Like you, I read. A lot.
I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t reading, although I’ve seen photos of my parents and sister reading to me as a baby. Then, when I got a little older, my sister and I would fill color-coded plastic bowls with snacks, choose a music soundtrack, burrow into the sofa, and let our parents settle in around us.
And that love for reading has stayed with me. Below, you’ll find a list of the most memorable books I read in 2022. To find out what I’m reading right now, subscribe to receive updates. When you subscribe, you’ll also get a story I’ve written for readers just like you as part of my current interactive serialized fiction project—fun, free entertainment that won’t cost you a penny or a calorie. Subscribe here.
The Most Memorable Books I Read in 2022
Fiction
Louise Erdrich writes beautifully and this memorable novel captivated me from start to finish. A great option for your next book club discussion!
Anne Tyler’s newest book is a beautifully told story about the long-term complexities of family relationships. Why do I love Anne Tyler? Read my review of Saint Maybe.
Hernan Diaz tells the same story four times from the viewpoints of four different narrators, and readers are left wondering which, if any, of those narrators are telling the truth. If you’re intrigued by literary fiction and off-beat styles, check this one out!
This new release is the first novel I’ve read by Jodi Picoult, and I really loved her storytelling style. All kinds of unexpected plot twists kept me guessing!
This one is not for the faint of heart. The relatively slow start reminds me of a rollercoaster’s upward climb before the downward thrills begin.
As I got further into this story, I kept thinking it felt a lot like Message In A Bottle—completely forgetting that Message was written by Nicholas Sparks, too! If you’re in the mood for an engaging revamp of an old favorite, pick up Every Breath!
A hold-your-breath saga covering the lifetime of two friends and their promises, secrets, betrayals, and loyalty. I loved this story even more than the first novel I read by Kristin Hannah.
This beautifully written historical, time-split novel is set on an island right here in the Salish Sea. Another great option for your next book club discussion!
Part of me wishes I had been aware enough to read this novel when it first came out in 1998. Part of me trusts that books are often dropped into our lives at just the time they are intended to. I’m glad I finally read this unforgettable story.
The Mysterious Affair at Styles
The first book in the Hercule Poirot series is full of Captain Hastings’s initial observations of the famous sleuth’s now familiar quirks. If you’re already a fan of Hercule Poirot, this book will be fun to revisit!
Book #1 in the Constable Evans mystery series is cozy and entertaining and includes fun, quirky characters! I love Rhys Bowen’s hallmark style of sweet storytelling. No wonder Louise Penny is a fan!
Compared to the Constable Evans series by the same author, Book #1 in the Molly Murphy series is faster-paced and more suspenseful.
Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It
A collection of short stories by Montana native Maile Meloy, multiple award-winning author and frequent contributor to The New York Times.
Home & Life
Surf Shack: Laid-Back Living by the Water
I loved Nina Freudenberger’s Bibliostyle so much I picked up this beautiful book—and paging through it is a nice antidote to a rainy gray day!
Big Wave Surfer: The Greatest Rides of Our Lives
Every page features a heart-pounding photo and story of today’s elite surfers pushing themselves to a new edge.
A must-read for people who love the ocean. For more ocean-themed books I love, check out the oceana tag in my library.
Painting with Thread: Needlepoint Color Meditations
I found this treasure at my library’s book sale and was thrilled to learn that the artist is local. What’s so amazing about Betsy Mize Currie is that she doesn’t map out her pattern ahead of time. She starts in one corner of the project and then embroiders one adjacent stitch at a time, following her creative impulses.
The Hawaiian Quilt: A Unique American Art Form
Many of the “snowflake” style quilts we see have their roots in traditional Hawaiian fabric arts, and I really enjoyed learning about their place in history.
On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals
This unassuming little book is timeless. With clear photos, the author explains the subtle physical signs dogs use to communicate with each other and how we can speak their language.
Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole
In her newest book, Susan Cain asks questions about how we can transform pain into creativity, what sadness is good for, how we can live and work authentically in a society that values positivity, and if we should try to “get over” grief.
The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward
In his newest book, Daniel Pink argues for thoughtfully identifying and learning from our regrets.
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
This book is going on my list of life-changers. If you read it, I’d love to know your thoughts.
The Little Book of Living Small
Beautiful and practical inspiration for intentional living.
Have Yourself a Very Vintage Christmas
Susan Waggoner offers Christmas crafts inspired by the 1920s through 1960s.
An Abundant Place: Daily Retreats for the Woman Who Can’t Get Away
Written by a dear friend, this newly released devotional book is a real treat!
Merriam-Webster’s Visual Dictionary
Ann Patchett once described a humorous interview where someone argued with her about whether a writer is a “real” writer if they’re not using a visual dictionary. I thought I’d see what all the fuss was about … and now I’m geek-ing out over my new visual dictionary!
Memoir & Biography
Neither Wolf Nor Dog: On Forgotten Roads with an Indian Elder
Recommended to me by a friend, this book is the story of two men struggling to find a common voice and takes readers into the heart of the Native American experience.
A memoir of Patrick Barrett, who grew up on a donkey sanctuary in Ireland. Years later, after a lifetime of brokenness and addiction, Patrick returns home to find his own sanctuary.
This new collection is spellbinding. Ann Patchett writes so thoughtfully about family relationships, conscientious living, life as a childless woman in a family-oriented society, daily life as a successful writer, and her beloved “accidental” doggie.
I’ve never been able to read fiction written by Stephen King (too scary!) but I really enjoyed his memoir.
The thought-provoking biography of Eugene H. Peterson, translator of The Message version of the Bible.
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