I still have so many travel-related posts to write, but these book-related round-ups are some of my favorites, so here we are! The best books I read in 2022.
Reading is a passion for me. Yes, I love to travel because it opens the world up – it makes us more empathetic and can put us in our place in the universe. But so can a good book! Reading has even been proven to boost emotional IQ.
It is such an easy and enjoyable way to be a lifetime learner and improve our lives. So I hope this post helps you find your next great book!
As always, you can follow me on Goodreads for current updates.
Table of Contents
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Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-To-Zion Journey to Every National Park
By Conor Knighton
Sometimes a book comes along and I immediately ask myself, “DUH, WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THIS?” Knighton undertakes a challenge to visit every National Park in one year. I was simultaneously jealous and enthralled.
To be honest, the knitting together of themes between parks felt a little forced, but if you love National Parks (as we do), you will want to enjoy this.
McCarthy’s Bar: A Journey of Discovery Through Ireland
By Pete McCarthy
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But this was by far the surprise winner of all of them. McCarthy is hysterical while also capturing the spirit of a country. I adored this and found myself laughing out loud.
Best Books of Inspiration
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
By Robin Wall Kimmerer
This was not at all what I expected! Beautiful essays connecting us to the world around us, harkening back to old customs and indigenous lifestyles that revere nature.
While some of the themes became redundant (it is a collection, so some of the essays repeat major points), I loved diving into this. I found it inspiring.
Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom
By John O’Donohue
This was recommended by a friend, and it turned out to be even more appropriate than ever given our trip through Ireland. This book of thoughtful essays is one I will return to again and again.
No Cure for Being Human (And Other Truths I Need to Hear)
By Kate Bowler
Honestly, I read this so fast (basically devoured it) that I don’t remember too many details. But I know it spoke to me on many issues that I worked through in 2022. It is okay to hurt, but things are also beautiful.
Best Pop Fiction
Lessons in Chemistry
By Bonnie Garmus
It is so nice to have a new author break out onto the scene, and this novel was delightful. I found the character utterly heartwarming and the relationships inspiring, even though the book dealt with some tough issues.
Malibu Rising
By Taylor Jenkins Reid
I mean, I can’t say it was brilliant writing (the characters are overall pretty unlovable and stereotypical in many ways). But boy, can Taylor Jenkins Reid craft a soap opera I can’t turn away from! I had to keep reading this while waiting for our luggage to come out at baggage claim simply because I was dying to know how it ended.
Best Classic
Fahrenheit 451
By Ray Bradbury
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But the classic I enjoyed most in 2022 was Fahrenheit 451. My teenager read this, so the copy was laid out for a few weeks. I picked it up and was hooked. So much deeper – and, also, eerily foretelling – than I recalled.
Best Memoir/Nonfiction
Invisible Storm: A Soldier’s Memoir of Politics and PTSD
By Jason Kander
This was sent to me in a book box subscription that now no longer exists (so sad). So I would likely have never picked it up. But I am so glad I did. Kander shares some insights into how PTSD can express itself in smaller ways that we don’t recognize or allow in our culture.
Note that Kander ran for Democratic office (and likely will again) so the politics in the book are clear. But having a brother who served, I found this an important autobiography.
All in all, 2022 was a good reading year for me! There were some snoozers and losers, but there were also a lot of fantastic books that landed on my lap.
I hope that 2023 is also brilliant and look forward to reading together. There are some wonderful trips to be had through books.
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