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Readers’ Favorite Books: 2022 Edition
By: Angela & Melissa
Updated:
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we may earn a referral fee from qualifying purchases.We love sharing our favorite books with you, as we did recently with our list of the Best Books We Read in 2022, but today it’s all about you!
How We Determine Which Books Make This List
A couple of weeks ago, we asked our email newsletter subscribers and the members of our Facebook group to share the three best books they read this year. We were thrilled to see that many of the favorites came from our reading challenges and book recommendation lists!
We invited readers to submit their favorite titles of the year regardless of when the book was published. The only requirement was that the book was read during 2022. In the end, we had nearly 800 book title submissions to sort through!
THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to fill out the form! We read every comment. Even if your favorite books didn’t make it into this readers’ favorites post, many of your suggestions will make their way onto other lists in the future.
After reviewing all the submissions and crunching the numbers, we compiled a list of the 25 most popular titles. The top two books were both submitted by at least twenty-five different readers. Between the two of us Book Girls, we’ve read 14 of these books and agree that they are wonderful reads! The other 11 were already on our TBRs. You can bet that we’ll be moving them to the top very soon based on our readers’ recommendations!
Instead of including long descriptions of each book, we’re sharing a short synopsis followed by a selection of reader comments we received on the submission form for each of the top 25 books. After that, you’ll find an honorable mention list of additional books.
Our Readers’ Favorite New Releases in 2022
Lessons in Chemistry
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
95% Would Recommend to a Friend
Book Summary
Elizabeth Zott is a quirky and brilliant female chemist working with an all-male team at the Hastings Research Institute. But her scientific qualifications don’t stop the “good old boys” from being frustrated that she won’t get coffee or make copies for them. When Elizabeth meets Calvin Evans, another scientist at the Institute, another type of chemistry results.
Fast forward a few years. It’s 1961, and Elizabeth is a 30-year-old single mother and her career has been detoured. Instead of working for Hastings, she’s now (somewhat reluctantly) the star of a much-loved cooking show called Supper at Six. Her cooking methods are unusual (“combine one tablespoon of acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”). As her popularity grows, it turns out she’s not just teaching women to cook, she’s also daring them to change the status quo.
Why Our Readers Love This Book
My favorite brilliant female lead character ever! I loved the human connections and the ways different characters came together in their own uniqueness to support each other. I loved how the female characters, especially, were vibrant and interesting. It was a light read with depth. I’m truly not used to smart characters being explored in such full and human ways. –Dana K.
Growing up in the 60’s I saw how difficult it was for my mom and older sister to step out of the mold of the 50’s. I loved the approach Garmus used in creating Elizabeth: strong, willful, proud. Changing the status quo is hard work and takes a determined woman! –Jaci E.
I love that it tells the story of an intelligent woman trying to make it in a man’s world in the 50’s and 60’s. Very interesting! Also, the book absolutely reeled me in! –Lynn
As a woman also in STEM and a single mom I totally related to Elizabeth Zott! I felt her frustration and loved how she handled all the things. –Amy V.
I loved that Elizabeth stays strong and true to herself despite so many obstacles. I also loved how the story is told through the eyes of different characters, including the dog. Six-thirty may be my favorite character of any book this year. –Patty O.
In spite of being terribly sad in places, it was also laugh-out-loud funny. –Marion B.
I felt seen and empowered – the main character and I have lots in common. –Cristina F.
Book Club Resources for Lessons in Chemistry
We have a great printable Lessons in Chemistry book club guide available on Etsy, including discussion questions, themed games, a Marcellus bookmark, and more!
You can also find free resources for your book club discussion about Lessons in Chemistry on our website.
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
98% Would Recommend to a Friend
Book Summary
In this charming debut novel, Widower Tova works at the Sowell Bay Aquarium to occupy her mind and time. She takes pride in cleaning perfectly every night, even though she doesn’t need the money. She loves all the aquarium life but forms a special bond with the intelligent (and curmudgeonly) octopus named Marcellus.
