Best Fiction Books to Read in 2022

INSIDE : Check out some of the Best Fiction Books to Read in 2022 from mystery, comedy and everything in between! See which ones you’d like to check out for your self.

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This post is updated every few months to reflect the new books I’ve read during 2022.

I have always loved reading. I recall spending summers before my first job, outside in our backyard soaking up some Midwest sunshine with a book in my lap. And even after I graduated college, I recall stopping by a two-story Barnes and Nobles and just wondering the aisles. I loved biographies. Once a parent, I found myself going for self-improvement and parenting books.

Want to check my favorite books from previous years? 

• Best Fiction Books to read in 2021 (read 23 books)
• Best Fiction Books to read in 2022 (read 35 books)
• Best Fiction Books to read in 2023 (read 65 books)
• Best Fiction Books to read in 2024

However, I’ve gone back to my roots and have really enjoyed fiction books again. I joined a local book club and have gotten back into consistent enjoyable reading. Reading not to learn, but reading to relax. It’s been lovely!

Today I am going to be sharing the best fiction books that I have been reading this year and my quick reviews of each of them. I’m up to 46 books in total for this year, that includes fiction and other genre (included at the bottom of the post).

If you want to see all my recent books in one place, you can check out my Amazon Book page.

Shop my 2022 fiction reads…

After reading all of 2022 MY TOP PICS from the entire year are as follows-

• Carrie Soto is Back (Women empowerment, Agism + Tennis joy – just a GREAT book!)
• A Man called Ove (Touching story, LOVED)
• The Book of Longings (Fictional story about if Jesus got married, LOVED)
• The Island of Missing Trees (Tree lover here, loved this one)
• One hundred years of Lenni and Margot (A beautiful touching story)
• The Giver of Stars (Finding your people in the midst of hard, loved!)

Reviews on Best Fiction Books in 2022

1. Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister

This will be the last book my local book club reads in 2022. I’m struggling to read this one for some reason. It reminds me of Midnight Library with unique time travels and such… I think I am realizing time travel stories aren’t my favorite. However, I’ve heard good things about this book, so I am trying to stick with it.

Update, although I started this book in 2022, I finished it in 2023. So it seems like cheating, but I’m counting it as read in both years, ha. It was around page 200 suddenly this book really took a turn and I ended up enjoying it! It still was a time travel type book, but I liked it so much better than Midnight Library. The ending was a fun read and didn’t see it coming.

3.75/4 out of 5 Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister

2. The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin 

I looooved this book. It was tender and sweet and sad, but not tragically sad… just beautiful sad.

This was a story of the short but powerful friendship between two dying women. Lenni was a bright, vivacious 17 year old girl who loved pushing the boundaries and wanted to live her last time as fully as she could. She joins the new arts and craft class and meets 83 year old, Margot.

They immediately are drawn to each other and begin their journey to write (and paint) their joint 100 years worth of life – stories of love and loss, courage, heartbreak and joy.

I loved the reminder this book gives of the preciousness of life, the legacy we leave behind and how we impact those around us. Just a beautiful read.

5 out of 5 for me. The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin 

3. One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I’ve really loved everything I’ve read by TJR so I’m excited to give this one a try.

The story is of a woman who falls madly in love, gets married and then he husband tragically goes missing… for years. It’s painful and tragic, but she slowly starts rebuilding her life back and finds love again. Two weeks before her marriage, her first husband is found alive. Now she has to decide which is her one true love.

I liked this book. It felt full of emotion, both good and bad – but both the men felt so unrealistic to me. Both men were just WILDLY in love with Emma. They were strikingly handsome and tender and kind and romantic and patient and passionate, etc… it just felt like she somehow found two of the most perfectly perfect Hallmark movie men… felt cheesy to me. I liked the book and liked the ending, but the characters felt a little “too” everything for me.

Good book, just a 3 out 5 for me. One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

4. The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

This is a historical fiction story of Dinah. It was recommended to me by a friend after I fell in love with The Book of Longings (which I liked much better). Dinah’s life is only hinted at in the Book of Genesis.

