The Writing Greyhound's Top 5 Books of 2022

2022 was a year of two halves for me when it came to reading. I started off the year strongly, continuing on from my amazing year of reading in 2021. However, my reading started to wane over the summer, dropping off almost entirely in the run-up to my wedding as I had so little time to disappear into a book. 

Once again, I set myself a goal of reading 100 books in 2022, but sadly I only managed to read 61 books this year. I know, I know, that's still a good amount, but I do wish I'd been able to meet my target again this year. Over the last few months, I've struggled to gain back my reading mojo and seem to have lost my way a little. I hope 2023 will bring a return to my old reading habits again!

However, out of the books I did manage to read this year, which ones stood out the most? Keep on reading to find out my favourite books of 2022!

Note: These are all books I read in 2022, not necessarily books that were published during the last year. My top five are also in no particular order.

A Poet for Every Day of the Year by Allie Esiri

This gorgeous poetry book is the perfect companion to your year. Allie Esiri has expertly compiled 365 poems into a beautiful volume that provides the perfect moment of reflection each day of the year. From classic favourites to modern masterpieces, there's a little something for everyone in this gem of a collection.

The Last Girl to Die by Helen Fields

Evocative and unsettling, The Last Girl to Die is an outstanding mystery thriller novel. It's atmospheric, unpredictable, and packed full of twists and turns. The stakes climb higher with each chapter, and it's utterly gripping. I loved it.

The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson

The Little Wartime Library is a brilliant read. Based on an incredible true story, the book focuses on the lives of those living in London's East End during WW2. It's remarkable, moving, and beautifully written - the horrors of war portrayed through a real human lens.

Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney

Daisy Darker is a tense, thrilling mystery novel. It's expertly written with gloriously vivid descriptions and a darker sense of unease permeating through the pages. This is a twisty read that hooks you right from the very start - a page-turner if ever I saw one!

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

How has it taken me so long to read Memoirs of a Geisha? Having finally read the book, it's now no surprise to me why this story has become a modern classic. The descriptions are gorgeous and the story is engaging throughout. If you also haven't given it a try, make sure to stick it on your to-read list for 2023.

Honourable Mentions

I enjoyed reading some truly wonderful books this year, and as always, there are a few stand-outs which just narrowly missed out on entering the top five. However, I still think they deserve some recognition, so in no particular order, here are my honourable mentions for 2022:

• By Any Other Name by Lauren Kate
• The INFJ Personality Guide by Bo Miller
• Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor
• The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
• The London Girls by Soraya M. Lane

Giveaway

Once again, I'm giving one lucky reader the chance to win their book of choice from my top five. Simply enter via the Rafflecopter widget below to get your name in the draw!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms and Conditions:

1. This giveaway closes on 13th January 2023 at 11.59pm (GMT)
2. The prize consists of a single copy of one of the books from my top five shortlist above, as chosen by the winner
3. This giveaway is open to residents of the UK aged 18 and over
4. The winner will be randomly generated once the giveaway has ended
5. The winner will be informed by email once the giveaway has ended
6. The winner will have 72 hours to claim their prize. If the winner has not responded by this time, they will forfeit their prize and a new winner will be announced

What were your top reads of 2022? Share your favourites in the comments below!