2022 in Books (Part 2)
Last year, I set out to read 20 books and completely demolished that goal by reading 42 books. Our month away in Phoenix helped as we didn’t watch TV the entire time we were there, and spent many hours out by the pool. I will say after typing out this list, I have a hard time recalling some or most of the details on these books without reading a synopsis online. And while I want to read a lot this year, maybe I’ll slow down some to help myself retain the books more because ultimately that is the important part of reading.
I’ve linked all the books to Amazon, but I strongly encourage you to visit your local library or local small bookstore before buying on Amazon.
Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid | I love almost everything Taylor Jenkins Reid writes, and this book was no exception. As always characters from past books make appearances and I’m eagerly looking out for them. This story was one I devoured. I cannot wait for the series in a couple weeks.
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell | Let’s all kneel at the altar of Amanda Montell. I’m fascinated by language, so this book was right up my alley. I listened to it but would love to add this to my shelf as a hardcover so I can refer back to its many amazing points throughout life.
The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck by Sarah Knight | I listened to this book on dog walks and truthfully, I didn’t enjoy it that much. I thought I would like it given my what feels like never-ending hope to not care what others think, but I remember finishing it and being like meh, okay.
The Cousins by Karen M. McManus | I enjoyed this story. It was an interesting, quick read that I enjoyed by the pool. The story of the Story family kept me engaged and it wrapped up nicely at the end.
Greenwich Park by Katherine Faulkner | I enjoyed this book. It doesn’t move fast throughout the book, but I enjoyed the character development. But also the main character drove me nuts with how she was drawn to this other character. We all know she is bad for you! Why can’t you see it? But then there wouldn’t be a story would there?
Untamed by Glennon Doyle | Like most women (maybe even just white women), I think I found a lot about this book that felt very uplifting and made me feel like “yeah! I am empowered!” There are good tidbits here and there throughout the book, and it did renew some vigor for life in me during the read.
Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica | I enjoyed this book. If you’re into thrillers this story won’t really feel like anything new, and it’s an easy read.
The Book of Lost and Found by Lucey Foley | The story is different from my usual thriller, but I found the story interesting. I wanted to know more about the characters and how their lives intertwined.
You’ll Grow Out Of It by Jessi Klein | This book made me laugh out loud so many times. Jessi Klein is so relatable and funny. I would recommend listening to this book to hear the author tell her story.
The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen | I really enjoy these authors. Their writing brings me in and I love the stories they weave. Make this your next read!
The Rules Do Not Apply by Ariel Levy | Truthfully, I cannot remember what I liked or didn’t like about this book. I know I listened to it while I walk Ulysses in the morning while we were in Phoenix, but that’s about it. Re-reading the summary, I do feel like I want to give this book another go.
The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley | I liked this book. It was an easy read, and the thrill is different than the common themes seen in the genre. Friends from college all meet in an isolated cabin to celebrate the New Year, and by January first, one of them is dead. This book made me evaluate my friendships because resentment is a scary bitch!
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert | I only listened to the audiobook of this, and I want to revisit it with the hardcover to take notes in the margin. This is a book that will bring back your gumption and vigor to achieve the things you want. It will be a regular re-read for me.
What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty | This is my first Liane Moriarty book, and this story was okay. I wasn’t thrilled with the ending and struggled to find the main character likable.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig | I enjoyed this book so much. It felt like a dream I would have and come back to time and time again. It is a wonderful story of what makes a life fulfilling and worth living.
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn | I read about half of this book when we lived in Vegas and then we had to move and I finally got around to borrowing it from our local library. It is such a good story. I’m a bit of a sucker for historical fiction, women silently kicking butt kind of stories. This was my first Kate Quinn book and I’ve more to my TBR.
The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager | This book had a twist I wasn’t prepared for at all. This book was kind of a same story of a woman who thinks they see something then other characters think she is losing it which I admit is kind of tired but the ending wow!
Hello Molly!: A Memoir by Molly Shannon | Gosh Molly Shannon is hilarious. I loved hearing about her life, upbringing, and start in the business. She is weird and I LOVE it! I’m here for her characters and slapstick comedy laughs.
The It Girl by Ruth Ware | I am either hot or cold on Ruth Ware books, but this story was okay IMO. The story was a bit different than what I am used to with thriller novels, so I did enjoy that aspect.
Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid | Again with a TJR book that I loved. I truly hope this book becomes a movie. The characters are so good, and you find yourself rooting for Carrie throughout the entire book.
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner | I had heard so much about this book and I loved it. This was a story that hits you in your heart and makes you reflect upon your connection with your family and who you are. I love the pieces where the author describes stories revolving around food as it really is a HUGE connecting force.
Nothing Good Can Come From This by Kristi Coulter | This book drew me in as someone who stopped drinking alcohol within the last year. I wanted to hear about the author’s experience. I feel this will be a book I come back to as I continue down this sober curious path.
The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf | TW: kidnapping and rape play a heavy aspect of this story. I devoured this book. I wanted to know what happened to the family and why the main character was there. What connection was there between the two?
Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Up by Selma Blair | Wow! I was so impressed with Selma Blair’s Memoir. She made me feel something deep inside myself that I wasn’t expecting. She is such a lovely human and hearing about her struggles with MS and substance abuse were
More Than You’ll Ever Know by Katie Gutierrez | I loved this book. When books are set in places I am familiar with, in this case, Texas, I find it easier to get sucked in. Especially if the story is well told. The story is unique in that it details the life of a woman with a double life and what she will do to protect both.
Did you read any of the books above last year? What is the best book you’ve read so far this year?
xx,
Linds
