Best Books of 2022
My top 10 new releases of the year.
There were so many new books that wowed me this year, but these ten were a cut above the rest. Here’s my unranked list of the best new books of 2022.
Best Novels of the Year
Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson — My all-time favorite book is Kevin Wilson’s novel Nothing to See Here, which was his newest book until last month. I was nervous to read his new novel, knowing I couldn’t possibly love it nearly as much as I loved the last one. But oh! Kevin Wilson did it!!! He made me fall in love all over again! And now I can’t decide which one I like more.
This novel is written in the voice of Frankie, who created a poster with a friend when she was a bored teenager. The poster quickly took on a life of its own, changing Frankie’s life forever.
I recommend this book to anyone for whom creativity is an incredibly emotional experience.
Little Rabbit by Alyssa Songsiridej — This book had the biggest impact on my own writing this year. I appreciate the forthrightness with which this debut author writes about love, sexuality, adult friendships, and art-making.
I recommend this book to readers who love dark, complex, character-driven novels.
This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub — This one’s just exquisite. I laughed, and boy did I cry—this book does not shy away from grief. Plus, I actually liked the sci-fi elements of this novel, and there were multiple Talking Heads references! Going back and reading everything Emma Straub has ever written.
I recommend this book to anyone who’s wading through grief, especially the anticipatory kind.
Vladimir by Julia May Jonas — This was definitely the sexiest book of the year, but like every great sexy book, it’s so much more than that. Another exceptional debut, this novel had one of the most surprising endings I’ve ever read.
I recommend this book to readers who feel like turning up the heat without turning off their brains.
I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston — When I gushed about this novel in my newsletter over the summer, I wrote that I was especially appreciative of the novel’s Alabama setting, which addressed the South’s widespread oppression of queer youth while also taking time to celebrate the uniqueness (and tight-knit-ness!) of Southern queer communities. If I could give my 16-year-old self any book, this would be it!
I recommend this book to anyone in the mood for a completely unique rom com.
My Big Fake Wedding by Jessica Hatch — Speaking of rom coms, this is the book that made me laugh the hardest this year. I adore the story of Bea, a tightly wound perfectionist who’s won her all-expenses-paid dream wedding… but doesn’t have a groom.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for more laughter in their lives in 2023.
Best Nonfiction of the Year
Mother Noise by Cindy House — This debut memoir-in-essays chronicles the author’s decision to open up to her son about her past heroin addiction. Speckled with original drawings, it’s very special and important book, and I can’t wait to see what Cindy House writes (and draws!) next.
I recommend this book to mothers and addicts and those who love mothers and addicts.
In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss by Amy Bloom — If I had to pick an absolute favorite book of the year, this one wins. Amy Bloom completely shifted my perspective on death and dying. I also never knew that a book about loss could contain one of the most beautiful and moving love stories I’ve ever read.
I recommend this book to everyone. Really. Everyone needs to read this.
Smile: The Story of a Face by Sarah Ruhl — I learned so much about Bell’s palsy while reading this memoir. Like, am I the only one who didn’t know that it is actually very common for women to experience face paralysis after giving birth???!!! But it is, and Ruhl is in the 10% of women who never experience a full recovery. I’m so glad she wrote a book about the experience.
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of reading or watching one of Sarah Ruhl’s plays, you already know that she has a way of making everything seem enchanting. As a long-time fan of hers, I was thrilled to find that this memoir was no different.
I recommend this book to you if you fit the following description: you find yourself making small-talk with a stranger at a party, only to discover that the stranger is a nurse or a doctor, which you take as your cue to solicit their gnarliest medical stories. You’ll love this book. I swear. (This is definitely the most specific recommendation I have ever made.)
Body Work: The Radical Power of Personal Narrative by Melissa Febos — This is the book about writing that I really, really needed. It’s a guide to writing about ourselves and all the sticky, messy emotions that come with that process. No wonder it’s the first book selection for my Book Club for Writers! 📚
I recommend this book to writers, practicing and aspiring, who wish to dive deeper into writing about the self.
Did you know that any book purchase you make via Bookshop.org supports this newsletter? Shop my full list of book picks here!
Book Club for Writers
During our first Zoom meeting on Sunday, January 29, 1-2:30 PM EST, the Book Club for Writers will discuss Body Work: The Radical Power of Personal Narrative.
Members who read the book but can’t make the meeting can join our lively discussion thread the following day. View the full book club schedule here.
Join the Book Club for Writers by becoming a paid subscriber. Upgrade your subscription before the end of the year and get 25% off!
Upcoming Prose Workshop
I’m facilitating an online writing workshop for fiction and nonfiction writers in February. Interested in joining? Find out more here.
I’m capping this group at four students and expect it to fill up very quickly. If you don’t snag a spot in time, fill out the form to be added to the waitlist.
🤑 Paid subscribers get 10% off writing workshops. Just one more reason to support Lonely Victories!
Thank you, dear readers, for another fantastic year! You make my victories on the page so much less lonely. I look forward to reading and writing with you in the new year and beyond.
💛 Hurley
This Time Tomorrow was my favorite read this year!
Thank you for the inclusion on this list! I’m honored to be among such illustrious authors.