Best Reading Experiences of 2022
/
Edisto Beach, South Carolina
Normally at this time of the year I would be talking about the best book I read in 2022. I had a really hard time picking one though. I read over 200 books this year, but none of them gave me that swept away feeling you get when you’re reading a really good book. I blame the circumstances more than the books. For one reason or another I was really distracted most of the year, and I’m really only getting over it now.
Despite all of that I did have some really good reading experiences, and that’s what I want to talk about today.
My Top 2022 Reading Experiences
Reading Africa (Litsy Challenge)
I eagerly dove into the #ReadingAfrica2022 challenge on Litsy this year. I learned so much, and really enjoyed the challenge of hunting down books that featured some of our most unread about countries. I got about halfway through this challenge, and plan on continuing next year.
My Favorites from Reading Africa
The Girl Who Smiled Beads by Clemantine Wamariya -- When she was six Clemantine fled her parent‘s house with her sister and just a few belongings. Until she was twelve they lived as refugees. Then they were awarded a visa to live in the US. This book shows that what looks like the happily ever after ending that you might see on the outside isn‘t always reality.
A Fish Caught In Time by Samantha Weinberg -- What a cool book that I would have never run across if it weren‘t for #ReadingAfrica I thoroughly enjoyed this short non-fiction account of the study of the coelacanth.
Matching My Reading To My Travel
Twice this year I accidentally ended up reading a book that took place in the location where I was traveling. I don’t know why it never occurred to me to make this happen, but I will in the future!
The Burning Blue by Kevin Cook -- Before she was America’s teacher in space, Christa McAuliffe was a teacher in Concord, New Hampshire. Listening to those scenes on audiobook really gave a sense of what a change that must have been for McAuliffe.
The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy -- I love coastal South Carolina, and now when I can’t get there I have a new author to read that can take me there. I read this book by the pool of our hotel that was just about a block away from Pat Conroy’s house in Beaufort, SC. I recommend both the town and the book.
Well Timed Graphic Novels
On both the Summer Solstice and Fall Equinox I made a date with myself to read graphic novels that featured those days.
Still looking for books that would fit winter and spring!
Chapter A Day Reads
Last but not least, I must mention all of the chapter a day reads that I took part in on Litsy. Having buddies to read with in manageable chunks makes reading the classics so much more doable for me. I would have never gotten through Villette otherwise!
Looking forward to hearing about everyone else’s favorite reads!
Note: Links to amazon.com are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!