As the year draws to a close, avid readers often find joy in reflecting on their literary journey over the past months. Compiling a list of favorite reads not only highlights personal growth but also serves as a guide for fellow book lovers looking for their next great adventure. This year, I dove into a diverse range of genres and themes, discovering works that resonated deeply and challenged my perspectives.
In 2022, my reading habits shifted significantly. I found myself navigating through history, literature, and self-improvement books more than ever before. While travel literature has always been a staple of my reading diet, I realized that many travel narratives followed similar paths. Instead, I explored destination-specific travelogues, which led me down a fascinating historical rabbit hole. This article captures the essence of my literary exploration this year.
Celebrating My Top Reads of 2022
Here’s a curated selection of the books that left a lasting impact on me this year. Each title opened new doors of understanding and offered fresh perspectives on familiar subjects.
Sahara unveiled: A journey through North Africa
Sahara Unveiled by William Langewiesche is a profoundly insightful account of North Africa’s cultural and historical landscape. Written in the 1990s, Langewiesche’s eloquent prose transports readers from Algeria through Niger and Mali, ultimately landing in Dakar. This book intricately weaves travel narrative with deep cultural insights during a period of significant change. It’s a vivid portrayal that serves as both a travelogue and a history lesson.
Endurance: A testament to human resilience
Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing captures the harrowing journey of Ernest Shackleton and his crew during their ill-fated expedition to Antarctica in 1914. When their ship became trapped in ice, they faced unimaginable challenges for over a year. This gripping narrative not only chronicles their survival but also showcases the unwavering spirit and camaraderie of the human will in the face of adversity.
Deepest South of All: Stories from Natchez
The Deepest South of All: True Stories from Natchez, Mississippi by Richard Grant offers a unique glimpse into the quirky town of Natchez. Grant’s exploration of its history, culture, and the people who inhabit it is both whimsical and profound. His interviews and observations reveal how the town grapples with its past, making it a captivating read for anyone interested in Southern culture.
The Far Land: Mutiny on the Bounty
The Far Land: 200 Years of Murder, Mania, and Mutiny in the South Pacific by Brandon Presser revisits the infamous Mutiny on the Bounty. This historical narrative explores what happened to the mutineers after they settled on Pitcairn Island, revealing the complexities of their new society. It’s a fascinating investigation into human behavior and the consequences of rebellion.
Four Thousand Weeks: Redefining time management
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman radically reshapes our understanding of time. With only about 4,000 weeks in an average lifespan, Burkeman argues against the futile pursuit of doing it all. Instead, he encourages readers to prioritize what truly matters, challenging conventional time management advice. This book profoundly influenced my perception of productivity and fulfillment.
Do Nothing: The art of unproductivity
Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving by Celeste Headlee complements Burkeman’s philosophy by advocating for the importance of boredom and leisure. Headlee emphasizes the need to carve out time in our busy schedules for creativity and reflection, reinforcing the idea that true productivity stems from balance.
Wanting: Understanding desire in our lives
Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life by Luke Burgis explores the concept of mimetic desire, where our desires are often shaped by those around us. This thought-provoking read dives into how we unconsciously mimic the behavior and choices of others, shedding light on our motivations and decisions.
From Scratch: A memoir of love and healing
From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home by Tembi Locke tells a poignant story of love, loss, and the healing powers of food. Set against the backdrop of the Sicilian countryside, Locke’s memoir explores her journey after the death of her husband, illustrating how cooking and family brought her solace. This heartfelt narrative is both moving and inspiring.
How to Hide an Empire: Uncovering the U.S. history
How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States by Daniel Immerwahr offers an in-depth examination of the United States as an empire. It covers the expansionist history, the global influence post-World War II, and the often-ignored territories of the U.S. Immerwahr’s research opens up discussions about colonialism and its impact on modern society.
Northland: A journey along forgotten borders
Northland: A 4,000-Mile Journey Along America’s Forgotten Border by Porter Fox takes readers on an exploration of the U.S.-Canada border. Fox’s journey is rich with historical anecdotes and vivid descriptions, as he meets fascinating individuals and learns about the complex history of this often-overlooked region.
The Song of Achilles: A retelling of a classic tale
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller offers a poignant retelling of the Greek myth of Achilles through the eyes of his companion, Patroclus. This novel beautifully intertwines themes of love, loss, and destiny, showcasing Miller’s lyrical writing style. It’s a heart-wrenching tale that resonates deeply with readers.
How to Be a Family: A global adventure
How to Be a Family: The Year I Dragged My Kids Around the World to Find a New Way to Be Together by Dan Kois chronicles a family’s journey across the globe in search of connection. Kois’s humorous writing style and insightful observations create a relatable narrative for families struggling with modern life’s challenges. The inclusion of his children’s perspectives adds depth to this engaging memoir.
The River of Doubt: Roosevelt’s perilous journey
The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey by Candice Millard details Roosevelt’s treacherous expedition in the Amazon. Initially intended as a straightforward adventure, it quickly spiraled into a struggle for survival against illness, hostile encounters, and dwindling supplies. Millard’s narrative brings this historical event to life, illustrating Roosevelt’s determination and bravery.
30 Lessons for Living: Wisdom from the elderly
30 Lessons for Living: Tried and True Advice from the Wisest Americans by Karl Pillemer synthesizes insights from interviews with elderly individuals about life’s most valuable lessons. Covering various topics such as relationships, work, and happiness, this book serves as a poignant reminder of what truly matters as we navigate life’s complexities.
The Vagabond’s Way: Reflections on the art of travel
The Vagabond’s Way: 366 Meditations on Wanderlust, Discovery, and the Art of Travel by Rolf Potts encapsulates the essence of a travel mindset. Known for his influential work in budget travel, Potts emphasizes that travel is not merely about destinations but about embracing curiosity and adventure in everyday life. This book serves as a thoughtful reminder to carry the spirit of exploration wherever we go.
This collection of books from 2022 showcases a rich tapestry of narratives and ideas that have inspired reflection and growth. Whether you’re seeking adventure, insight, or a deeper understanding of the human experience, these titles offer something for every reader. As I look forward to the coming year, I’m excited to discover even more literary treasures that await.
