All of the Best Books I Read in 2022
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Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow
This book could be the most impactful book I have ever read on the way I look at the world and its future. Balancing curiosity, skepticism, and an open mind, Harari's in-depth analysis and arguments opened my mind to new provocative ideas, that left me pondering after each page, each chapter, and even a year later, I still think about the ideas and predictions made in this book.
" People are usually afraid of change because they fear the unknown. But the single greatest constant of history is that everything changes. " - Yuval Noah Harari
Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of humanity, the evolution of society, and the potential trajectories of technology and science. It’s a thought-provoking exploration that challenges our preconceived notions and urges us to contemplate the profound possibilities ahead.
The Ride of a Lifetime
I am NOT what you would call a "Disney Fan." While I have enjoyed many of their movies and other creations, I don't know the history of Disney and certainly didn't know who Bob Iger was before this book. Yet, the book read like one great, amazing story. His life, determination, struggles, and success—all of it was so engaging to read about that I simply couldn't put it down.
" Innovate or die, and there’s no innovation if you operate out of fear of the new or untested. " - Robert Iger
The Ride of a Lifetime is a must-read for anyone interested in leadership, business, or personal growth. It's an inspiring journey that showcases Iger's remarkable career and the lessons he learned along the way, making it a compelling read for both Disney enthusiasts and those unfamiliar with his story.
Project Hail Mary
This is one of the best sci-fi books I've read, and I will never stop recommending it. Project Hail Mary is a thrilling adventure that mixes complex scientific ideas with humor and a relatable character.
If you like sci-fi, you will love this well-crafted book. For everyone else, I still highly recommend you give it a chance. The story's blend of humor, relatable characters, and gripping narrative makes it a standout in the genre and a must-read for anyone looking for an engaging adventure.
" I spend a lot of time un-suiciding this suicide mission. " - Andy Weir
Die with Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life
For the majority of my life, I viewed my success in terms of how hard I worked equaling the size of my safety net. I didn't go on typical "vacations"; instead, I went camping or chose the cheapest or free activities. I didn't buy nice things. After a year of reading, especially Die With Zero, I realized that my thinking was flawed.
" In other words, to get the most out of your time and money, timing matters. So to increase your overall lifetime fulfillment, it’s important to have each experience at the right age. " - Bill Perkins
Die With Zero is about creating what I think of as "Bucket Lists" for each period of your life, with guidelines on what to include. This approach helps you maximize your "Memory Dividends" (learn more by reading the book) and gives you something meaningful to work towards.
I can't say this book is "for everyone," but I do think everyone will find value in it, and it is absolutely worth a read.
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
"Essentialism" by Greg McKeown was given to me by a boss who noticed that I was overworking myself with too many projects. I read the book promptly and realized he was right. I was being pulled in too many directions. This book was exactly what I needed at the time, and I often find myself needing to be reminded of its concepts.
" Essentialism is not about how to get more things done; it’s about how to get the right things done. It doesn’t mean just doing less for the sake of less either. It is about making the wisest possible investment of your time and energy in order to operate at our highest point of contribution by doing only what is essential. " - Greg Mckeown
While I can't recommend this book to everyone, there are many people not reaching their goals simply because their focus is spread too thin. For those individuals, "Essentialism" is definitely worth a read.
Solve For Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy
Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer of Google X, writes this book in two ways. The first is a gut-wrenching story about him and his son, and the second is a practical, actionable, and formulaic approach to happiness. I mention his former position because it gives insight into the kind of person he is. The best way to describe his writing style is that of a very successful engineer explaining how he created his formula for the best-made soup he has ever created to someone not very familiar with cooking.
" If there is one thing that will change your life forever, it is recognizing that the voice talking to you is not you! " - Mo Gawdat
While that might not sound appetizing (yes, a food reference was necessary), everyone is looking for ways to achieve happiness, feel content, and handle difficulties in their lives. This book is an excellent resource for teaching you how to do all that while keeping you hooked with his story.
The Silent Patient
"The Silent Patient" is a master class in suspense and contrasting storytelling. I simply could not put it down. This book came as a recommendation from my wife—shout out to her—who said, "You have to read it so that we can talk about it... but you shouldn't know anything going in." So I did, and I am so glad I did!
I feel the same way for you: I don't think I should give too many details other than to say it is absolutely worth the read. Dive into this psychological thriller and experience the gripping narrative for yourself.
" Choosing a lover is a lot like choosing a therapist. We need to ask ourselves, is this someone who will be honest with me, listen to criticism, admit making mistakes, and not promise the impossible? " - Alex Michaelides
The Anthropocene Reviewed
Fun fact: this was my first experience with John Green. I didn't know who he was, and I wasn't familiar with his other works (including YouTube). All I knew was that I liked the cover and it was available at the library. So, I can confidently say that John Green is the real deal. He has a beautiful way of crafting stories, reviewing life, and giving meaning to the mundane.
