2022 in Books (Part 1)
This year’s reading goal is set at 20 books, and while I try not to focus on it too much because reading should be enjoyable and not forced, I am crushing my goal this year. I read 16 books in the first 6 months of 2022. I want to equate it to the kindle I received for Christmas this year. It makes it so easy to snag another book on my TBR list as soon as I finish a book.
I’ve linked all the books to Amazon, but I strongly encourage you to visit your local library or local small book store before buying on Amazon.
She Regrets Nothing by Andrea Dunlop | This book was okay. I wanted to love the characters, but I just didn’t care. I kept at it because I was hoping it would get better, but it didn’t. I’d pass on this book.
Wordslut by Amanda Montell | I will praise at the altar of everything Amanda Montell does. This book was great. I listened to the audiobook, but I have it on my list to buy for the house. There were so many nuggets of information that were so interesting and had me texting my friends.
We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz | I crushed this book. It was so good. Two friends go abroad and maybe murder someone and then chaos ensued. By the time the book ended I had no idea what I believed anymore.
Evidence of the Affair by Taylor Jenkins Reid | This was a short story written by TJR, and I love almost everything she writes so I knew it would be good. I loved it. If you are a TJR fan add this short story to your list.
Skin Cleanse by Adina Grigore | I enjoyed the first part of this book for the insight on having healthy skin from the inside out, but ultimately, this book was kind of like one big sales pitch for the author’s company. Or at least I felt it toward the end of the book. I did find value in learning about anti-inflammatory foods. I would only recommend reading the first part of this book.
Buy Yourself The Fucking Lillies by Tara Schuster | A friend sent me this book by surprise and wow, did I need it. And the loving gesture from my friend meant so much to me. I loved this book. It was the self-love kick in the pants that I needed. I strongly encourage you to read it, and then pass it along to a friend who might need it.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley | I enjoyed this read. It wasn’t my most loved read so far, but overall I enjoyed the story, which is interesting because I didn’t find any of the characters particularly lovable. However, I do feel like everyone got what was coming to them.
A History of Wild Places by Shea Ernshaw | I loved this book. It was like nothing I’d read before and I was so taken with the story. I was so curious to figure out what happened to the characters. I highly recommend this book.
Rock Paper Scissor by Alice Feeney | This book was so good. I tore through it. It’s a bit of a wild story that has a twist at the end I didn’t see coming. Add this to your vacation read list for sure.
Atomic Habits by James Clear | This book has been on my list for a while and I finally made a point to read it. I actually listened to the book while reading the hard copy. I made notes in the book as needed and marked the date and pen color in the front. This is a book I will re-read again and again, and I want to see what sticks out to me each time.
Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid | This was probably my least favorite TJR read. It wasn’t a bad story, but I didn’t love it. It didn’t stick with me quite like other books of hers have. It was an easy quick read.
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley | I enjoyed this story. There were so many points of view and weird parts of the story happening that you are left wondering until almost the end of the book. If you liked any of Lucy Foley’s books this one won’t disappoint.
Quit Like A Woman by Holly Whitaker | When I decided to quit drinking alcohol I knew I wanted to read a few books and perspectives on the process. I enjoyed this book and appreciated the action items. At times I was angry learning about the patriarchy behind women drinking alcohol. Some pieces felt a little too “woo woo” for me, but I think in this instance take what you need and leave what you don’t
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel | Wow, this book was amazing. I was crying toward the end because I cannot imagine going through what the characters went through to save themselves and all of the people and children impacted by the Nazis. I loved every minute of this book.
God Spare the Girls by Kelsey McKinney | This book was recommended to me when I shared I was listening to the Normal Gossip podcast. It is written by the podcast host, and while this book is not my norm, I could not put it down. It is based in Texas around a preacher’s family, and how his actions impact his daughters. While I wasn’t raised in a super religious house, this book felt very close to home with where it was based and how nosey small towns can be.
Not Drinking Tonight by Amanda E. White | I didn’t enjoy this one as much as Quit Like A Woman. The examples felt a little elementary to me, but I did find it helpful in learning from another’s experience of not drinking. If I had to choose between this and another book about being sober, I would choose the other book.
Did you read any of the books above last year? What is the best book you’ve read so far this year?
xx,
Linds
