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.
That's quite a list. You read a lot, I gasp.
ReplyDeleteThank you. :)
DeleteThe list kinda got out of hand once I started working on it, lol.