Hello friends!

This is my first official post of 2024 (yay)! I hope you had an enjoyable New Year’s Eve, and I wish you all the best for the new year! I’m so excited and ready to start my new reading year but first, we need to do a wrap-up and talk about all the books that were part of my reading year. So let’s talk business!

You know me, I have to tell you all about my favorite reads of 2023! I’ve read amazing books last year that I want to share with you, so today’s post is exactly about that! And who knows, maybe you’ll find yourself a few new books to read.

I ended up reading 78 books in 2023 and there were plenty 4 and 5-star ratings, but today you’ll only find the crème de la crème! You’ll find books from different genres including romance, self-development, memoirs, science, literary fiction, science-fiction, fantasy – except thriller, apparently I don’t have favorite thrillers from 2023?

Just a small disclaimer: these are not necessarily books that came out last year! This list is focused on my personal reading year and the books that were part of it. Meaning: you’ll find a few oldies here!

Ok so now that we got that out of the way, let’s get into it! Below each book you’ll find the respective synopsis in case you’re curious. Here are my favorite 12 books I read in 2023:

1. Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

This is still a tough book for me to talk about, but I’ll do my best. I’ve never read a book that broke me like this one did. If I had to pick a book that made the biggest impact on me this year, this is the book I would tell you about. I don’t want to share much about it because I think it’s best to go into it without knowing too much. I left the synopsis below in case you’re curious! If you decide to read it, keep a few tissues at hand.

Synopsis

“Seventeen-year-old Lochan and sixteen-year-old Maya have always felt more like friends than siblings. Together they have stepped in for their alcoholic, wayward mother to take care of their three younger siblings. As defacto parents to the little ones, Lochan and Maya have had to grow up fast. And the stress of their lives–and the way they understand each other so completely–has also also brought them closer than two siblings would ordinarily be. So close, in fact, that they have fallen in love. Their clandestine romance quickly blooms into deep, desperate love. They know their relationship is wrong and cannot possibly continue. And yet, they cannot stop what feels so incredibly right. As the novel careens toward an explosive and shocking finale, only one thing is a love this devastating has no happy ending.”

2. Ready Player One (Ready Player One #1) by Ernest Cline

This story blew me away! It’s funny to think I’m not a huge fan of science fiction, but I absolutely loved this book in a way I never thought was possible. The world-building is unreal, the games and challenges are super fun and creative, the dozens of 80’s references… it was a true pleasure to read this book. I just know I will read this in the future again – and trust me, that rarely happens! Unfortunately, I can’t say the same thing for the second book of the duology “Ready Player Two” – this was a very unnecessary sequel in my humble opinion. I highly recommend this book. If you saw the movie and don’t want to read the book because of it: forget the movie, it’s very different and the story was changed radically for the movie version. You won’t regret it! Just… stick to the first book, that would be my only advice.

Synopsis

“In the year 2044, reality is an ugly place. The only time teenage Wade Watts really feels alive is when he’s jacked into the virtual utopia known as the OASIS. Wade’s devoted his life to studying the puzzles hidden within this world’s digital confines, puzzles that are based on their creator’s obsession with the pop culture of decades past and that promise massive power and fortune to whoever can unlock them. When Wade stumbles upon the first clue, he finds himself beset by players willing to kill to take this ultimate prize. The race is on, and if Wade’s going to survive, he’ll have to win—and confront the real world he’s always been so desperate to escape.”

3. Water for Elephants by Sarah Gruen

I read this randomly near the end of the year… and I just can’t stop thinking about this book. I’m not sure if this was popular or not when it first came out, but I don’t think I heard a lot of people talking about it. It was a very heartbreaking read, but there was something very special about this book that stuck with me. Also, a few weeks after finishing the book, the movie version was on TV and I ended up watching it. If you saw the movie, I would say that you don’t necessarily need to read the book because I thought they did a good job adapting the story to the big screen. But of course, there’s always something that is lost so if you like the story, I would say to read the book anyway!

