Like many other people, 2022 was probably one of the craziest years to come in my 20 years on this earth. With a lot going on with school and my personal life, reading was a great, reliable escape. Additionally, writing is something I enjoy, and keeping myself busy with reading helps me with my writing. In case you didn’t read many books this year, or even if you did, here were some of my favorites.
- Birds of California – Katie Cotugno
This was one of the first books I read this year, and I loved it. Pulling from Hollywood’s ‘Me Too’ movement, it is about a young child actress who critics say ‘went crazy’. In reality, there is more to the surface and a heartbreaking explanation for what caused her to ‘go crazy’. I also loved the characters in this book and how easily the story flowed.
- Archer’s Voice – Mia Sheridan
I saw something on TikTok that said that if you enjoyed author Colleen Hoover and her books you would like books by Mia Sheridan. That TikTok was correct. The overall vibe of both of these authors is similar from what I have read. Archer’s Voice is a great romance book with a happy ending that makes you laugh, cry, and smile. It’s the perfect book to get you out of your reading slump.
- A Hundred Other Girls – Iman Hariri-Kia
I picked up this book one day randomly in my local Barnes and Noble. As someone who wants to get into the news/writing industry, this book examined it well through a feminist magazine setting, sort of like Her Campus. The characters were also likable and had interesting quirks!
- Verity – Colleen Hoover
Of course I had to include at least one Colleen Hoover book on this list, and Verity is my favorite. I was hesitant to read it as I’m not usually a big fan of thrillers and horror. Although, I literally could not put this book down and finished it in less than a 48 hour period. One of my favorite things about this book is how it ends. Basically, it could really have 2 endings and you have to decipher which one you think is real and which one you think is fake. This book encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone more when it comes to my reading choices.
- In Five Years – Rebecca Serle
Last but certainly not least, In Five Years was a book that really altered my brain chemistry. One of my favorite types of reads are books that really make you think about life, and this is exactly what In Five Years does. It is about a girl who thinks her life is perfect and everything is mapped out. Although, one night she goes forward 5 years and her life couldn’t be any more different than what it was originally. To me, the main theme in this book is that you never know what life could bring. It taught me to not get too comfortable or settle for people just because I have jumped to conclusions in my head. I think everyone should read this book, no matter what point of your life you are in.