Happy New Year everyone! We made it through another year… and what a year it was!
Just as I did in 2021, I destroyed my Goodreads Challenge of reading 75 books and ended up reading 123 books!! What?! Never in my life have I read so much. Of course, I did hit a serious slump in November and December, only reading ? books combined between the two months. Not great, but considering how much I read the other ten months of the year… not bad either.
The only thing bad about reading so many books in a year is that it’s hard to remember what books I actually read, but I simply cannot pace myself when it comes to reading. I read fast and furious and there’s no stopping me. Plus, I get really stressed out if I’m not reading something… so reading only two books a month is a no-no for me. Er, well, it happens… but I don’t like it when it happens.
THE WORDS WE KEEP
This was such a good book on so many levels. I had gotten it as a digital galley and I definitely plan to buy a copy soon (unless I got it for Christmas). It tackles mental health, the stigma against mental illnesses, and the aftermath of a suicide attempt and how it affects everyone close to that person.
I MUST BETRAY YOU
This book was amazing. Just, amazing. I guess I was in so much awe of it that I forgot to write a review, because I can’t find it anywhere.
*To my surprise, I didn’t write a review of this. I will be rectifying this mishap in early 2023.
THE RIGHT SIDE OF RECKLESS
I knew right away that this book would likely be in my top favorites of 2022, and I was right. I adored this book so much. It was sweet, character-driven, and a book that I didn’t want to rush through. I wanted to savor it as I read and really soak in these characters.
IF HE HAD BEEN WITH ME
I got this novel from the Once Upon a Book Club box, which I only did one month of… but damn did I choose the right month for it! I’m not a big fan of historical fiction, but the dual timeline of this novel and the story that took place in the past sold me on this book and I enjoyed reading it all the way through!
THEART OF INSANITY
This book was just so freaking good. It’s another book that tackles mental illness and how it’s perceived by those close to the character with bipolar disorder. There’s character growth, learning who you can really trust as friends, and it even shows how those who treat mental illness as a shameful thing can learn that it’s not and learn to break the stigma.
AMERICAN ROYALS
I wasn’t too sure how I’d like this book going into it, but it became one of my favorites of the year (as well as the rest of the series so far). I became very attached to these characters and how they’ve grown over three books, and I’m highly anticipating the fourth one coming in 2023!
DON’T BREATHE A WORD
I had no doubts that I’d enjoy this book, as I absolutely loved the author’s debut book, The Paper Girl of Paris. This is yet another past-meets-the-present story, tying together two girls’ lives at a boarding school, and the truth about a mysterious student death back in the early 60’s.
YOU’D BE HOME NOW
This is one of those books that I can’t put into words how good it is. It’s such a powerful book and it’s very thought provoking. The fact that it deals with drug addiction might hit hard for some readers – just to put that in as a warning – but if you can handle it, then you should read this book.
FAR FROM THE TREE
When I had posted I wanted to read this book, a lot of readers said they’d loved this book, so I made it a priority earlier this summer and man, I’m glad I read it. It’s such a great book about lost-lost siblings finding one another and making a connection, even when it’s incredibly awkward at first. I loved the characters so much that I wanted the book to be longer, but you know… all good books must end.
MEET ME IN THE MIDDLE
This book took my heart and stomped on it. I knew it would too. Still, the characters and their relationship are just, perfect. The story is perfect. The color of the book is perfect. Definitely a book I’d recommend.
Daughter of the Moon Goddess – Sue Lynn Tan
One True King – Soman Chainani
Blame it On the Mistletoe – Beth Garrod
The Last Checkmate – Gabriella Saab
Six Months Later – Natalie D. Richards
As always, it’s hard to narrow down the list to just ten books. There are so many good books that I read this year, which is why I included the honorable mentions. There are still a few that I didn’t mention, but I can only mention so many. I did read a lot of great books this year, but I think next year I’m going to try to slow my reading pace down a bit. While it’s cool to read over 100 books in a year, I feel like that might be too many because some books seem like I read them so long ago, and it was only a few months, not years. It’s weird, I know.
Anyway, that’s my list of favorite books for 2022! I’ve already got some I’m looking forward to read in 2023… and by “some” I mean, a lot.
What were some of your top books of 2022? Are any of mine on your TBR?
Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. Check out her blog for upcoming Top Ten Tuesday topics!
Genie in a Novel 
I am the exact same way — I read fast and furious and get upset when I literally CANNOT READ. I also had a horrible slump October – November, so I hope that yours has come to an end just like mine did. I haven’t read any of these books (what!) but I’ll definitely be checking them out now. Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad yours ended. I think mine might be over. It’s just that I’m getting a slow start thanks to freaking covid. Yes! I hope you like any that you read. Happy New Year to you too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Far From the Tree! That’s a favorite of mine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t read any of these books yet, but I love your enthusiasm for them!
My post: https://lydiaschoch.com/top-ten-tuesday-favorite-books-of-2022/
LikeLiked by 1 person
We also loved I Must betray You!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve had my eye on a few of these, but I definitely need to read I Must Betray You and Far From The Tree. I hope you enjoy your reading in 2023!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you enjoy yours too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve not read any of these, but I Must Betray You is on my TBR and I’ve seen it on several people’s Best of lists this week, which is making me even more excited to read it.
My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2023/01/03/top-ten-tuesday-401/
LikeLiked by 1 person
I MUST BETRAY YOU is on my list today this week, too. It’s such a great book! Thought-provoking, atmospheric, memorable, etc. I’m glad it’s getting so much love 🙂
Happy TTT (on a Wednesday)!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is! I felt a small connection to it too as my grandfather grew up in Romania (he left around 1950 or so, but there’s more family there)
LikeLike
There are some amazing books on here.
Have a great week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! You as well!
LikeLike
Congrats on reading 123 books! I’m glad you liked the Ruta Sepetys novel. I’m excited for that one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! It was so good! The first book of hers I’ve ever read.
LikeLike