He’s just as surprised to feel friendly toward this human who visits him nightly. Soon, he connects the sadness he sees in her with something he saw in the ocean long ago. Can he help her solve the mystery of her son’s disappearance 30 years ago?
Why Our Readers Love This Book
I loved the characters, especially Marcellus. Fun read and makes you feel good about people and life. I like the author’s writing style and the way the story unfolded. –Janel H.
I was invested in the characters within the first few pages. I could not put it down! It was so well done with a lovely story that was a bit unusual. –Judy C.
Reading the description, I had no desire to read this book–too unrealistic for my reading tastes. But I decided to try it, and it became one of my all-time favorite books. –Mindee
Marcellus was such a wonderful character, and I loved the rest of the cast, too. The author made them imperfect and lovable.
A book that can get me to fall in love with an octopus deserves to be on this list.
Absolutely charming book, and the storyline was so creative and insightful. –Nancy M.
Book Club Resources for Remarkably Bright Creatures
We have a great printable Remarkably Bright Creatures book club guide available on Etsy, including discussion questions, themed games, a Marcellus bookmark, and more!
You can also find free resources for your book club discussion about Remarkably Bright Creatures on our website.
Book Summary
The Winners picks up two years after our all-time favorite book, Beartown. The locals are still trying to come to terms with the events that tore the community apart. However, change is on the way.
The book catches up with the original characters. We see Peter, Kira, Maya, Benji, Amit, and others continue to be haunted in different ways. But their story is intertwined with several new characters integral to the plot of The Winners.
From a midwife, her fireman husband, and their four children to a con man and two other children with rough starts to life, you’ll feel the emotions and motivations of these characters in classic Backman style. The rivalry between Beartown and Hed is as fierce as ever, which plays out in unexpected ways.
Why Our Readers Love This Book
This series and these characters broke me into a million pieces and somehow restored my faith in humanity at the same time.
-Amy V.
I simply love Backman’s writing style. His detailed and deep character development helps me understand their motivations and build a relationship with the people in his books. This third book in his Beartown series was the best. It had a little bit of every possible outcome that truly worked to wrap up the series. –Kathy R.
I absolutely loved the first two books in the series. Reading the last in the series was a wonderful check-in with friends, and maybe some not so loved members of the community. But as always, there are bumps in the road of life to be crossed and passed. But I love these people of Beartown and how they care for each other even in unexpected ways. I also love the voice the Backman used to write the books. –Lynne K.
His writing is some of the best in this era- dynamics- relationships- description- stunning. –Rachel E.
The end of this trilogy had me right back in the forest and cities of Beartown and Hed. His writing is so different from everything else I’ve read. His chapters tell a story and are infused with poetry and life lessons. To say I was sad to end my journey with these characters is an understatement. I loved it, and I cried about the ending. –Michelle V.
Even after 671 pages, and 2 books leading up to this book, I still wasn’t ready for this story to end. Backman invests so much time building the characters, that you can’t help but fall in love with every character in the story and want to continue being in their world. –Amy Q.
The Maid
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
Twenty-five-year-old Molly has always been different from her peers. She struggles in social situations and only communicates very literally, both in her understanding of others and in her verbal communication back to them. Thanks to her Gran, she’s still managed to have a good life. However, after her beloved Gran dies, she loses the one person who understood both Molly and the world.
She’s still excellent at her job as a hotel maid, with her penchant for perfection making this the ideal role. One day, she’s shocked to find the wealthy and infamous guest, Charles Black, dead in his room. When the police question her, her unusual communication is interpreted as deception, and Molly becomes a prime suspect. She knows that the only way to clear her name is to figure out what really happened before she is arrested.
Why Our Readers Love This Book
The main character is Molly, and she is on the spectrum. She understands the difference between right and wrong. However, she lacks social awareness and becomes a primary suspect in a murder. I loved her honesty and her ability to see the world differently. –Vera Z.
