Now that we're knee-deep in 2023, it's time to look back at our best reads from 2022!
This is a list of the books we most enjoyed reading last year, which means titles aren't restricted to those released in 2022. We hope that you will share some of these wonderful reading experiences with us, whether new or old, and join us for another exciting year of reading.
Happy new year!
20th Century Boys by Naoki Urasawa
Genre: Mystery, thriller, manga
Recommended by Jack and Rocío. Jack says:
This book was bonkers in the very best of ways! The mystery involves a group of 30-somethings who notice that the emergence of a new cult and chemical attacks around the globe coincide all too neatly with the stories they made up together as children. Urasawa writes such exciting stories that twist and turn and overlap, with a palpable sense of mystery and intrigue.
Alternate Routes by Tim Powers
Genre: Science fiction, urban fantasy
Recommended by Sam:
A classic Hollywood noir shot through with myth, magic, history and legend. Endlessly inventive!
Bachelor Brother's Bed & Breakfast by Bill Richardson
Genre: Humor
Recommended by Patt P.:
Hector and Virgil, twin brothers, operate a B&B on an island. "Charming" is a word I avoid - but this will charm the living bejeebers out of you.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Genre: Romance
Recommended by Kirsten:
I read romance for the emotional journey that the characters undergo, and this one is just perfect.
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Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
Genre: Historical fiction
Recommended by Pat M.:
Award winning book (2013) translated in over 30 languages this is the story of Agnes who murdered her former master and was sent to an isolated farm in Iceland to await her execution. The stark landscape and the doom of her life depending on what others have told about her is riveting and hauntingly descriptive. 5 stars from me.
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Circe by Madeline Miller
Genre: Historical fiction, Greek mythology, fantasy
Recommended by Kirsten:
I love a good retelling and this one does not disappoint.
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Claire of the Sea Light by Edwidge Danticat
Genre: Historical fiction
Recommended by Pat M.:
A spellbinding story of a girl living in a small seaside town, growing up without a mother that died at her childbirth. Her father feels she might be better off being raised by a shopkeeper that had lost a child. On Claire's 7th birthday he makes the gut-wrenching decision and she disappears. A tightly woven novel of what it means to be a parent, child, neighbor, lover, and friend.
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Conclave by Robert Harris
Genre: Ecclesiastical thriller
Recommended by Sam:
The Pope is dead. Was he murdered?! No, it's not that kind of book. What this novel captures in such fascinating detail is the process of a papal conclave, the human drama that surrounds this secretive gathering and the ambitions of the men that will decide the future of the church. Plus the main character's name is Jacopo Lomeli, which is just a cool name. Building to an unexpected and moving ending, it is a book I heartily endorse. 5 out of 5!
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Days Without End by Sebastian Barry
Genre: Historical fiction
Recommended by Debbie M.:
One of many novels chronicling the McNulty family over generations in Ireland and the U.S. All are among the best books I've read in recent years.
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The Dig by John Preston
Genre: Historical fiction
Recommended by Rocío:
This historical novel had me researching mound burials! It was also made into a very good film which I also recommend.
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The Dutch House by Ann Patchet
Genre: Historical fiction
Recommended by Kira:
A heartbreaking story about a family wrenched apart by their connection to, or disdain for, a beautiful house. It made me think about how the spaces we occupy define our identities and even relationships to one another. The audiobook is read by Tom Hanks, making it especially enjoyable!
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Either/Or by Elif Batuman
Genre: Contemporary fiction, coming-of-age story
Recommended by Debbie M.:
Sophomore year adventures of the heroine of 'The Idiot' (recommended below!)
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French Braid by Anne Tyler
Genre: Historical fiction
Recommended by Kirsten:
I am a long-time fan of Tyler's and I love a good family saga.
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The Girl from the Other Side: Siúl, a Rún by Nagabe
Genre: Dark fantasy, slice of life, mystery, manga
Recommended by Jack:
A dark fairytale with astonishing artwork. This story takes the time to slowly draw you into its world, creating familiarity and comfort in mundanity, allowing the drama to soar in contrast when the plot really starts to unfold. This deluxe edition is such a beautiful book, I really recommend it!
Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon
Genre: Historical fiction, romance, fantasy
Recommended by Rocío:
I mean, once you start how can you stop? This is book nine of ten planned volumes, and after nine volumes, the Outlander world is so crystal clear to me that I feel I am part of it...temporarily, at least!
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The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
Genre: High fantasy, fantasy of manners
Recommended by Jack:
Books that champion compassion and kindness can seem be hard to come by, and yet are so important! The protagonist, Maia, will be a character I will always remember - he is thrust into a cruel and deceitful world, and responds to it with heart and integrity. He's not perfect - nobody is - but he shows us that we always have a choice in how we act towards those around us.
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The Greengage Summer by Rumer Godden
Genre: Historic fiction, coming-of-age story
Recommended by Patt P.:
This is one of my favourite books, by one of my favourite authors. A British family (sans père) are vacationing in France, after World War 2. The story is told by one of the children. Would you believe I've read it 5 times?
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Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton
Genre: Science fiction, humor, fantasy
Recommended by Jenna:
ST, a pet crow, is very upset when he notices his owner & all the humans around him have turned into zombies. Now it's up to him & his dog friend Dennis to try to save humanity. Described as "The Secret Life of Pets meets the zombie apocalypse," this book is hilariously funny. In addition to the humor, it's often surprisingly profound & poignant. Favorite read of 2022!
Jade City by Fonda Lee
Genre: Urban fantasy
Recommended by Jenna:
The Godfather, but with magic kung fu. Jade City is the story of the Kaul family and their struggle for dominance over their rivals. The characters are memorable & very well written, the setting feels incredibly real, & the action scenes are excellent.
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The Idiot by Elif Batuman
Genre: Contemporary fiction, coming-of-age story
Recommended by Debbie M.:
A sheltered Turkish-American girl arrives for her first year at Harvard. She studies linguistics, literature, philosophy and art and becomes obsessed with a boy she meets in Russian class.
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Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant
Genre: Horror, fantasy
Recommended by Rocío:
An edge of your seat horror novel which paints merfolk in a merciless light.
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The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi
Genre: Science fiction
Recommended by Debbie B.:
Like a Godzilla movie, but present-day and with much better dialog. And snark.
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Knight Owl by Christopher Denise
Genre: Picture book, fantasy
Recommended by Debbie B.:
An adorable story about playing to your strengths and being your own person.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Genre: Historical fiction, humor
Recommended by Kirsten:
I found this really difficult to put down, with engaging characters and a terrific storyline.
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The Mask of Mirrors by M. A. Carrick
Genre: Dark fantasy
Recommended by Jenna:
Ren, a con-artist, plots to infiltrate the ranks of a noble house by posing as a long-lost cousin. She ends up with more than she bargained for as she becomes entangled in deadly plots that threaten the entire city. This is a rich, detailed fantasy full of intrigue. There’s also magic based on tarot and numerology!
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A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine
Genre: Science fiction, space opera, mystery, LGBTQ
Recommended by Jack:
Martine takes the time to fully flesh out her world, filled with a wonderful attention to detail that make the world, the characters, and consequences for actions feel immediately and intimately believable. This is such a rollercoaster of a book!
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Messy Roots by Laura Gao
Genre: Autobiography, graphic novel, young adult
Recommended by Rocío:
Well paced graphic novel about a first-generation American and the ties that bind.
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Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
Genre: Fantasy, horror