5 Star Book Review – 2022

Although this is a DIY and Interior/ Home design blog, one of the things I do most beyond home décor projects is listen to audiobooks. When my kids are older, and my time isn’t so stretched I plan to go back to reading books, but for now audiobooks have been an excellent replacement.

In 2022, I listened to 87 audiobooks. Out of the 87 books I listened to 20 were 5 Star picks to me. Below are my list of 5 star picks along with links to their descriptions.

AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL

• Finding Me by Viola Davis – her story is phenomenal
• Yearbook by Seth Rogan – his stories are fun and entertaining

HISTORICAL FICTION

• Memphis by Tara M. Stringfelllow – an emotional generational story
• The Last House on the Street by Diane Chamberlain – the past intertwines with the present

THRILLERS

• Stay Awake by Megan Goldin – great storyline reads like a Netflix Series
• The Truth and Other Lies by Sascha Arango – a cleaver read with lots of twists
• The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell – Missing person thriller told from two perspectives

FICTION

• The Survivors by Jane Harper – a return to a childhood home brings by the memories of a tragic event
• This Time Tomorrow by Emma Staub – on the eve of her 40th birthday the main character wakes up 16 again.
• Kite Runner by Khaled Housseini – a painful story, that I think everyone should read
• We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride & Jo Piazza – two best friends, one Black one white wrestle with the emotions of a police involved shooting of a Black teen.
• Olympus Texas by Stacey Swann – A brother’s return to his home town causes family scandal and upheaval.
• Sing Unburied Sing by Jasmyn Ward – a beautifully written book about family bonds with many layers.
• The House We Grew Up In by Lisa Jewell – a layered family drama dealing with hoarding

NON FICTION

• All That She Carried by Tiya Miles – a fascinating story told through the contents of a bag.
• Why are All of the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Beverly Daniel Tatum – a very in-depth read – more of a textbook
• House of Gucci by Sarah Gay Forden – a look into history of the Gucci family and their downfall

HORROR

The Children on the Hill by Jennifer McMahon – a podcaster searches the details of an abduction.

SHORT STORY

On GirlHood by Glory Idim – features short stories by popular Black female authors

SCIENCE FICTION

The Candy Cane House by Jennifer Egan – A slow start – but sticking with it, I found the end ties everything up nicely