Reading is one of my favorite hobbies, and each day I look forward to settling into bed and diving in to the book I’m currently reading. In this post, I’m sharing everything I read in 2022. Hopefully this gives you some new recommendations for 2023 (plus a couple you’ll definitely want to skip!) As a side note, I almost always just check out books from the library so very few of these books are new releases.
I usually choose a book based on how I’m feeling, and there were many times in 2022 that I wanted an easy read to take my mind off things. Because of this, I read MANY Colleen Hoover books this year. Her writing is really enthralling but also romantic with a little bit of drama. My favorite genre is historical fiction so you’ll find many of those in this list as well. I also read a few fashion books this year. As I’ve gotten more into personal style and clothes, I’ve been more interested in learning about the fashion industry.
I’d love it if you would share a book you’ve loved in the comments so I can add it to my reading list!
Books I Read In 2022
American Duchess by Karen Harper
This historical fiction book is based on the life of Consuelo Vanderbilt. It starts in the late 1800s as the heir to the Vanderbilt fortune is forced to marry strategically to an English estate owner. It’s an interesting story.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
This fiction fantasy book was totally unexpected in the best way. It was probably the most interesting and thought provoking book I read this year. The main character, Nora Seed, gets to live alternative realities that change based on her choices. Very very fascinating.
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
I LOVED this book. The story jumps back in forth in time taking place during WWI and after WWII. It tells the story of two women, one of which is a spy during wartime. I loved the characters, the writing, and the historical references. I definitely recommend this one!
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I found this book really engaging with its mix of old Hollywood glamour and drama. It’s got a good plot twist in the end which I always enjoy.
The Tobacco Wives by Adele Myers
You can tell by my reading list that I’m always down for a novel that features a barrier breaking strong female character, and this one has just that. It’s the story of a young seamstress who makes dresses for the wealthy ladies who are married to tobacco executives.
Love Style Life by Garance Doré
I randomly saw this book on Amazon and added it to my hold list at the library. It’s a casually written book with short chapters that tell little cute stories about life and lessons learned from a New York based French photographer and blogger. I honestly don’t think it’s for everyone, but if you are into French culture, you may enjoy it.
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
Another historical fiction novel that takes place during WWII, this is a story about a librarian who works for the Paris Library and how her and her colleagues join the resistance against Germany.
The Self-Driven Child by Willian Stixrud, PhD, and Ned Johnson
The one and only parenting book I read this year. If your children are reaching school age or older then this book is a good read. It has tons of science backed information and practical tips about giving your kids control and guiding them to find their own version of success.
The Queen of Paris by Pamela Binnings Ewen
This is less a book about the house of Coco Chanel and her fashion endeavors and more about her life and role around the time of the second World War. It is fiction based on fact, and I was surprised to learn that Coco Chanel may have conspired with the Nazis as a spy. I really enjoyed this one!
The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck by Mark Manson
While I thought the idea of learning to roll with the punches was good, this book as a whole is not worth your time in my honest opinion. The author seems like some privileged white guy who uses way too much unnecessary profanity and provides no science backed advice. Skip it!
Champagne Supernovas by Maureen Callahan
This is another niche fashion book that I read this year. I did enjoy learning about how these three fashion industry icons – Kate Moss, Alexander McQueen, and Marc Jacobs changed the fashion industry in the 90s; however, the book went on and on about drug use, had so much name dropping, and was generally a little boring. Skip this one, too!
Without Merit by Colleen Hoover
I put a bunch of Colleen Hoover books on hold at the library, and this one from 2017 was one. It wasn’t my favorite of her books (it was a bit cheesy) but as always I haven’t read a Colleen Hoover book that I disliked. There is discussion of depression and suicide, FYI.
This one was spicy! Colleen Hoover’s books usually always have a love story where the characters have to fight their attraction to each other, and this one is the same. An airline pilot who has ‘baggage’ (pun intended) meets the sister of his friend who form a ‘friends with benefits’ type of relationship. I liked this one!
The Battle of Versailles by Robin Givhan
If you’re into fashion history, you may enjoy this one. It tells the true story of a charity fashion show that became known as ‘The Battle of Versailles’ where American designers faced off against the world famous French fashion houses. It was pretty interesting.
If you haven’t heard of this book, you’ve probably been living under a rock. It’s a little more suspense and drama then Colleen Hoover’s other books, but it definitely captures your attention and has a surprising plot twist.
November 9th by Colleen Hoover
I really enjoyed the set up of this one as she tells the story of one couple who meets every year on November 9th.
Just Haven’t Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens
I’ve read a few of Sophie Cousen’s books and this one doesn’t disappoint. It is written like a romantic comedy. I like the characters and cheeky writing in this quick read.
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
This book was recommended to me by someone (I can’t recall who!) and I could not put it down. It is the tragic story of how white people conspired to kill members of the Osage tribe in Oklahoma in order to inherit their oil wealth.
All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover
Another love story that follows one couple as they struggle with infertility. You can’t go wrong with any of Colleen Hoover’s books.
For more book recommendations, check out this list of 5 books to add to your reading list.
2 comments
I’m a lover of historical fiction too! I actually read The Midnight Library and The 7 Husbands.. both were very enjoyable!! I couldn’t get through Verity though. Way too disturbing for my taste. I just finished “The Matchmaker’s Gift” by Lynda Cohen Loigman. It was light and refreshing! Recommend!
I’ll have to add that to my reading list!
Comments are closed.