It’s the most anticipated list of the year: The Top Ten Most Memorable Reads of 2022.
2022 Most Memorable Reads:
The Top Ten List
I’m linking up today with That Artsy Reader Girl: Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Favorite Books of 2022.
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”
It is been fabulous fun this week reading through top ten lists. The variation is striking, demonstrating that reading really is a personal experience and that no two readers read the same book!
I mostly love the angst of creating top-ten lists! Although it can be a daunting task, it’s my most anticipated post of the year! First, let me remind you that this list is subjective. It’s comprised of books I’ve read this year (there are always so many more great ones that I didn’t get to), and each one has made it onto this list because reading it was an enjoyable, memorable, emotional experience and gave me a “book hangover.” These are truly unforgettable books that I’ll think about months and years later. If I can’t envision remembering a book on this list years from now, it doesn’t belong on the list.
Last week as part of my brainstorming process for this list, I created an Especially Satisfying Reads of 2022 post. That post is a bit more comprehensive because I provide some runners-up and books that didn’t make it to my official top ten.
One more note:
I have ONE clear number one read of the year. However, the other nine could all be number two. How can I rank them? I simply could not. In ten days I could arrange this list in ten different ways. Do you struggle with ranking your top ten list?
Titles are links to my reviews (which contain Amazon affiliate links).
Most titles in this post were published this year, but one was not.
Thanks for sharing great reads with me this year!
Top Ten Most Memorable Reads of 2022
Based on the qualities of enjoyment, engagement, compelling, unputdownable, memorable, page-turning, and book hangover.
Number One
The Girl From Guernica by Karen Robards
(Historical Fiction)
WHY: This represents everything I’m looking for in a 5-star read: memorable for months and years, page-turning, compelling, well-researched and well-written, likable characters, and a balance of character-driven and plot-driven.
The Other Nine
Last Summer on State Street by Toya Wolfe
(Contemporary Fiction)
WHY: This is a diverse read that reads like a memoir written by an “own voices” author. It’s a poignant and compelling read which allows me to live a life I’ll never experience.
The Winter Orphans by Kristin Beck
(WW11 Historical Fiction)
WHY: I love untold stories of real-life difference-makers in the face of the most challenging circumstances. There must be a special reward in Heaven for people risking their lives to safeguard innocent children.
The Thread Collectors by Shaunna J. Edwards and Alyson Richman
(Civil War Historical Fiction)
WHY: This is a riveting dual POV story of discrimination, survival, and friendship from “own voices” authors told from the Slave and Jewish perspectives.
The German Wife by Kelly Rimmer
(post WW II with WW II backstory)
WHY: I enjoyed the compelling, controversial, and thoughtful themes surrounding “Operation Paperclip” in which the U.S. government coerced Nazi scientists to come to the U.S. and work for the space program.
I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys (YA)
(1980s Romania)
WHY: This is an unputdownable and page-turning story of a young man and his family living under a Communist Regime. Ruta Sepetys is one of my favorite authors.
The Winners by Fredrik Backman
(Contemporary Literary Drama)
WHY: Very few authors can create memorable characters and explore thoughtful themes better than Backman.
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
(Literary Fiction Novella)
WHY: This is one of the most poignant, well-crafted, and beautifully written short stories I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Truly unforgettable as it asks the question, “Will you take action or look the other way?” I already have it on my reread shelf.
The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore
(Narrative Nonfiction)
WHY: Narrative nonfiction is my favorite form of nonfiction because it reads like a story; in this case, a thriller. I appreciate learning more about mental health in the 1800s and the fight this woman led to guarantee women’s rights. Her sacrifice and determination are inspirational.
An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield
(Nonfiction/Memoir)
WHY: I love a memoir that provides an insider’s perspective and fascinating facts about something I can never know. From his initial dream to his training to his determination and perseverance to his ultimate achievements in space to his practical life lessons, this is one memorable memoir and one amazing man. I highly recommend the audio format so you can hear him in his own words.
Honorable Mention
There are so many more wonderful reads this year that deserve mention. Among them:
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
The Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice by Rebecca Connolley
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
The Next Ship Home by Heather Web
The Sisters of Seaview by Julie Klassen
The Belle of Belgrave Square by Mimi Matthews
Most Memorable Middle Grade
A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga
A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus
Links to Previous Best-of-Year Posts
Most Recommended Reads of 2017
QOTD:
Share your best read of the year in the comments! Please?! I’d love to hear!
Happy Reading Book Worms
“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.”
~Rainer Maria Rilke
“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.”
~Denise J Hughes
“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.”
~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
“I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection! Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.”
~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text
Happy New Year!
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Unless explicitly stated that they are free, all books that I review have been purchased by me or borrowed from the library.
