Hello everyone,
It is that time again. Time to start looking back on all the books I have read throughout the year and share lots of fun list posts. There will be many more to come right up until Christmas and beyond.
The first one is all about the most powerful books I consumed during 2022. These are the ones which have left the greatest emotional impact on me, or dealt with sensitive topics in an especially impressive or unique way. Sometimes this was complimented by a profound writing style that made me feel powerfully connected to the book, making them all the more effective.
There were some which made the list straight away, and I had to narrow down the rest, and they actually come from a few different genres. Here is the list!
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
Most books set during wartime are varying degrees of powerful, and this one was no exception. It was split into dual timelines, but following Odele’s life at the American Library in Paris as the Second World War escalated and her freedom gradually diminished was quite impactful.
You also grow to care so much about the side characters and the depiction of both romance and friendship was quite raw.
The One Hundred Years Of Lenni And Margot by Marianne Cronin
I finished reading this book just the other day and it immediately became one of my best reads of the year. It was poignant yet uplifting, with times where it would make me laugh interspersed with moments that had me fighting back tears.
It was a special book, with two characters who leapt off the page, and beautifully told throughout.
The Dictionary Of Lost Words by Pip Williams
This is a coming of age story that focuses on the life of the main character, Esme. Much of the power in this book comes from the words themselves as it is so eloquently written and events are captured with a refinement that makes them seem weightier and more profound.
The interweaving of true historical events gave it something more and I felt hugely invested in the story from start to finish.
The Right Sort Of Girl by Anita Rani
I listened to the audiobook of this memoir, which Anita Rani narrates herself. She is wonderfully honest and unapologetic, and it has the ability to empower so many of its readers, detailing her experience as a British Asian woman who has overcome so many barriers to become a successful broadcaster.
Still Water by Rebecca Pert
This is one of my most special reads of the year full stop, as it is written by my friend and work colleague. Not only did Beccy do a brilliant job of creating a dark, unsettling atmosphere with Still Water, she also wrote a compelling story that dealt with very sensitive topics. Part of the story is told in the form of diary entries, and these were incredibly powerful to read in particular.
Have you read any of these books? What are some of the most powerful books you have read in 2022? Let me know in the comments!
Happy reading 🙂
Stephen Reads Books 