The Red Tent begins with the story of Dinah’s people : Jacob, her mothers (Leah, Rachel, Zilpah and Bilhah – the four wives of Jacob) Esau and Laban. It was interesting to read about a woman’s life during Biblical times. It spoke heavily on the celebration of menstruation each month, pregnancy and childbirth as those were very important rhythms and duties to women of that era.

I found this book to be an interesting insight, but never felt super connected to the story. I did enjoy as a Christian to hear how the author wove biblical text in.

3.5 out of 5 The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

5. The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams

What a tender book. It follows old Mukesh, a recent widower from West London. He decides to take up reading for the first time in attempts to connect with his book loving grand-daughter.

Upon arriving at the library, he meets Aleisha who recently started working at the library, but doesn’t necessarily like reading. Aleisha discovers a crumpled-up piece of paper in the back of To Kill a Mockingbird with a scribbled out reading list. Slowly, they begin to read the books together, discussing them afterwards and knitting a sweet friendship in the meantime.

I loved that Mukesh reminds Aleisha that even fiction books can help them escape their grief, everyday troubles and find joy again. I have found that to be true in my own life… books can be a beautiful escape and gift.

4 out of 5 The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams

6. House of Sticks by Ly Tran

This beautiful memoir breaks your heart many times over the course of it. Ly Tran shares her and her family’s journey immigrating from small town Vietnam to New York city in a run down two bedroom apartment in Queens. Soon after they arrive, Ly joins her parents and three older brothers sewing ties and cummerbunds piece-meal on their living room floor to make ends meet.

Ly finds herself torn between two worlds, honoring her parents and the quiet life they lead and but she also desperately wants to fit in with the new world around her.

Ly shares about her poor eye sight and how eventually she can see almost nothing, yet her POW father forbids her from getting corrective glasses due to his concern that it’s a government conspiracy. His temper and paranoia flare many times and only leaves his children more scared and Ly even more confused and hurt.

She struggled so deeply and in many ways, but there was some redemption at the end. I often found myself wanting to crawl into this book and just hug Ly. It was a hard and beautiful glimpse into the life of an immigrant who desperately needed love in ways her family didn’t know how to give.

4.5 out of 5 House of Sticks by Ly Tran

7. The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare

I was maybe two chapters into this book and could immediately tell it was going to be such a powerful book and oh my goodness. it. was. I listened to this book and it was absolutely beautiful to hear the narrator’s Nigerian voice.

This is a story about a young teenage girl named Adunni who grows up in a Nigerian village. She desperately wants an education so she can be seen and heard for the strong girl she is. However, life tries to break her again and again and again. Despite the never ending obstacles in her path, Adunni never stops trying to leave the life of poverty she was born into, so that she can get an education and help other girls like her do the same.

This was really an excellent book that reminded me to reach for your dreams, even when they seem completely out of reach. Push for justice. Treat others with respect, honor and dignity no matter their status, background or position in life. It was hard to read, but only because I am reminded that girls and woman still deal with many of these hardships today. 4 out of 5 The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare

8. A Man called Ove by Fredrick Backman

Oh my goodness, what a tender sweet book. I’ve heard from a few people that this was a sad book and I suppose it is, but it’s also a story of people and connection and love. I really enjoyed this read.

I made me look at people differently… with more compassion. I also immediately wanted to get to know my neighbors better. It’s a story of community and growth and love.

5 out of 5. This was a winner from me. A Man called Ove by Fredrick Backman

9. The Club by Ellery Lloyd

This book was very reminiscent to me of The Guest List. Celebrity, famous Musicians and Authors alike can become members of The Club – exclusive locations where there are no paparazzi, no phones allowed and more importantly… they are never told no.

There were endless unexpected twists and turns to the story line and the characters. It got a little confusing to keep everyone separate in my mind, but overall it was an enjoyable read. I felt like there was more depth to the characters compared to The Guest List.

