It’s that time of year where we round-up all the books we’ve read throughout the year. As per usual, if you’ve read 1 book of 150, you’re still a reader and you still did exceptionally well!!
I’m not sure if it was because this was the first proper year with no restrictions but from February I was outside. I barely had time to read. If I wasn’t working, attending events/concerts with my friends, travelling or going out to eat…I was trying desperately to rest.
That being said, I managed to read 76 books this year.
Very far off my original goal of 100 books but I’m still so proud of myself. I had SO much fun this year and I still managed to read more than 50.
So unlike last year, I’ve cut my list down to a top 10. Rather strangely, they all seem to be very similar in genre.
Anyways let’s get into it.
10. You’ve Reached Sam – Dustin Thao
“I want you to know … if I could do it all over again, I would. Every second of it.”
Considering this book got me to cry after a mental block for several months, there’s no doubt that it’ll make my top ten. A super sweet and emotion YA book that had me sobbing for a good two minutes. I still think about that voicemail to this day.
9. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
“Living everyday in the presence of those who refuse to acknowledge your humanity takes great courage.”
I absolutely love and adore multi-generational novels and Pachinko was no different. I learned so much about South Korea and Japan. It was beautifully written with some really heart-wrenching moments.
8. Twisted Lies – Ana Huang
“If my thoughts were chaos, she was my anchor. They always went back to her.”
Technically, this is the last book in the series. Christian Harper completely and utterly stole my heart. By far, him and Stella were my favourite couple. I have questions about the ending but apart from that, it comes in at number 8.
7. Terms and Conditions – Lauren Asher
“Some people need a hundred words to express a single thought, while some people only need one word to share a hundred thoughts.”
Again, this is the second book in this series. But Iris, a young Black girl, being loved and spoilt by a millionaire, I was hooked. Yup. Sign me up. I didn’t expect to love this book but I actually adored it.
6. Hook Shot – Kennedy Ryan
“Sometimes we hold so tightly to the hurt from the past that we miss the happiness ahead.”
This is also the last book in the Hoops series. Lotus and Kenan were simply adorable. A massive shoutout to Kennedy Ryan because I explored her backlist this year and so far, it’s been truly a joy.
5. When We Were Birds – Ayanna Lloyd Banwo
“You know what a grave is, Darwin? Is the only piece of real estate most people own in they whole life.”
A beautiful story with magical elements set in Trinidad. I love books like these and I can’t help but emphasise just how GOOD this book is.
4. The King Maker – Kennedy Ryan
“My mother’s story has no end. Her life was interrupted mid-sentence -a dangling participle. An infinite etcetera of dots, but no period.”
Think Scandal with an epic love story bigger than Fitz and Olivia but with Indigenous Representation. I don’t know what I was expecting when I started reading The King Maker but I’m telling you at one point I sat up in SHOCK. The pacing is chef’s kiss. It surprised me so so much.
3. Confessions of An Alleged Good Girl – Joya Goffney
“Reggie makes me forget that I have this condition, but Dom lets it define me. Dom makes me feel broken…”
I mean I’m incredibly biased. This book changed my life. Joya deserves all her flowers. Every single time.
But this book is incredibly important as it touches on women’s health and Joya writes it so well.
2. Black Cake – Charmaine Wilkerson
“Question yourself, yes, but don’t doubt yourself. There’s a difference.”
Oh this book stole my entire heart…what a beautifully written piece of fiction! Set across the Caribbean, UK and US, this book explores familial love centred around the importance of recipes.
1. All About Love – bell hooks
“Love is as love does…”
And in the Number 1 spot is All About Love. A great collection of essays discussing love in all aspects. This book really made me delve deeper into my own understanding of love. It has me questioning so much of what I thought I knew compared to facts. I highly recommend it.
And that concludes my 2022 Reading Year! I’m very excited for 2023 and mark my words – I’ll read 100 books next year. It’s a personal goal of mine and I really want to see if I can still do it!
Do let me know if you’ve read any of the books above and what you thought!
I also have so many goals for this blog next year. I’ve spent the last year taking a small break from blogging and coming up with some very realistic and manageable goals to ease myself back into this. And I can’t wait to share them with you all!
As per usual, I’ll be releasing my most anticipated for 2023 in January.
https://theblackbookblogg.com/category/2020-round-up-series/
https://theblackbookblogg.com/category/2021-round-up-series/
A great list! I really enjoyed Black Cake, that’s the only one I’ve read from your list, but I could not put it down. Happy reading for 2023!
Black Cake was brilliant!! Thank you so much! Happy reading for 2023 to you too!