This book warmed my heart. I enjoyed how the author portrayed that despite the main character’s challenges, she had a strong personality and was quite astute. I liked how the author showed numerous people taking advantage of her supposed “naivete,” and yet she saved the day. A most enjoyable read. –Wendy K.
I just loved the unreliable narrator combined with the mystery and the fact that the main character was so likable. –Becki M.
I loved Molly’s character – a little bit quirky, a little bit serious. Also enjoyed the unexpected ending. –Patty O.
Mad Honey
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
Olivia has been raising her son, Asher, as a single mom ever since she fled her seemingly perfect marriage that was not as it appeared from the outside. When she left her abusive marriage to protect her son, she brought him to her small hometown in New Hampshire. Once home, she moved into her childhood house and took over her father’s beekeeping business.
Like Olivia, Lily is also familiar with starting over. She and her mom recently relocated to New Hampshire to give Lily a fresh start in her final year of high school.
Olivia and Lily’s lives cross paths when Asher begins dating and falls in love with the new girl in town. A few months later, Olivia is shocked to receive a phone call from Asher that he’s at the police station and Lily is dead. Asher is the only suspect in the case, but he insists he didn’t do it. Olivia is willing to give up everything she has to defend her son. But as the case moves toward trial, and as she discovers that Asher has hidden more from her than she realized, Olivia begins to question what traits her son may have inherited from his father.
Why Our Readers’ Love This Book
It is beautifully written and such a deep story. This book is about loving, hating, cruelty, beauty, jealousy and understanding but also…about bees. It will transfix and transform you. I suggest the audiobook – Lily’s voice is perfection. I would definitely say there are many, many triggers. Abuse, murder, suicide. Just tons, so be careful. I was triggered but I kept reading and saw how it fit into the story. –Kathy C.
Wow, another book I learned so much from this year! Picoult has perfected the art of the twist and I never saw the one in the middle of the book coming. My jaw dropped, literally! Her best book yet! –Kathy R.
I can always count on [Picoult] for an engaging story that has a jaw-dropping twist also a heavy dose of information about topics I don’t know a lot about. Mad Honey was no exception. I was also very interested in the authors’ note at the end that explained their co-writing process and how the partnership came about and then was conducted in the writing of the book. And none of that even touches the actual story, which was part family relationships, part courtroom drama, and so much more. I was immersed right away and couldn’t read fast enough to see how everything was going to play out. –Lynne K.
The element of surprise – I thought I knew what this book was about – I was surprised when I realized that I didn’t. It kept me intrigued, and it not only touched my heart but I learned something on topics I thought I knew. –Rosa
Black Cake
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
This novel opens in present-day California shortly after Eleanor’s death. She has left behind a voice recording for her two adult children – Byron and Benny. She’s also left them a traditional Caribbean black cake that she tells them to share “when the time is right.”
Her children, it turns out, only know a small part of their mom’s life story. Posthumously, Eleanor is finally ready to share her truth so that Byron and Benny can truly know and understand their family history.
As the story unfolds, everything that her children thought they knew about their lineage and themselves will be rocked to the core, and by the time they finally share the black cake, another person will be joining them at the table.
Why Our Readers Love This Book
I loved this as an audiobook. The accent and various characters with a mystery unfolding as characters learned more about their mother, heritage, and selves. –Allison P.
I love a deep dive over a person’s entire lifespan. So interesting how events can directly and indirectly affect a person’s life choices and so on from there. –Susan Y.
Black Cake was a great read with a present-day storyline and a historic fiction storyline. The characters were complex and fascinating, the story was compelling, and the writing was terrific. –Elizabeth S.
Wow, I loved this book. The writing is beautiful. Everything is clearly told in lovely language, and all of the timelines and stories intersect and are complete at the end of the book. I love a book with the ends tied up in a really natural way. This is one I will keep and read again, for sure. –Laura M.
Hester
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
This novel reimagines the story of the woman who inspired Hester Prynne from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlett Letter.
