{"id":9756,"date":"2023-01-03T10:38:01","date_gmt":"2023-01-03T11:38:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/?p=9756"},"modified":"2023-01-08T06:16:44","modified_gmt":"2023-01-08T06:16:44","slug":"the-great-book-review-of-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/everything-else\/the-great-book-review-of-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"The Great Book Review of 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Great Book Review of 2022: Sharing the books I read in 2022 and whether I\u2019d recommend adding them to your collection.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hi hi! How’s the day going so far? I hope you’re having a wonderful morning! I’m looking forward to a movie with the crew and catching a hot yoga class later today. I’d love to hear what you have going on!<\/p>\n

In today’s post, I’m sharing almost all of the books I read last year. (I had a a few audiobooks and a handful of DNF books I didn’t type up because they weren’t memorable or enjoyable.) Reading is one of my very favorite hobbies and I’m so glad I set a goal a couple of years ago to read more often. It’s definitely something I plan on doing in 2023, too!<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a list of almost all of the books I read last year:<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

The Great Book Review of 2022<\/h2>\n

The Book of Lost Names<\/a><\/h3>\n

Ok friends, this is it. My #1 book of 2022.<\/a> It was poignant, intriguing, devoting, heartwarming, and hopeful all at the same time. It’s beautifully-written and an absolute page turner. I finished it in two days! 10\/10 recommend, especially if you enjoy historical fiction.<\/p>\n

All Things New<\/a><\/em><\/h3>\n

I was unsure about adding this to the recap because obviously we don\u2019t all have the same beliefs, and I never want anyone to feel isolated or left out. One of my favorite things about having ya\u2019ll as virtual BFFs is the fact that we have a ton in common, and probably some differences, too. It makes life more enjoyable and exciting to be surrounded by various perspectives and viewpoints.<\/p>\n

In the end, I wanted to add it because it\u2019s been a part of my life lately, and I\u2019m sure many of you would enjoy hearing about this rec.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been going through this Bible study on 2 Corinthians<\/a> for the past month and a half and have already learned so much from it. As someone who always felt intimidated by reading the Bible, this has been a great introduction to it, especially since I\u2019m able to study and discuss with such a lovely and brilliantly intelligent group of ladies. We meet weekly and chat about what we\u2019ve learned, and the conversations have been so meaningful for me.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve been wanting to read the Bible, I highly recommend doing a study like this as a way to gain more knowledge and understanding. I feel like I\u2019m actually learning instead of simply reading passages, and this way, I\u2019m more easily able to apply these principles to my life. We\u2019ll finish this study early next month and cap it off with a celebratory lunch before starting our next study.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m Glad My Mom Died<\/em><\/a><\/h3>\n

What a turn in topics, eh?<\/p>\n

TBH, the title of this book<\/a> kept me from wanting to read it, despite the overwhelming positive reviews. \u201cShe\u2019s GLAD her mom died?\u201d It\u2019s\u2026 a lot.<\/p>\n

But, this has ended up being one of the best books I\u2019ve read (listened to this one on Audible and highly recommend) in a long time. It\u2019s profound, heartbreaking, optimistic, hilarious, and beautifully written. Just as a trigger warning, it does include some heavy topics like mental and physical abuse, and eating disorders. While these are prevalent themes in the book, it wasn\u2019t overwhelmingly graphic to read. 10\/10 would recommend.<\/p>\n

November 9<\/em><\/a><\/h3>\n

I\u2019ve learned the Colleen Hoover is hit or miss for me\u2026 and this one<\/a> was a miss. I just didn\u2019t get as wrapped into the plot, which had a lot of potential. Her writing often feels lackluster and doesn\u2019t allow me to become truly invested in all of the characters she creates. 3\/10.<\/p>\n

The Cancer Revolution<\/a><\/h3>\n

I picked up a copy of The Cancer Revolution<\/a> because I follow Dr. Connealy on Instagram and LOVE her account. She shares so much valuable info, and I think it\u2019s fascinating to be able to follow someone who treats cancer frequently, and successfully. She uses a blend of alternative and traditional therapies, including IV vitamin infusions, oxygen therapy, red light, detox strategies, and sauna, in addition to low-dose chemotherapy. I wanted to read this book because I\u2019m all about empowering myself with extra tools and information, and found so many valuable resources in this book for preventing cancer, treating cancer, potentially helpful supplements and more. 10\/10 recommend.<\/p>\n

