There is nothing I love more than hanging in bed with a good book and tea, and 2022 was my year of good reads. I really got into reading during quarantine when my brain was tired of binge-watching a screen all day, and since then I have much preferred picking up a book than the remote. It has been a long time since I loved books the way I loved these and if your goal for 2023 is to read more or broaden your reading horizons, here are some of my favourite books from last year!
Normal People by Sally Rooney
This is the book that got me out of my reading slump and kick-started my reading frenzy. It was a quick read for me, and you simply can’t not love it. I fell in love with the characters and the extended timeline makes the book fly by. I’m a sucker for an Irish read and it makes the characters that much more adorable. It explores first loves, first times and follows two people who can’t help but always find each other. If you have time after finishing the book, check out the series on Amazon Prime Video.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
I could not keep my hands off this novel! I read it in less than two days and for good reason. Olive, the main character, is simply adorable and totally relatable. Set in a university, the novel puts a cute spin on the professor-student trope with its comical scientific references and lovable friendships. The book is lengthy, but the short chapters and intriguing plot make it manageable.
Verity by Colleen Hoover
This book was out of my comfort zone and I picked it up multiple times before actually diving in. The minute I made it past chapter one I could not put it down. I devoured this book in one day. I would consider this book to be more of a thriller than Colleen Hoover’s classic romance book, and per Hoover’s style, the dark twist is DARK. Nonetheless, this book is a total page-turner and I promise you will not regret picking it up.
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
I am not huge on nonfiction novels however this is one of two on my list. This is a super quick and easy read for nonfiction that does not drag! This book completely changed my mindset on what it means to live wholeheartedly and changed my perspective on relationships, both romantically and with friends. I find nonfiction books hard to recommend, as every reader takes away something different, however, this is a great book for anyone at any stage of life.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Trust me when I say I credit the end of my 13 yearlong nail-biting habits to the lessons of this book. James Clear does an excellent job at making a nonfiction book based on science seem like a lesson from a close friend. The chapter summaries and notes are a great way to remember the takeaways if you are someone who gets caught up in big words and data. The book helped me build healthy, obtainable habits that can be applied to my everyday life, from as little as biting my nails to working out and studying.
Harry Potter: The Philosopher’s Stone by J. K. Rowling
I always considered myself to be an anti-Harry Potter gal, however, I was required to read this book for a class last semester and fell in love with the writing. J. K. Rowling does a great job of removing the intimidating features of fantasy and replacing them with a unique, captivating writing style that you cannot help but enjoy. In comparison to the other novels in the series, this one is considerably short, so if the size of the series is intimidating do me a favour and try just this one!
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Now, this is my number one read of 2022 and will remain one of my favourite books of all time! Taylor Jenkins Reid is such a phenomenal writer and this book is totally worth the hype. You become totally invested in the life of Evelyn Hugo and her love stories are nothing short of brilliant. You will be captivated by Reid’s writing and Evelyn’s story. If you read anything from this list, let it be this book.
Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid did not disappoint with this one. It is one of the most uniquely written books I have ever read and the characters are irresistibly lovable. The book’s old-time feel gives Fleetwood Mac vibes and is any music lover’s dream. The book seems lengthy but is a quick read despite its lack of definitive chapters. The writing makes you feel like you are part of the band and transports you back in time. Malibu Rising by Reid is a must-read for me in 2023.
If you’re on BookTok like me, it can sometimes be intimidating when it comes to book recommendations, but trust me when I say these are totally worth the read. There is something here for every reader, from the hopeless romantic to the thriller adrenaline junkie and even some for you nonfiction readers out there. Whether you like the physical copy or you are a Kindle stan, get your hands on one of these good reads!
Happy reading!