In the early 1800s, young seamstress Isobel sailed to the New World from Scotland. Her husband, Edward, has become addicted to opium, so they are trying to leave their secrets and debts behind. However, shortly after arriving in Salem, Edward leaves Isobel alone when he joins a ship as a medic.
When Isobel meets Nathaniel Hawthorne, they grow close. One is a muse, and one is a dark storyteller, but which is which?
Why Our Readers Love This Book
The main female characters were fleshed out beautifully and I so enjoyed the connections to the Salem Witch Trials— such a fascinating time in our history. –Brooke M.
First, it’s just a great well written stand-alone historical fiction novel with well-developed characters, setting and plot. Second, it ties so nicely to Hawthorne and The Scarlet Letter. It would be a great book to discuss in a book club setting.
Wow, what a book! I couldn’t put it down. I love Albanese’s writing style and her ability to write wonderful, beautiful descriptions. I could see Isobel’s beautiful needlework and dresses. I also like the structure of the novel and the way the story unfolded. I highly recommend this book. –Janel H.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
Beginning in the 1980s and spanning 30 years, this story follows the lives of Sam and Sadie as they continue to reconnect at various points in their lives. Their first meet as children in the hospital – Sadie is visiting her sister, and Sam is recovering from a terrible car accident. They bond over their love of video games, and their instant friendship helps pull Sam out of his depression. But eventually, they have a falling out, and they don’t meet again until Sam’s junior year of college at Harvard (she is a student at MIT). He’s exiting a subway car when he sees Sadie across the platform.
This unexpected reunion soon begets an incredible collaboration as Sam and Sadie create a legendary video game before they’ve even graduated from college. They are young, brilliant, rich, and successful, but none of these characteristics can protect them from their creative ambitions, future betrayals, and inevitable failures.
Why Our Readers Love This Book
I loved the story in general and the pop culture, but I also was so interested in the art references. I found myself googling many things, which is always a great thing in a book. I also remember the specific moment when I thought, man, I love this book! –Lynne K.
Easily one of the best books I’ve ever read. The book is beautifully written. The characters are so rich and just bleed off the page. Whenever I think about this book, I feel happy, and tears fill my eyes. –Stephanie C.
This is a layered story of friendship and life. The characters are well developed and the plot is unique. –Robin M.
Reasons why I loved this book: beautifully flawed characters with strong character development throughout; the multi-layered depth to the story; and the impactful sentences and moments. –Michaela S.
The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
Although this book is classified as historical fiction, it’s based on a larger-than-life real woman with an equally large heart. In her childhood, Majorie worked on gluing cereal boxes together for her father, the creator of Grape-Nuts, followed by the successful Post cereal empire. His company led the family to extreme wealth, but Majorie wasn’t content to sit at home as American royalty.
While entertaining the rich and famous was part of her life, she also wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. Her extraordinary life included everything from outrunning Nazis to serving the homeless during the Great Depression. She was also married four times and built impressive real estate along the way, including now-infamous Mar-a-Lago.
Why Our Readers Love This Book
Following Marjorie’s life was a journey through the history of our country and an extraordinary woman. She had energy, drive, and a truly good heart. Loved this book! –Linda B.
I loved all the history and the strong woman behind it! –Susan D.
Love reading about brilliant women who were never acknowledged in history. –Jerilyn
By sharing Post’s amazing life Pataki was able to provide a deep historical context for many events that we’ve all heard about. Brilliant! –Judi R.
Demon Copperhead
Book Summary
This is a modern retelling of Charles Dickens’s David Copperfield. Like Copperfield, Copperhead examines institutional poverty, but in contemporary Appalachia.
Born to a teenage single mother, Damon (soon to be known as Demon) braves the modern perils of foster care, child labor, derelict schools, athletic success, opioid addiction, disastrous loves, and crushing losses.
Why Our Readers Love This Book
A brilliant contemporary look at raw reality in our community. Stunning read. –Rachel E.
Loved the main character. Barbara Kingsolver is a wonderful storyteller. –Mary R.
