After finally pulling together my list of books consumed in 2022, I was very surprised to find I'd read 105. This far surpasses any previous year. I think I read between 70-76 books in 2021. My 2022 books read are listed in the sidebar.
One of my favorites was a very satisfying read that I devoured in the spring when I wasn't blogging much. Both Ken and I simply loved These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant. We both hated to see the novel draw to a close. Set in the West Virginia wilderness, a young man and his young daughter live off the grid in a cabin miles from any road. Right at the beginning it's clear that he must isolate and stay hidden because of an event in his past. The father/daughter relationship is very strong, and their appreciation of the natural world is mutual. The suspense builds right from the beginning and escalates, but never fear, this is not your typical thriller. It's better than any formulaic mystery or thriller.
Another favorite was Fellowship Point by Alice Elliott Dark, which was one of my 20 Books of Summer. Fascinating. The link goes to my post about it.
Another 5-star book from the spring that I didn't call attention to before is Elizabeth George's Something to Hide. Set in London, this mystery focuses on the Nigerian community. I read it for hours and hours each day for three days during our first heat wave of 2022 in May (yes, it's long!). Riveting and absorbing--George's characters are so well developed. In my opinion, she's a master and she most definitely has not lost her edge. There is no need to feel that you must read previous novels in the Lynley series to enjoy it.
You had a great reading year, congrats! Quite a record number too. I also enjoyed These Silent Woods on audio last March. I like how it gradually builds and keeps you invested along the way ... and of course I liked the woodsy remote atmosphere. I thought the ending could've been a bit more, but other than that it was an enjoyable slow-burn thriller that kept me pretty glued to it. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting to know that you liked These Silent Woods as well! Best wishes for your reading in 2023!
DeleteJudith, my reading went down in 2022. In 2021 I read 105 books and in 2022 I read 88. Not sure why but it surprised me. I would happier about that if I had actually reviewed more books. Oh well.
ReplyDeleteI will look for a copy of These Silent Woods. May be too suspenseful for me but the setting and the premise sounds very good.
Hi Tracy,
DeleteFor me, I think the most important thing is to enjoy my reading in any given year and share what I want when I'm able. Part of me thinks that maybe I devoted too much of my time to reading last year, neglecting other pastimes. Not sure about this, just something I'm considering.
Congratulations, I think I read 103 last year. I must give Rhys Bowen a go. I know what you mean about possibly reading too much and neglecting other pastimes, but when it comes to housework, sometimes I just have to buckle down and - read a book!
ReplyDeleteOh, Katrina, are we ever on the same page about housework! I totally agree! And housework, for sure, is not a pastime, it's sheer drudgery.
DeleteI got so annoyed with Elizabeth George when she killed Helen that I stopped reading the series. I thought I would miss it but for a while she was writing deliberately weak books to break or end her contract. Glad this one turned out to be a favorite!
ReplyDeleteI can understand being annoyed and moving on from a series. I'm afraid that I need to disagree that she was deliberately writing weak books to break her contract. Perhaps you have a source for this? I have read a number of her books since then and her writing is absolutely superlative, to my mind and in my experience.
DeleteI have These Silent Woods on my list to read this year. It sounds like something I'd really enjoy. I also have a copy of Fellowship Point to read, but I keep reading mixed reviews. Some say it's too slow or bogs down in the middle. I'll still give it a try.
ReplyDeleteHi Les,
DeleteThanks for dropping in! I think you will enjoy These Silent Woods. And about Fellowship Point--I didn't find a saggy middle at all! Maybe it's my age (older), but this book really spoke to me, and I'll look forward to reading it again!