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Go-To Dinners<\/a><\/h3>\n

I was so thrilled when my very favorite released a new cookbook.<\/a> You can always depend on Ina for recipes that are tested meticulously and taste amazing. I have around a 99% success rate with Ina recipes, and she\u2019s my go-to when I\u2019m looking for a dinner party recipe or crowdpleaser. This cookbook is focused on go-to dinners that can be made fairly quickly, along with sides and desserts. The desserts selection is worth it alone (a glorious chocolate tart and cupcakes), and I can\u2019t wait to add some of these new meals to the rotation.<\/p>\n

11\/22\/63<\/a><\/h3>\n

You guys. This book was WILD. I listened to the audio version and the narrator was fantastic. I loved the different voices for characters and truly brought life to\u00a0this Butterfly Effect-ish story.<\/a>The premise of the book is that a man named Jake Epping is tasked with using a portal to go back in time to stop the assassination of JFK. In the process, he also wants to save and change the life of someone he knows. Jake learns the ramifications of altering the past, in addition to trying to decide if he wants to return to the present day at all.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve never read anything by Stephen King before, since I typically stay away from *scary* or gruesome books. This book was intense, and some parts were hard for me to listen to, but I can see why Stephen King is so popular lol. My only problem with this one is that is it LONG. The guy is wordy. He probably could have ditched about 200 pages in the middle. At the same time, the character development is so deep, and I still find myself thinking about it (especially the ending!). I\u2019d give it a 9\/10. I want to watch the series on Hulu now, too!<\/p>\n

The Core 3 Healthy Eating Plan<\/em><\/a><\/h3>\n

I ordered this book<\/a> after Lisa Moskovitz, RD was a guest on the podcast<\/a>. I enjoyed hearing about her philosophy and wanted to see what her eating plan guidelines included, especially since I\u2019m often looking for new recs to share with clients. This one is AMAZING. It\u2019s simple enough for beginners to follow, but also will encourage more experienced macro trackers to approach it in a new way.<\/p>\n

You can check it out here<\/a> and use the code CORE20 for a discount.<\/p>\n

The Alchemist<\/em><\/a><\/h3>\n

The Alchemist<\/em><\/a> seemed to me like one of those books that \u201ceveryone has to read.\u201d It\u2019s received overwhelming positive reviews, is frequently recommended in my online book groups, and I appreciated it was rejected by various publishing houses before becoming a worldwide sensation. It reminds me of a fable, and is very short and easy to read. It\u2019s based on the story of a shepard named Santiago who seeks out to find treasure and various characters and situations he encounters on the way. Despite obstacles during his journey, he remains dedicated to achieving his \u201cPersonal Legend.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Alchemist<\/em><\/a> demonstrates that the journey can sometimes be more important that the destination, the importance of staying committed to our goals, and that our desired destination sometimes isn\u2019t what we truly need or expect. \u00a0While I did enjoy the message behind the book, it\u2019s not in my top five favorite books. I felt like I could have read the Cliff\u2019s Notes synopsis and been completely satisfied. My rating: 6\/10<\/p>\n

The Obesity Code<\/em><\/a><\/h3>\n

I\u2019ve heard Dr. Jason Fung speak on a few podcasts and really appreciate his perspective and knowledge, so I was excited to read his book, The Obesity Code<\/em><\/a>. Just a heads up, if you order this, make sure you receive the correct version! I ordered a copy from this page<\/a>, and received a book that was actually written by Dr. Jason K. FUNG, aka a bot based out of another country. I\u2019ll share some of the text on IG stories, but the Pilot refused to let me return it because we were cackling with laughter reading it.<\/p>\n

Sooooo once you have the correct version, I highly recommend. He explores the tie between insulin resistance and many of the common health issues we face today as a society, as well as an action plan for how to maintain more stable blood sugar and improve insulin response. He also dives into obesity and why weight loss can be so difficult to maintain, as it diminishes your metabolic baseline. It was a valuable and enjoyable read, but some portions were redundant, so I give it a 9\/10.<\/p>\n

