Hi bookish friends, it’s that time of year where we reflect on the books we’ve read as we approach the halfway point of 2022. Currently I have read 52 books, completing my Good Reads Challenge! So far I’ve read a few absolutely incredible books that have blown my mind and I look forward to seeing what the second half of the year will bring. What have you been reading? Let me know.
- Best book you’ve read so far in 2022.
What was the best book I’ve read so far in 2022? Wow, no pressure. Honestly, I can’t give you just one novel so how about two. First, Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Up, which is Selma Blair’s beautiful yet heartbreaking memoir. I absolutely loved it. The next novel I want to give a bit of a shout out to would be the graphic novel, Heartstopper. I was consumed by all four of the published graphic novels. They made my little black heart so happy.
2. Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2021.
Easily the best sequel I’ve read this year would be, Anne’s House of Dreams by Lucy Maud Montgomery.
The beginning of the novel we are reunited with Anne and Gilbert as they get married to one another and move to the small seaside village of Four Winds. Like all the Anne novels we are introduced to a wide assortment of interesting characters. Captain Jim, Miss Cornelia Bryant, Leslie and Dick Moore, and Owen Ford. My favorite was probably Captain Jim. I could spend hours with him just listening to his tales.
While there is much to celebrate for Anne and Gilbert there is also a great amount of heartbreak as the two lost their first born, Joy, shortly after her birth. However, by the end of the story we are introduced to their second child, James Matthew, who has been named after Matthew Cuthbert and Captain Jim.
It’s definitely my favorite of the Anne novels.
3. New release you haven’t read yet but want to.
A new release that I haven’t read yet but want to would have to be Yerba Buena by Nina Lacour. First let’s acknowledge that stunning cover. I got this book at the beginning of May through Book of the Month; however, I haven’t had a chance to read it yet. This is also a novel with LGBTQ themes, which also intrigues me and with June being Pride Month, I definitely want to add it to my list.
4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year.
There are two books that I’m really looking forward to. First The Winners by Fredrick Backman and the second book is Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
5. Biggest disappointment.
So far, the biggest disappointment of the year has been, The Final Girls Support Group by Grady Hendrix. Ughh I don’t want to rehash it; however, you can read my thoughts about it here.
6. Biggest surprise.
The biggest surprise that I’ve had so far this year is the Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman. I literally consumed this series. Well, I consumed the published volumes of the graphic comic. I haven’t dove into the actual web comic series. Though I am tempted to.
Initially I didn’t want to read Heartstopper despite the fact I saw it everywhere! Then one night, while surfing Youtube a video by Alice Oseman discussing how the initially webcomic was self-published and immediately I knew I was in trouble. I spent the next few days trying to track down a copy. Of course it was NO WHERE to be found and then I caved and ventured to Barnes and Noble to purchase my copy.
7. Favorite new author. (Debut or new to you)
I just mentioned her, but I’ll mention her again. Alice Oseman is my new favorite author. Oseman has a gift when it comes to telling story and all of her graphic novels are just so beautiful. Literally a work of art.
8. Newest fictional crush.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a new fictional crush. 😒
9. Newest favorite character.
My newest favorite character is Adam Coryell from Terry Fallis’ Albatross. This was the first novel I read in 2022 and I still think of Adam. Where he’s at, what he’s doing. You know all the things.
10. Book that made you cry.
There have been two books that have made me cry this year. Brave by Rose McGowan and as I mentioned earlier, Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Up by Selma Blair. Two must read memoirs.
11. Book that made you happy.
Leah on the Offbeat written by Becky Albertalli, which is a direct sequel to Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda. It was the first LGBTQ book I read for Pride Month, and it stole my heart.
12. Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received)
I don’t think there will ever be a book to top how beautiful, Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury is. I got it last year and it’s my top shelf material.
13. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?
Well, I need to finish the Anne of Green Gables series. I’m currently reading the sixth book, Anne of Ingleside. Book Lovers by Emily Henry and Less by Andrew Sean Greer.
⠀
⠀
Books and Mischief 