I liked remembering David Copperfield as I read Demon Copperhead. –Jerri P.
Book Summary
If you could find out exactly how many years you have left to live, would you want to know?
On the same day, all around the world, every person over the age of 22 receives an identical box. Inside each is a string. At first, no one knows what the strings mean, but it soon becomes apparent that a long string means long life and a short string foretells a life cut short.
As society responds to the revelation of the boxes, each person must make a choice – do you want to know how long you will live? If so, what will you do with that knowledge? And what if your choice is different from those you care about most?
These are the dilemmas facing the eight protagonists in The Measure, whose fates become interwoven as their individual stories unfold.
Why Our Readers Love This Book
It was thought-provoking and a beautiful story. You can’t help but put yourself into the position of the different characters. –Cristina F.
Relevant to today’s society, made you think about life.
There was so much talk about living your life and enjoying people. I would go back and read it again. When I say I sobbed, it was beautiful. –Julie D.
I loved the premise of a string and one’s life. Very different and while controversial, I was intrigued and read the book in two days. –Jaci E.
The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
While this book takes place on September 11, 2001 and the following days, it’s not the constantly devastating story you would expect. Instead, this heartwarming book recounts the experiences of countless passengers from some of the 38 planes that were unexpectedly diverted to Newfoundland – an island in Canada’s easternmost province – when US airspace was closed on 9/11. On that day, the small town of Gander, with a population of just 10,000, received more than 6,600 passengers from 92 countries. Ganderites, along with residents of the surrounding towns, opened the doors to the local churches, schools, and even their own homes.
Throughout this book, you’ll not only learn the personal stories of the passengers, but you’ll also learn a lot about life on this tiny, remote island and about the unexpected hosts who welcomed strangers from around the world with open arms and generous hearts.
Why Our Readers Love This Book
The most uplifting, positive, hopeful book I may have ever read. –Susanne E.
Restored my faith in humanity. –Julie R.
This is an incredible story of a small community who, when faced with thousands of strangers (because of 9/11) coming into their town, while the U.S. was in turmoil, opened their doors and hearts. –Vera Z.
This book made me take a wider look at a very tragic time for our country. I had never stopped and thought about what happened when we closed the air space. –Brenda K.
Our Readers’ Favorite Backlist Books in 2022
The Lincoln Highway
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
This entire novel takes place over the course of 10 days in 1954. Eighteen-year-old Emmett has finished his term on a work farm, where he was sent after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter.
The warden drives Emmett home to Nebraska, where he plans to pick up his 8-year-old brother before heading west for a fresh start. However, Emmett discovers that two friends from the work camp, Duchess and Wooly, have stowed away in the trunk. The three teens and 8-year-old Billy adjust their plans and set out across the country together. The book is told from alternating points of view.
Why Our Readers Love This Book
I love coming-of-age stories. This book hit all the marks by being historical fiction, a story told in a very specific time and place. It was also a hard luck story, how two boys took care of each other after their parents died. It had charm, wit, surprise, and loveable characters. –Anna D.
Such good writing! The characters are solid and believable. Well developed plot that holds strong to the heart-wrenching end. –Arlene N.
I love the way this author writes. His prose simply flows and his characters are so interesting. –Carla H.
This was an unexpected delight. The characters came to life in a story that took me back to my youth. –Elaine B.
I loved the writing and the characters! I felt like I was on the road trip with them! –Kristine B.
The writing is beautiful and smart. –Patty C.
The Guncle
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
When family tragedy strikes, Uncle Patrick needs to take custody of his niece and nephew for the summer. Forty-three-year-old GUP (Gay Uncle Patrick) loves the kids, but he’s used to them going home after a weekend.
Once a famous sitcom star, Patrick’s career is stalled. His Palm Springs lifestyle of cocktails at brunch isn’t exactly ideal for a 6 and 9-year-old. He quickly realizes that having the kids longer than a few days means he needs to be more of a parent figure. But in order to help the kids, Patrick will also have to figure out how to help himself. This means facing some difficult memories from his past and deciding what he wants for his future.