" We all know how loving ends. But I want to fall in love with the world anyway, to let it crack me open. I want to feel what there is to feel while I am here. " - John Green
While you might be hesitant to read this book because of the typical writing John Green is known for (I have since read "Looking for Alaska"), this nonfiction book is excellent. I loved every minute of it, and I think you will too.
The Third Door: The Wild Quest to Uncover How the World's Most Successful People Launched Their Careers
"The Third Door" by Alex Banayan has got to be one of my favorite self help/entrepreneurship books of all time. The way he hooked me with his story while providing real insights from incredibly successful people was addictive. If you want the TLDR, do yourself a favor and read this book.
" Maybe the hardest part about taking a risk isn’t whether to take it, it’s when to take it. It’s never clear how much momentum is enough to justify leaving school. It’s never clear when it’s the right time to quit your job. Big decisions are rarely clear when you’re making them—they’re only clear looking back. The best you can do is take one careful step at a time. " - Alex Banayan
Before I say more, I want to provide context for the book. As a college student, Banayan wanted to uncover how the world's most successful people launched their careers. Determined to find the answer, he left college and "hacked" into The Price is Right to fund his mission.
He goes on to share page-turning stories and insights from his interviewees, which include an array of successful figures like Bill Gates, Lady Gaga, Steven Spielberg, and more. Through these stories, he teaches lessons on persistence, overcoming rejection, and thinking outside the box, all while providing a personal narrative of his growth and the challenges he faces along the way.
The concept of the "third door"—a metaphor for finding an alternate way in when the main entrance is blocked and the side door is guarded—resonates deeply with me. Banayan's journey and the wisdom he shares from his interviewees will provide you with real value and inspiration to think creatively and persistently about your own path to success.
Babel
"Babel" is an impressive and ambitious story that captivated me and sparked a newfound curiosity about history. Despite not being a big history enthusiast, I found myself deeply engaged with the narrative and impressed with the level of research that must have gone into this book. Kuang does an excellent job of fleshing out the main character, Robin Swift, making him a truly compelling figure.
"
This is how colonialism works. It convinces us that the fallout from resistance is entirely our fault, that the immoral choice is resistance itself rather than the circumstances that demanded it.
"
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R.F. Kuang
While the book is a dark academia-type fantasy and may not be everyone's first choice for a fantasy read, I really enjoyed it. It was easily one of my top fantasy reads of the year.
The Broken Earth Trilogy
"The Broken Earth Trilogy" by N.K. Jemisin is best read as a complete series rather than as individual books. So, I decided to add the review of all three here rather than separately. Each of the three books is extremely solid, but the true brilliance of the story comes together when you experience the trilogy in its entirety. If you're going to read the first book, you should plan on reading the whole series because the narrative arcs and themes interweave beautifully across all three books.
" Home is what you take with you, not what you leave behind. " - N.K. Jemisin
That said, this series is not for the faint of heart. The world Jemisin created is cruel and unforgiving, with harsh realities that can be tough to digest. However, amidst the brutality, the story also explores beautiful themes of family and home, offering moments of profound emotional depth.
This trilogy is a page-turning epic that can quickly get you out of a reading slump or make you eager to get to your next reading session. Jemisin’s storytelling is unparalleled, and her ability to build a complex, immersive world is nothing short of extraordinary. It’s a challenging but rewarding journey that I highly recommend.
A Darker Shade of Magic
I am sure the title of this review left you a little confused... That is a bit by my design. See, in 2022, this was the only book of the series I read, but now, at the time of writing this review, I have read all of the books in the series, as well as one book set in the same world but a different series. TLDR: I really liked this book and the series as a whole, but it didn't quite make my top books list in 2023.
" I'd rather die on an adventure than live standing still. " - V.E. Schwab
So, why the review title? Well, the world that Schwab has built here is intricate, and the characters are really well done. The series as a whole has nods to other fantasy/sci-fi books, movies, and TV shows—NOT IN A BAD WAY. It's simply worth noting that if you are looking for something completely fresh and new, this might not be right for you. If nods to other stories are not a deal breaker for you, I think it is a really fun read. The main characters are interesting, and they get better and better throughout the series.
The final verdict? My recommendation is if you like this first book, you will enjoy the others. If you don't love it, it's okay to put this on your did-not-finish (DNF) shelf. For me, I am glad that I read it and that the series is continuing.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life
I read a lot of self help books, and I always describe them as a cheat code for life. I get to live and understand someone else's perspective on how to handle situations in life and more. This is one of those books that I cherish because it was such a huge perspective shift for me. It was a refreshing and brutally honest read that will make you think and feel engaged in its perspective. Manson's straightforward and no-nonsense approach to self help is a breath of fresh air in the genre.
