2022 was another very good year for reading. It was my 4th year in a row of reading 30+ books. It’s safe to say it’s a habit at this point. I read most days fitting it in whenever I can – over lunch instead of scrolling my phone, waiting in drive line, while brushing my teeth, before bed.
I read 37 books in 2022, which is virtually the same total as the past few years. Most were solid 3s on my rating scale with a handful of standouts. Below are my personal top 5 in no particular order + a few bonus picks (also see 2021, 2020, 2019). For me, a book reaches top status if it stays with me and I find myself recommending it over and over.
Top 5 Books in 2022
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin: Two childhood friends reconnect in their college years and create a video game that will change their lives. A beautiful story of friendship and love. My favorite book of the year. I originally read a library copy and had to buy one for my own bookshelf.
Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau: A story about a fourteen-year-old girl’s coming of age in 1970s Baltimore, caught between her straight-laced family and the progressive family she nannies for—who happen to be secretly hiding a famous rock star and his movie star wife for the summer. I adored this book – a true delight.
Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan: A romance between a romance channel screenwriter divorced mother of two and a former Sexiest Man Alive actor filming a movie in her home. A sweet romance that left me rooting for them.
We Are Not Like Them by Christine Walsh and Jo Piazza: Told from alternating perspectives, this deeply felt tale of race and friendship follows two women, one Black and one white, whose friendship is indelibly altered by a tragic event. I am still thinking about this book months after reading it.
Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy: The best parenting book I’ve ever read. It’s changed my life and helped me understand my kids more. I don’t think you have to be a parent to apply the tips to any relationship.
Bonus picks
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood: When a fake relationship between scientists meets the irresistible force of attraction, it throws one woman’s carefully calculated theories on love into chaos. The main character is quirky and I loved that she stayed true to herself.
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune: Told from altering timelines, a sweet summer romance between friends that meet at their family lake house, drifted apart and find their way back to each other.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus: The story of a female scientist in 1960s California whose career takes a detour when she becomes the unlikely star of a beloved TV cooking show. A witty reflection on life in the 60s and challenging the status quo.
RATING SYSTEM
Before I get into the full list of books I read this year along with my rating, I wanted to remind you of my rating system.
5: A book that you treasure and keep prominently displayed on your bookshelf. All other books will likely be measured against this one.
4: Could not put it down, possibly read through the night, still thinking about it, extremely satisfying and highly recommended
3: Captured my interest, entertaining, would seek other titles by the same author, would recommend
2: Okay to pass the time, probably not memorable, just okay
1: DNF or ended up feeling dissatisfied
Every Book I Read in 2022
- Kitchens of the Great Midwest: 3.5
- The Last Thing He Told Me: 4
- The Love Hypothesis: 4.5
- Just Haven’t Met You Yet: 3
- The Holiday Swap: 3
- One Night on the Island: 3.5
- Black Cake: 4.5
- Wahala: 2.5
- The Guncle: 3.5
- The Paris Library: 2.5
- In a New York Minute: 3
- Sister Stardust: 3
- Mary Jane: 4.5
- Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow: 5
- One Last Stop: 2
- Every Summer After: 4
- Under One Roof: 3
- The Glass Castle: 4
- Part of Your World: 3
- Something Wilder: 2.5
- We Are Not Like Them: 4
- Love on the Brain: 3
- The Secret Life of Violet Grant: 2
- Lessons in Chemistry: 4
- Book Lovers: 3.5
- Under One Roof: 4
- Stuck with You: 3
- Nora Goes Off Script: 5
- Rivals: 2.5
- Hook, Line, and Sinker: 3
- Carrie Soto is Back: 3
- Killers of a Certain Age: 4
- Good Inside: 5
- Holiday Romance: 3
- All I Want for Christmas: 3
- The Christmas Wish: 3
- The Arc: 3