It Ends with Us<\/em><\/a><\/h3>\n

My first Colleen Hoover book and I was excited to see if it lived up to the hype! I read the entire book<\/a> in one sitting (on our flight to Hawaii), and was locked in the entire time. Even though the plot is very good (trigger warning: contains domestic abuse), I found her writing to be lackluster. Don\u2019t throw anything at me, but after reading so much vivid and descriptive storytelling over the past couple of years, it felt like there was so much untapped potential. Even so, I\u2019ll absolutely be reading more of her books. 7\/10<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

One Italian Summer<\/em><\/a><\/h3>\n

This was probably my second favorite read of the summer (next to Book Lovers<\/em>). I also read this book in one sitting (the flight home from Hawaii) and it was magical. I LOVED that it was set in the Amalfi Coast (I\u2019m drying to go back) and I really love this author\u2019s style of writing. She also wrote\u00a0In Five\u00a0Years<\/em>, which I highly recommend. 10\/10 if you\u2019re looking for a breezy and enjoyable read.<\/p>\n

The Bodyguard<\/em><\/a><\/h3>\n

This was a Book of the Month<\/a> find, and while I wasn\u2019t super excited about the plot, I figured I\u2019d give it a whirl. I LOVED this book.<\/a> The writing was witty, the storyline was sweet and unexpected, and the whole book was a lighthearted treat. If you\u2019re looking for a light cupcake of a book, definitely check this one out. 10\/10<\/p>\n

Book Lovers<\/em><\/a><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a cupcake of a book for summer (light, fluffy, sweet and satisfying), this is the one.<\/a> It\u2019s one of the most feel-good books I\u2019ve read in a long time and I didn\u2019t want it to end. I LIVED for the witty banter, the Sweet Home Alabama <\/em>vibe to the whole situation, and the fact that while it was simple, it still had me fully intrigued and trying to figure out how it would end. 10\/10 would recommend diving into this one this summer!<\/p>\n

Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow<\/a><\/em><\/h3>\n

This cookbook, by Shalene Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky, includes so many mouthwatering and healthy recipes that are designed to be nutrient-dense, yet cooked quickly. These are the exact type of recipes I love to make on weeknights for the family, and there are so many new ideas and recipes in here. I\u2019m so pumped to try these! I\u2019ve been in a food rut for a while \u2013 I just feel sick of cooking and uninspired \u2013 and this made me excited to plan this week\u2019s menu. We\u2019re making Superhero Muffins, Power bowls with a green goddess tahini dressing, a frittata, and pesto pasta with sardines this week.<\/p>\n

And the Mountains Echoed<\/em><\/a><\/h3>\n

I read this book<\/a> when Liv was a baby, and didn\u2019t realize it until I was a few chapters in. At this point, I was fully committed and decided to re-read the book, which is something I never do. It was interesting to read these pages again older and hopefully wiser. Khaled Housseini is brilliantly talented and he has a way of drawing you into a story, and breaking your heart open while also filling it with hope. (I also highly recommend The Kite Runner<\/em>\u00a0and A Thousand Splendid Suns\u00a0<\/em>if you haven\u2019t read them.) This book was poignant, devastating, and explores the way our choices affect those around us. 10\/10 would recommend, especially if you enjoy historical fiction and plots that cover a variety of characters\u2019 perspectives.<\/p>\n

In Five Years<\/a><\/em><\/h3>\n

I remember Julie<\/a> recommending In Five Years<\/em><\/a>, so when I saw it at Target before our Disney trip, I figured it would be good travel reading. I BLASTED through this thing within a couple of days. The plot drew me in right away. And I felt like I couldn\u2019t read fast enough to find out what happens. 10\/10 would recommend for a summer book!<\/p>\n

Deep Nutrition<\/em><\/a><\/h3>\n

Deep Nutrition<\/em><\/a> was highly recommended by Mia and a few other RDs and health professionals on IG, so I knew I wanted to read it. It was a long one (400+ pages) and I didn\u2019t want it to end. I feel like it was incredibly well-constructed, with lots of citations and data to back up the author\u2019s claims. And it was one of those books that completely changed my viewpoint of a few different nutritional foundations. (Even ones I thought to be true! I definitely recommend reading this one with an open mind!)<\/p>\n

