2022 Book Review

To be honest, this year I listened to more books than I read. It seemed I had more time to multi-task while walking, driving, or cleaning than I did to sit down and read a book.

If you are looking for your next book to read or a holiday gift, here are 10 that stood out for me in 2022 (in no particular order):

Finding Me by Viola Davis | Viola’s story is an inspiring reminder that we are good enough and deserving of love. Her resilience in the face of childhood poverty, her courage to overcome discrimination in the media industry, and her journey to find happiness—I loved it all!

The Winners by Fredrik Backman | Book #3 in the Beartown series does not disappoint. I love this hockey town. I love the characters. But I especially loved following their stories and learning how their journeys unfolded… and how the town kept them connected.

Notes on a Silencing by Lacy Crawford | A survivor’s powerful story about the cover-up of a rape at a private boarding school. We ask ourselves, “How can this happen?” By sharing her story, Lacy explains how it happened.

Dear Martin by Nic Stone | Set in Atlanta, this book tells the story of high school student Justyce McAllister and shines a light on race relations. Reading this Young Adult book with my middle schooler opened the door for us to talk about current events and real-life situations of racism—especially the importance of being open-minded and being an upstander.

Called to Forgive by Anthony B. Thompson– Rev. Thompson recounts the murder of his wife (Myra) at Emanuel AME, his grief, and his powerful choice to forgive the shooter. I enjoyed how he integrated the concept of biblical love and mercy with facts about gun violence. The legacy of the Emanuel Nine is a powerful reminder that we control our response and actions. Let’s be beautiful, even when others are ugly.

Broken Horses by Brandi Carlile – Listen to the audiobook because it’s a book and an album all in one! After each chapter, Brandi sings a related song or two. I loved the musical interludes and the stories about their creation. This beautiful and thoughtful compilation of her experiences allowed me to learn about Brandi and the craft of song writing.

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman | The setting for this story is an apartment open house that brings strangers together. This book was not what I expected… I loved all of the characters and how their stories came together in the most fun and unexpected ways. For me, this book is Backman’s storytelling at its best. He has a way of capturing the humanity in all of us.

Afterparties by Anthony Veasna So | A captivating collection of beautifully written short stories about Cambodian immigrants and their Cambodian-American children living in California.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus | Everyone was reading this book, including me! It was a fun read. I turned the pages quickly to find out what was next in the evolution of Elizabeth Zott. I read this during a moment when I needed to hear about a strong woman figuring out how to live her best life. It was just what I needed.

Good Morning, Monster by Catherine Gildiner | In this collection, the author shares five stories that illuminate how a therapist helps their patients to understand and overcome trauma. Each story is unique, but what they share is the desire to learn and be our best selves. We all can benefit from asking for help.

If you are curious about the other books I read or listened to this year (or in prior years), check out my bookshelves on Goodreads.

What great books did you read this year? Please share your recommendations and favorites in the comments.

This post reflects my personal views. It is not necessarily a reflection of the official views of my employer.