2022 was my best year in terms of reading. I read 292 books, the highest ever since blogging and tracking down the number of books I read in a year, and most of them were actually published in 2022. 2022 was also my worst year of blogging. My blogging slump continued. Switching jobs, taking on more responsibilities at home, and feeling overwhelmed were just some of the reasons why I lacked motivation to blog. I hope to change the blogging slump in the new year. Though 2022 is in the rear-view mirror when this post goes live, I wanted to share my favorite books of 2022 with you.
Adult Reads
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The Hacienda by I was completely mesmerized by this Gothic historical horror debut. With an homage to Daphne Du Maurier and Shirley Jackson, Cañas has written an enthralling, multilayered story that addresses the horrors of colonialism, racism, and socioeconomic classism along with different forms of power and privilege. The writing is exquisite and I still think about it long after finishing it.
ćAn insightful, memorable, and moving coming-of-age story that discusses the discrimination against and within the Deaf community from multiple perspectives.
I was absolutely captivated by these twelve interconnected short stories that follow the challenges that a young Native American in contemporary America faces, such as drug addiction, mental illness, and economic insecurity. The stories range from humorous and tender to grim and heartbreaking.
richly detailed family saga that stretches from the 1960's Caribbean to today's Southern California. Like the dessert, this story has many ingredients and layers as it uncovers the secrets and choices of a mother and their impact on her children and their identities.
I was absolutely mesmerized by this historical fantasy which unveils the ugly side of the 1930's Hollywood golden years and is loosely based on the life of Anna May Wong, the first Chinese American actress. I loved the main protagonist, Luli, and witnessing her awakening to her own power.
I stayed up way too late finishing this delightful and steamy read. I'm so happy to see diverse historical romance (more please!). Luz Alana and Evan's chemistry sizzles and pops. I can't wait to read more from this series. Highly recommended for fans of Sarah Maclean.
I often find thrillers have the same cookie-cutter plot, but I was pleasantly surprised by this twisty, fast-paced psychological suspense novel that not only explores our fascination with true crime and the role of women in it, but also the complexities of marriage and motherhood.
Go Back to Where You Come From by Wajahat Ali: I really had a hard time putting down this passionate and insightful memoir that isn't afraid to tackle the tough topics of Islamophobia, racism, and xenophobia while also being hopeful and hilarious. Check it out if you enjoy the humor of Trevor Noah and Hasan Minhaj.
Finding Me by Viola Davis: A heart-wrenching, raw, candid, yet uplifting book about how Viola Davis found her voice and ultimately herself through the pain and the trauma of her childhood. The audiobook, read by Voila Davis, is excellent.
You Sound Like a White Girl by Julissa Arce: I was utterly captivated by Arce's personal essays that dismantle the myth of assimilation as a pathway to belonging and success for people of color, while arguing that people of color should embrace their culture without any restrictions.
I loved how this middle grade graphic novel shows how to celebrate your culture and who you are without any shame. A must read for fans of Raina Telegeimer and Lucy Knisley.
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The authors were able to show that rules aren't always right, teachers can make mistakes and stereotype kids, and kindness always wins!
In this National Book Award finalist and stunning graphic memoir, Gold medalist Dr. Smith teams up with award-winning creators Barnes and Anyabwile to vividly recount his life and the road that led up to the memorable Olympic 1968 protest. This is a powerful celebration of activism and resistance.
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut science fiction graphic novel, which is inspired by Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. While using the classic novel as its framework, it skillfully explores grief, sisterhood, and carving out an identity with an inclusive cast.
With possibly the greatest title ever, this hilarious, heartfelt graphic novel explores identity, self-awareness, and all of the complexities of wanting to belong in a way that is universal. An absolute delight.
I love how Bree overcomes her fear of swimming, makes friends, and learns the importance of teamwork.
Pérez Granell: I really enjoyed this adult, slice-of-life graphic novel that chronicles the cycle of a romantic relationship set in Madrid, Spain. It is a quiet, poignant, and reflective graphic novel about loneliness, longing, and missed opportunities, told in two different timelines.
This is my favorite graphic memoir of this year. Khan creates an intimate, introspective story about her experiences, faith, and family in the South Asian diaspora community of East London. Her questions of belonging and claiming your home as an immigrant really hit home for me.
Himawari House by Harmony Becker: Himawari House is a slice-of-life graphic novel that I absolutely adored. If you love stories that are character-driven, about self-discovery and friendship, then I highly recommend picking up this wonderful graphic novel.
