Yesterday I posted my favorite Historical Fiction reads of the year. (Click the link to go to that post).
Today, I’m looking at the rest of my reading–or to be honest, my LISTENING. Audio books are my go-to. Since the COVID lock-down I’ve really struggled with reading print/Kindle books. Audio is my thing these days.
Note: Historical fiction is not included here. See this post for my favorites in historical fiction this year.
Biggest Surprise
A book about an aging closeted gay mailman? Ok….right up my alley. But wait! It was pretty much wonderful. Ok, there were preachy parts, but I didn’t really care. Read this–it’s good! The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle. Somewhere this year–Enchanted April [haven’t finished this one yet] or maybe Illyrian Spring– I encountered another Entwistle. Funny how books do that too you!
Best Mystery or Thriller
I loved finding the Youtube videos the author obviously used for some of his research! The Sixteen Trees of the Somme by Lars Mytting.
Favorite Rom-Com-ish Book
The Bodyguard was just plain fun!
Most Out Of My Comfort Zone Book That I Loved
So sweet and fun–and a new genre for me, too. I never imagined I’d like this style of book known as manga. A Man & His Cat.
Favorite Nonfiction Book or Memoir
Winston and Clementine’s youngest child–born after the death (while they were away) of their daughter, Marigold, Mary Churchill went on to be wife of an MP & Ambassador, mother of an MP, and the author of an excellent biography of her parents. Her life at 18 was interesting. There were not yet any “teenagers” in the world! The word wasn’t yet in use. There were, however, debutantes and debs delights in her world, though. Mary Churchill’s War.
Worst Book I Finished
I suspect the NY Times raved about it because it was horrible. Portrait of an Unknown Lady. Ugh.
The Book That Broke One of My Rules
I listened to a James Patterson-franchise book, but only for Dolly! Dolly Parton gives kids books. That’s good enough for me! Run, Rose, Run, is about a dumb as it’s title, but I love Dolly and gave my Audible Credit for this!
Favorite Book in Translation
A tale all Americans should read, but won’t. Maybe if it’s made into a Netflix series? Ugh. I loved this. The Ardent Swarm. Why is it that the free World Book Day (I think that’s right) books from Amazon are good, but the Kindle First Read Book are a death sentence to a book?
Favorite Christmas Book
The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan
Favorite NetGalley Book***
Oh my!! I have to pick a favorite? ***Several of the books mentioned here (The Bodyguard, Mary Churchill’s War, Secret Life of Albert Entwistle, Sixteen Trees of the Somme, were from Netgalley. How about Thank you to NetGalley for many great reads and here is one I didn’t name as a favorite, but still really loved Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander.
The “Hidden Gem” Book
Paying Tribute to Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, My Mrs. Brown by William Norwich is a GEM! Read it, read Mrs Harris and go see the new Mrs Harris move–see the bottom of this post for the trailer.
Favorite Book by a Favorite Author (not historical fiction)
French Braid by the great Anne Tyler
My Favorite Book of the Year
Tune in tomorrow!
What about you? Did you do a “Favorites” post for 2022? Leave me a link or just give me a comment with some of your favorite books read this year!
Hopewell's Public Library of Life 
Interesting list, and I am tuned to hear about your favorite book.
I will be posting my 2022 list soon.
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Great, Silvia! I look forward to your list, tool
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I’m working on my favs post! It’s like trying to choose a fav child!
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Some years are like that–this year I had an obvious favorite.
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I haven’t read any of these, but have seen French Braid on a few people’s lists. I would like to read The Sixteen Trees of the Somme too – I enjoyed one of Lars Mytting’s other books, The Bell in the Lake. Great list!
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That’s good to hear–Lar Mytting was new to me. Glad to hear of another good one by him.
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French Braid is also on my list.
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Great list! I picked up Meredith, Alone when I saw it was still available on NG, but haven’t started it yet. I’m excited to see it on your list!
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I hope you enjoy it.
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I like the categories you used for this list – it’s always hard to compare really different types of books and come up with a best of list. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed The Bodyguard, because I usually don’t care for romances with celebrities. But I agree this was a really fun book with great characters.
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I loved reading this list. There are so many that I know I would enjoy. The only one I’ve read so far is French Braid. I also liked it a lot. Anne Tyler is one of my favorite authors.
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I have the Bell book by Lars Mytting to read and I did enjoy French Braid but it didn’t make my 26 top books of the year (I did have a good year, though).
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