There was a dark theme to the main character that I felt really never was explored or explained. I wish there had been more on what made him do the things he did.

3 out 5. The Club by Ellery Lloyd

10. The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

International Bestseller, 32,000 4.5 stars rating and narrated by Tom Hanks, that was all that convinced me to read this book next! I listened to this book on Libby and there was something about Tom Hanks voice narrating it from the perspective of Danny… it was so smooth and relaxing.

I loved this book for many reason. It felt so relatable, like the sad story of a real life family that has beauty and heartbreak and misfortune and joy. There was never high drama even though there were quite a few tragedies… I think that’s partly because Danny had learned through the course of his life, to control his emotions and always stay calm (for better or worse).

And through all the character’s lives ups and downs the one constant, the one stable thing was the never changing Dutch House. I would love this book to be turned into a movie, I would love to see the Dutch House in all it’s glory.

4.5 out of 5 The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

11. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

My local bookclub read this book together in October. I was busy reading other books and someone miscalculated my time and never got around to reading it in time. So, I’m reading it a little late, but I’m LOVING it!

It follows the life of a depressed middle aged book owner who lives on a small island off the coast of Massachusetts. His wife passes away, his bookstore is failing and in a random turn of events, a little girl is left in his bookstore. He adopts her and she becomes a huge turning point and light in his life.

Eventually he finds love again and the three of them become a book loving/book reading family. This book is a beautiful story about second chances and how books can heal.

4 out of 5 The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

12. The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

I had mixed feelings about this book. It was a fun easy read, but… eh. It was the story of an autistic man learning to love and that part of the storyline I loved. I’ve never read a book about autistic people before. However, if felt pretty predictable and slightly cheesy. There were a few love scenes also included, so fyi. Overall, it was an easy romantic type read and I liked it fine enough.

3 out 5 The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

13. The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

This is a book that draws you in immediately upon starting it. It’s been on my list of books to read for a while now, but I have to admit I was turned off by the cover… so I never started it. The cover looks like some weird horse romance book, ha. But I am LOVING IT!

It’s about a woman in the 1930’s who moves from England to the United States and more specifically to Kentucky. She’s always felt like an outsider and now she feels like it even more. In attempts to do something with her life, she joins a few local women who deliver books as part of Eleanor Roosevelt’s WPA Traveling Library Program.

It touches on women’s rights and perceived “duties” as a married woman versus being a working woman. I loved everything about it.

4.5 out of 5, The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

14. The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews

I just got this book and have enjoyed reading it so far. It’s about a woman named Letty who goes on the run with her recently deceased sister’s 4 year old daughter. She’s trying to figure out who killed her sister (although she’s got a pretty good guess) and what secrets her sister was keeping.

I have to be honest, there were some pretty cheesy parts where it almost felt like a “Hallmark movie”, but if you are looking for a simple enjoyable read – it was a nice one.

3.5 out of 5 stars The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews

15. Finlay Donovan is Killing it by Elle Cosimano

A friend recommended this book to me as a comedy/mystery and I don’t think I’ve read any of that specific genre before. I am about 1/4 of the way through and it’s been SUCH a fun read. I believe there are a handful in this series and I may just have to read my way through all of them!

The story follows recently divorced single mom, Finlay. She’s a struggling mystery author who is BARELY keeping ends met and just can’t seem to get her life together enough to raise her babies and finish her next book. After meeting with her agent about “finishing the job neatly and getting rid of the body” (referencing the book she’s working on) a nearby stranger slips her a note requesting her “services” to kill her husband for $50,000.

I can’t wait to finish this one up! 4 out of 5. I really enjoyed this book, it took me a while to get through it for some reason but it was a great lighthearted mystery. Finlay Donovan is Killing it by Elle Cosimano

16. Meet Me in the Margins by Melissa Ferguson

I have been throughly enjoying this light read. It follows Savannah Cade, a book editor as she secretly finishes writing her first book, a romance novel… which her company frowns upon.

