I originally wanted this post to be the top five books of the year, but when you’ve read 58 books, it’s hard to narrow it down to just five. So, ten it is. When I finish reading a book, I imidiately log it into a Note on my phone with:
- the title
- the author
- the date I finished the book
- how I read it (audio, physical book, e-book)
- if it was for book club
- a few of my thoughts having just finished it
- a 1-5 Star rating
I’ll start with my 5 star books in the order I read them and work my way down letting you know for each book what the rating is, a brief idea of what each book is about, and why I liked it. I won’t give spoilers, and I’ll link each one. Again, everything is linked through bookshop.org where you can select your local bookstore of choice so that they get your support when you purchase a book. Here’s to all the good ones we read this past year.
HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style
by Elizabeth Holmes (5 Stars)
I’ve been following Elizabeth Holmes on Instagram for years now and always love her “So Many Thoughts” features she did on Kate Middleton. Then Meghan came along and more fashion was being analyzed. Every now and then she’s “SMT” the Queen’s looks as well, and I just found it so fascinating that the royals were sending messages through their clothes. Nothing cryptic or anything, but they are very intentional with the clothes they wear because they know they will be photographed. She’s gotten a little too political on her account, in my opinion, but to each her own. I stick around for the fashion content. Anyway, Holmes wrote an entire book about all this fabulous royal fashion, and I got it for Christmas in 2020, and it was one of the first books of 2021 that I read cover to cover. I still pull it out now and then just to reread passages or look at the beautifully curated photos. It’s thoughtful, respectful and positively beautiful. I recommend it to any royal watcher.
On the Front Porch
by Donna-Marie L. Crocker (5 Stars)
This author is, in fact, my friend and coworker, and when I found out she’s written a collection of short stories, I ordered it immediately. She is a profoundly talented writer that had me laughing, remembering, tearing up, and I do remember even being mad with her at one of the stories. It is a delightful, short book that will keep you in perfect company on your own front porch.
The Unhoneymooners
by Christina Lauren (5 Stars)
In The Unhoneymooners we meet Olive, who is cursed with bad luck. While attending her sister’s wedding, she has to spend the day with her nemesis, the best man, Ethan. Then the whole wedding party gets food poisoning during the reception except Olive and Ethan. This means the honeymoon in Maui, which the bride won in a contest, cannot be rescheduled, so Ethan and Olive call a truce and head to paradise for a dream vacation pretending to be the newlyweds. All sorts of fun ensues as they go on adventures and naturally, some sparks start to fly. I’m telling you, I was laughing so hard at the food poisoning scene. Giggling hysterically! There’s a bit of steam in this one, but I don’t remember it being too much. If you’re just coming off a hard to swallow book, this one will be the perfect palette cleanser.
To Kill a Mockingbird
by Harper Lee (5 Stars)
I believe that To Kill a Mockingbird should be adult required reading. It just doesn’t sit on you like it should when you’re made to read it in high school. It was such a joy to read even though it breaks your heart. I thought it was just fantastic. After reading the book, I watched the movie, and it was the perfect way to round out my experience with this book.
The Guncle
by Steven Rowley (5 Stars)
When GUP (Gay Uncle Patrick) has to take in his niece and nephew for a little while after their mom dies and their dad checks himself into rehab, all sorts of fun occurs. Patrick is a television start whose career has stalled out after the death of his beloved, and he’s been in a bit of a rut of his own. When Maisie and Grant come to live with him, though, he is opened up to a whole world of love and care. This book was heartwarming and hilarious, and it made me want a GUP of my own. It’s positively delightful.
At Home in Mitford
by Jan Karon (5 Stars)
Oh my goodness, this book! I had heard about it so many times and finally gave it a go. It is the happiest book I may have ever read, and I just loved the real life, small town people that make up the cast of characters. Father Tim is so funny with his dry wit, and I love his big heart when it comes to caring for “a dog the size of a Buick” and an unloved red haired boy. I haven’t read any more in the series yet, but the second one is on my nightstand.
Finlay Donovan is Killing It
by Elle Cosimano (5 Stars)
I decided to use an audible credit for this one, and it was such a fun way to read this story. I think I’ll do the same to the sequel when it comes out a little later this month or next month. Finlay is a writer who can’t quite get going on her book, and her editor is breathing down her neck. Bills are piling up, her ex husband is being awful, and she’s just not having a good go of things. Then one day she gets mistaken for a hit woman and gets contracted to “take care” of someone. You can imagine it’s a fun and twisty ride of a story, and you wouldn’t be wrong. I loved it!
Thanksgiving Turkey Trouble (Ready, Freddy!)
by Abby Klein (5 Stars)
This year was the first time I’d ever read this book, and my students and I loved it. We laughed so much! It is short and fun and silly, and you can really get animated for plenty of extra laughs from your audience. Lots of giggles and good conversations had about the story. It made me want to read more of these books to my students and have them read them, too.
Everything Beautiful in It’s Time
by Jenna Bush Hagar (4.5 Stars)
This book was so sweet. I found it to be a tender telling of life, love, and loss. It’s a quick read that you won’t want to put down and would be a good one to read if you’re in a reading slump. It’ll get your momentum going again. I think this would make a great gift for someone too, you know, if they haven’t read it already. Highly recommend.
Malibu Rising
by Taylor Jenkins Reid (4.5 Stars)
Taylor Jenkins Reid has become one of my favorite authors. She is an excellent storyteller, and Malibu Rising did not disappoint. It tells the story of the four Riva children, who are sons and daughters of rock star, Mick Riva, which makes them famous in their own right. Not to mention, they’re all great surfers and are on everyone’s radar for that reason too. Every year the Riva children throw a big party, and this book tells that story of the last party they’ll throw. I took a half of a star away because I got a little bored with the back story of Mick and the mother, June. I know it was necessary, but I didn’t think ALL of it was necessary. Regardless, it was a FANTASTIC book, and I’ll always want to read anything by TJR.
And that’s ten. While I’ll likely still keep a Note on my phone about my 2022 books, I have decided to keep up with everything on Goodreads and learn how to use that platform. I like to see what other people are reading over there, and hopefully we can connect there too. You can connect with me on Goodreads here.
Now, I want you to join me over on Instagram and participate in a little giveaway. I’m going to gift one lucky winner a book of their choice from my top 10 list. Head there and be on the lookout for the giveaway post today. Good luck!
Happy reading in 2022!
