This woman’s story is painful but details a sad reality that is still present in our world today.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
This was actually my first V.E. Schwabb book, and I have to say…that lady knows how to tell a story! The writing was so well-done, and the concept was really cool! I definitely will pick up more of her books in the future, because I know she has some renowned series and cool backdrops.
I think John Marrs just knows how to come up with ideas that I’ll love. Being biologically matched with your soul-mate and the effects this has on relationships and society, is such a thinker! Though the concept was on point, there were some literary decisions about the plot I did not totally jive with. Execution was lacking in some sense. If I were to write the same book (which I wish I did have this idea first), I would have taken the plot in a different direction.
I think Ted Chang is a literal genius. These sci-fi-esque short stories were beautifully written, each with an original and captivating concept. He really likes to push the boundaries of thought and literatue.
I adored this! It’s such a unique concept! A Black woman in the twentieth century being transported back to a time when America was still ridden with slavery, there to teach a young white boy some damn morals! This was informative, historical, and so gripping!
Some of these stories were truly heart breaking. Even though they were their own self-contained short stories, they were all connected behind the same backdrop, each woven together in one way or another. They were heartbreaking, but amazingly done. Some I liked more than others, but overall, I think this was an innovative novel.
My favorite book of the year. Not only is the concept ingenius, but it so accurately portrays exactly how society would function in a world where everyone knew when they would die. The ins and outs of societal reactions and the intricacies of politics surrounding the tragic global development were accurate to a T. I was so impressed with how well-thought out this book was. Undeniably the best thing I read this year, and probably the best new release of 2022.
Having liked the Scythe series (minus the final book), I was curious to see what else Neal could add to this world. This did not disappoint. To add to this incredible world where people cannot die, with short stories, was a genius idea. The stories explored such different topics, and many hinted at things in the Scythe series itself, giving some backstories to characters in the books. Each story had a unique flare to it.
Like John Marrs, Neal just know the kinds of books I would want to read. Just like his Scythe series, the Unwind novels take on such a fascinating concept! And it indirectly tackles a recent hot-topic: abortion. And it’s very well executed. I’m reading the third book in the series right now.
I also reread the entire Harry Potter series this year. Those are my favorite books of all time, so they deserved a mention!
Check out my Goodreads for more of what I read!