My Favorite Books of 2022

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In 2023, I want to read more. But “more” isn’t very specific. So I looked up how much I read this year to set a specific goal for myself.

Looking back on your habits and setting new goals in relation to what you’re already doing will help you set realistic goals for yourself. And stick to them throughout the year.

If you’ve never gone rock climbing, you probably won’t climb Mt. Everest in 2023. But you might start going to the rock climbing gym by your house twice a month.

In 2022 I read 22 books! And I’ve compiled my favorites in this list in case your goal is to read more books this year. (Or if you’re just looking for some good recommendations.)

Here are my favorite fiction and nonfiction books I read this year.

Nonfiction books

1) Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly

I love food and food-related content. Anthony Bourdain’s memoir is a funny and fascinating book that lays out what he calls, “twenty-five years of drugs, sex, and haute cuisine.”  And the new edition has never-before-published material. I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in food or nonfiction works.

2) The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There

If you’re looking for something that’s funny and fun, I recommend Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey’s behind-the-scenes, richly illustrated celebration of them and their beloved The Office co-stars. And there’s some fun never-before-seen photos!

3) Going There

I’m a big fan of Katie Couric and her autobiography is heartbreaking, hilarious, and brutally honest. If you’re a fan, it’s definitely a must read.

4) Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business

Are you consistently doing the work that you and only you can do? Or are you burdened by busywork, the bottleneck blocking your company’s profit and potential? Jenny’s Blake’s self-help book will help you put that to an end. Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business is all about creating a more joyful and balanced business and life. She was a guest on Inside Scoop this year, so you can hear more about her book before you buy.

5) Finding Freedom: A Cook’s Story; Remaking a Life from Scratch

I started watching Erin French after Ina Garten interviewed her on her show Be My Guest. I love this book. It’s very inspirational.

6) The Year of Yes

Shonda Rimes has such great insight into what makes women successful. And the things we don’t talk about and what we should. If you haven’t read The Year of Yes, you have to check it out.

Fiction books

1) The Second Husband

Kate White’s novel is about a woman’s seemingly perfect second marriage which is rocked by a discovery about the death of her first husband. Kate is a New York Times Bestseller and this book kept me guessing at every turn. I would recommend this book to anyone who’s a fan of mysteries.

2) A Man Called Ove

I loved this novel by Frederik Backman. It’s about a grumpy yet loveable man who finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door.

3) The Maid

Nina Prose’s first novel was thrilling! The Maid is about a charmingly eccentric hotel maid who discovers a guest murdered in his bed. Solving the mystery will turn her once orderly world upside down in this utterly original debut.

4) Where the Crawdads Sing

Technically I re-read this book this year, but it’s one of my favorites. This novel by Delia Owens juxtaposes an exquisite ode to the natural world against a profound coming of age story and haunting and deeply moving mystery. This book also became a movie this year and was featured on my episode of Inside Scoop with Tara Singh Carlson (the book’s editor). If you’ve only seen the movie, you’re missing out.

5) Becoming Duchess Goldblatt: A Memoir

Part memoir and part joyful romp through the fields of imagination, Becoming Duchess Goldblatt: A Memoir is the story behind a beloved pseudonymous Twitter account reveals how a writer deep in grief rebuilt a life worth living. It’s such a great concept and a really compelling read.

6) This Time Tomorrow

With her celebrated humor, insight, and heart, beloved New York Times bestseller Emma Straub offers her own twist on traditional time travel tropes, and a different kind of love story. I loved the idea of ‘what if’ that’s woven throughout This Time Tomorrow.

What books are you planning to read next year? I’m looking for recommendations!

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BONUS FREEBIE: Want even more ways to stay organized, productive and less stressed? Click here to get access to my List-Making Starter Kit. It will boost your efficiency and get you back to doing more of the things you love.

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