Synopsis

“When Jacob Jankowski, recently orphaned and suddenly adrift, jumps onto a passing train, he enters a world of freaks, drifters, and misfits, a second-rate circus struggling to survive during the Great Depression, making one-night stands in town after endless town. A veterinary student who almost earned his degree, Jacob is put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It is there that he meets Marlena, the beautiful young star of the equestrian act, who is married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. He also meets Rosie, an elephant who seems untrainable until he discovers a way to reach her.
Beautifully written, Water for Elephants is illuminated by a wonderful sense of time and place. It tells a story of a love between two people that overcomes incredible odds in a world in which even love is a luxury that few can afford.”

4. Best Self by Coach Mike Bayer

Hands down, the best non-fiction/self-development book I read in 2023! There are plenty of things I love about this book, but what I like the most is how practical this book is and the intention behind it. This book has a lot of exercises so you have no option but to reflect on your life. It is an amazing book and unfortunately is super underrated. It’s a great way of looking at all areas of your life and getting some inspiration to start making changes. I highly recommend this one, and it’s the perfect book to read during this time of the year!

Synopsis

“Ask yourself…are you truly who you want to be? Is this the life you really want? Are you living each day as your best self? What can you change, today?
How would you answer those questions? Think about your daily life. Are you thriving, or going through the motions? Are your days full of work, relationships and activities that are true to your authentic self, or do you feel trapped on a treadmill of responsibility? If you dream of a better life, now is the time to turn your dream into reality. And the tools you need are within your grasp, to design a life that is fulfilling on the deepest levels. Best Self will show you how.
Mike Bayer, known to the thousands of clients whose lives he has changed as Coach Mike, has helped everyone from pop stars to business executives to people just like you discover the freedom to be their best selves. By asking them and leading them to ask themselves a series of important but tough questions—such as “What are your core values?”  “Do you go to bed each day more knowledgeable than when you woke up?” and “Am I neglecting some aspect of my physical health out of fear or denial?”—he helps them see what their Best Selves and Anti-Selves really look like. As a mental health specialist, a personal development coach, and an all-around change agent, Mike has seen the amazing ways in which lives can improve with honesty and clarity.  He understands our struggles intimately, because he’s faced—and overcome—his own. And he knows that change is possible.
By working through each of the Seven SPHERES of life—Social, Personal, Health, Education, Relationships, Employment and Spiritual Development—Best Self is an accessible and interactive book that distills all of Coach Mike’s wisdom into a compact, focused guide that will ignite anyone’s desire for change. Chock full of revealing quizzes, and full of provocative questionnaires, Best Self will empower you to embrace your authenticity, acknowledge what is holding you back, and break through to live a passionate life to the fullest, forever.”

5. The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben

This was probably one of the most interesting books I’ve read in 2023. It was far from being a perfect book, but I thought I would mention it because I ended up learning a lot from it and I found it very interesting. This is a non-fiction book about – you guessed it – trees! It talks about how they are social creatures and how they are more extraordinary than most people think. If you like Nature books, botanicals, or even just like to acquire new random knowledge like myself, this is a great book for you to pick!

Synopsis

“In The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben shares his deep love of woods and forests and explains the amazing processes of life, death, and regeneration he has observed in the woodland and the amazing scientific processes behind the wonders of which we are blissfully unaware. Much like human families, tree parents live together with their children, communicate with them, and support them as they grow, sharing nutrients with those who are sick or struggling and creating an ecosystem that mitigates the impact of extremes of heat and cold for the whole group. As a result of such interactions, trees in a family or community are protected and can live to be very old. In contrast, solitary trees, like street kids, have a tough time of it and in most cases die much earlier than those in a group.
Drawing on groundbreaking new discoveries, Wohlleben presents the science behind the secret and previously unknown life of trees and their communication abilities; he describes how these discoveries have informed his own practices in the forest around him. As he says, a happy forest is a healthy forest, and he believes that eco-friendly practices not only are economically sustainable but also benefit the health of our planet and the mental and physical health of all who live on Earth.”

6. How to Be Perfect by Michael Schur

A very interesting book that got my attention just by looking at the cover – I just love that misplaced title ahah! It turns out this was a deeper book than what I initially thought. It’s a philosophical book that talks about how to live a good life as a good person and how to always make the right choices. And the conclusion? Well, it’s impossible, of course. There are many interesting perspectives here that could change your way of thinking. I ended up learning a lot and for that reason, I highly recommend this book. I wish more people would talk about it because it’s super underrated!

