2022 is about to end, and I’m closing in on 150 books, according to Goodreads (There are some duplicates I can’t seem to shake). It might happen, it might not. My reading rode some waves for sure this year… and I could handle more surfing books. More stories set in New Orleans. More falling in love and not sacrificing yourself. More meeting people where they are at novels. More friendship stories. More Dave Grohl reading to me. More recommendations from friends.

I should explain my Goodreads Ratings are all about MY enjoyment level. I’m not a book critic, I’m a book lover and an avid reader, and this is my gut response the instant I finish a book. 

***** 5 Stars – For whatever reason, I got something more than I was expecting. I loved it. I hated the characters. I wanted to throw the book across the room. I wanted to read it again.
**** 4 Stars – This book was exactly what I expected—be it thriller, romance, or sinfully smutty. I was along for the ride and got my money’s worth.
*** 3 Stars – Sometimes I just wasn’t digging it, and that’s cool. Other times, I was enjoying a book, but there was something – typos, questionable word choice, etc. that jarred me out of the story.
** 2 Stars – I don’t think I’ve given any of these… 

The books below are the ones that stuck with me in 2022 amidst nearly 150 other stories. 

Seven Days in June – Tia Williams @tiawilliamswrites
This one just sucks you in and plucks at every emotional chord. Second chances. Secret letters. A past that can’t be forgotten.

You Can’t Be Serious — Kal Penn @kalpenn
As if I needed another reason to love Kal Penn. This memoir had me in stitches more often than not. I maintain the man is an underrated genius.

Star Fish – Lisa Flips @authorlisafipps
This was my first novel in verse. I’m honestly still pissed off at Ellie’s mother. Heartwarming, frustrating and ultimately a celebration of self and friendship.

Kiss Number 8 – Colleen A.F. Venable (Author), Ellen T. Crenshaw (Illustrator) @colleenaf @etcillustration
My first graphic novel. I honestly just loved it. Growing up is all about testing boundaries and figuring out all the ways you are you and this story hits the mark.

An Unexpected Kind of Love – Hayden Stone @haydenstoneauthor
Since I have the unpopular stance of not liking Notting Hill, I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this spin on the movie star and the bookshop owner. 

Book Lovers – Emily Henry @emilyhenrywrites
Same review as last year, different book! Emily Henry get out of my head! She’s got my number, and she keeps calling. It freaks me out how eerily matched her books are to my life at the moment I pick them up. I just want all the more from her.

If This Gets Out – Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich @sgonzalesauthor @calerdietrich
To be honest, I was in at Boy Band. The secret romance, the crazy fans, and evolving friendships were a bonus. Sometimes you just need to dip into someone else’s world and enjoy the tour.

Icebreaker – A.L. Graziadei @a.l.graziadei
I can still smell the hockey bags. I love unexpected tension boiling up inside already tense situations. It’s no wonder it’s gloves off.

The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling – Wai Chim @onewpc
Sometimes you pick up a book based only on the title, and it’s so much more than you expected. Family is awesome and brutal. Growing up is hard but also an adventure. See people for who they are and ask to be seen in return. 

Funny You Should Ask – Elissa Sussman @elissa_sussman
I’m so glad this was more than just a wide-eyed reporter falls in love with a hunky actor story. More importantly, I love the genuine friendship between the “rivals.” More male friendships like this, please.

And we have to talk about Meghan Quinn. @meghanquinnbooks

You can’t NOT notice how frequently she’s on my list. I’m equal parts; how the f*** do you write so many damn books, and could you please write like ten more a year I’m starting to have to ration. In my 40s, this genre—what I fondly refer to as Housewife Porn—holds more appeal. It’s a little snack break from the real world, and Meghan Quinn’s my favorite chef.