" You and everyone you know are going to be dead soon. And in the short amount of time between here and there, you have a limited amount of fucks to give. Very few, in fact. And if you go around giving a fuck about everything and everyone without conscious thought or choice—well, then you’re going to get fucked. " - Mark Manson
One of these shifts, or maybe realizations, for me was that you can't care about everything, and trying to do so only leads to stress and dissatisfaction. As someone who LOVES to try new things, and as a marketer, I love finding out what people like and why. I realized that this has been causing me unnecessary stress.
While this might not sound like a book that would resonate with you, I highly recommend you give it a chance. Manson's writing style is conversational and filled with humor, and there is a ton of value you can gain by reading this book.
Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered
"Show Your Work" is a quick read, perfect for an afternoon, yet it's packed with powerful motivation and insightful tips on sharing your creativity with the world. What I appreciate most is its accessibility—you can pick it up anytime and find valuable nuggets of wisdom in any chapter. This book is the reason I chose to write book reviews for my website. Originally, I thought I would just talk about digital marketing, but Kleon’s advice encouraged me to share my broader interests.
" Make stuff you love and talk about stuff you love and you’ll attract people who love that kind of stuff. It’s that simple. " - Austin Kleon
Kleon emphasizes the importance of sharing your process, not just the finished product, and his advice has had a lasting impact on how I approach my work. The practical tips and motivational insights make "Show Your Work" a must-read for anyone looking to put their creative work out there. It's so good that it has earned a permanent spot on my desk.
The 4-Hour Workweek
When I made the goal to read every single day and start my reading journey, I reached out on social media, to friends, and family, and searched YouTube for recommendations. "The 4-Hour Workweek" was by far the most recommended book. Based on that knowledge, I am afraid that this review is going to end up being something you have already heard before. So, here is my experience with this book.
" People will choose unhappiness over uncertainty. " - Timothy Ferriss
My wife and I decided to take a weekend vacation to Moab, Utah. It's about a 4-hour drive, and I convinced my wife that we should download music, podcasts, and an audiobook. On the drive, my wife fell asleep, and I decided to listen to this book. I was quickly bombarded with so much value I couldn't just stop, so when she eventually woke up, I asked her to listen with me. We ended up listening to the entirety of the book on that trip, and I bought a hard copy the next day.
Once I was back home and back to my working life, I decided that if I was going to go through all the effort of reading all these books, I should try some of the things I learned. No, I didn't outsource my life, but I tried things like his "low-information diet." Then I added more and more things on, until eventually, I saw an opportunity to try something he talked about. Ferriss discusses how to talk to your boss about "Performance over Presence," and I used a majority of his suggested conversation with my boss, which led to a $10,000 raise in my salary.
Let me tell you, for a kid fresh out of college, that was a mind-bending amount of money, and I continue to be grateful for all that I learned in this book. I still open this book for inspiration and guidance. If Tim Ferriss somehow sees this review, thank you.
The Martian
"The Martian" by Andy Weir is thrilling and humorous all the way through to the end. The story follows Mark Watney, an astronaut who is left on Mars after a mission goes poorly. This science-filled masterpiece is so entertaining, fun, and scientifically accurate (all while maintaining readability for everyone) that it became one of my favorite reads of the entire year.
" Yes, of course duct tape works in a near-vacuum. Duct tape works anywhere. Duct tape is magic and should be worshiped. " - Andy Weir
While I think there is a real possibility that the main character, Mark Watney, might be hard to relate to for some, I resonated with him a lot. Specifically, I appreciated how he uses humor to deal with bad situations. I believe the majority of people will really enjoy this book, and I can't think of anything else that would or should turn you off from reading it.
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing & A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor
Another book series where I couldn't just recommend one of the books. I think this series is best experienced if you read them together. This duology came as a recommendation from my sister-in-law, an avid reader, librarian, and someone with excellent taste. She pitched it to me like this (paraphrasing slightly): "Imagine a girl stumbles across something in New York City that wasn't there moments before, makes a video about it, and then that video becomes the most watched video ever, making her the designated expert for all things related to this phenomenon."
" This is unfortunate, but the world is too complex for there to be good reasons for any truly great decision. " - Hank Green, A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor
That alone made me curious about what it was all about. It was a premise I had never heard of before; it felt really fresh and relevant. The books explore themes of fame, social media, and the impact of internet culture on personal identity. Hank Green’s writing is engaging and thought-provoking, blending humor with deep social commentary.
"An Absolutely Remarkable Thing" and its sequel, "A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor," together form a compelling narrative that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns. Green’s ability to weave complex themes with an accessible and entertaining storyline makes this duology a must-read.
If you're looking for a series that combines science fiction with a sharp critique of modern society, this duology is for you. It’s an exhilarating ride that not only entertains but also makes you reflect on the world we live in and our place in it. Highly recommended.
