Top 10 Tuesday: My Best of 2022

A new Tuesday, a new prompt for Top 10 Tuesday. This week the prompt is favorite books of 2022. Although I've seen many blogs posting various versions of this over the last week (including me), I'll make an effort to pick my absolute favorite ten. You can see all 25 of my favorite books listed month by month here.

Thanks to Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl for hosting another week of Top Ten Tuesday. I enjoy participating each week for a couple reasons. I'm a compulsive list maker and love a good list. And, I love a connection with other readers as I wander their book blogs. Here are my faves of the year in no particular order. Links to my review.

The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams

This amazing debut novel entranced me with the unforgettable premise: a bored young woman helping out in a library finds a reading list tucked in a book and through that list connects with other library patrons. It's a wonderful story of found family and connecting over books.

A Trick of the Light #7 Inspector Gamache by Louise Penny

I read 11 of the Penny books this year which brings me up to date and eagerly waiting for my library request of her newest. This is one of my favorites and in true Penny style, lots of happens away from the murder. This book is set around the art scene and artists Carla and her husband Peter take center stage - both in the murder and in their personal lives. I particularly loved the depictions of the art scene.

The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez

I was dazzled by the writing in this amazing book. Jimenez masterfully crafts a story about two young men and their epic journey to save the moon goddess. I have no words.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

I suspect this will be on many 'best of' lists this year - and rightly so. This one is probably the most surprising for me - I found the cover misleading and totally put me off trying the book. I'm glad I got over that! I loved the character of Elizabeth and her determination to be taken seriously and not as 'just' a woman. So entertaining and thought provoking - a hard combo to pull off!

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Another book I almost didn't read because I wasn't a big fan of The Martian. And yet, I thoroughly enjoyed this book set primarily in space where a lone survivor from an Earth expedition discovers an alien life form in space and they work together for the survival of both. In spite of all the science, I found the story irresistible.

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak

Set in Cyprus and London, this book was mesmerizing. The writing caught me from page one and I absolutely loved the fig tree that had a part all through the story. It's a story of star-crossed lovers, the destructive history of Cyprus, and a family.

Shiner by Amy Jo Burns

Set in Appalachia, this evocative debut captures the place and attitudes of the three women at the center of this book. A family drama with secrets and tragedy, women struggling to be strong and independent in a constrictive male environment. This book is kind of under the radar, but is definitely worth a read!

Tuyo by Rachel Neumeier

I picked this up as a freebie Amazon offering - and what a delightful surprise. Another under-the-radar book that deserves some love. The world building is not complex but is complete as the tribal society is on the verge of war. Excellent characters, magic, and sorcery.

The Institute by Stephen King

I read four King novels this year - can't remember the last time I read this many in such a short time. AND, they were all very good. My fave was a toss up between this one and Fairy Tale, but I feel like The Institute is maybe a stronger story. Less a horror story and more a paranormal tale about kids with special abilities that are tracked and stolen from their homes and held in 'the institute' for testing (that's the real horror) in the effort to weaponize their powers. Excellent kid characters and a very satisfying book.

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

I'll join the crowd in singing the praises for this book as well. A hyped book that is worth all the hype. I loved the characters and the premise and the setting.

Also - a shout out to the book my husband wrote that published mid November, It's Not That Hard. Just Do This. It debuted as an Amazon best seller both in the US and Internationally. It's available in paperback or for kindle and is a book full of communication tools and tips to improve both your personal and professional life.

I think this will be another week that will cause my TBR to grow (and grow). I can't wait to see what your favorite books of the year are. Here's to all of us reading lots of good books in 2023.