During a staff meeting, Savannah accidentally drops her manuscript and her new boss, William Pennington picks it up. She’s so mortified, she hides the manuscript in a hidden room of the office.

When she returns to get it, she finds that someone has not only been in her hidden room, but has written notes in the margins – quite critical ones. She responds to the comments only to find more notes. Soon, they are writing back and forth and Savannah finds herself falling for this mysterious person… who ever it is.

4.5 out of 5. I don’t know what it was about this book, but it was delightful. Nothing heavy, nothing too intense… just a sweet book about falling in love. It was a pleasure to read. Meet Me in the Margins by Melissa Ferguson

17. Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

We read this book for my book club in September and I just absolutely loved this book. I loved almost everything I’ve read from Taylor Jenkins Reid and this one was no different!

This book follows the incredible tennis career highs and lows of Carrie Soto. I’m not even a very sporty person and I was hooked early on. I loved the passion and grit of Carrie and appreciated how she wasn’t afraid to not be “nice” and admit she wanted to win whatever the cost. Those type of personalities definitely intimidate me, but also I love them.

This book also touched on sexism, agism and being a strong woman. I loved all of it.

First 5 out of 5 book of 2022 for me! Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

18. Just Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane

I was looking for a fun happy read until my next local bookclub book was chosen and came upon this book. I didn’t anticipate the way the character’s lives would change. It went from a light hearted book, to dealing with death… but I’ve actually enjoyed reading it just the same!

The 4 main characters Eve, Justin, Susie and Ed have been friends since their youth and even as 30 year olds they are still close. And then in a moment their lives are changed forever.

In the aftermath, Eve’s world is upended. As stunning secrets are revealed, she begins to wonder if she really knew her friends as well as she thought. And when someone from the past comes back into her life, Eve’s future veers in a surprising new direction…

They say every love story starts with a single moment. What if it was just last night?

4 out of 5 – Fun read (even though it’s about death) Just Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane

19. Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen

This is my book club’s August read. The book is broken up into two sections and it’s not until a few chapters into the second section of the book do things start to take an interesting turn! I love when books lead you along and then take some fun twists.

Overall, I thought this was a fun and easy read. It was entertaining and I read it in less than a week. I was ready for some really huge plot twist at the end but, I felt like it fell a little flat there. Make sure to read the Epiogue at end.

3 out of 5. Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen

20. These Impossible Things by Salma El-Wardany

Upon recommendation by a friend, I got the Audible version of this book. Her comment was, “I was sad it was over.” and that seemed like a good enough reason to read it to me!

This book follows three best friends, Malak, Kees, and Jenna. Since childhood, they’ve learned to live their own lives alongside the “expectations of being good Muslim women”, but as they enter adulthood the balance of religion, love and career play heavily on their lives.

This was a fun read that I thoroughly enjoyed. 4 out of 5 These Impossible Things by Salma El-Wardany

21. This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub

This is my local bookclub’s June read and I’ve got to say, I really enjoyed it.

Typically I am not one for science fiction and this book involved time travel, but there was a tenderness to the storyline of the main character and her father that I really loved. They have a pure and endearing love for each other that you learn only grows as the book goes on.

Some I’ve heard think if you like The Midnight Library then you will like this book. However, I found TML boring and sort of an annoying read. I thought it lacked the personality and characters that This Time Tomorrow had.

I give this book a 3.75 out of 5. This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub

22. Verity by Colleen Hoover

Wow-ie wow-ie wow wow. I decided to read this thriller novel as Halloween neared and holy smokes it was intense. Also there were a few “love scenes”, so there’s that.

As all good thrillers do a good job of… the story takes QUITE a few huge leaps and changes in the last third. Everything you think you know, ends up completely changing. I love that in a book. I could have done with less R rates scenes, but as far as thrillers go – this was a great read. But also, YIKES.

The story line is about Lowen who is hired to complete the final books of the well read series Verity Crawford had started, the reason being Verity is injured and unable to finish them.