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What a wonderful list! I have I Must Betray You on my TBR stack. I’ve heard great things about her books. Happy New Year!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy I Must Betray You! Happy reading in 2023
Fab list Carol! It is hard making a top ten list, but I did it for TTT this week!
The trick is to not look at it again because you’ll want to redo it! 😂
I think I Must Betray You is a very compelling read. I’m eager to read Small Things Like These soon.
I’m happy to hear you enjoyed Betray You. I’m sure you’ll appreciate Small Things! Happy 2023 reading Deb!
My TBR list is going to grow today. I have read and enjoyed all but 3 of these, but they are either already on, or going on my TBR. Great choices, Carol.
We must be book twins Carla! 📚🙌 Happy reading in 2023!
I enjoyed The Thread Collectors. And Ruta Sepetys writes amazing stories. But my best book of the year was The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold. Highly recommended.
My Top Ten
Thank you so much for the rec Lisa! I’ll check it out!
Good review. Some of the books sound quite interesting but I haven’t read any of them …
My Statistics are here.
Thanks Marianne! Happy 2023 reading! 🥂
The Winners was a winner for me as well (I’m a dork!) I simply adore Backman’s books. His storytelling is something special
It seems like Backman is on every list I make! I’m happy to hear we share the love! Happy 2023 reading Samantha! 🥂
I’ve only read Small Things Like These which I loved also. Will definitely take a look at the others. I really enjoy contemporary fiction
I’m happy to hear we share the love for Small Things! Have you read Foster? Happy 2023 Reading Alison! 🥂
No
What title?
I just read A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson ..lovely read
Are you referring to Foster? It’s another novella by Claire Keegan.
Thanks for the rec!
Oh okay thanks
I’m glad you liked Small Things Like These so much. I’m on a long library waitlist for it. 🙂
My post: https://lydiaschoch.com/top-ten-tuesday-favorite-books-of-2022/
Small Things is soooo good! I hope you enjoy it (and get it soon!). Happy 2023 reading Lydia! 🥂
I have The Woman They Could Not Silence on my TBR. I loved The Radium Girls by Kate Moore, so I hope to love The Woman They Could Not Silence.
Pam @ Read! Bake! Create!
https://readbakecreate.com/my-ten-favorite-books-of-2022/
Woman They Could Not Silence is unputdownable! I hope you enjoy it! Happy 2023 reading Pam! 🥂
I am glad to see two of my favorites on your honorable mention list: The Sisters of Sea View and The Belle of Belgrave Square. Happy reading in 2023 to you, Carol.
Both wonderful reads! Let me know when the sequel to Sisters is available for review! 🙌 happy 2023 reading! 🥂
Hi Carol! Happy New Year!
I haven’t read any of these and I can’t actually believe it. I want to read just about all of them! So not good for my TBR and I really, really am trying to get control of it this year….
Have a good one and happy reading!
Elza Reads
They are all TBR worthy Mareli! Happy 2023 reading! 🥂
You read a ton of good books this year! I need to read that Backman book.
The Winners is an amazing read! Happy 2023 reading! 📚
I’ve not read any of these, but so many are on my TBR list and I added a couple more, I always find good recommendations from your blog! I don’t know if you’ve read it already, but if you haven’t, can I recommend The Mad Girls of New York by Maya Rodale? It’s fiction but based on the real life story of Nellie Bly who went undercover at an asylum, and one of the subplots is based on the woman that Kate Moore’s book is about!
My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2023/01/03/top-ten-tuesday-401/
I’m thrilled to hear that you find my recs helpful! Thanks for the Mad Girls rec…..sounds like a good companion read! Thanks for your kind words and for commenting! Happy 2023 reading! 🥂
I just added The Girl From Guernica to my TBR and I already have the An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth on my TBR, Great list!
Thanks Wendy! I hope you enjoy Girl From Guernica and Astronaut’s Guide! Happy 2023 reading! 🥂
I think I would be happy to read any of these! I like to make a list of blogger favorites as a list of possibilities for the coming year. I usually just pick one or two from a list. It’s a fun way to try some new authors. My list of favorites from 2022 is here: https://clearwaterdaybook.blogspot.com/2023/01/2022-reading-reflections.html
Yes! This is a perfect way to build an amazing TBR! Thanks for commenting and happy 2023 reading, Gretchen! 🥂
It is hard doing a top ten of the best books. I did graphic novels for my list since I read so many.
Some of the books on here sound interesting..
Have a great 2023.
I love seeing the variety of lists! Thanks for commenting! Happy 2023 reading!
I love Fredrik Backman! That astronaut book is on my TBR list, so I’ll get to it eventually. I love memoirs too.
I hope you enjoy Astronaut’s Guide! Happy 2023 reading! 🥂
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