It’s almost July, which is crazy for two reasons. I can’t believe the year is almost over. I also can’t believe we’re still here as a species.
While this year so far has been a struggle, at least my reading game’s been on point. So let’s take a moment to check out the top ten books I’ve read in 2022, so far. These are done in ascending order, but every single book on here is a must-read as far as I’m concerned.
Shattered Bonds
By Dorothy Roberts
I read this book, and man was I in tears over it. It’s about our current situation as a country with Children Services. In particular, it’s about how Children Services seems to be specifically designed to rip apart families of color and poor families.
It’s not an easy read. But it’s such an important one. Honestly, the only reason it’s number ten on the list is that it’s not what I’d call an enjoyable read. I didn’t have fun reading it. I did kill two highlighters making angry notes in the margins.
City Magic
By Christopher Penczak
Since the launch of Quiet Apocalypse, I’ve been a bit more open about this specific aspect of myself. And, I think I’ve always been pretty clear that I’m only really happy living in an urban environment. This book was a must-read for me.
It’s a bit outdated, especially the parts about technology. But the vast majority was super useful and incredibly uplifting. If you have even a passing interest in witchcraft and city living, read this book.
(Side note, do you guys want me to talk more about my witchcraft journey? Let me know if you do.)
How to be a Christian Witch
By Valerie Love
The whole concept of being a witch and still loving Jesus might seem weird until you start looking into it. Then it’s the most natural thing in the world and you start to realize that no one is more witchy than an old Catholic grandma. (Don’t say that to her, though, she’ll hit you with her broom.)
Reading this book was like getting a hug and having tea with Valerie. And I adored every moment.
Again, if you have even a passing interest in witchcraft and also happen to be a Christian, consider checking this out.
End of Watch
By Stephen King
This was the final book in the trilogy that started with Mr. Mercedes. And it was, let me tell you, awesome. The epic story of a retired detective and a psycho with a grudge was just spectacular. It was for sure an example of a book being too short, even though it was a brick-sized hardcover.
The Lottery
By Shirley Jackson
I finally got the nerve to read the whole short story collection that contained Jackson’s epic short, The Lottery. And I have to tell you, it was an experience.
If you want to be just soaked in 50’s vibes, while occasionally getting the shit scared out of you, you’ll love every second of this book. I spent most of my time reading this interrupting whatever the darling husband was reading because I just had to share passages with him.
I was expecting a collection of spooky little tales. I got a whole lot more.
Savage Bounty
By Matt Wallace
Normally trilogies suffer from a book two slump. I sometimes refer to this as a bridge book. You need to read it to get to book three, but it’s not super thrilling.
Wallace managed to avoid that.
This is the sequel to Savage Legion, which made it onto my list last year. It continues the story of a group of people, fighting a battle for the soul of their country. And let me tell you, I loved every page.
Days of Blood and Starlight
By Laini Taylor
This is another book two in a trilogy. And I’ll be honest, it was a bit of a slouch compared to book one.
But only if we’re comparing it to book one.
I’m going to talk more about this series since book one is the next one on the list, so let me just say that this is an epic fantasy set in modern times. And it is such a surprising and lovable journey.
Daughter of Smoke and Bone
By Laini Taylor
Book one in the series, Daughter of Smoke and Bone is the story of a girl between worlds. Raised by demons, living in the world of men, loved by an angel. She’s a part of a war she doesn’t know anything about. Until she gets pulled in. Then, she’s a real big part of it.
I have yet to pick up a Laini Taylor book that I didn’t dive into. And the saga of Karou is no different.
This is How You Lose the Time War
By Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
If you haven’t read this, you need to right now.
It’s the story of two time travelers, each trying to change the timeline for the good of their side. As they go through history, making small and big changes, they start leaving each other notes.
Enemies to lovers are nothing new. But the writing, storytelling, and just overall vibe of this book are.
The notes are teasing, at first. Then they become something more.
The next person who tells me genre fiction can’t be literary, I’m throwing a copy of this book at them.
Hard.
The Graveyard Book
By Neil Gaiman
If there ever comes a day when I don’t include a Gaiman book either I’ve run out of them or been body-snatched.
The Graveyard Book is technically a children’s book, but you won’t catch me giving a damn. It’s the story of a boy named Bode (short for Nobody) who’s raised by a collection of spirits in a graveyard. As he grows, he discovers that he’s being hunted by a mysterious cabal of men who call themselves Jack.
It was such a good read. And the illustrations were amazing. I loved every second of it.
So that’s it for my list. Will any of these books still be on my end-of-year list? It’s certainly possible. Or maybe my second half of the year will blow everything out of the water. We’ll have to see.
What about you? What are the best books you’ve read so far? Let us know in the comments so we can all share in the reading goodness.
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