A Brief Summary of the Best and Worst Reads in 2022

I don't prefer to compile a list of books I've read in a year. This time, I wanted to give it a try and realized why I don't do it. (Too much work!). Still, 2022 has been a good year in terms of reading. I could read different genes and trade a variety of themes. Tried a couple of audiobooks too, which for me, is an achievement. 

Here's a summation of my reads with links to the respective reviews. 

Top 5 Reads of 2022

Absent in the Spring by Mary Westmacott

Genre: Historical Fiction 

Reason: What happens when Joan Scudamore is stranded in an isolated guest house when returning home? With too much time and nothing to do, she begins to see her life as it is and not as she believed it to be. But what if she’s wrong? This book is Christie’s finest work- layered, introspective, and deep. A must-read. 

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4605095748 

***

Kibogo by Scholastique Mukasonga, Mark Polizzotti (Translator)

Genre: Historical Fiction, Novella 

Reason: Kibogo is the recounting of the constant clash between pagan beliefs and missionaries determined to evangelize Rwanda. The unseen narrator presents the distortion of native culture and beliefs through years of colonization. Can be triggering for some, but a worthy read, especially for Indians. You’ll notice many parallels. 

Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2022/09/kibogo-by-scholastique-mukasonga-book.html 

***

The Condemned Oak Tree by Ada Rossi 

Genre: Literary Fiction 

Reason: Maureen shares her story to reveal secrets she has buried (along with her husband) for years. Beautiful writing, layered plot, and great characterization. This slow book should be savored for the way it aligns nature and human emotions in an understated manner. 

Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2022/06/the-condemned-oak-tree-by-ada-rossi.html 

***

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna – 4.5 Stars 

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Fantasy 

Reason: Mika Moon is an adorable witch without a family to call her own. She accepts an offer to train three kid witches, which could give her everything she ever wanted or break her heart all over again. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a sweet witchy book with loveable characters and slow-burn romance. It’s a perfect read for a lazy afternoon.

Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-very-secret-society-of-irregular.html 

***

Crime Writer by Dime Sheppard – Five Stars 

Genre: Romcom, Thriller, Contemporary 

Reason: What happens when an author’s characters come alive and exhibit free will? This is quirky, funny, dark, emotional, action-intensive, and super entertaining. A tasty kichadi indeed. 

Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2022/12/crime-writer-by-dime-sheppard-book.html 

*****

Top 5 Anthologies of 2022 

How We Disappear: Novella & Stories by Tara Lynn Masih – 4.3 Stars 

Genre: Literary Fiction 

Reason: This collection of short stories is dark and brooding. The thread of melancholy makes the collection a heavy read but one that’s worth a read and a revisit. 

Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2022/07/how-we-disappear-novella-stories-by.html 

***

Silverweed Road by Simon Cook – 4 Stars 

Genre: Horror

Reason: This is a wonderful collection of horror stories with a common theme set in the same creepy society. It is atmospheric, entertaining, and has some chilling stories to make horror fans happy. 

Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2022/09/silverweed-road-by-simon-crook-book.html 

***

Once Upon a Winter by H.L. Macfarlane & Other Authors- 3.8 Stars 

Genre: Fairytale Retelling, Fantasy 

Reason: The collection is creepy, chilly, horrifying, cute, funny, and whimsical. The stories are intriguing and diverse in their themes and create a compelling read. 

Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2022/05/once-upon-winter-by-hl-macfarlane-book.html 

***

Trail XIII: Path to Perdition by The Hive* 

Genre: Horror

Reason: The journey through Trail Xiii will take you through thirteen bone-chilling stories strewn along with the putrefying dead bodies. Beware, TRAIL XIII is not for the fainthearted. Tread carefully, for this is the path to perdition. Hush!

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58753976-trail-xiii---the-path-to-perdition 

***

A Second Cup of Tea by The Hive* 

Genre: Feel-Good Short Stories 

Reason: A Second Cup of Tea will make you laugh, cry, smile, and shake your head with an indulgent smile. From historical to mythical to humor and more- twenty-two writers have come together to brew a perfect blend of tea for every reader.

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60791836-a-second-cup-of-tea 

*****

Top 5 Children’s Books of 2022 (Illustrated) 

Lore of the Land: Folklore and Wisdom from the Wild Earth by Claire Cock-Starkey – 4.5 Stars 

Reason: Lore of the Land is a beautiful collection of folklore about the earth, nature, and everything she offers. The myths and stories are provided in a single paragraph. The brevity helps retain more information. It’s time we learned from the lore and respected nature. 

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4984380869 

***

What Little Boys Are Made Of: A Modern Nursery Rhyme by Susanna Leonard Hill – 5 Stars 

Reason: What Little Boys Are Made Of is a beautiful and adorable book that breaks stereotypes and gently nudges kids to be confident in their skin. They deserve to be happy and loved.

