By Casey Schellberg
Reading has always been one of my favorite pastimes, but I never seem to make enough time in my day to curl up with a good book during busy weeks. Over the summer, I had a pretty relaxed job that allowed me to catch up on some dusty books in my bookshelf. I enjoyed every second of it and loved the feeling of not being able to put the book down. This year, I hope to expand my bookshelf and make time to read some more books, so I created a reading list for 2022. Here is a list of the books I have on it so far!
Untamed by Glennon Doyle: I saw this book as a recommendation from a small business owner I follow on Instagram and was instantly drawn in by its gorgeous cover. It’s a memoir written to empower women and show us how to be brave. With over 2 million copies sold, this self-discovery book is one I can’t wait to get my hands on!
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens: A murder mystery meets coming-of-age tale, this novel has book lovers everywhere wanting more. The story is of a lonely girl named Kya being suspected for a murder in town. However, Kya is not like what others think of her and opens herself up to a new life when she meets 2 men from town.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig: A book you might have seen on TikTok, this story is full of life lessons. It follows the main character, Nora, as she goes to this library of infinite books and decides what makes life worth living.
The Maid by Nita Prose: Another murder mystery (my favorite genre), this story tells of a hotel maid who discovers a guest murdered in their bed and is determined to find out who killed him.
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne: Just released as a major motion picture starring Lucy Hale in early December, this read is said to be a “sexy workplace comedy” between two workplace rivals.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry: Another TikTok favorite, I have seen this book on a ton of recommendation lists and am excited to read this romance novel. It’s a story of two best friends who only have one week of vacation to fix their relationship.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood: What was supposed to be a fake relationship turns into a force of attraction for two scientist friends, one who does not believe in long-lasting relationships.
Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez: One of the most anticipated reads for 2022, the author covers important issues including racism, elitism, politics, and family drama in his book that takes place in NYC in the months surrounding Puerto Rico’s most devastating hurricane.
Wahala by Nikki May: Meaning “trouble,” this novel is a story of friendship and betrayal when a charismatic new girl intervenes in the friend group.
In Five Years by Rebecca Serle: A book that makes you ask yourself, where do I see myself in 5 years? Dannie, the main character, spends one hour 5 years into the future, making her question her present life when she goes back to the present day.
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave: The mystery of the disappearance of Michael Owens, who gave his wife a note that says, “protect her,” right before.
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton: A memoir for women of all ages that ties together falling in love, getting drunk, finding a job, and so much more into a book about realizing that you are enough.
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover: Almost every one of Colleen Hoover’s books have been recommended to me at one point or another, but this is definitely the most pushed one. A love story of a woman who questions her current relationship and her first love when he reappears.
Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas: A love-hate relationship between fifth grade pen pals who wrote to each other for 7 years turns into a search for each other when one discovers a photo of the other online. It is said to be a compelling and original read (and contains some 18+ scenes in it).
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter: Liz fell in love with Michael, but he moved away before she could tell him. Now that he’s back in town, she’s on a mission to become his prom date and will do anything, even befriend her annoying neighbor Wes. However, as Liz and Wes spend more time together to plan how to get a date with Michael, she realizes she likes Wes.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid: A heartbreaking novel of Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo’s scandalous life, and her 7 husbands along the way.
I hope this list of books that I have added to my 2022 must read list sparked some interest into exploring the world of books this year, and maybe even added some to your own list! Happy reading :)