My Favourite Books of 2022

My Favourite books of 2022

One thing I really enjoy, at the end of the year, is looking through the list of books I read, and deciding which ones really stand out!

Last year I ranked them for one to ten, but this year I decided it was so difficult to choose, that I have divided my books into categories. 

This year I read a total of 102 books, which was a great increase on last, though I was also very pleased with the end result in 2021.  I said I would never be able to read over 100 books in year, but I did!  I do not expect to read over 100 in 2023, as I have a few chunky books I would like to get to in this year, one of which I have already started to give myself a head start for 2023, and that book is The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson-I have been wanting to experience one of his books for a very long time, and I thought what a way to start 2023!

I am not going to talk about the books I didn’t enjoy, firstly because I want this to be a positive place, and secondly because generally if I’m not enjoying a book I do tend to drop it.  I think I only read a couple of books this year which I was disappointed with.

So here we go…the books maybe you should read and enjoy too, because they certainly made me very happy!

Best Manga of 2022: Spy X Family by Tatsuya Endo

This manga has been everywhere, and with great reason!  An imitation family consisting of a spy, a telepath, an assassin, and a dog who can see into the future called Bond…what is there not to love!!

Best Non-Fiction of 2022: Adrift by Tracey Williams

I have talked a lot about this book on my blog, I would read this again tomorrow, it’s so interesting to learn all about the lego that went adrift, during a storm, in the ocean.  

New Favourite Author of 2022: Emily Barr

I discovered Emily Barr during an author event, at my local Waterstones, and her wonderful book Ghosted captivated me.  Emily is a lovely person, and has some amazing books on the shelf, and more on the way.  

Favourite YA book of 2022: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

I was blown away by this book, I picked it up on a whim, and started reading it that very same day.  It was brilliant, and I have gifted this book three times this year-what more can I say!!  

Favourite Horror Book of 2022: Not Good for Maidens by Tori Bolvalino & The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix

Yes, I know I’m cheating, I should choose one book, but I can’t, they are equally amazing, and blew me away.  Slaying Vampires was fab because it really thought out of the box, and it had so many twists and turns, and shocks that it kept me on my toes.  Not Good for Maidens, was fab too, lots of witchy vibes, and a great story, which I was very invested in. 

Favourite Poetry Book of 2022: The Lost Spells by Robert Macfarlane

I am surprising myself by saying this, but this could almost be my favourite book of 2022!  I was lost and transfixed by this beautiful poetry book, and its stunning illustrations.  This book should be on everyone’s bookcase, and I intend to read this book every year.  

Favourite Fantasy book of 2022: Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

I hugged this book whilst I was reading it, I told everyone how much I loved it.  It has magic, love and intrigue, and I really must read the second book!

Favourite Biography: The Salt Path by Raynor Winn

I was crying by page 15, I was invested by page 2.  This author writes so beautifully, and you just keep wondering what on earth is going to happen at the end!  Another book I have gifted others this year!

Favourite Middle Grade Book of 2022: The Skylarks War by Hilary Mckay

The first book I read in January 2022.  An amazing experience which again had me crying, and could easily be enjoyed by any age.  I felt like I watched this family grow, and it was very touching.

And Finally…

My Favourite Point Horror book of 2022: 13 Tales of Horror by various authors.

I couldn’t not do this category, I have been part of the book club for over a year, and I have so enjoyed reading with them every month.  This particular book I read when I was a young teen, and did not enjoy, but on my second read I absolutely loved it! Highly recommend!

So there we have it, a round up of all my favourite books of 2022!  I would love to hear about some of your favourites! 

Thanks for reading….

Until I blog again…keep on reading!

My Christmas Book Advent Adventure

My Christmas Book Advent Adventure!

It’s now the 17th of December, and only eight days until Christmas day is upon us!  This year I decided to read Christmas themed books throughout the month of December, and to add a twist I chose to turn them into a type of advent calendar, books and chocolate winning formula I think!

As well as reading, a few months back I started to crochet and wondered whether I could crochet some mini stockings…here is the result!

The first stocking I made wasn’t so good, but the more I made the better they got!!  I decided to then write out the titles of the books I wanted to read for December, and my daughter randomly placed them into the stockings for me, along with a mini chocolate. 

 

So far I am on stocking number four- I have been documenting the experience over on my instagram account. 

Book 1: This Winter by Alice Oseman….I absolutely adored this one, it was so lovely to be back in the world of Nick and Charlie.

Book 2: The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher…unfortunately I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought I would, it included two elements I really don’t enjoy in films, or books, which is people hunting magical creatures to be horrid to them, and bullying.

Book 3: The Christmas Wish… this was a nice read, I felt it tried to be funny-but didn’t quite make it with some of the jokes, but I liked the message attached to the book.