Why Our Readers Love This Book
The Guncle is refreshing, funny, and moves from a shaky spot to a loving place. Patrick’s transformation at the hands of his niece and nephew is adorable, heart-felt, and miraculous! This book is “Uncle Buck” meets Liberace. –Heather V.
Hope and resilience in the face of sadness.
It emotionally hit all the right notes with some depth when needed and all-out frivolous fun to balance it. The characters were so well written. –Kim C.
This book had me laughing out loud one minute and crying the next. I listened to the audio read by the author, which added to the experience.
This was my number one book of the year. It was SO good. It made me laugh throughout and made me sob at one point as well. –Mara S.
The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
94% Would Recommend to a Friend
Book Summary
Lenni is only 17 years old, but she has a terminal illness. Despite the devastating impacts of her disease and the drugs she has to take to manage it, Lenni is determined to live every moment that she can, even if she can’t leave the hospital.
Escaping to the hospital’s crafts room, Lenni enrolls in an art class where she gets to know Margot, an 83-year-old fellow rebel with heart problems. As their unexpected friendship grows, the pair realize that between the two of them, they’ve lived an entire century of life. To celebrate this milestone, they decide to paint their life stories – joy, kindness, loss, and love.
Why Our Readers Love This Book
It is a very funny and sweet story that considers end-of-life issues for an old person and a young person who meet in an art class on a terminal ward. I loved the relationships that are developed as the two characters share their stories and perspectives. The humor of their irreverence for rules while facing death keeps this from being sappy or maudlin. Wonderful read! –Marsha R.
I loved the characters, especially Lenni and her ability to challenge conventional thought. She knows she is dying, but she is not going gently into that good night. –Stephanie N.
I was hooked through every moment of this book. I loved the plot and the two main characters. I love the way the author portrayed each of their lives through memories and drawings. Despite her terminal illness, Lenni had me chuckling a number of time, especially during her conversations with the priest. I read this book earlier in the year, and it has stuck with me throughout this entire year. –Wendy K.
This book was heartbreaking and beautiful. It shows how powerful friendship can be and it deals with a tough subject. It had me physically laughing and sobbing and it was just perfect. –Heather O.
West With Giraffes
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
West With Giraffes is a charming tale of adventure that takes you on the ride of a lifetime from the East Coast of the US to the West, alongside a rowdy 17-year-old, a grumpy older man, and two giraffes. The year is 1938, and no American zoo has successfully housed giraffes before. The female zoo director of the San Diego Zoo believes she can do it. The giraffes have just survived a hurricane en route to the East Coast, and Riley Jones, the curmudgeonly head zookeeper, is responsible for safely transporting the giraffes from New York City to San Diego.
America is still in the throes of the Great Depression, and the Dust Bowl conditions continue to ravage the drought-stricken Southern Plains states. Jones begrudgingly teams up with a starving teenager named Woody to help him make the coast-to-coast journey. The adventures along the way include run-ins with circus con artists, being tailed by a female photographer looking for a big scoop, an emotional visit to Woody’s hometown, and so much more.
At its heart, this is a coming-of-age story. Now, at the age of 105, Woody recounts his 12-day cross-country trip with Jones and the giraffes and how it shaped his life.
Why Our Readers Love This Book
The story is one of perseverance and learning to trust, both for the animals and the people transporting them across the country in the late 1930’s. It is a true story of mishaps and mayhem which the author weaves into a magical and unforgettable tale of love and longing. –Marsha R.
So much heart wrapped in such a unique and inviting story. –Kathi
This is [a book] I can recommend to all of my friends and family across the generations. It was an easy read, moved quickly and had some history and adventure. Everyone I suggested it to enjoys it. –Kim C.
The Last Green Valley
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Book Summary
In 1944, Ukrainians faced invaders on multiple fronts as Hilter and Stalin had both pushed into their country. The Last Green Valley tells the story of one family with a common dilemma in their region. The Martel’s had a strong German heritage, but their families had been farming in Ukraine for more than a century.
