2022, another year over. This was a pretty good reading year – 28 books in total, under my initial (and overly ambitious) reading goal of 40 but over my revised goal of 25. I am always in awe at readers who can manage 52+ (the only time I got close to that, other than when studying for my Literature degree 10+ years ago, was 2020).
Before I get on to my favourites, here’s a quick wrap up:
Of these 28:
- 17% were non-fiction, 83% fiction
- All but one were written by women
- 57% of authors were American, 37% British, with the remaining being Irish and Australian. This is less geographically diverse than previous years and something I want to improve on in 2023!
I love these wrap-ups because they remind of how much joy there is in reading a book you adore. Here are my top reads of 2022…
Genre: contemporary fiction
In a sentence: an incredibly eye-opening read that introduced me to Deaf culture in all its exuberance.
How High We Go In The Dark
by Sequoia Nagamatsu
Genre: lit fic/sci-fi/speculative
In a sentence: deeply imaginative, illuminating and original stories from a plague-ridden world that transcend the boundaries of genre.
Genre: contemporary fiction
In a sentence: refreshing and empowering perspective on the sex work industry with whip-smart commentary on contemporary culture.
Genre: lit fic
My one 5-star read of the year. In a sentence: a biting and deliciously dark story, satirizing the publishing world and the creative process in a very on-the-nose way. Publishing 2023!
Genre: poetry
In a sentence: poetry and prose that is candid and funny, playful yet serious, and unflinchingly honest on the realities of motherhood.
Genre: lit fic
In a sentence: a translator navigates language and power in this brilliant, incisive novel where the writing is a joy to behold.
Genre: memoir
In a sentence: an irrepressibly energetic book told through the eyes of a nine-year-old – a hilarious and moving rallying cry.
Happy new year – let’s hope it’s a good one!
NOVELS AND TEACUPS 