My Top 10 Books of 2022!

There’s no better way to end the year than to share my top favorite books! Here are some notable reads of books I read in 2022 that I enjoyed and/or left a lasting impression on me. As always, it was hard to narrow down this list, but I did it!

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Spy Family Vol.1 by Tatsuya Endo – This story follows a spy who has to “build a family” to execute a mission, not realizing that the girl he adopts as a daughter and the woman he agrees to be in a marriage with are a mind reader and an assassin. Trust me and just read this series. You won’t be disappointed.

Witch Hat Atelier Vol. 1 by Kamome Shirahama – The world-building in this fantasy story truly whisks the readers away to Coco’s world full of whimsy and wonder. Because she is young there is a naivete that surrounds her aura, but I love her willingness to learn and explore the world around her. Her energetic spirit will warm the reader’s hearts as she does her best to navigate her journey as a witch.

Himawari House by Harmony Becker – A beautiful graphic novel about culture, sisterhood, and friendships. I grew to love the characters: Nao, Tina, and Hyejung, and when the story ended, I felt a satisfying closure but also alluded to what their futures might behold. The novel focuses on the women’s journey of heritage in a foreign country while trying o grow as individuals and it’s a story many readers can connect to. I really enjoy coming-of-age stories and that’s what drew me to the book. Seeing the women grapple with language struggles and home while adapting to a new life really struck a chord with me (and will with other readers too).

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A Thousand Steps Into Night by Traci Chee – Following our main character Miuko, her life is suddenly changed when she encounters a terrifying demon. Miuko starts to notice how she slowly lingers between the world of the living and the dead and must try to find a way to break the curse before it’s too late. What I love about this novel is the heightened sense of adventure and the aura of mystery. The story is rich with Japanese folklore which has been mentioned in countless stories and also introduces them in a way that makes them accessible to new audiences. (Review)

Behind Her Lives by Briana Cole – A mind-bending thriller that has so many twists and turns that reading it felt like being on a speeding train non-stop. The story follows Deven, who finds out her sister Kennedy has died under mysterious circumstances. Unsatisfied with the answers she’s been given she decides to go on an investigation on her own and starts to unravel the lies that surround her sister’s life. I love a good mystery that feels like a puzzle and Behind really delivers on that aspect. (Review)

Umma’s Table by Yeon-Sik Hong – A beautifully written story about food and family. Following the narrative of Madang’s journey of living in the countryside, readers see him trying to establish a new life for himself and his family. All the while Madang is starting new beginnings he grapples with the ailing health of his parents. The narrative of the novel shows readers how food can be such a powerful thing. It brings us together, helps us cope (as Madang remembers his mother’s heart dishes to deal with grief), and has traditions that are passed down from one person to another. (Review)

Rust in the Root by Justina Ireland – Rust in The Root is a thrilling and entertaining fantasy that takes readers through an alternate version of US history.  The novel follows the main character, Laura, who lives in a world divided full of technology and magic. I loved the unique concepts of Mechomancy and Mages (which also slightly reminded me of Huxley’s Brand New World). The story is fast-paced, and the addition of multiple point-of-views adds to the overall experience. (Review)

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Neruda On The Park by Cleyvis Natera – A narrative that weaves together the tale of the Guerrero’s who live in the neighborhood of Nothar Park. This historical and rich neighborhood is under the threat of gentrification as a company wants to bring in new apartment buildings. I appreciated the constant shift of point-of-view while the detailed writing also allowed you to get into the character’s head. This novel is lyrically written, emotional, and sometimes heartbreaking. (Review)

Spirit Hunters by Ellen Oh – Oh does a fantastic job of setting up an eerie, unsettling atmosphere that follows you throughout the book. I appreciated the aspect of an unreliable narrator which added a layer of suspense to the novel. Harper (the main character) knows that something is wrong, but her memory loss means she isn’t sure of what is fact or fiction. Each scare intensifies over the course of the plot while moving at a smooth pace. I loved the jump scares, and subtle horror features!

Forbidden by Beverly Jenkins – Following the story of Eddy, readers go with her on her journey to pick up the pieces after her dreams of owning a business are temporarily put on hold. While putting her life back together her encounter with Rhine changes things. Like Jenkins’s other novels I loved the romance but also the detailed historical bits about life in the Old West. The novel also touches on important discussions about race especially with the Rhine as he has been “passing” for most of his life and when he meets Eddy he’s come to a crossroads to decide who he truly wants to be. 

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What books made your top list for 2022? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.