BLOGMAS DAY NINE: Favorite Reads of 2022

At the end of each month we talk about our favorite reads, so it is only fitting that we wrap up 2022 by talking about our favorite reads from the year! We each narrowed it down to our Top 10 reads of the year for y’all. Fun fact, since we both read over a 100 books, technically it makes these our Top 5% of reads for 2022.

Check out favorite books from previous years here: 2020 & 2021

In line with the wishes of the HarperCollins Union, we have not pulled any HC titles from our “Favorites/Best” lists this blogmas. The HC Union has been on strike for a fair contract since 11.10.22. You can learn more here, and you can donate here. HC titles will be noted below.

BREE:

I definitely chose this entire list off of vibes and impressions because my rating scale is completely jacked and I like chaos. But also I’m the biggest mood reader so it’s very fitting. I’m pretty sure most of these reads got five stars, but that’s not why they made the list. I picked these because out of the 165 books I read this year, these are the ones that left a lasting impression on me. Okay, except for one book that I read so fast I can’t even remember what happened but that’s really an impression all in itself. Lastly, I was going to say these are not listed in any order, but I think I might have listed them in the order I read them lol.

Check, Please! graphic novels by Ngozi Ukazu
Contemporary/Sports

I can honestly say I was surprised to find out I had only read these books this year. I feel like this Haus of cinnamon rolls has been a part of me for so much longer than that! Jack & Bitty (and the boys) brightened my year so much and gave me a new fandom to be a part of. Yes, I have my very own Samwell Hockey shirt now, and I wear it often.

This series is on this list because I read three times in three months.

Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake
Romance

Hello! This is the book I literally cannot remember because I consumed it so fast my brain only remembers the dopamine hit it got from it. Why else would my brain be so desperate for the rest of books in the series?

This book is on this list because I read it in less than 48 hours.

Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner (review)
Romance

Meryls’ debut, Something to Talk About, was one my favorite romance reads in 2020 (review here), so I have been anxiously awaiting this book’s release ever since. I absolutely loved Cassie & Erin, even though they stressed me out to no end with their big, dumb idiot behaviors. Also I liked seeing that weird trifecta of friendship that is present between Cassie, Acacia & Parker.

This book is on this list because I love big dumb idiots.

Loveless by Alice Oseman (mini review)
Contemporary/LGBTQIA+

These characters are very special to me!! It is so rare to read a book and not dislike a single thing, about a single character, but somehow Alice did just that. This entire cast gives me life, and I just want keep them safe (once they’ve figured out all their messes). I also appreciated how nuanced every conversation about LGBTQIA+ reps was!

This book is on this list because it felt like something clicked in my brain when I read it.

So This Is Ever After by F.T. Lukens (mini review)
Fantasy Romance

A King Arthur retelling that starts at the end of the “The Quest” and focuses on the King trying to find a spouse before the newly-assumed (cursed) throne ends him on his eighteenth birthday. Usually character-heavy/plot-lite books don’t hold my interest well, but this one sucked me in. I loved every character and the whole thing was just vibes!!

This book is on this list because it made me enjoy a character-driven story.

Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
Memoir/Graphic Novel

This graphic memoir more thoroughly explored ideas I had little experience with and gave me insight on so many topics. The discussion of the gender identity was very nuanced and I appreciated the exploration of the nonbinary and asexual spectrums.

This book is on this list because it gave new insight to my worldview.

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Memoir

Sam was my favorite character way back when and I had always wondered why Jennette McCurdy had quite acting, but with this book, I got so much more than my questions, answered. Through Jennette’s humorous narration of her early life and career, I related a painful amount to her emotions and experiences. I’m glad she seems to have dug her heels in for a place where she’s happy. I’m excited to see what she writes next!

This book is on this list because it made me enjoy nonfiction.

Blue Period by Tsubasa Yamaguchi
Manga

I have not stopped talking about this series for months! I literally think about it at least once a day. It’s insane. No other book or series has ever left such a lasting impression on me. Yatora’s dogged pursuit of art I reveals false so many things I had always thought about art myself. I also learned so many new facts and tips just from the story. Very cool.

This book is on this list because it taught me something new and revealed an interest.

The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon (mini review)
Fantasy/LGBTQIA+
[HARPERCOLLINS]

I don’t want to say this is very queer Folk of the Air but damn I haven’t read fantasy world building and snarky assholes like this since! Oh it also had a leg up in the fact it had a very legit magic system!! The book also features many LGBTQIA+ reps. It was cool to see them so diversely represented.

This book is on this list because it is fabulously gay and magical.

I Was Born For This by Alice Oseman (mini review)
Contemporary/LGBTQIA+

(Again) The characters in this book are so special to me!! I loved every single one of them and instantly wanted to adopt each and every one. Besides that it was very interesting to see the other side of fandom and honestly how much it must sucks for celebrities to be in the public eye all the time.

