10 best books I read in 2022

2022 was the year I feel back in love with reading.

All in all, I read 41 books this year. Thats more than double what I read in 2021.

Joining the library was a real gamechanger. Its now become one of my absolute favourite places to go. Nosing through the shelves and leaving with an armful of delights. I’ve really found my joy of reading again and I couldn’t be more thrilled.

I thought I’d share with you the best books I’ve ready this year. I’ve split these into fiction and non-fiction as I read a mix of both. I’ve linked them all in case you wanted to add any to your 2023 reading list.

5 best non-fiction books

Enough, Jessica Rose Williams

This was one of the first books I read this year.

I’ve been a fan of Jessica’s work for a while, as I’m an avid reader of her blog and adore her YouTube channel. When I heard she was writing a book, I pre-ordered it straight away.

Enough is part memoir part guide around all thing’s minimalism and slow living. Beautifully written, Jessica bravely presents her own vulnerability and shares her journey towards a simpler, more intentional life, accepting that she is more than enough.

One that will stay on my bookshelf for a while…

Digitial Minimalism, Cal Newport

I’ve chatted about the book before as its one of the most influential books I’ve ever read.

I first read this book back in early 2021. Although I found it fascinating, I just wasn’t ready to embrace these ideas then. Although I agreed with Cal’s arguments and couldn’t deny the research demonstrating the negative impact time online can have, I didn’t actually want to change my behaviours.

However, this planted the seed that steadily grew until I decided to reread this in late summer 2022. This led to more drastic changes. I left all social media for good (apart from YouTube) and have enriched my non-digital life, so I no longer waste time scrolling mindlessly. You can read about my decision to quit Instagram, my biggest vice, here.

I feel so much better for it and its a book I recommend again and again.

Deep work, Cal Newport

Another fantastic book written by Cal.

This book has a similar feeling of digital minimalism. It explores the idea of ridding our lives of distractions that stop us from committing to more focused and fulfilling ‘deep work’.

I found this book really useful in the way I approach work. Its helped me appreciate the importance of deeper work and gives plenty of practical tips on how to achieve this.

A very thought-provoking read.

The unexpected joy of the ordinary, Catherine Gray

I read Catherine’s book, The unexpected joy of being sober, in 2020. This not only had a significant impact on my life, as its one of the reasons I gave up alcohol for good, but was also a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Catherine intertwines humour and vulnerability beautifully, with all her writing being wonderfully relatable.

This book appealed to me immediately, as I am always one to champion the ordinary joys of every day life.

Such an important lesson.

The last wilderness, Neil Ansell

I’ve read a number of nature books this year, but this one had to be my favourite.

This book follows the author on his solitary exploration of remote terrains within the Scottish Highlands.

He explores the importance of spending time alone in nature, which is something I deeply resonate with. The descriptions of the nature that surrounds him are truly mesmerising. An immersive read and I felt I was right there with him.

Neil touches on some deeper concepts, such as how his hearing loss has affected his relationship with nature and the changing landscape, demonstrating human’s impact on even the most remote areas.

One of anyone wanted to escape to the Scottish Highlands for a while.

5 best fiction books

The man who didn’t call, Rosie Walsh

In all honesty, I didn’t have high expectations of this book when I fished it from a library shelf. The predictable title didn’t do it justice.

However, I’m pleased to say that I was very wrong, and this was anything but predictable.

Set in rural England, this story follows a couple who cross paths on a summer day and instantly hit it off. However, then the man does not call and the past starts to unravel dramatically, with a twist that I really didn’t expect.

The relatable characters and moving telling of some very human problems mean that this is a story that really stirred my heart.

Mrs England, Stacey Halls

I’ve read previous books by this author, so was excited to nab this one from the library.

As with most of Stacey’s writing, this book is set in the past. It follows the nurse Ruby who travels to Yorkshire in 1904 to take on her position looking after the children of rich couple.

The house has an air of mystery, which drew me in entirely. The Yorkshire setting gives very Wuthering Heights vibes. I was gripped from the first page.

The women of the dunes, Sarah Maine

As soon as a saw this book was set in Scotland and it contained convergent timelines, I was hooked.

Having previously read Sarah’s bestseller, The house between tides, I knew that this was going to be a page turner.

This is an atmospheric story that explores Scottish legends across 3 different timelines. All of the characters are wonderfully written, and the love story is completely charming. Highly recommend.

Fog island, Mariette Lindstein

This was not the type of book I’d normally pick up, but I’m so glad I did.

It follows the lead character, Sofia, as she enters into a New Age movement, where members live on a remote island.

As the story progresses, you are drawn into essentially a modern-day cult with a dangerously charming leader that’s not what he seems.

A thrilling book and a real nail biter. Its the first of a trilogy, so I intend to read the next books in 2023!

The house with birds, Morgan McCarthy

Another book with converging timelines.

This story starts with the character Oliver, who is essentially underwhelmed with the urban life he has created. He is tasked with refurbishing an old house in Oxford (England) that his girlfriend inherits. There he uncovers a diary from the 1920s and begins to delve deeper into the house’s mystery’s.

A charming book that moulds the two timelines wonderfully with a heart-warming ending.

Bonus book - The Binding, Bridget Collins

I just finished this book yesterday and had to add it to my list.

I can’t tell you much about this story without ruining it, so just know that it is a enchanting story, with plenty of twists, a little magic and a love story that will pull at your heart.

It may just be my favourite fiction read this year…

I’d love you hear some of your favourite books, so please do add them to the comments below.

Until next week,

Molly xx

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