Like many others, they had a choice. Do they trust that their German blood will protect them and go with the German troops despite not agreeing with the Third Reich agenda? Or stay and risk being sent to Siberian work camps by Russia?
Why Our Readers Love This Book
This story deals with the Russians coming to attack Ukraine in the 1940s. I started reading this earlier in the year when Russia invaded Ukraine. This was an incredible read and even though it is historical fiction it is based on horrible real events and unfortunately history repeating itself. This book has really stayed with me and a found myself taking pictures of quotes because I connected so much with this book. –Megan S.
There is so much we do not know … it opened my eyes and shed light on the conscientious perseverance and grit of Ukrainians today. –Patricia H.
This is a part of WWII is not as familiar to me and this was very well researched and presented in a way that just flowed off the pages. Do not miss the afterward by the author telling about his research, how he came up with the fiction and more. –Kimberly S.
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
Bletchley Park is a real English estate and was an elegant country home before becoming the secret location of WW2 codebreakers. The Rose Code imagines the life of three women from different backgrounds who all qualified for this challenging and vital task. While the three become friends, the war and secrecy required for their jobs prove too much to keep them close.
Seven years later, in 1947, the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip is on everyone’s minds. But, when an encrypted letter is received, the former friends must reunite to crack the code and figure out which former Bletchley Park worker is now a traitor.
Why Our Readers Love This Book
I love historical fiction and was completely enlightened to this story about women and their significant role solving codes during WWII. Riveting and fascinating! –Nancy M.
Suspense, drama, history and excellent writing make this a wonderful read. –Marsha R.
The truism of ‘war making strange bedfellows’ portrayed as three women who would never form such strong relationships were it not for WW2 and their essential yet secret work at Bletchley Park. –Joy B.
The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell
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Book Summary
Born with ocular albinism, Sam Hill is a young boy whose rare red eyes cause problems from the moment his mother enrolls him at the Our Lady of Mercy school.
Labeled “Hell Boy,” he is bullied not only by his classmates but also given a hard time by the nun who is the principal at his elementary school. Eventually, Sam finds the new best friend he desperately needs in Ernie Cantwell, the only African American boy in his class, and years later in a fiercely individual girl named Mickie.
As an adult, Sam is a respected ophthalmologist moving through life with Ernie and Mickie still by his side. His world is about to be upturned when he’s unexpectedly reunited with the biggest schoolyard bully from his past.
Why Our Readers Love This Book
I loved the very real characters. A mood was set and stayed with me throughout the entire novel and for a long time after. Once again I would find myself thinking about them and had to remind myself they weren’t real. –Julie
I absolutely loved this story. The author created a character whom you’ll truly care about. And it reeled me in from start to finish! –Lynn
One of the best books I have ever read; read it twice and listened to the audio version once. We listened in the car and husband liked it too. Also led my book club in discussion; everyone loved it. –Sherrill M.
The Reading List
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Book Summary
When teenage library worker Aleisha finds a list of little-known novels in the back of To Kill a Mockingbird, she decides to read every book on the list. Each story is magical to her for different reasons.
Widower Mukesh worries about his bookworm granddaughter, Priya. To connect with her, he visits the library and meets Aleisha. When she shares the found list with him, they begin to form an unexpected friendship and discover the healing that is desperately needed for each of them.
Why Our Readers Love This Book
As a librarian, this ode to libraries and the value of reading was almost perfect. Looking forward to what she writes next. –Sonia
This books contains my favorite things books, libraries and friendships from unlikely places.
I loved the way the library became a community and how the reading list brought people together. –Cindy H.
The House in the Cerulean Sea
Book Summary
While this book is technically a YA Fantasy, it receives high ratings across the board, even from those who don’t typically choose YA or Fantasy novels.
Linus is a 40-year-old caseworker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, and spends his days overseeing children in orphanages and his nights in a tiny house with his devious cat.
