Article by Sydney Loder
As the year of 2022 begins to wind down, the time to reminisce on all of the years best reads has begun. Whether we have discovered new genres, authors, or writing styles, the novels of the year have truly taken readers by storm. The years most popular reads have been seen from authors like Colleen Hoover, Taylor Jenkins Reid, and Ali Hazelwood. This is largely due to their popularity on platforms like TikTok and Instagram allowing thousands of readers to learn more about the authors and their novels.
Book lovers will always continue to buy books and be influenced in their purchases through social media and various entertainment forms. Besides traditions of buying and reviewing, there is also the matter of ranking individuals favorite books at the end of every year. This tradition is one that almost all readers look forward to as it can set precedents for new reads that they know will be good. These lists are mostly viewed through reels made by bookstagramers, but I would love to share mine right here on, ”The Next Chapter.”
Seen below are the top five books/novels of the year along with explanations as to why they have made this list, their rating, and a quick overview.
1. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
The Song of Achilles is what I would consider to be a five star novel as it retells the story of Achilles through the perspective of Patroclus. This perspective gives a front line view to the insecurities of comparisons and true identity through a love story for the ages. The story alters the traditional male gaze into something beyond beautiful. While the story is immensely heartbreaking, it‘s beauty has a lasting effect that leaves each reader feeling whole. This was the first novel I had read with an almost poetic writing style that kept me in awe and wanting more. I have never experienced the feeling that I got while reading this book and look forward to reading more by Madeline Miller.
2. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reids’, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, was beautifully written as it portrays glamorous Hollywood in the mid 20th century through the magnificent Evelyn Hugo. The novel speaks of issues surrounding the blatant racism and sexism of the times, along with aspects of identity and power over the body. Evelyn walks the reader through her life’s story to explain the love and loss she has experienced, the good and bad parts of her actions, and allows the reader a peek into her overall legacy being detailed. This novel is receiving a five star rating as it completely swept me off my feet and has ceased to remove itself from my mind.
3. The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
The sequel to The Inheritance Games, The Hawthorne Legacy, by Jennifer Lynn Barnes captured my heart from page one. After falling in love with the first novel, my expectations were high, but I was also prepared to be let down. Thankfully, I was not. This story brought about mystery, thrills, puzzles, and a love triangle that captured my heart. It allowed for a deeper understanding of the characters, what exactly brought them all together, and insight into the backgrounds of each individual. This story exceeded everything I had prepared myself for, which is why I am glad to give it a 4.5 star rating. The Hawthorne Legacy was fun and exciting while being a captivating, easy read.
4. New Moon by Stephanie Meyer
The Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer is one that I haven’t completely enjoyed as it hasn’t always kept me interested. However, New Moon had me flipping from page to page with no thought of time. This story resonated with me and I found it to be truly beautiful. The aspects of Bella finding her happiness in those that surrounded her and through new experiences was a key part to what made this such a joy to read. Meyer introduces more into Jacobs’ character while setting up the third novel, Eclipse, effortlessly. This book made me excited to read and discover more about this story (not that I don‘t already have the movies memorized), which is why it is receiving a 4.5 star rating.
5. The Queens Assassin by Melissa de la Cruz
Melissa de la Cruz’s, The Queens Assassin, was a novel that was gifted to me by my brother, meaning that I had never heard of it before. I went into this story with no expectations and no clue as to what I would be reading about. Nevertheless, this story enchanted me with its realm of fantasy, and of course, its romance. The dynamic between the two main characters was one of self discovery, banter, and pure fun. The story was interesting and provided for a major change of events at the end. Cruz kept me guessing the entire time and wanting more, providing this story with yet another 4.5 star rating.
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