Annual Book Review
Covers of 12 books I’ve read over the 2022 year
These are, in order, the books I read in 2022 and the thoughts accompanying:
Minor Feelings: Fascinating start to the year with discourse on what it’s like to be an Asian American in today’s society. Some parts come across a bit redundant, but worth the read overall if you’re looking to educate yourself in the areas of DEI.
The Queen’s Gambit: This was fine. Idk. I imagine the show makes it more interesting/dramatic because the book is not it. It’s a relatively quick read though and an interesting look into chess.
I Can Teach You To Be Rich: Also fine. Nonfiction book teaching the magic of compound interest. I already knew most of it, so I’m not sure I got the full usefulness out of it, but he writes well and provides nice flowcharts and guides for optimizing savings.
Crying in H Mart: This was a tough read because it hit close to home in many ways. While everyone should read it, I think daughters of immigrants in particular will appreciate this book on a different level. It was difficult to get through between the tears, but I would recommend it.
A Man Called Ove: I liked it well enough. Anxious People was better imo, but this was a fun read. It was predictable but I guess that’s the point. Also a good reminder that everyone’s got their own baggage they carry around, surrounded by all of the invisible ghosts from their past.
Cloud Cuckoo Land: I added this to my reading list because it was recommended by Barack Obama. No joke. I’m very glad I did. It took a bit of time to get into it but I really loved it by the end. Probably my favorite book this year! 10/10!
The Dictionary of Lost Words: I didn’t love this but I am glad I read it. It reminded me of The Lost Apothecary but more upper class-ish. I think this also made it slightly more boring, though.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: Recommended by my sister, @Nadinearoo. I went into this thinking it was going to be some generic read, but honestly the main character was much more nuanced and calculating, which I liked. Fun read.
I'm Glad My Mom Died: Recommended to me by @e.n.dover. I started the book not caring at all about Jeannette McCurdy. I ended the book caring slightly? Idk. I wish her all the best and I’m sad she had to go through what she did. My main takeaway from this book was to be thankful for all that I have and didn’t have to experience.
Happy Go Lucky: Classic David Sedaris. A fun read. I got to see him live this year thanks to @e.n.dover! I’ve really enjoyed reading his works over the last decade or so.
Mountain Under The Sea: A challenging read, but oh so worth it. A scientist in a weird dystopian-ish future who discovers a species of octopus that can communicate! Probably my 2nd favorite read this year! I recommend everyone give it a try!
A Psalm for the Wild Built: A nice, short, anticlimactic read. It’s a good reminder for us all not to take ourselves so seriously. I think we can all relate to the main character, a non-binary monk, searching for meaning in the world. It did remind me to slow down and enjoy drinking my tea more often.