When Linus is called to a classified assignment to visit 6 children deemed dangerous, he also meets their caretaker, Arthur Parnassus, who is dedicated to the children’s safety. However, as Linus and Arthur connect, secrets are exposed. Linus must choose between destroying the home of the children or risking them destroying the world.
Why Our Readers Love This Book
The characters in this book, especially the children, are incredibly likable! I was completely drawn in by their story and pulled for all the good things to happen for them. It was a beautiful statement on finding the value in all people that warmed my heart. –Jodi F.
This book talked about our differences and not being scared. It was done in such a lovely way. –Julie D.
This is NOT the kind of book I usually read. But I found that I couldn’t put it down and was mad when it ended. I NEED a sequel…or 3 or 4…so I can find out what happens next with the characters. –Mara S.
The love and acceptance displayed for those easily shunned made this heartwarming book one of my favorites of all time. –Terry S.
Where the Crawdads Sing
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
Young Kya, who was left to fend for herself in the North Carolina marsh in the 1950s, will steal your heart from the beginning.
Locals know Kya as the “Marsh Girl.” She lives away from other humans and has only attended one day of school, but finds companions in nature all around her. While traditional school was not a good fit, she is always eager to learn. Eventually, she finds a friend who agrees to help her read.
The book has a split timeline between Kya’s formative years in the 1950s and an incident in 1969. A handsome boy from town is found dead, and the locals immediately suspect Kya.
Why Our Readers Love This Book
How clever and tough this orphaned girl was. How she overcame obstacles, how they strengthened her. –Rosa C.
[This book] has been on my list for a while and lived up to my expectations…life dealt Kya an unfair hand and she defies the odds to become an academic expert in an environment and way of life that no one knows better than she does.
I always love a good “underdog” and the Marsh Girl is one of my favorites. I also live in the Deep South, so the setting and plot resonated with me. –Jennifer N.
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
Nora has decided she is done. Done with the way her life is going. In a moment of darkness, she attempts suicide, but she finds herself in the Midnight Library between life and death. The shelves go on and on, and inside each book is a life that she could have lived, had she made just one different choice somewhere along the way – from following dreams to pursuing different careers to undoing old breakups.
Each time she opens a book, she finds herself living that alternate life, and she is faced with the decision of whether she wants to permanently exchange her life for a new one. As she visits these alternate realities, she’ll have to decide not only which life she wants, but also what makes life worth living in the first place.
Why Our Readers Love This Book
Who hasn’t wanted to try on a different life? We’ve all daydreamed about the ‘woulda, coulda, shouldas’ and wondered what life would be like if we’d just done one thing differently. –Jen
It had “It’s A Wonderful Life” feel to the story. What would your life and others be if you had taken a different path? I read it in 2 hours. I loved the concept. –Tammy R.
Loved this parallel universe story. Lots of meat and things to think about. –Bonnie J.
Honorable Mentions
- How the Penguins Saved Veronica by Hazel Prior
- The Storyteller by Dave Grohl
- A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
- The Incredible Winston Browne by Sean Dietrich
- Horse by Geraldine Brooks
Thanks again to all our readers who took the time to submit your top books of the year! We loved collaborating with you to compile this Readers’ Favorites list.
The titles featured here are just the tip of the iceberg. We wish we could feature every book submitted by our readers, but we’ve been taking close notes! Many others will find their way onto other book lists this year, including for our 2023 reading challenges.
If you’re not already on our email list and in the Read with the Book Girls group on Facebook, be sure to sign up below so that you never miss a thing. We can wait to see your favorite books next year!
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- The Best Books We Read in 2024
- Readers’ Favorite Books: 2023 Edition
- 23 Best Books We Read in 2023
- Best Book Club Books From 2023
- Book Club Books From 2022
- Readers’ Favorite Books: 2022 Edition
- 22 Best Books We Read in 2022
- Readers’ Favorite Books: 2021 Edition
- Best Books We Read in 2021
- Best Books We Read in 2020