However, once Lowen arrives she starts learning more details of the Crawford family’s secrets along with an unfinished autobiography that Verity never intended on anyone reading. The things she learns about Verity in that secret manuscript leaves her terrified.

Meanwhile, Lowen has slowly began to fall in love with Verity’s husband, Jeremy. Whoa, just whoa to this book.

4 out of 5 Verity by Colleen Hoover

23. The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley

We read this book for my local book clubs May book. It took many twists I didn’t see coming and then some I suspected, but in the end… I would have never guessed – which is the sign of a great book! I can’t wait to discuss this one with everyone.

Jess plans to meet up with her step brother after going through some hard times, but when she gets to his Paris apartment he’s not there. Something smells of foul play and she slowly starts to try and figure out where her brother could be.

This was a great mystery that I loved reading. 4 out of 5 The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley

24. Secrets We Left Behind by Susan Elliot Wright

I listened to this book on Audible over just a few days of yard work. It told the story of a mom who is confronted by a dying ex-husband. He tells her we must share the secret and if you won’t tell, then I will. It was an enjoyable read (or listen) and I felt like I kept wanting to get to the end to hear what the secret was!

As the book progressed, I had a sense of what the secret entailed and more or less was correct. But, I still enjoyed it. It wasn’t the best book I’ve ever read, but I liked it nonethelss.

3.5 stars out of 5. Secrets We Left Behind by Susan Elliot Wright

25. The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd

This book came to me HIGHLY recommended. Two big reading friends of mine both said it was a 5 out 5, so I was immediately intrigued. It follows the story of Ana in biblical times as she finds her voice in a time when women didn’t have a voice. ALSO she married Jesus, hello. Can’t wait to read more of this book.

So far, it’s been very intriguing at how the author has woven in historical moments in Jesus’ actual life to the fictional story being told in the book. I’ve really enjoyed this book so far.

UPDATE – Finished the book last night. I wept during Jesus’ crucifixion. What an interesting read and even though a fictional book… just a great reminder of Christ’s humanity on this Earth. I loved it and thought it was very thought provoking. Great read – The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd

26. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

I’ve wanted to read this book forever. I loved The Four Winds and liked Firefly Lane, so I can’t wait to see how The Nightingale turns out… I’ve heard so many good things about it!

This book is 564 pages and I read the entire thing in three days. Let me preface that with saying, I did almost nothing other than read this book for three days. I thought each character was well written, the story line was tragic but also had beautiful moments. The basic synopsis is the Nazi’s invade France and two sisters with very different personalities both navigate the effects of that and ultimately help the cause in their own ways.

I have never had so many IG story messages as I have about this book. Clearly EVERYONE loves this book. Many said it was one of their top books ever. I definitely loved, I definitely cried multiple times (as I do have with all of Kristin Hannah’s books) and I would definitely recommend it.

4.25 out of 5 stars only because there were so many tragic parts from the cruelty of Nazi’s and my tender heart gets so sad. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

27. The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller

Another book that came highly recommended. But let me start by saying, TRIGGER WARNING for sexual abuse. I had to stop this book numerous times because I find it hard to read about any type of abuse.

I almost didn’t finish it because I wasn’t sure how to guard my heart against the intensity, but I took a few days off and then slowly read more bit by bit. Thankfully, the abuse stopped about halfway through the book and then it was easier reading.

Honestly, to me it was a book about the “soul mate – one true love” versus the love that is there with you through the ups and downs of real life. I’m glad the book ended the way it did. And maybe it’s just my tender heart, but I am not sure I would even recommend this book. I don’t like violence and sexual abuse, thankfully neither from personal experience but I just don’t like filling my mind with things like that.

