My 2022 books of the year

It’s books of the year time! I really enjoy looking through all I’ve read this year and seeing which ones jump out at me as the ones I’d definitely read again. Therefore earning themselves a place on my 2022 books of the year list.

As I read mainly fiction this year, they dominate this list and looking back, quite a few different genres crop up. 2022 was a wild ride, enjoy!

My 2022 books of the year

/ Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister

A psychological crime thriller that gripped me from page one. I’m not usually draw to time travelling stories but this read made me truly appreciate the genre. When Jen sees her teenage son commit murder, her world ends. But the next morning, she wakes up in the past and is given a chance to work out why the murder happened and maybe stop it. So cleverly done and with lots of heart, this is SUCH a good read.

/ Again, Rachel by Marian Keyes 

I listened to this on audiobook, read by Marian Keyes herself and what a total delight it was! The sequel to Rachel’s Holiday, we follow Rachel’s life six years after we met her in the previous book. Packed full of Marian’s warmth, charm, ability to create such realistic characters and a tantalising plot. The book I genuinely didn’t want to end, could have spent another 600 pages in Rachel’s company.

/ Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel

Yes so, I told you I was now a fan of the time travel genre as Sea of Tranquility is the second entry with this theme. It’s a delightful sequel to both Station Eleven and The Glass Hotel, so it helps if you’ve read those for context and to get the most out of the story. But I feel it can be read as a standalone too. It’s a superb story of time, humanity and vulnerability. Just amazing.

/ Misfits: A Personal Manifesto by Michaela Coel

A one sitting read. OK, it’s not that long but I’m referring to the power this book has to pull you in, engage you in ideas and make you think. This is writer and actor Michaela Coel’s memoir, thoughts on her life so far and how she sees her place in her industry. If you watched and loved I May Destroy You, you’ll love the insight you get from this book. A truly unique read.

/ The Twyford Code by Janice Hallett 

Went right back to the archives for this one. I originally posted about this book on January 7th so you can tell it must be a great read to get a spot in my end of year list. I think it was the unique way of storytelling – modern epistolary, told mainly through the transcripts of voice notes – and devilishly clever plot that won me over. A murder mystery that never stops throwing curve balls while giving nostalgic nods too. Amazing.

/ Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

There’s not many books I finish reading and want to immediately start reading again, but this is one of them. A novella, it can be devoured in a sitting (and you will) its a lyrical and poetic tale about how hard it is to actually do the right thing. Set in Ireland, it references some dark parts of Ireland’s past and so beautifully shows the triumph of humanity. A wonderful read.

So those were my favourite books of 2002. I’d love to know what yours were – leave a comment below!