As library people, we love books and we love to talk about them! The list below contains all of our favorite books from 2022 that we recommend to you, our fellow book lovers. You may just find your next favorite book here. Many of these books can be found at Spokane Public Library or Spokane County Library District. Happy reading!
Nonfiction
World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments by Aimee Nezhukumatathil
This lovely, short book was exactly what I needed. It lifted my spirits and was so beautifully written. – Eva
Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu by Joshua Hammer
It is an interesting true story that almost feels as though it were fiction. It also gives a unique perspective on the middle east and how terrorism became prevalent in the region. It’s witty and fun, but also packed with information regarding the written history of Timbuktu. I don’t typically read non-fiction for fun, but this book pulled me in anyways. – Julianna
So Much for Love by Sophie Lambda
This book could be hard to read if you’ve been in a relationship with a narcissist (or are in one now), but it can also be comforting to know that you are not crazy, you are not wrong, and you are not alone. – Sophie
Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo
This is an amazing book of the state of women in Korea. This book was actually recommended to me by my daughter and it prompted wonderful discussion of lessons that we have learned in the realm of women’s rights….. and also how far we still have to go. – Cheryl
Outlove: A Queer Christian Survival Story by Julie Rodgers
I absolutely related to the author, and found this book to be enlightening and encouraging for queer people raised in the anti-gay Evangelical church. – Rachel
Check It Out: Audiobook
Empire of Cotton by Sven Beckert
I am deeply interested in historical economic inequity in the USA, as a result of our DEI reading. This book was thought-provoking-how cotton was the largest part of our economy before the Civil War and that the entire system was based on slavery. Northern businessmen, Southern plantation owners, trade with the British Empire, were all complicit. Many of the deepest roots of the Industrial Revolution arose from the back-breaking labor of the enslaved. From Ivy League universities to Fortune 500 companies, this legacy denied millions of the chance to participate fully in our economy. – Paul
Romance
Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan
For fans of the HEA sub-genre (Happily Ever After), this read is like diving head first into your favorite Meet-Cute Rom Com. It’s the pure escapism of a Hallmark Movie wrapped up in the pages of a book. Just like a cheesy holiday movie, sometimes you just need a book that will sweep you away with delightful, meaningless distraction, and this is that book. – Amanda D.
Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann
Asexual representation in a romance. Finally. – Amanda
Check It Out: Audiobook
Historical Fiction
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
All the observations you’ve ever made or experienced about misogyny and the patriarchy all wrapped up into one entertaining and surprisingly not depressing work of fiction. The title sounds like a textbook, but no science aptitude necessary to enjoy this read. – Amanda D.
Longbourn by Jo Baker
I LOVED this book. I reread Pride and Prejudice shortly before reading this and the parallels were so good. This is P&P from the servant’s point of view. It was clever, thoughtful and well-written. Highly recommend to other P&P fans! – Eva
The Silent Boy by Lois Lowry
A short but poignant story about the mistreatment of mental disability in the early 1900’s. Very powerful, yet also very beautiful! – Cheryl
Check It Out: Audiobook
Coming-of-Age
True Biz by Sara Novic
True Biz is an incredible novel that not only centers characters who are deaf but also effortlessly presents intersectional viewpoints of race, disability rights, LGBTQ+, socioeconomic status, and more. The author, who is deaf, weaves a tale that is both entertaining and educational. It is a great read from a perspective we rarely see – the deaf community. – Amanda D.
I Wish You all the Best by Mason Deaver
First of all, this is an LGBTQ+ book with a very believable and relatable story line. The main character is non-binary. They get kicked out of their house by their parents, moved in with their sister and built their new life. They got to make new friends, go to a new school and experience the world as their real and authentic self. – Ashley R.
Young Adult
Gregor the Overlander Series by Suzanne Collins
This is by far Suzanne Collins best series (and I also love The Hunger Games!)! It’s an amazing story of an 11 year old boy falling into an underground world full of huge creatures, adventures, and prophecies. Literally everyone in my house, adults and children alike, could not put these books down. – Cheryl
Children’s Books
A Spoonful of Frogs by Casey Lyall
A witch attempts to make frog soup and finds it harder than she anticipated. Hilarious and adorable! – Sophie
Thriller/Mystery
The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix
Such a complex, somewhat creepy novel about final girls and their complex trauma surrounding their past. – Alina
Check It Out: Book | Book (Large Type) | eBook | Audiobook
Comfort Me With Apples Catherynne M. Valente
My novela of the Year. Sophia lives in a perfect neighborhood. Let me just go ahead and spoil it for you. Something is not right. I can’t say more, but you must tell me when you figure it out! – Becky
Check It Out: eBook
Fantasy/Sci-Fi
The Book of Lost Saints: A Cuban American Family Saga of Love, Betrayal, and Revolution by Daniel José Older
I listened to this book. The reader was excellent. I loved learning about the Cuban revolution through the eyes of an unusual narrator – a ghost! The story moves fluidly from dream space to physical space and the place is so excellently depicted that it’s almost one of the main characters! – Eva
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
Characters inspired by Chinese history. Giant robots. Alien attacks. “Welcome to your nightmare!” (Now just imagine me cackling insanely while throwing this book at people’s heads because it really is SO FREAKING GOOD.) – Becky
Check It Out: eBook
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
A beautifully written fantasy novel centering around Chinese mythology! So fascinating and intriguing. – Sam
Sam recommended this to me and I seriously couldn’t put it down. The imagery is incredible and I was mesmerized by the storyline. I am still thinking about it! – Skyler
Aurora Rising by Jay Kristoff & Amie Kaufman
The first book in another trilogy by the duo that brought you the Illuminae Files! (What!? You haven’t read those either!? Go forth and fix that!) You know how much you liked that trilogy? Remember how you lost all that sleep because you couldn’t put it down, then wouldn’t shut up about it to all your friends? This book is even better than that! EVEN BETTER. (You read that right. Hard to believe, I know.) Also, the audiobook is done by a full cast. Bliss. – Becky
Fun Sci-fi adventure with a variety of interesting main characters. – Amanda M.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
You know when you start a book and suddenly it’s midnight, you’re crying, you’re mad at yourself because you read a book so amazing too fast, and now you keep wishing you can go back in time to relive it immediately? No? Just me? Well, if you want to accompany me on this emotional journey, then I totally recommend this book. – Skyler
Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
Compelling and fun and action and adventure! Love the imagery all the descriptions of the creatures, places, and travels evoke. So good! – Sam
Check It Out: Audiobook
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
A sci-fi adventure into space to save the sun from being devoured by microscopic organisms (and in turn, save earth). It just takes one spaceship crew… oops. No. All but one person on that crew died in transit. How do you save everything alone? Read this book to find out. Trust me. It’s good. – Becky
Graphic Novel
M is for Monster by Talia Dutton
A heartbreaking spin on Frankenstein, the relationship between sisters, and what really makes us human. – Sophie
The Big She-Bang: The Herstory of the Universe According to God the Mother by Marisa Acocella
An amazing alternate creation story using ancient Goddess mythology. – Rachel
Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan by Gaku Kuze
Dark humor for the adults that are tired of being adults. – Sophie
The Walking Cat by Tomo Kitaoka
It’s the zombie apocalypse, but the main character is a white tomcat. Be ready for emotional devastation. You will like it. – Becky
Dire Days of Willowweep Manor by Shaenon K. Garrity
Ever wished you could go into a book? Especially a Gothic romance? And then fight evil? If you didn’t before you will want to after reading this book. – Becky