We are living in the first generation to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. What has changed? The addition of so many toxins in our environment and foods has led to a cascade of detrimental health effects. Including increased rates of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. The author demonstrates how a return back to our ancestors\u2019 style of eating is one of the easiest things we can do to promote health, vitality, and healing. She explains the harmful effects of refined sugar, inflammatory seed oils. And how to eat what she calls The Human Diet, based on nutritional foundations that have been used all over the world for centuries.<\/p>\n

The only part of this book that I didn\u2019t love was the initial section on how our grandparents\u2019 diet affects our beauty and face symmetry. It just felt a little superficial to me \u2013 and a little frustrating, since we obviously can\u2019t control the lifestyles of those who were born before us \u2013 and wasn\u2019t really why I wanted to read this book. All in all, I\u2019d give it a 9\/10. I wish she included more recipes!<\/p>\n

Genius Kitchen<\/em><\/a><\/h3>\n

I was so excited to order Genius Kitchen<\/em><\/a>, because I\u2019ve followed Max Lugavere on Instagram for a while and also love his podcast. TBH, I was curious to see how the recipes would be designed, because I feel like a lot of \u201chealth cookbooks\u201d are bland and gross. I end up having to add citrus zest, seasonings, garlic (why do they hate garlic?!), ANYTHING to give it a bit of a flavor profile. This book has been surprising in the best possible way! We\u2019ve had a handful of recipes, and they\u2019ve all be healthy, beautiful, and flavorful. I was blown away! I definitely recommend this one if you\u2019re looking for new meals to add to the rotation. 9\/10<\/p>\n

(I\u2019d also like to thank this book for helping me discover that the girls LOVE sardines. I bought a huge pack from Costco and they\u2019ve eaten them all haha.)<\/p>\n

Loving What Is\u00a0<\/em><\/a><\/h3>\n

Loving What Is<\/em><\/a> has already changed my life. It gives you such a beautiful perspective on how to be present. And how our thoughts aren\u2019t always necessarily *true.* I only wish I would have read it sooner. Particularly when I was dealing with postpartum depression. And when we were going through some challenging times in our marriage. If you haven\u2019t read this one, I highly recommend the audio version. The book is based on four questions, which the author dubs \u201cThe Work.\u201d Asking yourself these four questions, especially when you\u2019re feeling down or overwhelmed, is a helpful way to bring you back to the present moment and what is actually true. 10\/10 would recommend.<\/p>\n

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The Postmistress of Paris<\/em><\/a><\/h3>\n

This book took me forever to read \u2013 I\u2019ve basically crashed into bed each night lately- but it was incredible. I ordered it through Book of the Month<\/em><\/a>\u00a0(<\u2014 still loving my subscription) and is based on a true story. If you\u2019re a fan of historical fiction, I highly recommend it.<\/p>\n

Why We Get Sick<\/em><\/a><\/h3>\n

This book explores the prevalence of insulin sensitivity and how metabolic dysfunction is linked to many common illnesses and health concerns. The author does an incredible job explaining the role of insulin in our body and how various lifestyles and eating patterns can contribute to insulin sensitivity, and also what you can do about it. He gives lots of lifestyle tips, nutrition ideas, and empowers readers to make positive decisions for their metabolic health. 10\/10 would recommend.<\/p>\n

Wonder<\/a><\/em><\/h3>\n

This is part of our mom-daughter book club. Liv recently finished this book and passed it onto me. I just finished it, and now we\u2019re going to watch the movie together. I LOVE this idea because it gives us the opportunity to connect over amazing books and would say that it motivates her to read, but this kid loves to read and blasts through chapter books. She\u2019s really been interested in history (she read pretty much all of the Who Was <\/em>series last year)\u00a0and is almost done reading The Diary of Anne Frank<\/em>.<\/p>\n

I love that this book has such a strong focus on empathy and care for those who may have unique circumstances. It also reiterates an important lesson that even though we may look different on the outside, we\u2019re all the same on the inside, and the fact that kindness can go a long way. 10\/10 would recommend.<\/p>\n

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Did you have a favorite book from 2022? Did you read any from the list above? Leave your book recs in the comments below!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I also took all of your book suggestions from Instagram and added them to this Google Doc if you’d like to check it out<\/a>!<\/p>\n

You may also enjoy:<\/p>\n