Synopsis

“From the creator of The Good Place and the cocreator of Parks and Recreation, a hilarious, thought-provoking guide to living an ethical life, drawing on 2,500 years of deep thinking from around the world.
Most people think of themselves as “good,” but it’s not always easy to determine what’s “good” or “bad”—especially in a world filled with complicated choices and pitfalls and booby traps and bad advice. Fortunately, many smart philosophers have been pondering this conundrum for millennia and they have guidance for us. With bright wit and deep insight, How to Be Perfect explains concepts like deontology, utilitarianism, existentialism, ubuntu, and more so we can sound cool at parties and become better people.
Schur starts off with easy ethical questions like “Should I punch my friend in the face for no reason?” (No.) and works his way up to the most complex moral issues we all face. Such as: Can I still enjoy great art if it was created by terrible people? How much money should I give to charity? Why bother being good at all when there are no consequences for being bad? And much more. By the time the book is done, we’ll know exactly how to act in every conceivable situation, so as to produce a verifiably maximal amount of moral good. We will be perfect, and all our friends will be jealous. OK, not quite. Instead, we’ll gain fresh, funny, inspiring wisdom on the toughest issues we face every day.”

7. A Thousand Heartbeats by Kiera Cass

I can’t even describe the immense joy this book gave me. Everyone has a comfort zone, a place where they can feel cozy, warm, and happy… and to me, that’s “The Selection” series by Kiera Cass. That’s my happy place when it comes to reading! So when she released this book, I hoped this would be as good as the series I love. Even though it wasn’t at the same level, it was definitely close and it took me back in time to the first time I read “The Selection” series. I love the kingdoms and princesses Kiera Cass creates; this book is the perfect example. Reading this was just… relaxing and fun – as reading should be! What more can you ask from a book? My only complaint is that it was over too fast – next time give us a series girl!

Synopsis

“#1 New York Times bestselling author of The Selection series Kiera Cass is back with her most epic novel yet—a sweeping enemies-to-lovers standalone romance.
“Love has a sound. It sounds like a thousand heartbeats happening at the same time.”
Princess Annika has lived a life of comfort—but no amount of luxuries can change the fact that her life isn’t her own to control. The king, once her loving father, has gone cold, and Annika will soon be forced into a loveless marriage for political gain.
Miles away, small comforts are few and far between for Lennox. He has devoted his life to the Dahrainian army, hoping to one day help them reclaim the throne that was stolen from them. For Lennox, the idea of love is merely a distraction—nothing will stand in the way of fighting for his people.
But when love, against all odds, finds them both, they are bound by its call. They can’t possibly be together—but the irresistible thrum of a thousand heartbeats won’t let them stay apart.
Kiera Cass brings her signature sparkling romance to this beautiful story of star-crossed lovers and long-held secrets.”

8. Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa

This is a book that surprised me a lot! I picked this randomly now thinking much about it, but I ended up falling in love with this story. I admit it was a difficult read at times and I was heartbroken at the end, but it was completely worth it. It’s a story about second chances, empathy, and kindness… oh, and sweet bean paste, of course! Also, I know this was a movie adaptation but I never watched it, so if you did and you think it’s worth it, let me know.

Synopsis

“Sentaro has failed. He has a criminal record, drinks too much, and his dream of becoming a writer is just a distant memory. With only the blossoming of the cherry trees to mark the passing of time, he spends his days in a tiny confectionery shop selling dorayaki, a type of pancake filled with sweet bean paste.
But everything is about to change.
Into his life comes Tokue, an elderly woman with disfigured hands and a troubled past. Tokue makes the best sweet bean paste Sentaro has ever tasted. She begins to teach him her craft, but as their friendship flourishes, social pressures become impossible to escape and Tokue’s dark secret is revealed, with devastating consequences.
Sweet Bean Paste is a moving novel about the burden of the past and the redemptive power of friendship. Translated into English for the first time, Durian Sukegawa’s beautiful prose is capturing hearts all over the world.”

9. Spare by Prince Harry

I thought I would mention this memoir here as well because I enjoyed it for what it was and I learned a lot about the British Royal Family from it. It’s a sad memoir knowing what Prince Harry went through, especially when it comes to his mother and difficult family bonds, but I think it’s important to read this with a grain of salt because we’re only hearing Harry’s side. Still, it’s definitely a very interesting book that makes you reflect on the role of the British Royal Family and their family dynamics. Definitely worth checking out.

Synopsis

“It was one of the most searing images of the twentieth century: two young boys, two princes, walking behind their mother’s coffin as the world watched in sorrow—and horror. As Princess Diana was laid to rest, billions wondered what Prince William and Prince Harry must be thinking and feeling—and how their lives would play out from that point on.
For Harry, this is that story at last.
Before losing his mother, twelve-year-old Prince Harry was known as the carefree one, the happy-go-lucky Spare to the more serious Heir. Grief changed everything. He struggled at school, struggled with anger, with loneliness—and, because he blamed the press for his mother’s death, he struggled to accept life in the spotlight.
At twenty-one, he joined the British Army. The discipline gave him structure, and two combat tours made him a hero at home. But he soon felt more lost than ever, suffering from post-traumatic stress and prone to crippling panic attacks. Above all, he couldn’t find true love.
Then he met Meghan. The world was swept away by the couple’s cinematic romance and rejoiced in their fairy-tale wedding. But from the beginning, Harry and Meghan were preyed upon by the press, subjected to waves of abuse, racism, and lies. Watching his wife suffer, their safety and mental health at risk, Harry saw no other way to prevent the tragedy of history repeating itself but to flee his mother country. Over the centuries, leaving the Royal Family was an act few had dared. The last to try, in fact, had been his mother…
For the first time, Prince Harry tells his own story, chronicling his journey with raw, unflinching honesty. A landmark publication, Spare is full of insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief.”

10. The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

I read this book during my flight back from Japan and I couldn’t put it down! The only reason why I didn’t finish it in one sitting was because the plane landed and we had to leave. This was probably the best romance that I read this year! It’s a romance between Jack, a Hollywood superstar, and his tiny bodyguard, a small woman named Hannah. I thought this was a very unique and funny story, and I had an amazing time reading it. I can’t recommend it enough, I had a lot of fun!

Synopsis

“She’s got his back. He’s got her heart. They’ve got a secret. What could possibly go wrong?
Hannah Brooks looks more like a kindergarten teacher than somebody who could kill you with her bare hands. But the truth is, she’s an elite bodyguard and she’s just been hired to protect a superstar actor from his stalker.
Jack Stapleton’s a Hollywood heartthrob – captured by paparazzi on beaches the world over, rising out of the waves in clingy board shorts and glistening like a Roman deity.
When Jack’s mom gets sick, he comes home to the family’s Texas ranch to help out. Only one catch: He doesn’t want his family to know about his stalker. Or the bodyguard thing. And so Hannah – against her will and her better judgment – finds herself pretending to be Jack’s girlfriend as a cover.
Protecting Jack should be easy. But protecting her own heart? That’s the hardest thing she’s ever done…”

11. Scandalized by Ivy Owens

This is also a romance worth mentioning because it was also one of my favorites from the year. I personally think the cover doesn’t make this story justice because it’s a little tacky, but I love the romance in this. This is a best friend’s brother romance, with a mysterious sub-plot. I liked it a lot and I wish more people knew about this book. Also very underrated!

Synopsis

“A one-night stand between two old childhood friends turns into something more, but when a scandal threatens to tear them apart, they must decide how hard to fight for love—a steamy romance written under the pseudonym Ivy Owens by Christina Lauren coauthor Lauren Billings.
Exhausted and on deadline with a story that could make or break her career, investigative journalist Georgia Ross is on the verge of a meltdown when a cancelled flight leaves her stuck in the airport overnight. But when a familiar face appears—the older brother of her childhood friend—and offers help, Gigi seems to have caught a break.
Alec Kim is handsome, humble, and kind—exactly the sort of man that Gigi has forgotten existed after her own painful heartbreaks. An evening of reconnection followed by a night of no-strings-attached passion with Alec feels like a gift—that is, until Gigi finally realizes that their childhood connection isn’t the only reason he seems so familiar to her.
Alec is determined to prove to Gigi that he is truly the man she thinks he is, even if it means coming clean about his fame—and his family’s connection to the story Gigi’s been working so hard to break. But as their feelings for each other grow deeper, Gigi and Alec must navigate a new reality…one where both of their hard-won careers are put directly in the path of an international scandal.”

12. The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

I’ve read a LOT of memoirs this year, but if I had to pick a favorite it would be this one. Maybe I’m biased because I grew up looking up at Britney Spears and listening to her music, but I really liked this. Even though I wasn’t very aware of what she’s been doing in the last few years, I knew she was under a conservatorship. It made me very happy to know she is free now and she is getting her life back, slowly but steadily. Maybe I have an emotional attachment, but even if you’re not a fan, who wouldn’t feel bad for what she went through? She had a very interesting upbringing and adult life, so I would still recommend it if you’re not a fan.

Synopsis

“The Woman in Me is a brave and astonishingly moving story about freedom, fame, motherhood, survival, faith, and hope.
In June 2021, the whole world was listening as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharing her voice—her truth—was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incredible journey—and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history.
Written with remarkable candor and humor, Spears’s groundbreaking book illuminates the enduring power of music and love—and the importance of a woman telling her own story, on her own terms, at last.”

Great books huh? Well, but not everything is sunshine and roses… I also read a few “bad” books! So – you guessed it – that’s exactly what I’m bringing you in my next post: “The Worst Books I’ve Read in 2023”! So stay tuned for that. 🙂

What about you? What were the best books you read last year? Did you read any of the books I included in the list? Let me know in the comments!

See you in the next one!

Hello friends!

Did you see my last post “The Best Books I Read in 2022”? I honestly believe I had an amazing year full of amazing books! It was a very positive year because most of the books I picked up were good. Now with that said… I read some bad books as well.

Fortunately they were very few! So that’s exactly what I’m sharing with you today: the worst books I read in 2022. To be more specific, I’m bringing you 4 books I read last year that I disliked and the reasons why I disliked them.

Just a small, but necessary disclaimer: please don’t take it personally if I mention a book you loved! We all have different opinions and tastes when it comes to reading and I’m not trying to offend anyone… this is just my personal opinion 🙂

Okay, now let’s go into the list! Here are the books:

1. The Blouse by Bastien Vivès

This was by far one of the worst books I have ever read in my entire life. I got this book from NetGalley, and I absolutely hated it. I rated it 1 out of 5 stars – which is one of the lowest ratings I have ever given a book. 
Just to explain quickly what the book is about: we follow a plain Jane named Séverine. She doesn’t stand out in any way, shape or form… until she puts on a silk blouse. Then all of a sudden she becomes a sex bomb. And not only that, but her personality changes just like magic. First she’s very shy, does not smoke and is very quiet. After putting on the blouse, she starts smoking, starts cheating on her boyfriend recklessly and “interacts” with strangers with confidence. Aaaand… that’s it, that’s the whole story.So why did I dislike this so much? There are a lot of reasons, so to name a few: it’s a very shallow book, it has no story (or explanation, or goal, or motivation, or direction or anything); it has a lot of weird, vulgar and icky scenes – I’m no prude, but it was too much; the artwork was bland and underwhelming… I just don’t get what this book was trying to achieve. I don’t think I will ever find anyone I would recommend this book to. It was a complete waste of time.

2. Mooncakes by Wendy Xu and Suzanne Walker

I was a little sad that I started the new year with a bad book. It wasn’t the worst book I’ve ever read in my entire life, but it was still bad and very confusing. 
The artwork was beautiful and I liked the magic and witchcraft theme of the book… but what really went wrong for me was the plot. The story was mostly focused on a romance, so the plot felt secondary and unnecessary. It was very weak and rushed, and the timing of the images felt weird. I also had a hard time connecting to the characters, because they were extremely bland and boring. The insta-love romance was weak and lacked chemistry, so I didn’t care for it either. 
The only thing I really liked about this book was the art, but… why on Earth is the art different in the last chapters? It looks like the work was left unfinished which was super weird. Unfortunately it wasn’t even entertaining, I wouldn’t recommend it as well.

3. How To Be Better At (Almost) Everything by Pat Flynn

Well, this one didn’t work out for me as well. Do you know the famous quote “a jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one”? Supposedly, this was the main idea of the book. However, one of the reasons why I didn’t like this book is because it feels more like a random memoir than a self-development book. It’s very focused on the author’s experiences and interests. There is a lot about him playing the guitar, working out and faith/religion… but not much about actual self-development.
There’s bad, cringe humor and a lot of biased religious references that ended up being a little too preachy.
I always say that I always learn something about every book I read, but I don’t think I learn anything from this “self-development” book. It was underdeveloped and all over the place, there was a lot of filler and the good/evil preaching session was unnecessary. I didn’t take much from it, and I believe it’s a waste of time.

4. Tidesong by Wendy Xu

What are the odds of the same author appearing two times in a “Worst books” list? Not only “Mooncakes” is here, but also “Tidesong” by Wendy Xu.
I thought “Mooncakes” was probably an isolated situation, so I decided to pick up “Tidesong” this year as well. Even though the plot was a little better this time, the reading experiences were very similar.
Again, the illustrations were beautiful, but… that’s pretty much it. That’s all I liked about this book. The story was weak, the pacing was weird, and the timing between the frames felt super off sometimes – and I had the exact same experience with “Mooncakes”. It felt like everything happened in two or three pages, and then nothing happened for a longer time. These books lack structure and a solid plot to shine.
So what’s the conclusion here? Wendy Xu’s books are not for me, so I think I’ll avoid them in the future.

Like I said, please take my opinion with a grain of salt. Everyone likes what they like and we all have different opinions!

So tell me, have you ever read any of these books? Let me know in the comments! I hope you enjoyed this post and I will see you in my next post!

Hello friends!

Happy new year! Let me ask you something: is there a better way of starting the new year than with great book recommendations? Because that’s exactly what I’m bringing you today: the best books I’ve read in 2022! 

I read 60 books last year, and let me tell you… it was an amazing reading year! It was overwhelmingly full of 4 and 5 stars ratings, so it was very necessary for me to make this post to tell you all about it!

Just a small disclaimer: these are not necessarily books that came out last year! This list is focused on my personal reading year and the books that were part of it. 

So here are 7 books I read last year that I loved! Let’s get into it:

1. The Woman in the White Kimono by Ana Johns

This book was absolutely stunning! It reminded me of my all-time favorite book “Memoirs of a Geisha”, and I honestly couldn’t help falling in love with this story. This is an historical romance, with a setting in Japan.
This book is beautifully written and the reading experience is very immersive. Not only will you feel like you traveled in time, but you also get a good glimpse of what life in Japan was like in 1957. The author used two different time periods for the story.and when these timelines converge, the story is blended perfectly and a big revelation is made!
The inspiration for this book came from someone close to the author, who lived a similar reality, so she worked on this fictional story for years before publishing it.
It’s just a beautiful story. It is so much more than a love story. It’s a story about heartbreak, love and loss. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, but it’s absolutely worth it.

2. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki

This year I found the best book I have ever read about financial freedom: the amazing “Rich Dad, Poor Dad”. This is the kind of book that changes your perspective forever.
It had a huge impact on my life and I will forever be grateful to Mr. Robert for sharing his knowledge with this book. My perspective on money issues has forever changed and I’m now on the right path to achieve financial freedom. There were so many things said in this book that made me reflect on my life and my own beliefs about money. To create a different reality, we need to think differently and get out of our comfort zone. And that’s exactly what I have been doing this last month! My reality already changed drastically and I’m even more motivated to keep going.
I don’t know what else to say other than: you need this book in your life. No matter how much money you have (or don’t have), this is definitely worth picking up. There’s no way you’ll stay indifferent to your financial situation after reading this book. You need to read it!

