The Best Books You Read In 2022

Someone recently posed the question, “What were the best books of your year?” in Jess’s new online community (you can sign up here) and before we knew it, the chat was blowing up with great reads from 2022. There were so many excellent recommendations, we decided we needed to share the love on the blog. I always appreciate a good book recommendation, because there is nothing worse than trying to push through a book that is just not quite right or scrolling for hours trying to pick one with too many to choose from.

Reading provides an escape, a solace and a way to be quiet and still. There is nothing I love more on a cold winter day than cuddling up on the couch with hot tea and a blanket and being transported into a different world. So whether you are an avid reader and hoping to choose the first read of the new year or maybe you have fallen off the reading wagon and one of your intentions for 2023 is to read more. Look no further, today we are sharing some of our own and some of our reader’s favorite books from 2022 that will be sure to keep you turning pages in 2023.

The Best Books You Read In 2022

Malibu Rising

Malibu Rising was a definite favorite for many this year. Set on the California coast in Malibu, this makes a great beach escape amongst the cold, dark days of winter. Taylor Jenkins Reid does it again with this story about a famous family’s epic party and all the chaos that ensues when family secrets are divulged. I love the way Reid moves between various character perspectives and keeps things exciting with plot twists along the way. If you are in a bit of a reading slump, this page-turner will get you back on track! Check out our other favorites from Reid: Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

Another clear favorite amongst Jess’ readers was Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. This novel by Gabrielle Zevin is a love story unlike anyone you have ever read before. Two friends join forces to create a blockbuster video game and with their newfound fame comes money, deceit and tragedy. Although video games may not be your thing, this is a book for everyone with so much love, heart, wit, and sweetness.

Black Cake

Another popular read for 2022 was Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson. Currently being adapted as a Hulu original, Black Cake tells the story of two siblings in search of their mother’s secret past, which becomes mysteriously intertwined with her traditional Caribbean black cake recipe. Such a rich, delicious read you won’t want to miss!

Book Lovers

I absolutely adored Book Lovers by Emily Henry and so did so many others in 2022. This fiction rom-com is everything you want and need for a light, feel-good read in the new year. It gives you all the great feels of a cheesy, lifetime rom-com but with excellent writing, wit and sweetness. A fun, sweet page-turner to start off your year!

The Midnight Library

The Midnight Library has been on my list for a while and now that it has been so highly recommended I will have to put it on the top of my list for 2023. The Midnight Library is a place where one can read the story of their life as well as all the other stories of what their life could have been had they made different choices. When Nora Seed is faced with the decision of whether or not to change her life story in The Midnight Library she must consider what the true meaning of life is.

Crying In H Mart

Crying In H Mart by Michelle Zauner is a memoir of Zauner’s life growing up as a Korean American and a rockstar, while also chronicling the loss of her mother as she rediscovers herself. This honest account is full of life and its many struggles and triumphs and is relatable in so many ways.

I’m Glad My Mom Died

I’m Glad My Mom Died is another memoir by Jennette McCurdy– both heartbreaking and hilarious that chronicles her life as a childhood star, the trauma that ensued, a difficult relationship with her mother and how she reclaimed her life. Read by McCurdy herself, this one is also highly recommended on audible!

Mad Honey

I loved Mad Honey! Co-written by both Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan this love story turned homicide explores topics of gender, abuse and mental illness. Lily Campanello moves to small town New Hampshire for a fresh start where she falls in love with Asher McAfee. When Lily is found dead, Asher quickly becomes a lead suspect and his mother, Olivia must face her darkest fears about who her son really is. This suspenseful, love story will keep you turning pages late into the night!

The Maid

The Maid by Nita Prose is an unusual suspense mystery taking place in a hotel where Molly Gray works as a maid. Molly is quirky and struggles socially and is suddenly intertwined in the murder of one of her favorite guests. This story is mysterious, heartwarming, sweet, witty and suspenseful all at once!

Remarkably Bright Creatures

After the death of her husband, Tova Sullivan begins working at a local aquarium where she finds friendship in an unusual place, with an octopus. Soon the octopus who is remarkably smart sheds light on the mysterious disappearance of Tova’s son. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt is a tale about how finding closure in the past can unlock a future you could have never dreamed of.

It Ends With Us

If you are in a real reading doldrum and enjoy a good suspense-romance, Colleen Hoover is just what you need. It Ends With Us is the sequel to It Starts With Us, by Colleen Hoover who is a young adult author. Her books make for excellent, light, page-turning reads that you will finish in a few days.

And Yet

Jess loved Kate Baer’s And Yet released a few months ago. And Yet features poems with themes in motherhood, friendship, love and loss that provide insight, healing and peace. If you struggle to get into a novel and are strapped for time, this is an easy one to leave on your bedside table and read a poem or two each morning or evening.

Lessons In Chemistry

Another clear favorite for readers this year, was Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. With Marvelous Mrs. Maisel vibes, this novel takes place in the 1960s where Elizabeth Zott is a woman far beyond her times that uses humor and wit to show the world around her what women are truly made of and deserve. This story is hilarious, clever and you’ll fall in love with the rich characters within it.

What was your favorite read of 2022? Let us know in the comments!

More Reader Favorite Books of 2022

Somebody’s Daughter: A Memoir by Ashley C. Ford

Cloud Cuckoo Land: A Novel by Anthony Doerr

The Girl With The Louding Voice: A Novel by Abi Dare

Sea of Tranquility: A Novel by Emily St. John Mandel

Quiet: The Power of Introverts In A World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Body Talk: How To Embrace Your Body and Start Living Your Best life by Katie Sturino

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult TImes by Katherine May

Token Black Girl: A Memoir by Danielle Prescod

Solito: A memoir by Javier Zamora

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter By Erika L. Sanchez

The Measure: A Novel By Nikki Erlick

The People We Keep By Allison Larkin

This Is How It Always Is: A Novel By Laurie Frankel

Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Taste by Stanley Tucci

These Precious Days by Ann Patchett

If You Could Live Anywhere by Melanie Warnick

Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult