It’s that time again! One of my favourite posts to write – my best books of the year. As a lifelong book lover, I just love sharing the books I’ve loved with other people, in the hope it might inspire them to pick it up and hopefully love it as much as I did.
I was planning on getting this published at the end of 2022 but in all honesty, I was so into the festive spirit and had so many lovely plans that I decided to focus on scheduling my 2023 content instead and limiting the amount I was publishing for the end of the year.
Basically, I got lazy. But that’s okay, because it was Christmas and the end of an extremely long and difficult and crazy year. I hope that you managed to give yourself some time over the Christmas period to be lazy, too.
Anyway, 2022 was a GREAT year for books. I smashed my Goodreads challenge goal out of the park, setting myself a target of 30 books and reading 45. Which I *think* is a record for me – *fist pump*.
Books were just my saving grace this last year. I really got into reading non-fiction, so often had two books on the go at any given time. I was just so excited by reading and what I was going to read next – which is a really lovely feeling for a book lover to have.
So, here are my 10 stand out books from 2022:
The Watchers by A.M Shine
A.M Shine has been my author of the year, which is why both of his books are my top two of the entire year. I read these back-to-back, but The Watchers was my first of the two and I was hooked and absolutely drawn into this super creepy story.
I love horror but I haven’t read many horror books. This one was GENUINELY creepy AF and I freaking loved it. Not much scares me so I was overjoyed to find a book that left me with goosebumps.
The Creeper by A.M Shine
As soon as I’d finished The Watchers, I ordered The Creeper from Amazon. I don’t think I’ve ever ordered a book so fast in my last! It’s very similar in style – which I loved, and I know I’m going to continue loving with Shine’s novels.
The Creeper is what it says on the tin. It’s C R E E P Y. It was incredibly atmospheric; will make you shiver with some of the eerie sentences woven throughout the story.
The War on Women by Sue Lloyd-Roberts
This is the book I would recommend to anyone from last year’s best read. Especially men. This book floored me. Enlightened me. Educated me. Shocked me. And deeply saddened me. It was outstanding.
As devastating and gut-wrenching and uncomfortable as it may be, The War on Women brings to light the discrimination against women in cultures all over the world, touching on FGM, honor killings, arranged marriages and more. Sue Lloyd-Roberts was a force.
The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde
I’m staggered it took me so long to read The Picture of Dorian Grey. It had been sitting on my bookshelf for literally years but I’m usually quite overwhelmed and scared by the thought of reading classics but this one is a GREAT classic that is digestible and interesting throughout.
I’ve always been a fan of the Dorian Grey movie but the book is exceptional. Eerie, dark and conjures up some seriously vibrant imagery around ageing, pleasure, self-corruption and more.
Verity by Colleen Hoover
This is the first and only Colleeen Hoover book I’ve read but I absolutely loved Verity. I was totally hooked and totally creeped out and although arguably, not the best written work in the world, Hoover definitely has a way of grabbing you.
It’s super twisted, with a killer ending that will leave you reeling and stunned. Highly manipulative and instantly gripping. A must-read for any Thriller fan looking for something a little different.
When the World Was Ours by Liz Kessler
This book ripped my heart into pieces. It was a devastating read and outrageously worthy of its place on this list. If you like Historical Fiction and YA, this one is definitely for you. Of the 3 viewpoints of this novel, one of them is based on the story of the author’s Granddad’s experience as a Jew in World War 2.
Having that knowledge that one of these stories from When the World Was Ours is based on a real lived experience makes it even more heart-wrenching. This isn’t my sort of genre but boy am I glad I read this one.
Dear Life by Rachel Clarke
Dear Life is the ultimate life-affirming read that completely encapsulates the meaning of being human. This is a difficult read, touching on death, end of life care, illness and more but if you’re able, I would highly recommend reading it. Rachel Clarke is a phenomenal writer.
It tackles the sensitive topics brilliantly and Rachel has such a beautiful perspective and wonderful insight into palliative care and the whole health system in the UK.
SLAY by Brittney Morris
SLAY was a breath-taking novel and one that I’ve repeatedly spoken about and recommended to people since I read it earlier on in the year. It was a punchy, no-nonsense sort of read that leaves you reeling and utterly breathless. Also, an important read which covers issues in the BLM movement.
If you love YA, I would highly recommend picking this one up. Of the two Brittney Morris novels I’ve read, this is the stand-out. A super exciting and original concept executed brilliantly.
The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy
The Disappearances is the most recent book on this list that I’ve read and although I didn’t rate it 5 stars, I still want to include it in my best books because I really thoroughly enjoyed it and thought the concept was excellent and really unlike anything I’ve read before.
What if things started to disappear? Your reflection. Your sense of smell. The stars in the sky. That element of this story drew me in instantly and I loved the execution and the storytelling.
The Seven Ages of Death by Dr. Richard Shepherd
Dr. Richard Shepherd is someone else who’s books absolutely whisked me away throughout 2022, having read both of them but I’ve decided to just include one in my 2022 best of wrap up. Definitely not for the squeamish or faint-hearted. The Seven Ages of Death was a profound read.
Anything that talks about death, illness, bodies, post-mortems, I am THERE for. Not in a morbid way, I am just highly interested in human beings, how we function, how we live, how we die and Dr Richard Shepherd is able to give an incredible insight into it.
Those are my top 10 books I read in 2022, although it was very difficult to pick and narrow it down and I could have very easily added more to this list but then we might have been here for a considerable amount of time.
I’ve really fallen in love with non-fiction this year, which I think is my main bookish takeaway from 2022. I love learning and immersing myself in a subject that someone else knows so much about. I’m really excited to continue exploring various niches of non-fiction this year.
I also read a ton of incredible Young Adult novels – most of which I got from my library trips. The library was essential for me to discover some cool YA books I wouldn’t have discovered before. Which allowed me to read different types of stories – especially from more BAME authors too.
Over to you! Tell me your top reads of 2022!
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I absolutely loved Verity, too! I need to check out a few more from your list!
Such a great read! Hope you find some more recommendations x
You read a lot of great books in 2022! I haven’t read any of these, but SLAY is on my TBR. I’ve also been hearing a lot about Colleen Hoover so maybe I should give one of her books a go. I also like creepy reads so I should check out Shine’s books.
All great choices! Hope you enjoy x
An excellent booklist review! Glad to see Oscar Wilde included and a great variety of genres. 👏🏻 I must check out the ‘War on Women’ book as it very much aligns with my interests in history and feminism. 📚
I’d highly recommend the war on women for you then!
I haven’t read any of these – but Colleen Hoover has been on my list for a while now.
Verity is SO good!
This sounds like a great list of books! I’m not usually a big horror fan, but I do love psychological thrillers and mysteries, so I think The Watchers and The Creeper would be right up my street!
Ah they’re so good and so creepy!
I love to read too! Verity is another one of my favorites that really stood out to me too! So creepy and weird, but yet so good!
I loved how creepy and weird it was!
Great list Jenny! I’m a huge fan of horror and all things creepy, so I can’t wait to check out some of the books on this list. Thank you for sharing!
A.M Shine will be right up your street!
I actually haven’t read any of these from your list. But they sound like interesting reads I will have to check them out! Thank you for sharing your picks!
Lauren x
You’re welcome, hope you find some good recommendations! I think we have quite similar taste in books 🙂
I have a bad habit of having loads of books on my bookshelves, getting new books but never reading any of them! 😂📚📖
You’re not alone!
Lots of good reads it sounds like!
That’s why they made my top 10 🙂
We’ve heard great things about Slay!
It’s SO good!
I’m gonna have to check out the A.M. Shine books, as I love all things horror, thriller, suspense, etc. I achieved my goal in 2022, hoping to read more in 2023! One of my favorite books I read last year was actually a kids’ book by the name of Small Spaces. It was well-written and quite creepy, so of course I’m continuing the series 🙂 I also really, REALLY liked Theme Music by T. Marie Vandelly. It’s twisted AF.
I love anything twisted, so I’ll have to check out Theme Music!
These sound like really good books that you read in 2022! I want to add a couple of these to my TBR list x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Fab! Hope you enjoy 🙂
Thanks for sharing your ideas, and well done for smashing your goal! I’m doing a similar thing this year, I really want to read more this year.
Thank you. Good luck on your reading goal for this year.
I haven’t read any of these books, I need happy endings – not so good with sad books! But I know a few people who like medical books so I will definitely recommend these 🙂 x
I don’t think these medical books have sad endings at all! But they’re definitely not for everyone x
I read Verity in 2021 & it is still by favorite from CoHo
Such a good read!
I’m so happy you read Dorian Grey – I love Oscar Wilde, and can recommend his short stories as well – perfect to dip in and out of with a cup or glass of something. I like the sound of The Disappearances – right up my street! My book of the year was The Binding by Bridget Collins. Just outstanding! x
Oooh thank you, I’ll have to check out his short stories! And I’ll have a look at The Binding on GR!
Interesting the same author twice. Seem he is pretty good but didn’t read them. I’m going to save them to check them out.
Those are his only two books at present
Some great choices. I’ll definitely be seeking out ‘The War on Women’.
Thanks for sharing.
I’m so glad this has encouraged you to want to read it!
I’ve been meaning to read some A.M Shine books so I’ll have to give these a look. I love The Picture or Dorian Gray so much!
Yes! hope you enjoy, they’re so creepy!
The 2 books by A.M Shine sound like the kind of book that I like to read. I love horror/thriller books. This is a great list of books.
They’re SO good Ali! So creepy!
I’m now quite bonkers with Colleen Hoover’s books. So I’m going to check out the book you recommended on this list. Btw, I hope you will publish your first book this year. I’m excited to check out your book as well. All the best, Jenny. I’ll be rooting for you.
I’m afraid I’m not publishing anything this year! I need to check out more Colleen Hoover books I think x
I really want to read The Seven Ages of Death ~ that’s kind of my book to read. The Watchers + The Creeper looks like an excellent addition to my collection of horror novels, as I enjoy reading them but haven’t read many in the past year 😀 Thanks for sharing, Jen x
Yes! Agreed! Definitely get on those, they’re so creepy.
I agree with ‘The Picture of Dorian Grey’ it’s one of my favourite classic reads! I will check out some of these other recommendations, thank you for sharing x
It’s so good! Can’t believe it took me this long!
Great list and thank you for reminding me about Sue Lloyd Roberts’ book – I must get around to it soon
Yes! I hope you do x