Best of Genre 2022

Classic

This won by default because it's the only classic I read this year. I feel like all of his books are great for discussion and it was no different when we discussed this for book club! I didn't love the story overall but I love C.S. Lewis for his philosophies and how he talks about religion. His books are great at diving into theology and understanding what we, as humans, can do to get closer to God.

Memoir

My Life in France by Julia Child

I was just fascinated by this story. I have absolutely loved France for as long as I can remember and am obsessed with the French way of life.

Self-Help

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

I love starting out the year reading a self-help book. It is always inspiring and motivating to me. Gretchen Rubin decided for one whole year to work on her happiness by focusing on a different aspect each month. I really enjoyed learning about everything she accomplished in one whole year!

Juvenile Fiction

A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat

Thai culture mixed with fantasy and based on Les Miserables, I loved this middle-grade novel! It was fast-paced with super dynamic characters and was just so unlike anything I've read! Anything Christina writes is phenomenal though!

Historical Fiction

The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis

I just really loved this book! Two different storylines that collide in the end complete with a mystery.

Religious

Because of the Messiah in a Manger by Bradley R. Wilcox

This was the perfect Christmas read. Nice and short but full of thoughts on keeping Christmas Christ-centered and why that matters.

Non-fiction

Effortless by Greg McKeown

If you haven't read his other book, Essentialism, it's a must read! I really liked this follow-up and felt like it gave practical advice on changing your life that was actually doable.

Contemporary Fiction

A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza

Still trying to wrap my head around the fact that this book isn't a memoir. The story seems so real and the family dynamic is raw and real. This was a book club read that everyone loved!

Fantasy

Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer

I've talked about this book a ton this year so I won't say much but this fantasy read is fast-paced and has some crazy twists!

Sci-Fi

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Some people said this book was too scientific for them but I just thought it was so well done! I was invested the whole way through.

Mystery/Thriller

Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

I am a major wimp when it comes to scary stories/movies. This one has medium creeps but doesn't totally keep you up at night. It was so twisted and my husband and I loved reading this together.