2022 Top Books that I Read and Loved: Part 1
I can’t believe it’s already July, which means halfway through 2022! Bag of mixed feelings of awe, slight panic, and excitement. All the feels. Every day is gift, not to sound cheesy, but it’s true. The future is unwritten and for us to decide what we want to do. That’s the mindset I have continued to leaned into as the year progresses.
Outside of my work, which has been great, I’ve been spending time reflecting, healing, and planting new ideas and manifestations. I’ve been continuing to work on my spiritual side with Haley Hoffman Smith as one of my biggest sources of inspiration, like getting back into meditations and newer thing for me, emotional freedom tapping (EFT).
The first half of the year was this rollercoaster that went like this. / Source: Reddit
One thing I randomly set out to do this year was rereading book series that I LOVED growing up to get in touch with my playful inner child side. I already reread Harry Potter three times so I didn’t consider that. It ended up being Alex Rider and Percy Jackson series. Yes you can absolutely read Young Adult books no matter what age you are! Let’s break away from that conception it’s ONLY for young adults.
As I was rereading them, I felt incredibly nostalgic and remembering the time when I was obsessed with these books. It also brought up feelings of how far I’ve come since then and everything I’ve accomplished. I don’t think middle school/high school me envisioned that, which ties perfectly into what was mentioned earlier in the first paragraph :)
Besides getting in touch with my inner child through books, I just really wanted to read a lot of books this year. I’m currently on book 57, which is more than halfway to my goal of 100 books by end of the year. I’ve been leaning towards more book series because I don’t need to then think about what to read next. In addition, I enjoy watching the story grow with each book.
Without further ado, my top reads of 2022 Part 1. Happy reading as always!
Top Books of 2022: Part 1
In no particular order. Included links where you can get a copy yourself.
A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Mass
I’m not sure how I discovered this series…it might have been through social media or Goodreads. Either way, if you’re a fan of fantasy, romance, thriller, or power struggle, this is for you. I DEVOURED this series, like I couldn’t stop reading and had to force myself to stop to sleep/eat/work. It was that serious.
The first book is an interpretation of Beauty and the Beast. After that though, buckle up, you’re on this fantasy adventure. My favorite is the second book with the character and story developments that unfold. Originally, Mass planned this to be at trilogy and after seeing the success of the books, she wrote two other books (a spin-off and novella). Those are great, but not as good as the original trilogy. The book is also being made into a Hulu show with the showrunner from Outlander! Hopefully it’s good, fingers crossed.
2. The Billion Dollar Spy by David E. Hoffman
When it comes to historical nonfiction, I tend to gravitate towards WW2 for some reason I can’t explain (like Book 3). I wanted to make a conscious choice and read about other eras. The tensions happening between American and Russia this year made me look for a Cold War book. This was a great read filled that need. It captures the complexity and danger people choose to put themselves in on a daily basis, while being in awe of the courage they had.
3. Operation Mincemeat by Ben Macintyre
Macintyre is becoming a favorite of mine when it comes to WW2 nonfiction stories. This particular story was, as if, straight out of Hollywood (it did get made into a film, which is available on Netflix). MI6 used a dead body and floated that body carrying false Allied attack planning into the hands of Nazis to deceive them on where the Allied was going to attack next. This operation did end up changing the course of the war, all because of a dead body. It’s one of those outrageous stories that you need to read it to believe it.
4. Alex Rider Series by Anthony Horowitz
Spy books are clearly a theme this year, haha. This is honestly an underrated series. It’s easy to read, captivating, and fantastic storytelling. Alex Rider is a 14-year-old boy who ends up becoming a MI6 spy. What?! A teenage spy?! Yep. I appreciate how each book there’s no fluff and unnecessary character storylines. Each book is focused on one mission with some underlying stories that ties to the overall series. While it is Young Adult, I truly believe it is suited for all ages, middle school and up. I have yet to watch the show, but there are 2 seasons as of now, with each season focused on one book.
5. American Dirt by Jeannie Cummins
I kept on seeing this book at bookstores (yes, I still go to those) and decided to finally give it a try. A mother and son end up disguising themselves as migrants after their family is murdered by the Mexican drug cartel. They go from Acapulco, Mexico to crossing the border over to America. It was a gripping intense read and I finally could breathe after I finished the book. It brings to life the horrors migrants face on a daily basis, while creating empathy for readers on why these migrants choose to make this trek. It’s not black and white.
6. Going Clear by Lawrence Wright
Similar to Macintyre, Wright is becoming one of my favorite investigative authors. His writing style hooks you in and takes you on a journey on the book topic. In this case, Scientology. It’s not my first book about the group nor I don’t think it will be my last. I just find the group fascinating because I live in LA and sometimes drive by their massive property. It makes you think about the immense power and money they have. This is something Wright explores in this book and how did they get here. Yes, Tom Cruise is talked about if you’re wondering. HBO did make a documentary film based off of this book back in 2015, which resulted on Scientology going on a full PR attack on the film.
7. It Happened One Summer series by Tessa Bailey
Sometimes, you need one of those easy light romance beach read and this checks all those boxes. This series is about two sister, Piper and Hannah, who move to a small fishing town in Washington state where their father grew up from the glitzy Los Angeles life to get a change of pace, after getting in trouble. There, they meet two fishermen and romance ensues. Think big city girl moves to small town, resulting in some chaos and comedic scenes. The first book focuses on Piper while the second focuses on Hannah. Do they go back to city life LA or stay in this small town that is growing on them? Read to find out…
8. Percy Jackson series by Rick Rioridan
This book series is a classic for a reason. It’s still an amazing read. It’s about this kid, Percy Jackson, who is a half-blood, meaning half-human and half-god, and he goes on multiple adventures to eventually save the world in the last book. Greek mythology has always been a huge love of mine and what Rioridan has done to bring stories into modern day is refreshing. It makes learning about mythologies fun and keeps these stories relevant for future generations. Recommend for all ages!
Runner Ups
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Crescent City series by Sarah J. Mass
The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson
28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand
The View was Exhausting by Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta