Five Favorite Books of 2022

One of my goals every year has been to read more books. I used to read books on the subway, when I had a 45 minute ride each way from Brooklyn to get to the office. One of my favorite Friday night activities was to go to the Strand bookstore or Forbidden Planet after work and browse the displays for my next read. At some point I started reading the news on my phone during my commute instead of a book, or played a game on my phone instead, and eventually it came to a point where I could count the number of books I read on one hand.

This year I have been reading a lot more and I wanted to share four of the books that I enjoyed, one book that I’m looking forward to reading, as well as a few things that helped me get in the habit of reading more. First, I kept a list of books that sounded interesting to me from book reviews or media mentions. Then, I would check out the physical book from the library, since having a physical book and a due date to return would help motivate me to read. Finally, I try to spend Sunday night relaxing in some way- no tasks, no strenuous crafting- and that helps me reach for a book.

Favorite Books I’ve Read in 2022

Border Crossings: A Journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway by Emma Fick

This book is an illustrated travel diary of the author’s train journey across Russia. One thing I found interesting about this graphic diary were the sketches of ephemera like travel tickets and meals eaten, which were not part of a narrative arc but gave me a sense of the setting and day to day events of the journey.

Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton

I enjoyed how the author captures a multitude of characters in this sprawling book with simple lines and facial expressions. Also, I was able to sympathize with her complex feelings about her work and where she belonged.

Korean American: Food That Tastes Like Home by Eric Kim

This cookbook is half coming of age story, and half recipes. I could relate to a lot of the stories about growing up Asian in the suburbs and trying to mash up different cultural histories to make something of one's own. Reading this also prompted me to try out new ingredients from the local H mart.

The Biggest Bluff: How I Learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win by Maria Konnikova

I love books where reporters go really deep into their subject, letting it alter their lives for a bit. This book is about how the author became a poker champ, starting without any knowledge of poker but having a degree in cognitive psychology and approaching the game from a scientist's view. This reminded me of another book called Witches of America, where the author gets sucked into her subject.

One Book that I’m looking forward to reading next:

My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh

This was one of about 10 books recommended to me by a librarian at the Brooklyn Public Library. A few years ago, the library ran a program where you could request personalized recommendations, giving the librarian the titles of books you enjoyed and what you were looking for. I think I requested something like Funky Timeline Alternatives, and I’ve enjoyed some of my personalized recommendations so I am looking forward to trying this one.