What I Read in 2022
2022 was the year that I finally discovered audiobooks. Having branched away from the physical books collecting dust on my shelves, I explored new genres and caught up on several historical and contemporary classics. With the holiday season quickly approaching, I wanted to round-up some of my top book recommendations (by genre) from the past twelve months.
Non-Fiction: Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson
In Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, Neil deGrasse Tyson offers a quick and accessible introduction to some of the fundamental concepts of astrophysics. The book covers topics such as the nature of space and time, the origins of the universe, and the search for extraterrestrial life. I found the audiobook to be both informative and engaging, despite having no background in astrophysics whatsoever. Tyson is a lively storyteller, weaving together scientific facts and personal anecdotes to bring our universe to life. If you’re curious about the cosmos but have limited time to spare, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry is a great place to start.
Overall rating: ☆☆☆☆
Fantasy: The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman
Transitioning away from our known universe, The Sleeper and the Spindle is a fantasy novella written by Neil Gaiman. This dark and twisted retelling of Sleeping Beauty follows a brave queen Snow White as she sets out on a mission to rescue a princess who has been cursed to sleep for a hundred years. Along the way, she encounters a host of strange and wonderful creatures, including a group of dwarfs and a sleepy spindle-wielding fairy. Gaiman’s writing is simultaneously vivid and macabre, and I intend on reading the print version so I can enjoy the illustrations which accompany the story. With its rich and imaginative world, The Sleeper and the Spindle is a must-read for those who enjoy fairytales and fantasy.
Overall rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Dystopia: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
In The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood paints a bleak picture of a future society called the Republic of Gilead. Offred, perhaps derived from the words “of Fred”, belongs to the first generation of handmaids who are forced to bear children for the ruling elite. Every chapter about Offred’s life in Gilead left me more unnerved than the one previous. Her story is one of survival and loss, through which Atwood reflects upon themes such patriarchy, women’s agency, and religious extremism. Aptly named a work of speculative fiction, The Handmaid’s Tale mirrors some of the darkest parts of human history and offers an unsettling look at our potential future.
Overall rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Children’s Literature: The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
The Tale of Despereaux is a fantasy children’s story written by Kate DiCamillo. Our unusual protagonist is a mouse named Despereaux Tilling who resides in the Kingdom of Dor. Despereaux embarks on a perilous quest to save the princess Pea from the evil rats that have taken over the castle. With his head in the clouds and his tail in the muck, Despereaux must navigate the castle dungeons to rescue his true love. A cozy holiday read, The Tale of Despereaux is a heartwarming story for readers of all ages.
Overall rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Classics: The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
The Old Man and the Sea was my first foray into classics and I was pleasantly surprised! Ernest Hemingway’s novella tells the story of an aging Cuban fisherman named Santiago who has not caught a fish in 84 days. Determined to break his unlucky streak, Santiago sets out to sea where he hooks what must be a giant marlin. And so begins a glorious battle between Santiago and the marlin, from which he returns a wiser and more resilient man. The Old Man and the Sea is a powerful and enduring tale of determination, perseverance, and the human spirit, and I would highly recommend it as a short and accessible introduction to the genre.
Overall rating: ☆☆☆☆
Let me know your 2022 book recommendations and reviews in the comments!