2 out 5 for those reasons solely. The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller

28. The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle

I was looking for a book about meals, food and dinner and this is the book I settled on. I read the entire book in three days, which I think is a good sign. It definitely wasn’t about making meals, food or dinner really – but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

The basis of the book is Sabrina is having a birthday and goes out to dinner to celebrate with her old college best friend. She walks into the restaurant to see five people she wrote down years ago in a game of “who would you want to have dinner with dead or alive?”. The list includes (1) her father who left when she was a child and is now dead, (2) her favorite college professor, (3) her best friend Jessica, (4) Audrey Hepburn as a 30 year old, and (5) her ex-boyfriend who maybe was the love of her life.

The book switches from telling her and Tobias’ love story to telling the story of why each person is represented at the dinner.

I read it quickly and found it such an intriguing plot line. 3.5 out of 5. The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle

29. Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

We are reading this in my local book club for the month of April and I’ve got to say this is a book I just couldn’t put down. From the first few pages I was hooked. It tells the story of a rock and roll band from 1960’s to present day.

The entire book is an interview and switches between the seven band members. All the characters were so interesting and I loved how interwoven each of their lives were to each other in both good and bad ways. Half my book club ladies loved the book (me) and half of them thought it was pretty shallow. I mean it was a book about a rock band in the 70’s, drugs, sex and rock + roll were big themes, ha.

However, on the simple ease of reading, enjoyment and entertainment, 4 out 5. Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

30. The Island of the Missing Trees by Elif Shafak

I am a plant lover. I was a practicing Landscape Architect for 8 years and now my love for indoor plants has only blossomed with time. When I heard this book was for plant lovers who specifically loved trees (me and me), I got it without knowing much more.

The three main characters in the book are Defne, Kostas and a large Fig Tree. It start as teenagers fall into a forbidden love from very opposing backgrounds, Greek and Turkish. The tavern that meet in has a large fig tree in the middle and it bears witness to their secret love. The tree is there when a civil war breaks out, when the town is turned to shambles and even when the teenagers part ways. Years later, Kostas, a botanist now returns home for work, but is on the lookout for his one true love.

This book was so intriguing as it gave human emotions and feelings to the Fig tree. She had thoughts and even communicated a bit to the outside world through slight shakes of her leaves and trembles in her roots.

As every good book does, there was quite a great twist at the end, too.

This was such a unique read. I loved the idea of plants having feelings (even if I’m not sure they really do). I think there is SUCH beauty in old trees and tending to plants has become almost a sacred thing for me. So for those reason alone, I loved this book. 4.75 out of 5 stars The Island of the Missing Trees by Elif Shafak

31. Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

This was my January Book Club’s read and it was such a good book. It was light hearted and entertaining, but also had so many more complex layers. Fredrik Backman has such a unique story telling style and we all really enjoyed the way he wove all the characters together. It took a fun turn at the end that felt predictable, but still was a little unexpected.

It tells the story of a bank robbery that turns into a hostage situation. But somehow it’s the most light hearted hostage situation that’s ever been! By the end, all the hostages show up for each other and help each other in the most unexpected ways. By the end of the book, we noted how the more we learned about people’s stories… the more sympathy you had for them in general – true testament of life really. Our bookclub ordered pizza for dinner to celebrate the big pizza scene in the book.

I throughly enjoyed this book. 4.5 out of 5 stars Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

32. The End of Men by Karen Rinaldi

I randomly picked this book up from the library and didn’t even realize it had been turned into a movie starring Julianne Moore and Ethan Hawke. I may watch the movie now that I’ve finished the book… although they are never as good as the book!

Four women who all work at a pregnancy lingerie company are a various stages of work, love and motherhood. The book switches each chapter between Isabel, Anna, Beth and Maggie and yet their lives all are interwoven together. They are all determined, hardworking, funny, sexy and insightful. I loved how they all support each other even when they may disagree with choices made. The book brings insight into women-hood and all the complexities that it brings.

I enjoyed this read. It was light and heartwarming. It made me think about how complex, life giving, challenging and wonderful life as a women, friend and mother can be. 4 out of 5 stars The End of Men by Karen Rinaldi

33. Small Plates by Katherine Hall Page

This was another book I randomly picked up at the library. It’s a quick read of short fictional mystery stories. I wanted to love it because I’ve realized I really enjoy ready mystery books. And although I think it was written well, something about having a story start and finish in 4 pages just didn’t do it for me.

