I keep a note on my phone with my TBR list for each year. It’s so fun to check the little circle after I finish each book. Last year, I made it through 84 books. The goal was 100 books, but in 2021 I read 61 so I’d say that’s a significant increase and I’m proud of myself.
Here are 10 of my favorite books from 2022:
- Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund
This book changed my life. It completely altered the way I understand my God. Not as someone who looks down on me with disapproval when I sin but as someone who loves me more than I could possibly ever imagine and who deals with my rebellious heart gently. - The God of the Garden by Andrew Peterson
This book of essays about nature, belonging, and home touched me in a deep place when I read it last summer. And it only becomes more poignant if one reads The Yearling afterward and listens to Andrew Peterson’s excellent album Light for the Lost Boy. - The Yearling by Marjorie Kenning Rawlings
If you feel the ache of growing up, I can almost guarantee this book will make you cry. It was. SO. Beautiful. - The Giver Quartet by Lois Lowry
This series includes The Giver, Gathering Blue, Messenger, and Son. I read somewhere that Lois Lowry received mail telling her that The Giver saved lives, and mail telling her she needed to go into counseling right away. I understand why. These books are disturbing. But don’t let that scare you off. The sadness and grayness of Lowry’s dystopian setting only makes her fabulously beautiful themes pop more loudly. Son, especially, tore me open in the best possible way.
*Because of the difficult themes in these books, they should probably not be read before high school without parental approval. - Desiring God by John Piper
I had to do some serious mulling over this book. 😂 Piper discusses how a true desire for God enriches our worship, relationships with others, and every other aspect of life. I will most definitely be revisiting it sometime in the next two years, because it’s just one of those books you can’t fully grasp the first time you read it (even when, like me, you repeat multiple chapters)! - Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot
This is such a great collection of short devotionals. They’re so easy to fit into the day, and honestly it’s kind of hard to read only one. Elisabeth Elliot’s way with words, her no-nonsense approach to life, and her deep love of her Savior are inspiring. - Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
I’m still scarred from this book. Good gracious. I’m getting shivers just thinking about it. It’s such a wonderful story about friendship and growing up. (Are we seeing a common theme, here?) But I’m warning you. Be prepared to cry. - Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit
Oh my goodness. This book poses the question, “If you had the choice to live forever, would you take it?” Especially read so close after Son, this book was poignant. The Broadway show is pretty good too. Obviously not quite as good as the book, but we like most of the music. - I’d Rather be Reading by Anne Bogel
If you are a reader, you need to read this book. It’s basically just the author nerding out about how awesome reading is. - The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin
This is the first WW2 book I have really loved. It’s clean (excepting a few instances of British language) and about the power and delight of books. There’s also romance, but it isn’t one of those conflict ridden or overpowering romance. Just enough to be satisfying.
Now. My 2023 book list currently contains 106 titles. Here are the 10 books I’m most excited to read this year and why.
- Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund
Yes, I’m rereading. I bought a copy with Christmas book money and I’m sooo excited!! 😄 - Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
I’ve now heard three people separately rave over this book. I’m really excited to read it and see for myself how amazing it is. - Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brönte
This is one of my very favorite books to begin with. I read in in 2021, so it’s time to revisit. I’ve never loved and hated characters more in the same book, and I think it’s safe to say this book inspires a stronger emotional reaction from me than any other. (Also, I’m going to recommend the 1983 miniseries movie version. While I’m not a fan of the Pride and Prejudice miniseries, this one was absolutely fabulous. So close to the book and no inappropriate scenes! 🥳 Just some blood. We skipped that scene.) - The Passion of Jesus Christ by John Piper
After watching the Jane Eyre movie and thinking about the concept of passion (as relating to personality and emotional extremes, not romance) the title of this book waiting on my shelf really grabbed me. I’m quite eager to see if it answers any of my questions. John Piper is amazing. - Discipline: The Glad Surrender by Elisabeth Elliot
I’m actually working on this one right now and it has been so helpful and applicable to life. Man y’all, I just love Elisabeth Elliot! - Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis
I can’t pretend I’m on the same intellectual track as this ingenious man. But that doesn’t mean I can’t learn from him! I definitely did not understand any of The Abolition of Man when I tried it last summer, so I am eager to read something Lewis is a little more known for. Just reading the chapter titles excites me! - Micheal O’Halloran by Jean Stratton-Porter
I’ve heard this book described as full of austere, breathtaking beauty and Christian otherworldliness. If that is so, I expect to love it. - Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy
I know some people think this book is sad. But that does not stop me from wanting to check it out! I mean, I can’t promise I won’t nerd out (or rant, or nit-pick) over the inconsistencies with the actual series, (I found three with Before Green Gables. Maybe I’ll do a post about it someday.) but I expect I’ll enjoy diving into the life of dear old Marilla Cuthbert. What made her the sweet, precious marshmallow I love so much? - Storming by K. M. Weiland
I LOVE. this author. She’s amazing. I’ve read 3 of her 5 fiction books and I’m looking forward to digging into this one!! 😍 - The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Because I’d had so many people recommend it to me, I was planning on reading this book “real quick” last fall. And then it arrived and I’m pretty sure it’s hefty enough to give someone a concussion. So it is my “light” summer reading goal. 😂
I plan to write reviews on several or perhaps all of these books after reading (or rereading) them, so keep an eye out! And stick around till the end of the year to see how many of my favorite books of 2023 match my list of anticipated favorite books of 2023! 😄
What were you favorite books of 2022? Any books you are especially excited to tackle in 2023? Let me know in the comments!
Image credit: Pexels
This was such a fun post to read! I loved your descriptions of the books, both familiar ones and new ones… Like you, I didn’t reach my goal of 100 books, but thanks for the reminder that growth doesn’t always mean completely reaching your goal!
This is just an idea, but I’d love to see a similar list of your top favorite fantasy books from this year… Always on the lookout for recommendations! Personally, one of my favorite fantasy books was the Dawning Star, first draft and all. That book will be absolutely amazing one day!
I will say that my mom read Marilla of Green Gables and had some strong feelings about it. I’ll try not to spoil it, but I think there was just a bitter feel to it that wasn’t in the Anne books. But I’m interested to see what you think!
Blessings!
Ella D
Thank you! I’m glad!
Oh, that’s a good idea! Looking back at my list, I didn’t love most of the fantasy I read this year, but I do think I have some that I loved from two years ago. I’ll have to work on some genre book lists! Thanks for the idea!
Awww, you’re so sweet. Thank you! 💕
Yes, I’ve heard that. I think it’s why I held off on reading it so long but I think I’m finally ready.
I, too, absolutely love Elisabeth Elliot!! Your recommendations are inspiring, Ella! I really want to read Gentle and Lowly now. And, I so loved making memories watching Jane Eyre with you!! Can’t wait to see your reading list recommendations after this year!!
🥰📚🤗📚
Ooh, me neither! I’ve been reading like crazy this week and I’ve already got some gems to talk about! Yes, such treasured memories. 🥰❣️🤗
Now I really want to read Gentle and Lowly and The Yearling 👀❤️ Those two are next on my list!!
*Loud cheers*
Wholeheartedly agree on Tuck Everlasting and A Bridge to Terabithia! 😍😍😍
😍🤗
I’m trying to read “Keep a Quiet Heart” with my mom because Elisabeth Elliot is one of my name sakes! Also, my parents read “Gentle and Lowly” with our community group!
That’s so exciting! I hope you continue to enjoy it! 😄
So many good books out there to read and never enough time!!😂 Great post!
☺️ Thank you!