Books I Read in 2022 + My To-Read List for the New Year

I used to devour books when I was younger. I never stopped loving to read — but time slips away, and having kids takes a lot out of you (haha).

In 2021, I finally picked up a book again. At the time, I was dealing with chronic pain and forced to rest more than I wanted to. Resting doesn’t come naturally to me, but I had a few books about chronic illness and healing that I’d been meaning to read.

So, I set a goal for 2022: read 24 books — two per month.

I got ahead of my goal pretty quickly, but as life shifted and new priorities took over, I came up a little short. Still, 17 out of 24 isn’t bad, and I’m genuinely proud of myself for rediscovering my love of reading!

What I Read in 2022

I found that I really love reading historical fiction, with mystery coming in a close second.

Here are some of my top favorites from the year:

The Four Winds and The Nightingale — Kristin Hannah

The Four Winds was the first book I completed in 2022, and it instantly made me want to read all of Kristin Hannah’s historical fiction.

It’s set during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl era, following a woman and her children as they make the long trek to California in search of a better life.

Later in the year, I read The Nightingale — and wow. I cried a lot. It’s set during World War II and follows two sisters in France, each finding her own way to fight through the war. One is left to care for her daughter while her husband serves, and the other is rebellious and willing to risk everything. Heart-wrenching and unforgettable.

Cormoran Strike Series — Robert Galbraith

The Cormoran Strike series is a British detective series by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling). I stumbled across the first book by accident in a Goodwill book section — and I was instantly hooked.

It follows two private detectives, Cormoran and Robin, as they navigate their partnership and solve gritty, twisting cases in London. I can’t wait for the next installment!

The Vanishing Half — Brit Bennett

The Vanishing Half was absolutely amazing. It left me a little disappointed only because I wanted more! Would I go back and read it again? Absolutely.

It follows twin sisters from a small Black Southern town where lighter skin is praised. The sisters leave home and end up living completely opposite lives — one passing as white and hiding her identity, and the other returning home to raise her Black daughter. It’s thought-provoking, layered, and beautifully written.

Will — Will Smith

I also read a few autobiographies and memoirs, and Will Smith’s book Will was one of my favorites.

Believe it or not, I read it before the “slap heard ‘round the world,” and it gave me a whole new perspective on him. His storytelling is powerful — raw, honest, and surprisingly relatable. I finished the book feeling like I understood him as a person, not just a celebrity.

Full List: Books I Read in 2022

You can find my complete reading list and reviews on Goodreads. I keep tons of book lists there and regularly update what I’m reading. Add me as a friend and join me for the 2023 Reading Challenge!