The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy
I don't think there is much I can add that hasn't already been said. It's a great series and an absolute classic. I loved the movies when I was a kid (I still watch the extended versions every fall), and I really enjoyed these books. I find that every time I delve into Tolkien's world, I discover something new to love.
" It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to. " - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
Red Rising Trilogy
" I would have lived in peace. But my enemies brought me war. " - Pierce Brown, Red Rising
For those who love this series, you may not agree with everything I'm about to say, but I have a strong love/hate relationship with this trilogy. Let's start with the negatives.
The Bad:
- Darrow O'Lykos, the main character and POV of this trilogy, often felt one-dimensional. He charges through the plot like a tornado, causing chaos without much depth.
- The series is brutal, with numerous deaths, but I never felt that Darrow was in real danger. He always seemed invincible, which diminished the tension.
- Many plot twists lacked impact, and several plot points felt borrowed from other sci-fi series.
- The sheer number of characters with unusual names can be overwhelming. You almost need to read the books back-to-back or keep a wiki open to keep track, which can slow down the reading experience.
- Lastly, something that drove me crazy is that a ton of the plot is developed because of a lack of communication.
The Good:
The series does get better and better. Pierce Brown does an excellent job of building on what is already great from one book to the next.
- Going back to Darrow, something that is great about him is you know what to expect—a powerhouse who is going to bring the action time and time again.
- The action in these books made me forget I was reading, and it comes up often. There is no need to wait until the end of the book for a climactic-feeling fight.
- I loved several of the characters that surround Darrow, and they give a much-needed perspective. I only wish that I could get their input more often.
- Referring back to the brutality in this book, something that is great is that decisions have real and lasting impacts, plus it's hard to stop reading when you are watching a proverbial train wreck.
The Great:
There are many, many great things in this book. I hear this series recommended a lot, and for good reason. It's a series that has so much depth to it and is far from boring. If you like books with action that are vast in world-building, and you want something that is big and will keep you reading, this is for you. Just be warned, it does come with flaws and is NOT for the faint of heart.
After all of that, I give the series as a whole 4-stars because the positives outweigh the negatives, and, as I mentioned, the series continues to get better and better.
All Good People Here
Ashley Flowers is an exceptional storyteller. I have been listening to her podcasts, Crime Junkies, Supernatural, and more for years. So, when she announced her book on Crime Junkies, I preordered it immediately. To my dismay, I felt this book fell a little short of her usual quality. My review is more like a 3.5 (maybe 3.75) out of 5, but we'll call it a 4 for simplicity.
" The cost of this marriage, she knew, would be keeping those secrets. She just hoped it would be worth it. " - Ashley Flowers
What went wrong? To avoid spoilers, I think it comes down to two things:
- This is her debut novel. Of course, it's not going to be perfect. This is the first time she has ever written something of this length (to my knowledge). I believe she will get better and better with more experience.
- The absence of Brit Prawat. I believe Brit Prawat (from Crime Junkies) plays a HUGE part in balancing Flowers's storytelling, and in this book, she feels absent. Flowers is a phenomenal storyteller, but she tends to get hung up on certain details. Her "Rabbit Holes," as she calls them in the podcast, are abundant in this book and distract from its potential.
There are still many things going right for this book. It was one of my hardest choices for this list, but I thought it was solid enough to make it. I think readers will especially enjoy this book if they are already fans of Ashley Flowers or crime-focused novels.
What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions
Before I begin, let me make it clear that I marked this as "Science Fiction" in the button filtering because those who like science fiction will enjoy this book.
" I’ve never seen the Icarus story as a lesson about the limitations of humans. I see it as a lesson about the limitations of wax as an adhesive. " - Randall Munroe
"What If?" by Randall Munroe is a humorous and great palate cleanser! If you want conversation starters, look to this book. If you want to entertain and teach your kids, look to this book. If you ever wondered, "What if everyone on Earth stood as close to each other as they could and jumped at the same time?", this book has the answers.
In short, give this book a chance—you’re bound to find something you enjoy.
The Midnight Library
"The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig is a solid 4-star book. It offers many great lessons, heartfelt moments, and deeply sad moments, making it a very good read overall. There's a reason so many people have read and praised it.
" If you aim to be something you are not, you will always fail. Aim to be you. Aim to look and act and think like you. Aim to be the truest version of you. Embrace that you-ness. Endorse it. Love it. Work hard at it. And don't give a second thought when people mock it or ridicule it. Most gossip is envy in disguise. " - Matt Haig
However, this book made it onto this list not because I simply enjoyed reading it, but because it deserves an "Honorable Mention" as there is someone out there who would love this book. There is nothing inherently wrong with it, but I find myself looking back and remembering very few plot points. While it deserved the hype it received, there are better books out there with a similar message and emotional impact. That said, if the premise of this book intrigues you, it's definitely worth a read.