3. Atomic Habits by James Clear

This book is absolutely phenomenal! The focus of this work of art is to teach you how habits work and how to make changes in your life using practical and easy techniques. It’s a very practical book because the author gives easy and clear instructions for the reader to follow. He also explains what’s behind each tip with a fresh and new perspective.
It is a very simple and easy book to follow. It’s not a dense, complex or hard book to keep up with. Everything is very well structured and the language used is accessible to readers of all ages.
I learned a lot from this amazing book and I already use some of its teachings in my daily life. I strongly believe you’ll take something from this book if you give it a chance. If you are looking for a book to create new habits or to stop old habits, this is the book for you!

4. I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

This is one of the best memoirs I have ever read in my entire life, and trust me… I’ve read a few already! Like everyone else who came across this book, I was hooked by the words “I’m Glad My Mom Died”.
The title hooked me in, but the book amazed me. Jennette shares a lot about her and her life in her book, including her family dynamics, the abuse from her mother, what it is like to go through child stardom, and body image issues/eating disorders. This is a very personal memoir, but mostly – it’s an important one. This is just a real life example of what so many child actors go through growing up. They frequently are abused and exploited by parents and people in the business, and they’re scarred for life – just like Jennette was.
It’s a very impactful and tough book to read, and I’m very impressed with what was achieved with this book. If you’re into memoirs, I have to recommend this one!

5. The Obesity Code by Jason Fung

If I had to pick the best book I have read in 2022, this one would be my first choice. This was a life changing book for me. I’ve struggled with overeating and being overweight for a few years now, and I’m always looking for new information and new things to read on the subject. This was a very important read for me because I learned a lot and I applied a lot of the teachings to lose weight… and guess what? It worked perfectly! I’m happy to say my habits have changed and I’ve lost a lot of weight so far!
The author uses A LOT of human studies to back up every claim. It’s the kind of book that you will definitely take something from, even if you’re an expert in the subject because he covers a lot of areas. Not only does he explain what works and what doesn’t for weight loss, but it uses a lot of proof to back it up. And the best part? It’s very easy to read because the language used is simple so anyone can read it.
This is an amazing book and an essential read with anyone struggling with losing weight! It’s a must read.

6. The Book of Gothel by Mary McMyne

And the award for best retelling book read in 2022 goes to… you guessed it, “The Book of Gothel”! Yes, I’m a big fan of retellings – especially with villains -, and this was one of the best I have ever read! I’m very surprised this is a debut novel, because it’s absolutely stunning and well written. Every single element of this book created a beautiful and immersive reading experience. I would describe this book as young adult fantasy, but it definitely matures as the story goes. It’s nothing too graphic (in my opinion), but it talks about more serious topics as the book progresses.
There’s a bit of romance in here, but it’s not the main focus of the book. The focus of this book is 100% the main character’s development. It’s a coming-of-age story with a touch of feminism, folklore and paganism. I just love how original, creative and inspiring this story was! If you like retellings, this is definitely a must-read!

7. The Power is Within You by Louise L. Hay

Another great book! When I started this book and I got through the first chapters, I thought this would be a pretty simple self-development book. But as the book progresses, I started to read about things that really spiked my interest and curiosity. One of these topics was on how we create our own diseases with our negative emotions such as frustration and anger. Not only that but she also talked about how the affected organs and side of the body are also not coincidental.
Honestly, I just loved this one so much. It’s a very positive, feel-good book, and I learned a lot of new things. Even if you don’t take everything it preaches, I guarantee you’ll still find something here that you can take with you.

I’m just so happy with all of the amazing books I found this year. It was truly an inspiring year dominated by self-development and non-fiction. I feel like I learned a lot through reading in 2022 and I’m forever grateful for that.

Like Dr. Phil always says, “no matter how many times you flip a pancake, it always has two sides’ ‘. But why am I referencing this quote? Because even though I had read amazing books in 2022, I also read bad books… and that’s exactly what I’m bringing you in my next post: “The Worst Books I’ve Read in 2022”! So stay tuned for that. 🙂

What about you? What were the best books you read last year? Did you read any of the books I included in the list? Let me know in the comments!

See you in the next one!