Much as I love a comfort read or relaxing entertainment, I do love a book that makes me think. In no particular order, here are half a dozen books I read in 2022 that made my brain work. Every single one of these taught me something about the world or how to tell a story.
Still Life, by Sarah Winman.
Art, Italy, friendship, courage and creating your own family. I loved everything about this novel.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.
Elizabeth Zott is a woman ahead of her time and we are all grateful.
Birds Without Wings by Louis de Bernières.
One of the toughest reads I’ve ever attempted, but what a reward. The author’s mind is encyclopaedic.
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng.
A slow-burning exploration of how racism takes its toll and how one hides it.
Trust by Herman Diaz
The strangest and most hypnotic storytelling and a snapshot of the way we live now.
The Trees by Percival Everett
When the past comes back to death and ghosts want vengeance.
What books stretched you this year?