Heartstopper, Vol. 4 by Alice Oseman: I absolutely adore the Heartstopper series, but this volume is my favorite thus far. Nick and Charlie learn to communicate openly with each other, learn what it means to be an ally, and accept that seeking help does not make you less of a person.
Children/Middle Grade Reads
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The Language of Seabirds by Will Taylor: I thought this book was a beautiful story of two boys who develop a friendship (and possibly more) and their own secret language of seabirds to describe their big feelings.
The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton: A rich and whimsical world building with a fascinating magic school with a slow burn plot. I really liked how this book addressed prejudice without being heavy handed. Hand this to anyone who wanted to be seen in the HP series.
Nura and the Immortal Palace by M.T. Khan: I really enjoyed this action-packed fantasy that takes place in a fictional city in Pakistan. I really appreciated that it does not shy away from some serious real-life issues too.
Sofia Acosta Makes a Scene by Emma Otheguy: I could relate to Sofia on so many levels, and I empathized with her trying to meet her parents' expectations. I cheered when she was able to find her own path and her own voice, while learning how one person can make a big difference.
In the Beautiful Country by Jane Kuo: I love that this novel in verse gave me a lot to think about. Can something be beautiful and ugly at the same time?
Golden Girl by Reem Faruqi: I loved Aafiyah: even though she is not perfect and makes mistakes, she has good intentions. This is a story about family, friendship, change, and hope.
Dream, Annnie, Dream by Wakka T. Brown: I rooted for Annie right from the start. I loved how she navigated the highs and lows of middle school and friendship and never gave up on her dreams, despite other people's bigotry.
Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston by Esme Symes-Smith: I rooted for Callie and their friends who tried to fight back against the rigid gender binaries and roles in their kingdom. I can't wait to see what further adventures await!
Honorable Mentions
Adult Reads
Being Seen: One Deafblind Woman's Fight to End Ableism by Elsa Sjunneson
Last Summer on State Street by Toya Wolfe
Fiona and Jane by Jean Chen Ho
The Matchmaker's Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman
Mademoiselle Revolution by Zoe Sivak
Kamila Knows Best by Farah Heron
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by SanguMandanna
A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting by Sophie Irwin
Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly
A Brush with Love by Mazey Eddings
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Luck and Last Resorts by Sarah Grunder Ruiz
Sadie on a Plate by Amanda by Elliot
Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora
The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn
The Verifiers by Jane Pek
Jackal by Erin E. Adams
Under Lock & Skeleton Key by Gigi Pandian
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher
YA Reads
Last Summer on State Street by Toya Wolfe
Fiona and Jane by Jean Chen Ho
The Matchmaker's Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman
Mademoiselle Revolution by Zoe Sivak
Kamila Knows Best by Farah Heron
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by SanguMandanna
A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting by Sophie Irwin
Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly
A Brush with Love by Mazey Eddings
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Luck and Last Resorts by Sarah Grunder Ruiz
Sadie on a Plate by Amanda by Elliot
Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora
The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn
The Verifiers by Jane Pek
Jackal by Erin E. Adams
Under Lock & Skeleton Key by Gigi Pandian
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher
YA Reads
Revolution in Our Time: The Black Panther Party's Promise to the Peopleby Kekla Magoon
One for All by Lillie Lainoff
This Woven Kingdom by Tahreh Mafi
Private Label by Kelly Yang
See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon
The Do-Over by Lynn Painter
Azar on Fire by Olivia Abtahi
Ain't Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds
Flirting with Fate by Jennifer Cervantes
Never Getting Back Together by Sophia Gonzalez
I'm the Girl by Courntey Summers
As Long As the Lemon Tree Grows by Zoulfa Katouh
Childrens/MG Reads
Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria by George Jreije
One Wish by M.O. Yuksel
Wink by Rob Harrell
Scritch Scratch by Lindsay Currie
Graphic Novels
Frizzy by Claribel Ortega
Over My Dead Body by Sweeney Boo
The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat
Wingsbearer by Majorie Liu
Sort of Super by Eric Gapstur
Crumbs by Danie Stirling
Magical Boy Vol 1 by The Kao
Chef's Kiss by Jarrett Melendez
Squire by Nadia Shammas
The Devil's Music (Montague Twins #2) by Nathan Page
Posts
I didn't like Lawless Spaces at all. I was so irritated by how long it was. I can still get irritated just thinking about it. Do students check it out? I wonder at their responses to it.
I did like Golden Girl and In the Beautiful Country, however.
I hope you get your blogging mojo back as I enjoy reading your reviews. :-) I also enjoyed Black Cake, True Biz, and Ace of Spades. In January I will read a bunch of your favorite graphic novels as a finalist judge for the CYBILS.