2022 has been an incredible journey and I’ve read some fantastic books written by some wonderful authors. Their works kept me going through what has been a tough twelve or so months. 

This post is dedicated to the books that stood out to me!

‘Fee Simple Conditional (Arcadia Chronicles Book 1)’ by H.C. Helfand

It has been nearly twelve months since my first read of 2022 but even now it still sticks out to me. H.C. Helfand delivers the wonderful story of ‘Abigail Fischer’ who resonates with the reader as her life unfolds. The style is unique and equally charming and my favourite quote says it all:

‘Despite life’s inevitable changes, some things are simply unconditional…’

You can read my full review here.

‘Escaping First Contact’ by T.S. Beier

Depth and originality are just some of the many qualities ‘Escaping First Contact’ has and as a huge fan of space sci-fi this one was right up my alley. T.S. Bier delivers a story with a unique concept that champions cohesion between different cultures as well as being a great story.

“Get your weird xenophilia fantasies out of here, Rip!”

You can read my full review here.

‘Lazy Creativity: The Art of Owning Your Creativity’ by Kyle Bernier

Being a reviewer for Reedsy Discovery means that every so often I come across a real gem of a book and Kyle Bernier presents a fantastic guide that provides an important message about owning our laziness when it comes to creativity. In fact, that laziness can be a superpower and while I may not be selling that concept well, trust me when I say if you are a creative, you are going to want to check this one out!

You can read my full review here.

‘Recovering Alice’ by Catherine Morrison

Catherine Morrison delivers a story about heavy issues combined with a wonderful fusion of love and honesty. The balance between them is flawless and makes for a gripping read that has recently been featured by BookBub!

You can read my full review here

‘Dead of Winter’ by Antoinette McCormick

Atmosphere and text book horror go hand-in-hand and Antionette McCormick delivers that and much more in this intriguing wintery horror with a futuristic sci-fi edge. Can a dead woman’s memories unmask her murderer?

You can read my full review here

‘A Stranger From the Storm’ by William Burton McCormick

With murder mystery vibes and plenty of witty dialogue, William Burton McCormick’s ‘The Stranger From the Storm’ is incredibly fun reading experience. Twin sisters make for the main characters who reside in early 1900’s Odessa – a place where a killer is reportedly on the loose. The events that unfold are chilling, unexpected and intriguing.

You can read my full review here.

‘The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music’ by Dave Grohl

If you’ve been a fan of rock music in the past thirty or so years you would have probably heard the name Dave Grohl and this candid masterfully laid out memoir is exactly what the title suggests. As a huge fan of the Foo Fighters and the post grunge genre of music I was incredibly intrigued to find out what this book would be about and trust me when I say it is a must read. Anyone who has ever been a fan of Dave or just the wider scene of music to those who are creative – you’ll find something in this book that will resonate with you.

You can read my full review here

‘Pearl Fields and the Oregon Meltdown’ by Drew Faraday

‘Pearl Fields and the Oregon Meltdown’ is quite possibly the most unique book on this list. Another discovery via Reedsy this book is basically a transcript of a confession from the title character as she does her best to convince a judge that she is a good person. With post apocalyptic/pandemic themes which might be a little close to home or recent events, its a great life story that contains heaps of originality.

You can read my full review here.

‘The Watchmaker: A clock can talk’ by Ellen Khodakivska

This unique and enchanting story kind of feels like a feature length version of a fairy tale complete with magical charm and style. Ellen Khodakivska delivers a wonderful story that follows several generations of watch makers in Italy where their lives are ruled by the force all of our lives are ruled by, time. With some great symbolism and captivating moments, this is a book I would highly recommend!

‘Time always shares its wisdom with you if you are a good listener; Time can become your merciless enemy if you neglect it; Time can be your best friend if you manage it smartly; If you respect time, it respects you back…’

You can read my full review here

‘Love’s Ragged Claws’ by Gary Gautier

‘Moral knowledge is easy. Moral action is hard.’ – With that sentiment and message comes ‘Love’s Ragged Claws’ a short read with plenty of depth and a tale of one man’s confession after many years. There are plenty of layers in this story and its definitely one I would like to re-visit again someday. Gary Gautier delivers some fantastic writing through the vessel of existential and moral dilemma.

You can read my full review here

‘They Lie Here’ by N.S. Ford 

This is the second time a book by N.S. Ford has appeared on a list like this and for good reason because yet again she has delivered a great story full of twists. ‘They Lie Here’ is a combination of British Thriller and Pop Music Culture all wrapped up with a style that keeps you reading until the very end.

You can read my full review here.

‘The Man and The Crow’ by Rebecca Crunden

I’m a big supporter of shorter reads and this book came along at just the right time because I needed one. ‘The Man and the Crow’ is a book I read in just one sitting and by page 4 I was immersed. There’s humour and fun along with a page turning writing style that serves as a great showcase for what Rebecca Crunden can do as an author.

You can read my full review here.

All of these awesome books shaped my 2022 for the better and so thank you authors. Of course I must also mention the many more books I read this year and the authors who wrote them!

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