5 Book Recommendations

If you are looking for a good book to read, trying to get out of a reading slump or are looking to try and find a new hobby, here is a list of some of my favorite books I read in 2022.

I have not ranked them as they are all very different in terms of content, reading level, and length. However, my list is obviously missing quite a few books. However, I had to limit myself to five books, so I do not end up writing a whole new book. Before you read any further, these are just my opinions, you may completely dislike my taste in books.

Before I dive into the list of the top five books I would recommend reading, here are some honorable mentions: An Audience of Chairs by Joan Clark, Persepolis by Marjan Satrapi, Circe by Madeline Miller, and The Mist by Stephen King.

The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton

This mystery novel has a fantastic plot with a shocking ending. This book follows Laurel Nicolson trying to figure out what she witnessed fifty years ago, when she watched her mother commit a crime. With her mother on her deathbed, Laurel has limited time to find her answers.

The time jumps in this novel are done very well, and the characters are lovely. This book is unique from other mystery novels I have read. Morton is so good at misdirecting and convincing you that you have figured out the plot twist that the ending is completely unexpected.

If you enjoy this novel, you will likely enjoy Morton's other novels as well. I have also read the Forgotten Garden and the Lake House, and they both also had intricate plots and intergenerational mysteries with great characters.

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

This is a nonfiction novel about Louis Zamperini. His story is one of perseverance and survival. This novel covers Zamperini’s childhood, his time and career as a runner, his service during World War Two, and his post-war experience.

Given the heavy content in this novel, it is not for the faint of heart. It is important that you remember this book is non-fiction given the horrific experiences it documents. I personally enjoyed this novel as it shows the fallout that occurs in someone’s life after experiencing such immense trauma and not just their experience during the war.

This book has also been made into a movie.

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

This is a young adult fiction novel set in a world where you are told you will die at the beginning of the day you die. This novel follows 2 young boys, Mateo and Rufus, who meet each other through an app on their death day.

I cried my way through this book. It was such a bittersweet book because this entire novel is focused on the onset of evitable death however, you hope that the author spares the two boys as it feels too soon for their story to end. I know that this book is recommended everywhere, however, it was one of the most memorable books I read this year.

Percy Jackson and the Lighting Thief by Rick Riordan

This is a lighthearted fantasy novel based on Greek mythology. It follows a young boy named Percy Jackson. He’s a nice kid, but he always seems to be getting into trouble. After his pre-algebra teacher tries to kill him, his mother realizes it's time Percy goes to Camp Half-blood.

This is the first book in a massive series, and it's just a sweet, relatively short easy read. It’s a fun way to learn more about Greek mythology, and the series has some funny moments. Disney has turned this book into a movie and will be releasing a TV series soon.

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

This novel follows Raskolnikov a poor university student living in St. Petersburg Russia trying to make ends meet. He decides that he has only one way to get the money he needs: and it's not a good one. The aftermath of his choice then starts to consume his life.

This book is a great piece of philosophical fiction. It is a great unique read that has you question your sanity. This is a longer book, and it has a bit of a slow start, so if you do decide to read this book it does get exciting.

References

The Secret Keeper Picture: The Secret Keeper | Book by Kate Morton | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster (simonandschuster.com)

Unbroken picture: Unbroken Audiobook by Laura Hillenbrand - 9780739319703 | Rakuten Kobo United States

They Both Die at the End picture: They Both Die at the End - Audiobook | Listen Instantly! (audiobookstore.com)

Percy Jackson and the Lighting Thief: New Percy Jackson Covers-The Lightning Thief and The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan | Forever Bookish

Crime and Punishment Picture: Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky | Goodreads