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4986016572 

***

Hocus Pocus Practice Focus by Amy Kilmat – 4.5 Stars 

Reason: Hocus Pocus Practice Focus is for kids and adults who want to enter the world of magic. I haven’t read any children’s book on this topic, and this one felt like it hit the right notes from start to finish.

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4982196917 

***

Kesar and the Lullaby Birds by Aditi Oza – 4.5 Stars 

Reason: This is so beautiful! The illustrations are so earthy and lively. They show the beauty of the villagers and their artsy houses without erasing the native touch. The detailing of jewelry and attire is spot on.

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4661728046 

***

Into the Dark Forest (The Wildsmith #1) by Liz Flanagan – 4.5 Stars 

Reason: Into the Dark Forest is a heartwarming and adorable story of little Rowan and dragons. Each chapter is short, pacy, and has enough descriptions to paint a picture of the setting and characters.

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5082715222 

*****

Top 5 Nonfiction Reads of 2022

Defence of Hindu Society by Sita Ram Goel – 4.5 Stars 

Genre: Political Nonfiction

Reason: The fact that the book is still relevant even today is all we need to know. There’s nothing respectable about being a doormat for others to walk over. Be assertive and read more. 

Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2022/12/defence-of-hindu-society-by-sita-ram.html 

***

Naham Karta Hari Karta by PVRK Prasad – 4.5 Stars 

Genre: Memoir 

Reason: This book is a collection of incidents from the author’s 4-year stint at Tirupati as the EO of TTD. What I love the most is how Prasad Garu doesn’t shy away from expressing his emotions or sharing certain parts of his past. 

Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2022/10/naham-karta-hari-karta-by-pvrk-prasad.html 

***

Giant Genius Bhyrappa and Mirrors of His Novels by MS Vijaya Haran – 4.5 Stars 

Genre: Biography (of sorts)

Reason: Giant Genius Bhyrappa and Mirrors of His Novels is a tribute to literary genius and a wonderful way to know more about the man behind many successful novels. He is Bharat’s treasure indeed.

Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2022/08/giant-genius-bhyrappa-and-mirrors-of.html 

***

Powered by Plants by Clive Gifford – 4.5 Stars 

Genre: Science, Nature 

Reason: The book is detailed and has beautiful illustrations. Every page is bright, colorful, and cheerful. The expressions on some plants are hilarious. It is a must-read for little ones and adults. After all, we need to respect and accept nature as supreme before we ‘protect’ her.

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4879211809 

***

Happy Stories for Nature Lovers by Dawn Casey – 4.5 Stars 

Genre: Nature, Inspirational 

Reason: Happy Stories for Nature Lovers is a short and informative book, a starting point for kids and adults to become eco-conscious and do their bit to co-exist with nature. The illustrations are earthy, adorable, and wonderful. The touch of native rawness blends perfectly with the content. 

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5005537421 

*****

Worst 5 Reads of 2022 

Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel – 1 Star 

Genre: ‘Feminist Mythological Retelling’ 

Reason: The book is supposedly a feminist retelling of Ramayana from Kaikeyi’s POV. Calling it far-fetched fan fiction with a Hinduphobic narrative would be an apt description. The book is an insult to the countless women Raavan abused. 

Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2022/03/kaikeyi-by-vaishnavi-patel-book-review.html 

***

Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks – 1 Star 

Genre: Historical Fiction (Black Death) 

Reason: The book is about how a village quarantined itself during Black Death to stop the spread of the virus and prevent more deaths. It is supposedly inspired by real stories. However, the book deals with a multitude of issues and makes a mess of the second half. Never did I hate a happy ending as much as I did in this one. 

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4927855642 

***

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens – 2.5 Stars 

Genre: Historical Drama 

Reason: This is a much-loved book (now being made into a movie), and I went into it with great expectations. The best I can say about this is that you can ignore the story and read the filler (about marsh, nature, etc.). You’ll enjoy it more that way. 

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4488524946 

***

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak – 2.5 Stars 

Genre: Romance, Dual Timeline, Social Drama (and a failed attempt at magic realism)

Reason: Yet another highly acclaimed book that tries to do too much and doesn’t succeed at anything. The only thing I like is the premise and the backdrop of the civil war in Cyprus, between the Turks and Greeks. 

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4242664336 

***

Can't Look Away by Carola Lovering – 2 Stars 

Genre: Drama (that tries to be a thriller), Dual Timeline 

Reason: If only I looked away from this book! The characters are immature. There is too much info dump and almost zero intrigues to be called a thriller. One of those boring books you want to get over with and forget. 

Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2022/06/cant-look-away-by-carola-lovering-book.html 

*****

And... that's done. Hoping for a more fulfilling reading experience in 2023. Does this list any of your favorite (or not-so-favorite) books? What are your top 5 reads for 2022? 

On a side note, I'm participating in the #TBRChallenge by Blogchatter for 2023. 

Have a happy new year. 

*****

Disclaimer: I’m a co-founder and managing partner at The Hive Publishers. You are helping indie authors by supporting the books.