22 Books to Read in 2022

Hello, my fellow Spirals!

New year means a new set of books to read! In my case, it is going to be several books that have been on my bookshelves for a looong time.

I feel like I should give a disclaimer that most of the books on this list are either going to be non-fiction or classics 😂. Any other genre that I pick up is usually for fun but non-fiction and classics are mostly for learning about a specific topic or improving English for me.

Now let’s get into it!

1. The Gene – Siddhartha Mukherjee

I mean this book has been on my TBR for over a year so it is only fitting that I tackle it in 2022. Genetics is one topic I am highly interested in but know very little about. I know this book is a chunky one but I have an inkling that I am really going to enjoy it!

2. One Hundred Years of Solitude – Gabriel Garcia Marquez

I know absolutely nothing about this book except that everyone loved it. I saw this book in the bookstore and immediately picked it up. The copy I own also has deckled edges which is such a unique addition to my personal library. Added to that, I know that this book takes place in Columbia which will account for my Around the World in Books challenge (check my post here).

3. Blood and Oil – Bradley Hope

I think I read about this book on Goodreads and immediately had to add it to my TBR. The past 1 year I have realized that when it comes to non-fiction books, I really enjoy a book that feels like a documentary or like investigative journalism. I really enjoyed Midnight in Chernobyl (review here) and Bad Blood which follow a similar outline. Naturally I am interested in picking this one as well!

4. Cosmos – Carl Sagan

To anyone who has followed my blog for a long time knows that I absolutely loved Big Bang by Simon Singh. It is one of my all-time favorite books and the topic has always sparked an interest in me. On hearing about this book, I immediately ordered it online and added it to my bookshelf. Hoping I read it soon!

5. All the Light We Cannot See – Anthony Doerr

I mean, at this point I feel like I don’t even need to give a reason. It’s just shameful that I have read so many books set during WW2 and not read this one. So let’s correct that this year.

6. Kafka on the Shore – Haruki Murakami

I bought this book wanting to try out a Murakami book. And then I read After Dark which I did not enjoy. So now I am worried if I’ll enjoy this book or not especially because this one is a chunky bad boy. Nevertheless, I will definitely give it a fair shot.

7. Empire of Pain – Patrick Radden Keefe

Another true crime book that I have wanted to pick up for quite a while. There is such high demand for this on Libby that the wait is around 16 weeks +. This book follows the story of Sacklers whose name adorns the walls of many stories institutions: Harvard, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Oxford, the Louvre. However, it investigates their source of family fortune uncovering many secrets. This is definitely going to be a compelling read.

8. Emma – Jane Austen

I have heard sooo much about this book and cannot wait to dive into it. I have collected all the Jane Austen works so far except Mansfield Park and need to get to reading them soon.

9. The Three Musketeers – Alexandre Dumas

I don’t have any particular reason for adding this book on this list except the fact that it is on my bookshelf and I want to read it. I would love to read more classics this year since I feel like the English in those books is quite advanced and could potentially improve my vocabulary.

10. Frankenstein – Mary Shelley

Another classic that I want to read this year. This is one of the OG science fiction novels and I have heard soo much about this book and especially the character. It would be nice to read about the true story behind the “monster”.

11. The Temptation of Gracie – Santa Montefiore

I picked this book up because of two primary reasons: 1. it involves a lot of authentic Italian cuisines. 2. it is set in Tuscan countryside. This book is going to be an absolute perfect pick for summer and I can’t wait to get to it.

12. The Martian – Andy Weir

Last year I read Project Hail Mary by Andy and oh my god. I literally loved it so much. The characters were so loveable and there were so many scientific aspects to the story along with it being set in space. I am hoping this book has similar vibes as well.

13. The Shadow of Kyoshi (#2) – F.C. Yee

Ahh the Avatar universe is such a beautiful place and I can’t wait to dive back into it. I read the first book of the series last year and was pleasantly shocked. The characters were so diverse and it had such a darker tone than the show. You can check out my book review for the first book here.

14. Girlhood – Melissa Febos

I usually don’t do short stories but I really want to read this one. Based on the genres mentioned on Goodreads, it’s all about feminism, memoir and LGBT community. I have heard wonderful things about this book so hoping I enjoy it too.

15. The Fountains of Silence – Ruta Sepetys

Historical fiction set in Madrid, Spain. That’s enough to make me want to pick it up.

16. Wild – Cheryl Strayed

A memoir about travelling, adventure. I know Cheryl Strayed is a well-liked author for Ariel Bissett from Books Unbound podcast so let’s see if I enjoy it too.

17. Calling Sehmat – Harinder Sikka

There’s a famous Bollywood called Raazi which is highly acclaimed. Recently I found out by my friend that it was adapted from a book. Naturally, I have to pick up the book before watching the movie.

18. Black Edge – Sheelah Kolhatkar

Another True Crime book here 😂. I have got nothing to say here because I have no idea about it myself. All I know is that it is about the billionaire trader Steve Cohen. Since I have zero idea about trading, it is definitely going to be interesting reading about it.

19. Piranesi – Susanna Clarke

No clue about this book except that the cover gives me Greek vibes? I have seen this book all over the internet though I haven’t heard anything about it.

20. A Gentleman in Moscow – Amor Towles

Historical fiction set in Russia. I have heard such brilliant things about this book and the author. Can’t wait to get to it!

21. The Remains of the Day – Kazuo Ishiguro

I have no idea about this book and the only reason I bought it was because it’s by Ishiguro. I have heard mixed reviews about this book. Ishiguro is a hit or miss for everyone and in my case especially, I enjoy the book while reading but as a whole don’t like it too much.

22. Winter Garden – Kristin Hannah

Can there be a book list written by me without including at least one Kristin Hannah book? This author is a new favorite for me and I already know that I am really going to like this book!

Comment down below which book you positively want to pick this year.

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