Hey guys, hope all’s well with you.
This year, I decided to try to put a dent in the books I already own and read 22 books from my own library. I own more than 100 books that I haven’t read yet, so 22 is really not a huge number.
The Challenge
Once again, I got caught up in an Instagram challenge. Here’s the gist of it: Why don’t we bookworms read 22 books from our library before buying new books in 2022? Considering most of us own well over 100 unread books in our libraries, it is a reasonable challenge.
Before we go any further, let me explain my reasoning behind joining this challenge. Within a day or two, many fellow bookworms started replying, and a Bookstagram debate was started. Some are of the strong opinion that authors need us to buy books, because that is their livelihood, and so on and so forth. I agree 100% with those statements.
But I still want to read some of the books I already one before buying new ones.
My Take On This
First things first, and I’m saying this strictly for myself here, just in case some of you might not know it yet.
I LOVE BOOKS!!!
The feel of a new book is indescribable to me, but I also love the feel of a slightly used book. I even grew to love e-books. Audiobooks I’m not loving yet, but I’m willing to keep trying.
Knowing that, how long do you really think I can go without buying a new book? Months, years?
No friends, not even two weeks. I placed an order on January 13th, to be exact. And I’m talking about physical books here. Not e-books, which I probably bought within the first couple of days of 2022.
That being said, I’m not here to lecture anyone, or take sides. I simply want to get my pile of unread books down, but there’s no way I’m not going to continue buying new books.
22 books for 2022
Cutting down to 22 books from over 100 was really not an easy task. To be very honest, I’ve already changed the list a couple of times already. But this is the final (tentative!!) list of the 22 books I’d like to read this year. It will get changed again as the year progresses, guaranteed, so don’t judge, please!
I will start with the physical books, and towards the end include the e-books I have already started (and some finished) reading so far.
Fiction
For this category, I’ve picked quite a few gems that I’ve been putting off for far too long. I really hope to read at least half of them this year, but one could be optimistic!
The Heart’s Invisible Furies
A transcendent book by a well-established author, this tale will rip you apart. From what I’ve heard about it, not as heart-wrenching as A Little Life, but not too far behind. I have to be in the mood to embark on such a journey.
The Mothers by Brit Bennett
This is the first novel by the author of The Vanishing Half, which I read first and loved. Not an easy read, it tackles some hard subjects such as abortion and suicide, told from a teenager’s point of view. A book that will evoke many strong emotions, to say the least.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
On my TBR list for a couple of years now, and I’m really hoping I will finally read it this year. A historical novel that brings us into a different era and a different world. A beautifully written book that will make you think and look at life differently.
And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
Another book has been on my TBR list for a while now. As I hear only positive things about it, I think it’s time to dig into it. I’ve read his previous two novels and absolutely loved them, so I’m sure this will be another favorite of mine.
The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin
How would you live your life if you knew the date of your death? This book will make you wonder what the answer to that question is, so I was drawn to it immediately. Unfortunately, I just haven’t gotten around to it yet, but I’m prioritizing it this year.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
A very well-rated book that is a major motion picture, an important read to put on your list. From people who have both watched the movie and read the book, it seems that it is a great replica. The book will always develop the character more in-depth, and the story is more nuanced. A timeless universal story that is deeply moving.
A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult
Known for telling stories on complicated contemporary issues, she does so beautifully in this nuanced novel. The events take place at a clinic that caters to women’s reproductive issues. A gunman opens fire and takes everyone inside the clinic hostage, and all the characters have to deal with this tragedy from their own perspectives and circumstances.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
This book is about the story of a blind French girl and a German boy who meet in France during the Nazi occupation of world war II. As they try to survive the devastation this war has brought to them, the narrator delves into their most inner thoughts and sparks emotions in the readers that will remain with them. Remains to be seen, as I tend not to love books that are so well praised.
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
Steeped in controversy, this book tells the story of an immigrant Mexican woman and her son, and their escape to the US in hopes to have a better life. Told by a white person, the book was greatly criticized, but I am still interested in reading it, and I will form my own opinion on the matter.
Thrillers
Although it is my favorite genre, I didn’t pick as many from this category this year. But I did include a few Nordic Noir reads, my go-to sub-genre. Let’s see which are the thrillers I am most excited about this year.
The Push by Audrey Audrain
The second book I’ve finished in 2022. A psychological/domestic thriller that was well written, but with a disturbing storyline. Read my January Reads post to find more details.
Good Girls Lie by J.T. Ellison
I finished this book earlier this week, the fourth for 2022. A private all-girls school where students make their own rules, and within the first two months of school, two girls die. Apparent suicides at first glance, which one of them is responsible for their deaths?
The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware
By the time this will get published, this will be my sixth book for the year so far. Probably my favorite Ruth Ware novel yet, it contains gothic vibes, dark family secrets, and possibly a crime that is being concealed.
The Darkness by Ragnar Jonasson
The first book in the Hidden Island series is an atmospheric thriller that introduces detective Hulda Hermannsdottir. Being forced into early retirement doesn’t stop her from finding out what really happened to the body of a young Russian woman who was believed to be a suicide.
Rupture by Ragnar Jonasson
Part of the Dark Island series, this is the fourth installment. A cold case that was never solved gets reopened by Ari Thor at the demand of the son of the victim. Another atmospheric thriller by Iceland’s beloved Jonasson is one that I’ve shelved for too long.
Sweet Little Lies by Caz Freer
A debut police procedural that features Cat Kinsella, a young London policewoman who is about to tackle her first murder alongside a long time ago disappearance. Are the two cases linked? She might not like what she discovers in this first installment of a series.
Girl in the Ice by Robert Bryndza
Introducing a series that features London Detective Erika Foster. This page-turning thriller finds the detective linking the current murder of a woman beneath the ice of a London park to that of three prostitutes. A gripping debut thriller.
Night Stalker by Robert Bryndza
Second Detective Erika Foster introduces the chase for a serial killer. She will try her best to stop the Night Stalker before he claims more victims while putting her own life at risk.
Dark Water by Robert Bryndza
This is the third book that I own in this series by Robert Bryndza. This starts as a tip for the narcotics team, but they discover the body of a child that was missing twenty-six years before. Another great page-turning thriller that I can’t wait to dig into!
E-Books
Of course, these days don’t find myself without at least one e-book going on at the same time. They are very convenient to read, especially in bed or low lighting situations!
Girls Who Lie by Eva Bjorg Aegisdottir
The first book I finished in 2022, was a great Nordic Noir based in Iceland. Second book by this author, is one to discover if you haven’t done so already. The review will follow very shortly, therefore I will not go into details about it now.
The Dark by Emma Haughton
The third book I finished this year is a closed room thriller similar to ‘The Woman in Cabin 10’. The review will also include this book in my January Reads article.
Betrayal by Lilja Sigurdardottir
The fifth book I have finished is the first one by this Icelandic writer. It is a typical Nordic Noir thriller, with a bit of politics, corruption, and of course, betrayal. All the elements for a great read, as far as I’m concerned!
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
A funny novel that I’m hoping will bring me a bit of laughter. From reviews, I’ve read the beginning of the story might not be great, but it should pick up by about a third in. I started reading a couple of chapters and I find the writing style rich and complex. It is about a concierge in an elegant apartment building and a highly intelligent young girl who lives in that building. They are both trying to hide their true selves, as they believe society will judge them for being themselves.
Conclusion
This sums up my list of the 22 books from my own library that I intend to read in 2022.
Have you read any of those? Which one seems more up your alley? I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts on these books. Until next time, my fellow bookworms!
