Well, it’s that time of year again – time for me to share my 2022 reading list. I did this last year and let me tell you, I definitely didn’t read everything on the list. That hasn’t stopped me from adding on for 2022!
If you want to see what I did (and didn’t) read in 2021, you can check out last year’s reading list.
Last year I had a rough time and didn’t get as much reading in as I wanted. I have recently started adding more audio books into my reading, though, and that’s really helped. I also read a few things that weren’t on the list instead.
Just a reminder, this is my personal reading list. That means some books might be older, less popular, or just something I find interesting.
Themes for 2022 Reading
I try and choose books that I’ve been meaning to read, and narrow that down based on my personal goals. This year I’m focusing on queer stories (since I have been grappling with my queer identity lately), memoirs (for inspiration), classics that I’ve missed, and Indigenous stories, and WW2. The rest just look plain fun or interesting to read!
Since it’s 2022 I decided to choose 22 books to read. Here’s my plan:
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
This is one I picked up impulsively and started, but haven’t finished. It’s a memoir written by (and about) Stephen King, and really enlightening in terms of what experiences shaped his writing.
By Stephen King | See it on Amazon
Klara and the Sun
I’m a big fan of sci fi, and also Ishiguro’s work. This novel came out in 2021 and I’ve been meaning to read it, and it’s definitely going to be an early in the year choice.
By Kazuo Ishiguro | See it on Amazon
The Song of Achilles
I picked this one up when I was reviewing books for Pride month last summer, but didn’t get to reading it. Apparently it’s really good – and as someone who loves the Iliad I know I’m going to like it. I’m also trying to find more LGBT fiction to read, what with being queer and all.
By Madeline Miller | See it on Amazon
Sapiens
I picked this one up last summer and I’m looking forward to reading it in 2022. Sapiens is critically acclaimed, and for good reason; it’s a thorough (and insightful) history of mankind.
By Yuval Harari | See it on Amazon
Between Two Kingdoms
I’m making 2022 the year I read more memoirs. They’re not usually my thing, but I’m dealing with a lot of crossroads and really want some perspective. This one I hear is really good.
By Suleika Jaouad | See it on Amazon
Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It
A friend recommended this to me and said it was surprisingly good. It can never hurt to have more skills, especially in this department, so I added it to my 2022 reading list.
By Chris Voss | See it on Amazon
What Happened to You
I’m a huge Oprah fan so I couldn’t resist picking up this critically acclaimed book. It’s all about understanding how our childhood shapes the future, and how to heal from trauma.
By Oprah Winfrey and Bruce D. Perry | See it on Amazon
Silverview
Originally am MI6 agent, John Le Carré writes incredibly accurate spy novels. This was the last one he had completed before he died, and it’s just short enough for an easy win for my reading goals.
By John Le Carré | See it on Amazon
One Hundred Years of Solitude
There’s a lot of classic books I haven’t had the opportunity to read, so I’ve been working on catching up. I’m embarrassed to say that I haven’t checked this one out, but I hear it’s amazing.
By Gabriel Garcia Marquez | See it on Amazon
Great Expectations
A Christmas Carol is one of my favourite books, but surprisingly I haven’t read this Dickens classic yet. (See above re: classics.) I’m a big fan of anything set in this time period, too.
By Charles Dickens | See it on Amazon
The Alice Network
This book has been on my reading list for a few years after it was enthusiastically recommended to me by a library patron. It’s centered around the true story of an underground, female run spy network that aided the efforts during World War II.
By Kate Quinn | See it on Amazon
The Apollo Murders
I read Chris Hadfield’s autobiography, so I have high hopes for this new release. Anything set during the Cold War era and involving space travel is sure to be a good time.
By Chris Hadfield | See it on Amazon
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
There needs to be balance and I think this will make an excellent summer read. Oh, and it’s another LGBTQ+ book, too.
By Taylor Jenkins Reid | See it on Amazon
Cloud Cuckoo Land
All the Light We Cannot See was one of the books on my list last year I actually read (and enjoyed.) The next release by Doerr, Cloud Cuckoo Land takes place over multiple time periods which I think sounds pretty cool.
By Anthony Doerr | See it on Amazon
They Both Die at the End
This YA story is making waves so I just had to include it on my list. Hopefully I can get my teens to read it too! Either way, I’m looking forward to checking this emotional story out.
By Adam Silvera | See it on Amazon
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act
I’m Métis (part Canadian Indigenous, part French) and have been exploring my family’s history lately. This book is supposed to be eye-opening, so hopefully I can gain some new perspectives about our country’s histroy.
By Bob Joseph | See it on Amazon
Dune
There’s a new movie so I guess it’s a great time to read the book. I’m already familiar the the story, but I’ve always wanted to read it instead of just watching the movies.
By Frank Herbert | See it on Amazon
The Break
I wanted to read “The Strangers” but found out it’s the sequel to this book. Set in Winnipeg’s North End (which isn’t far from where I live) and featuring Métis characters, I just know this story will hit close to home.
By Katherena Vermette | See it on Amazon
Bewilderment
A astrophysicist is raising his 9 year old son alone. The son spends hours painting elaborate pictures of endangered animals, and is also on the verge of getting kicked out of school for fighting. The dad finds out
By Richard Powers | See it on Amazon
Lost & Found
Another memoir for my list, this one is about dealing with loss (of her father) and the new beginners of love. It’s supposed to be part memoir, part guidebook for living with gratitude and grief, with a little bit of queer romance sprinkled in. It releases in January, 2022.
By Kathryn Schulz | See it on Amazon
Night
This one has been sitting on my shelf for a couple years after picking it up at a book sale. I know it’s good. It’s also super short, so there’s really no excuse to not read it.
By Elie Wiesel | See it on Amazon
The Book Thief
Another recommended book I haven’t gotten around to reading, the Book Thief is set in Nazi Germany where a young girl makes a living stealing. She eventually comes across books, and takes them to share with her neighbours during bombing raids.
By Markus Zusak | See it on Amazon
Honourable Mentions:
- Under the Air, Sensor, and Remina by Junji Ito
- The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (from my 2021 list)
- Beetle & the Hollowbones by Aliza Layne
- Caste by Isabel Wilkerson (from my 2021 list)
Where I Get My Books
Some of these books I already own, either by buying new or through used book sales. I also like to borrow books form my local library.
For eBooks, I have a Kindle (you can get a great deal on eBooks with Kindle Unlimited). I really like my Kindle because it’s waterproof so I don’t stress about taking it to the pool or beach. This is the one I have.
Something new I started recently was listening to audiobooks. Some are available through my local library’s app, but I find the wait times are long if they’re even on there at all. So I decided to go with Audible and let me tell you – it’s great!
I’m able to read so many more books while I’m cleaning or doing other menial chores. Which as a parent of 5 is a lot of time! It really adds up. I also listen to them sometimes while playing video games, doing puzzles, baking/cooking, or building LEGO.
You can get a free trial if you want to give it a shot!
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