Best Books of 2022
As we say good-bye to the year 2022, I am reminiscing on my favorite books I read this year. Below are all of the books I rated with five stars. Each book also has a link to my original book review, in case you want more information. The books are listed in the order I read them.
The Labyrinth of the Spirits by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (My Book Review)
This book is a masterpiece! The entire series has been an amazing adventure of Barcelona through such fascinating characters. I’m in awe of Carlos Ruiz Zafon’s unbelievable talent to weave together so many characters over so many books and create this final installment in the series, The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, that comes together beautifully.
The Storyteller by Jodi Piccoult (My Book Review)
The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult is a perfectly titled book. This beautifully written novel actually weaves many stories together. I wasn’t quite sure what I was in for when the story began with meeting Sage at a grief group. She’s an introverted baker who meets Joseph, an elderly widowed man.
The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis (My Book Review)
I am becoming a fan of historical fiction and Fiona Davis has played a significant role. I absolutely love her books.
Bull Mountain by Brian Panowich (My Book Review)
Set in Appalachia, Bull Mountain by Brian Panowich, tells the story of a family’s legacy of violence, drugs, guns, and intimidation.
Like Lions by Brian Panowich (My Book Review)
I purchased this signed copy of Like Lions by Brian Panowich during my first visit to the independent bookstore, The Poisoned Pen, in Scottsdale, Arizona. A bookseller recommended Brian Panowich during a conversation in which I mentioned how much I like author David Joy. I’m so grateful I was introduced to this author.
Out of the Corner by Jennifer Grey (My Book Review)
Jennifer Grey wrote and narrated an excellent memoir, Out of the Corner. The prologue opens with a detailed account of her infamous nose job.
Poeland by J.W. Ocker (My Book Review)
I purchased Poe-Land, when it was initially published and like a lot of books in my library, it sat on the shelf in our Poe shrine begging me to read it. I was fully motivated to move it to the top of my TBR (to be read) list when we planned our trip to the Poe Museum in Richmond, Virginia.
Snow Flakes by Ruth Ware (My Book Review)
I read Ruth Ware’s short story, Snowflakes, through Amazon Prime Reading/Audible. This was not at all what I expected and I mean that in the best way possible! This is an excellent short story. Ruth Ware played tricks on my mind!
The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis (My Book Review)
I fell in love with historical fiction thanks to Fiona Davis. She’s an incredibly talented storyteller; she’s able to blend actual history with a fascinating imaginary tale. This novel of an artist’s model trying to make ends meet while grieving the unexpected loss of her mother had me immediately sucked in.
How Can I Help? by Ram Dass (My Book Review)
As a student of Ram Dass’ teachings, and having a career in a helping profession, I was especially eager to read this book. Ram Dass established the Love, Serve, Remember Foundation; therefore, his teachings consistently encourage being of service to others. I was eager to read his and Paul Gorman’s thoughts on the concept of helping others with the depth a book can provide.
Lark Ascending by Silas House (My Book Review)
Lark Ascending, by Silas House, immediately struck me as an emotionally intense story. I felt great heaviness of significant loss and inconceivable change within the first few pages. The emotional weight of sadness lifted a bit in the middle of the story, but it was replaced by suspense and worry.
Equilibrium by Kenneth “KennyFresh” Woods (My Book Review)
Equilibrium by Kenneth “KennyFresh” Woods is a collection of poems. Woods is a writer and spoken word artist. The first poem, Challenger Point, immediately struck a chord. Woods talks about depression and references darkness and light.
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