I think I like having more character and story line buildup. Otherwise, it almost felt like one of those tween “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books where everything is dramatic and then tied up with a pretty bow in about 8 minutes time. I wouldn’t discourage this book, but it just wasn’t my ideal format.

2.75 out of 5. Small Plates by Katherine Hall Page

34. The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

This book is one that I am reading as part of an online guest host of my friend Ashley’s Reading Book Club. I ordered this book and then when it arrived was like HELLO BIG BOOK, at almost 600 pages it’s a long one. With that being said, I am loving this book!

Set in 1954, this book follows Emmitt, his brother Billy and two friends who start off in Nebraska heading to California for a fresh start, but their adventure immediately takes a turn in the opposite direction – New York city. The entire book spans only ten days, but from multiple perspectives. Each chapters counts down from day 10 to 1.

Although this was quite a long book, it was so well written. I went back and forth between listening to it on Audible and reading the paper back version. I really enjoy the depth of characters and am excited to read another from Amor Towles. My favorite character was Dutchess, I didn’t necessarily like him but found him a very intriguing character.

4 out of 5. The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

35. Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez

This was my local bookclub’s March book.

This book is set in New York in 2017. The main two characters Olga and her brother, Prieto have worked really hard to be well known in their fields. Prieto is a popular Congressman and Olga is a wedding planner for Manhattan’s rich elite. However, there is quite a bit going on behind closed doors in both of their lives.

They are looking for love and acceptance, as their mother left them as children to be raised by their grandmother while she joined a militant political cause.

In hindsight this book hits on MANY sensitive topics, sexual orientation, political upheaval, racisim, sexual abuse, power, money, family drama, and probably a few others. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book, but I wouldn’t say I LOVED it.

Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez, 3 out of 5

Non-Fiction books I’ve read in 2022:

• The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
  • VERY excited to read this book.
• Untamed by Glennon Doyle
  • Some parts I loved, but some parts felt forced to be “woke”. I’m glad I read it to see what the hype was about, but I wouldn’t say it was life changing.
• Fourteen Talks by Age Fourteen by Michelle Icard
  • An interesting and thought provoking way to listen and talk with your tween. However, it felt a little overwhelming to me by the end.
• Art + Faith : A Theology of Making by Makoto Fujimura
  • A deeper look into the connection between making and our Maker. I want to love this book, but I’ll be honest it’s very deep and I can only digest small pieces at a time.
• I’m so Effing Tired by Amy Shah
  • A proven plan to beat burnout, boost your energy and reclaim your life. I liked this book and the insight it gave to food and hormones.
• Taste : My life through Food by Stanley Tucci
  • As a true Italian would, Stanley talks about his childhood through food. I am so enjoying this easy read and all the recipes he included!
• The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
  • I mean, Brene Brown doesn’t write bad books. I am about half way done with this one and feeling inspired and seen already.
• I Guess I Haven’t Learned that Yet by Shauna Niequest
  • I’ve loved all of Shauna’s books… and maybe it’s this season of my life, but I REALLY loved this book. It’s about the complexity of life and being okay with continuing to grow and change with age.
• Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri
  • This is a true story of a little boy who feels out of place as an 8 year old in America after fleeing his country of Iran. It’s entertaining, heart felt and I loved it.
• The God of the Garden by Andrew Peterson
  • If you love trees and love God, this is the book for you. Andrew Peterson tells the story of his connection to trees, the ups and downs of his life and it’s tie to Creation through this book.
• The Lord is my Courage by K.J. Ramsey
  • Oh this book. I’ve been going through some hard times in my faith and stumbled upon this book at the perfect time. It talks about stepping through the shadows of fear toward the voice of love and it been everything my heart needed to read, hear and meditate on.

Check out ALL of my 2022 Favorite Fiction reads here.

You can check out other great books I’ve enjoyed here.