My Top Reads of 2022
/I finished 48 titles in 2022 so it was definitely a challenge to only pick 5! But, I like a good challenge... so here goes 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1!
Fly Girl: A Memoir: When Ann Hood was young her family would pile into the car and visit the construction site of what became Washington Dulles International Airport which opened in 1962. Ann decided planes and travel were where she wanted to be. Graduating from college in 1978 Ann began the interview process and landed a coveted spot with TWA. She survived TWA’s rigorous Breech Training Academy where she learned to evacuate seven kinds of aircraft, deliver a baby, mix proper cocktails, administer oxygen and stay calm no matter what the situation.
I loved listening to Ann read her memoir of the skies… my first plane ride was in 1978 on TWA with my parents heading to California to visit Disneyland. It was a great flight!
Family of Liars: I didn’t expect this is one of my top reads. It’s the prequel to We Were Liars which I read last year. You must read WWL before reading this. This second visit to the Sinclair family and their private Massachusetts island is illuminating. The story is shared by Caroline Lennox Taft Sinclair. Being a Sinclair means acting and never showing weakness. Welcome back to the Sinclair family. They were always liars.
The Other Bennet Sister: Mary, the bookish ugly duckling of Pride and Prejudice’s five Bennet sisters, emerges from the shadows and transforms into a woman with choices of her own. What if Mary Bennet’s life took a different path from that laid out for her in Pride and Prejudice? What if the frustrated intellectual of the Bennet family, the marginalized middle daughter, the plain girl who takes refuge in her books, eventually found the fulfillment enjoyed by her prettier, more confident sisters?
Little Fires Everywhere: This story is about mothers—their relationships with their children and the choices they make to balance motherhood with the rest of their lives. Some choices are for good - some for bad and their stories are surprising.
The Midnight Library: Is any life perfect? That is the theme of this amazing book. I loved the sadness and the thought provoking possibilities that are laid out by Matt Haig. I plan on reading more works by him.
My favorite book of the year. The concept is unique and when you read as much as I do - that’s a definite plus. I loved how it made me think.
Only 5? What was I thinking ?!?
Honorable Mentions
I continue to enjoy the Hoopla and Libby apps very much! I am always listening to a book and reading an actual one at the same time. I highly recommend it.
My favorite listen of all time is Daisy Jones & The Six: The actors brought this incredible novel about the meteoric rise of an iconic 1970s rock group and their beautiful lead singer to life - I saw the entire film in my head - and I don’t think I will ever watch the actual film for this reason.
Friends I could go on and on about books and in particular audio books… I will also share I have turned off audio versions when the voice just didn’t work for me. You can read my complete list of my favorites here.
What was the best thing you read last year?
Til next time be well.