Book 4: My current read is Freeze Tag by Caroline B Cooney-this is our point horror book club read.  This book comes across more as a point romance book, but I do like that the villain in this story has real magical powers!  This keeps it interesting!

I am looking forward to opening another stocking this eve, as I have nearly finished Freeze tag!

It has been a fun experience making a book advent calendar, I can highly recommend this!  The chocolate is great too!  Are there any bookish traditions you do for Christmas?  What books are you currently reading?  Do let me know!

Until I blog again….keep reading….and Merry Christmas!

Christmas Gifts for Bookworms!

Christmas Gifts for Bookworms!

Got a bookworm in your life, and you’re looking for a great Christmas gift?  Look no further, I’ve put together a great list of gifts, ranging from fantastic secret santa ideas, to surprises which will earn you that kiss under the mistletoe!

1. Bookmarks.  Now I know to anyone who isn’t a bookworm, you’re thinking, a bookmark, that’s a little boring isn’t it?  But no!  Us bookworms can never have enough bookmarks!  It’s the next best thing to collecting books!!!  There are so many bookmarks out there you will be spoilt for choice!  Myself, I love to match the bookmark to what I am currently reading, for example I have Christmas bookmarks for Christmas, Halloween, for fantasy books, and graphic novels.  Not only can you buy some great bookmarks in the likes of Waterstones and WHSmiths, but there are some wonderful handmade ones on Etsy.  One seller I love to use is called MeganWillows….her bookmarks are stunning, she gets her items in postbox very quickly, and her packaging is gorgeous!
2. Bookish Pins.  Another great little gift for the book lover in your life is pins!!!  Yes, you heard me right, pins!! I started collecting bookish pins about a year ago, there are several sellers on Etsy, but my two favourites are Jamie and Fiona.  Jamie has a business called Lit Pins and Co.

https://litpinsandco.com/

Jamie has a wonderful selection of pins, a lot of her designs centre around Shadow and Bone, Empire of the Vampire and Addie La’Rue.  Jamie also has some one off designs as well, that include Heartstopper and Sorcery of Thorns.  Please do check out her website.  Everything I have purchased has arrived quickly, and very well packaged.

Fiona runs Fel Fira Moon Designs  

http://felfiramoondesigns.com 

Fiona has a wonderful wide selection of pins, and other items on her website, large quote pins, and other pins with statements such as….so many books so little time, again she also sells some stunning pins.

Jamie and Fiona have also collaborated together and produced these wonderful book stacking pins, books featured include Shadow and Bone, Six of Crows, Court of Thorns and Roses and Illuminae.  The designs are beautiful, and there will be more to add next year.  

There are also a lot more bookish pins on Etsy.

3. Book Sleeves!  I discovered book sleeves last year, and I find them really handy!  Basically they are a pouch, which you can slip your book inside to keep them safe from damage.  There are some wonderful designs you can purchase, though the prices vary from seller to seller.  My sleeve is a leaf covered lembas bread inspired from Lord of the Rings!   I bought this from a fab designer called Jess, who runs a shop on Etsy called Inpagesshop.  Her shop is definitely worth checking out, as she has some fab items for bookworms, including pins and t shirts as well!  Which brings me to my next idea!

4. T Shirts!  Did you know you can buy bookish t-shirts?  There are loads of t-shirts out there with bookish quotes on the front, these are available from  Etsy, Amazon, ebay….I know I would love to be sat reading, wearing my very own bookish t-shirt!

5. Book lights.  I can’t get enough of buying book lights, I find myself very attracted to them!  Wonderful little book lights that attach to the back cover of your book, and shine a lovely light onto your page, which cause very little disturbance for others in the room.  These are generally battery operated, but can also be found as a usb rechargeable.  Waterstones have a great selection of book lights, in a variety of sizes.

6. Tote Bag.  Every bookworm needs a tote bag!!  We can often be found in bookshops, with our arms full of books, so we definitely need something to bring our shopping home in!!  There is a wide selection available on etsy, and in Waterstones, again there are a variety of prices to choose from. 

7. Book Vouchers.  A lot of people don’t like giving vouchers,they think that they lack personality or thought.  Never think that with a book voucher!  When  you don’t know which book your bookworm would like, the next best thing is a voucher, to spend in the after Christmas sales!

8. Kindle.  For those looking for a larger gift, you could always consider buying your loved one a kindle.  E books are in abundance on Amazon, and they have some cracking deals sometimes, which I am sure would make any reader happy. If you are a prime member, you even get free books from time to time!

9. And finally….Blankets, Mugs and Hot Chocolate.  These are simple but vital items for bookworms!!! We love nothing more than to snuggle down with a blanket, on a cold afternoon, and make a wonderful hot chocolate to enjoy with our books!  

I so hope this list helps someone with their Christmas shopping, and your bookworm loves whatever gift you decide to purchase.

Thanks for reading, and Merry Christmas