Do you keep track of the books you read each year?
I started doing this a few years ago and it's been fun to see this virtual bookshelf expand.
This year, I read 37 books—the most I've ever read in one year! The difference? I bought a Kindle.
I was already reading a mix of eBooks and paper books last year, but I was reading on my iPad, which meant that if a book didn't hold my attention, I could easily click over to Safari to research something, Notes to make a to-do list, or Zillow to browse real estate listings for a someday lake house.
With a Kindle, those distractions are gone, which means I actually spend more time reading.
The result? I read 10 more books than I read in 2021. It's also much lighter than my iPad, which means less strain on my hands and fingers holding it up to read in bed. The battery lasts for several weeks (yes, you read that right), even with daily use.
If you've been waiting to make the switch, here's the 2022 Kindle edition (2x the storage!). I found mine on eBay (new in box) right after the holidays last year for $70, so that might be worth checking.
Looking for book recommendations for 2023? In this post, I’m sharing the eight best books I read in 2022 with a brief description of what I liked about each one.
Happy reading!
What I Read This Year (+ 8 Mini Book Reviews)
*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Over-thinking (Jon Acuff)
In this book, Acuff helps us examine the soundtracks we play in our heads. Are they helpful? Are they true? Are they kind? He outlines several ways to turn down the dial when things get loud, teaches us how to replace broken soundtracks with new ones, and describes the power of positive affirmations.
*Bookshop.org donates profits from all book sales directly to independent bookstores around the world.
Elsewhere (Richard Russo)
I think I discovered this book in Overdrive (the library app). Richard Russo is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist from Gloversville, NY, where my dad grew up. In fact, he and my dad are the same age.
This book is a memoir about his complex relationship with his mother, from his childhood until her death decades later. Through her struggles with undiagnosed mental illness, job struggles, and depression, Russo writes his story with complete emotional transparency. NPR calls it "one of the most honest, moving American memoirs in years" (source).
The Last Thing He Told Me (Laura Dave)
I had heard about this book from someone on Instagram, so when I found it through my local library, I put a hold on it.
This book is categorized as a psychological thriller (not my usual choice), but it's one of those stories that keeps you turning the pages to see what's going to happen next (and yes, there are a few plot twists!).
Company of One (Paul Jarvis)
I’ve had this book on my TBR list for over a year now and I’m so glad I took the time to read it this year. Paul Jarvis writes for the entrepreneur and the intrapreneur sharing wisdom, practical advice, and mindset shifts to help you build a better business (not necessarily a bigger business).
Caste: The Origins of our discontents (Isabel Wilkerson)
Last year, I read Wilkerson's The Warmth of Other Suns. This year, I turned to her latest book, Caste: a fascinating look at the caste system around the world, how it developed, and how it's perpetuated today. An important and necessary read for all of us.
That Old Cape Magic (Richard Russo)
This summer, I enjoyed reading another book by Richard Russo, this one a novel set in Cape Cod. Russo's storytelling abilities and the depth of emotions in his writing make for a very enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more of his books next year!
On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to writing nonfiction (William Zinsser)
I love a good book about writing and this one did not disappoint! William Zinsser was a journalist and nonfiction writer. His career included writing for the New York Herald Tribune, teaching at Yale, and writing 19 books on a variety of writing topics (commentary, jazz, baseball, travel, memoir, and more).
A Dog's Life (Peter Mayle)
This book is a delight for dog lovers and owners alike, especially those of us with rescue dogs. Written from the dog's perspective, Mayle describes the ins and outs of domestic canine life, from naps in the pile of pillows on the guest bed to baths to walks through the woods.
I found myself laughing out loud in several places!
If you’re curious, here are the
other books I read this year:
Looking for more book recommendations?
Here are a few other end-of-year reading reflections:
What was the best book you read this year?
What was challenging, inspiring, or broadened your perspective? What helped you develop a skill or made you a better person?