This book is on this list because it gave me a new perspective on things.

Honorable Mentions: Husband Material by Alexis Hall, Ain’t Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds & Jason Griffin, Chef’s Kiss by Jarrett Melendez, The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon, Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon, When You Get the Chance by Emma Lord & my reread of the Sunshine Vicram series by Dayrnda Jones.

TREE:

This year I read a ton of good books, but didn’t have a ton of STAND OUTS so I made a list of a bunch of books I loved and then picking the top ten was easier than I thought. I did it in like thirty seconds and it seems right even if I didn’t think about it much. This isn’t in order and I rarely have one book that stands out to me, but the first book I listed is 100% my favorite read of the year.

Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn (review)
releases January 24, 2023
Romance

I don’t like including favorites that don’t release until the next year, but I had to make an exception for Georgie, All Along. If you’ve been here for more than a second you know how much I adored this one. I mean I wrote a review that was almost a thousand words. It truly was the perfect novel (for me) and I can’t wait for it to release so everyone can read it.

This book is on this list because it was perfect for me.

Aint Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds & Jason Griffin
Poetry/Art

This is probably the most unique book I’ve ever read. It is three sentences, written by Jason Reynolds, accompanied by gorgeous multi media art by Jason Griffin. It tells the story of a Black American family during 2020 and it packs an emotional punch.

This book is on this list because it was so unique.

How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith
Nonfiction

This book has stuck with me. The following is my Goodreads review because past Tree knew present Tree wouldn’t remember specifics. This is a powerful read. I knew the general concept of the book, the author visited eight places related to the history of slavery in the United States, but I didn’t exactly know what the book would be about. Clint Smith has created a book that is an intricate mix of history, personal reflection, and interviews. As a random note, I was very impressed by the way he described the people he spoke to at each location. His attention to detail and ability to express what he saw through writing was excellent. In some instances, I felt like I was on the tours with him. I’m so glad I picked this one up (the audio is also fantastic and read by Smith) and highly recommend this one.

This book is on this list because it made me think.

Maggie Moves On by Lucy Score (mini review)
Romance

I had never read a Lucy Score book prior to picking up this one and I fell in love. I loved the small town vibes and Score’s ability to have so much going on and yet still focus on the couple.

This book is on this list because it surprised me.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry (review)
Romance

I loved the banter in this book so much and enjoyed it so much. I do think Emily Henry is a bit overhyped, but I have loved her three adult novels a lot and can’t wait to finish reading her YA backlist and am eagerly anticipating her 2023 release.

This book is on this list because I loved the banter.

Bend Towards the Sun by Jen Devon (review)
Romance

This was another surprise. I really was not going to pick it up, but I saw so many people rave about it that when I was offered an eARC, I jumped on the chance. I love stories where two people who are hurting come together and this one does it so well. I can’t wait to see what else Devon writes because what a debut.

This book is on this list because it made my like an angsty couple.

Heartbreaker by Sarah MacLean (review)
Historical Romance
[HARPERCOLLINS]

This is a Harper Collins title. In line with the wishes of the HarperCollins Union, we have not pulled any HC titles from our “Favorites/Best” lists this blogmas. The HC Union has been on strike for a fair contract since 11.10.22. You can learn more here, and you can donate here.

I love Sarah MacLean and this book was a joy. It’s chaos and bananas in the best way and it was my favorite historical of the year. I was smiling at my kindle like a dork the entire time I was reading this one. I can’t wait for the rest of the books in this series.

This book is on this list because I couldn’t stop smiling while reading this book.

These Precious Days by Ann Patchett
Essay Collection
[HARPERCOLLINS]

There is just something about Ann Patchett’s writing that I love. She was on my favorites list from last year with The Dutch House and here she is again. I am pick with essay collections, but I loved so many of them in this collection.

This book is on this list because I liked so many of the essays.

Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations by Mira Jacob
Graphic Memoir

I used to not like graphic memoirs, but this one is framed with the author trying to answer her biracial son’s answers to tough questions which works so well. It touches on many topics, but I would recommend this one to literally everyone.

This book is on this list because I loved the framing of a kid asking questions.

Take the Lead by Alexis Daria (review)
releases February 14, 2023
Romance

Another book that was just a good time. I was sort of in a slump when I picked this one up and yet I was invested right away. I love a reality tv setting and it just reminded me of how much contemporary romance works for me.

This book is on this list because it was a blast to read.

Honorable Mentions: Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter, Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake, Do You Want to Start a Scandal by Tessa Dare [HC], Unfollow Me: Essays on Complicity by Jill Louise Busby, The Governess Affair by Courtney Milan, We Deserve Monuments by Jas Hammonds