Madeline
In 2022, I set a goal to read 75 books. I am happy to say that I not only met this goal, but exceeded it and read 100 books, including three and half Stephen King novels. One of the ways I was able to achieve this was by listening to a majority of the books on 2x speed while I walked or drove on my long commute. This allowed me to finish more books in a shorter amount of time, without sacrificing comprehension or enjoyment.
In this article, I will share some of my favorite books from the year. Whether you’re an avid reader or just starting out, I hope this article will inspire you to set your own reading goals and discover the joys of reading.
November 9 by Colleen Hoover
A heart-wrenching romance that explores the complexities of love and the power of second chances. November 9th is not a good day for Fallon, until she meets Ben on November 9th. That is until Fallon learns more about Ben and his past. The novel expertly balances the emotional weight of its characters’ struggles with a sense of hope and possibility. This is a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction.
Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull
A fascinating look at the inner workings of Pixar and the principles of creativity and leadership. It’s an engaging and informative read for anyone interested in creativity and business with plenty of principals on how to make decisions and run a creative business. Ed Catmull’s insights are both practical and inspiring.
56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard
A gripping and suspenseful thriller, 56 Days is a taut and well-crafted novel from Catherine Ryan Howard. The story starts with a murder. We then meet a man and a woman who meet directly before COVID-19 hits Ireland. As the story unwinds, the reader can only tried to guess how the story unwinds. But the turns will keep you guessing.
Full Throttle by Joe Hill
A collection of short stories by Joe Hill, Full Throttle is a masterclass in horror and suspense writing. Hill’s writing is sharp and evocative, and his stories are both terrifying and thought-provoking. Full Throttle includes collaborations between Hill and his father, Stephen King.
Just Like Mother by Anne Heltzel
After escaping a cult as a child, Maeve becomes an adult in New York City. The traumas of her life keep her at a distance from anyone and keeps her from creating a productive life. That is until she reunites with her cousin, Andrea, who was rescued along side her. Andrea’s life appears to be perfect, an entrepreneur and a loving wife. But then Maeve discovers that there is more than meets the eye.
The Stand by Stephen King
A post-apocalyptic epic, The Stand is a classic of horror literature. The book starts with sickness and ends in a war between a powerful spirit and a group of people just trying to survive. Stephen King’s writing is masterful, and the story is both terrifying and thought-provoking. It’s a must-read for fans of the genre or of the King himself.
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
A fascinating and highly readable introduction to science, A Short History of Nearly Everything is both entertaining and educational. Bill Bryson’s writing is witty and engaging, making complex scientific concepts of nearly everything easy to understand.
Thinking, Fast and Slow By Daniel Kahneman
A groundbreaking work on the way we think and make decisions, Thinking, Fast and Slow is a must-read for anyone interested in psychology, economics, and decision-making. Daniel Kahneman’s insights are both profound and practical.
The Inheritance Games (The Inheritance Games, #1) by , Jennifer Lynn Barnes
A thrilling and well-plotted debut novel, The Inheritance Games is a story of family, secrets, and the lengths people will go to protect their interests. The story includes games, puzzles, and a plethora of secrets. Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ easy to read writing is both engaging and suspenseful, making it hard to put the book down.
Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict
A well-researched and engaging historical fiction novel, Her Hidden Genius is a story of one woman’s brilliant mind to discover DNA and the societal forces that worked against her to take it from her. Based on a true story, Marie Benedict’s writing is both informative and emotional, making for an enjoyable read.
How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method (Advanced Fiction Writing Book 1) By Randy Ingermanson
A comprehensive guide to writing fiction, How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method is a must-read for aspiring authors. Randy Ingermanson’s writing is clear and easy to follow, as is the Snowflake Method. The book provides practical tools and techniques for creating compelling stories.
It by Stephen King
A coming-of-age horror novel, It is a classic of the horror genre. Stephen King’s writing is both terrifying and thought-provoking, and the story is both emotional and suspenseful. It’s a must-read for fans of horror literature.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
A gripping and well-written debut novel, The Secret History is a story of friendship, obsession, and murder set in a prestigious New England college and set around Greek classes. Tartt’s writing is both elegant and suspenseful, making for an engrossing read.
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach
A fascinating and often humorous look at the science and history of human cadavers, Stiff is both educational and entertaining. Mary Roach’s writing is witty and approachable, making even the most macabre topics accessible. A topic covered in Stiff inspired me to write my debut novel using the Snowflake method. My novel will be released in the early months of Summer.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
A powerful and moving semi-autobiographical novel, The Bell Jar is a story of a young woman’s descent into mental illness and her struggle to find meaning in her life. Plath’s writing is both raw and evocative, making the novel both painful and beautiful to read.
Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami
A thought-provoking and deeply emotional novel, Breasts and Eggs explores themes of womanhood, family, and the search for identity. Mieko Kawakami’s writing is both poetic and realistic, making for a moving and introspective read.
The Overstory by Richard Powers
A masterful and ambitious novel, The Overstory explores the interconnectedness of all living things and the impact of human actions on the natural world. Richard Powers’ writing is both lyrical and evocative, making the novel a powerful and thought-provoking read.
Elevation by Stephen King
A short but powerful novel, Elevation is a story of acceptance, kindness and the power of community. King’s writing is both heartwarming and suspenseful, making for an enjoyable and thought-provoking read. The story has a supernatural twist with a small town setting and a sense of community.
