Having a Think: 2022

Apologies to all who come here for running content—or content at all. I've neglected this blog for over a year now, much to my dismay. I have been busy writing, but nearly exclusively for other people (the exception being—sort of—my articles in Runner's World).

I've also been busy reading. I read a whopping 55 books this year, probably 56 by the time the year is done . . . and that's not counting the unpublished manuscripts I read as part of my local writing group. I love discussing books and recommending them to others, so when a friend asked me for my "top 10 of 2022" I thought, You know, I should write this as a blog post. After all, book recommendations are personal! I can't just blindly recommend books with no context.

Therefore, I've created this quick recap of my favorite 10 books I read in 2022. It includes "what" the book is about, why I liked it, and who I think would most enjoy reading it. The books are listed roughly in the chronological order I read them. (Apologies for any typos; I'm done editing for the day.)

	*But You Seemed So Happy: A Marriage, in Pieces and Bits* Kimberly Harrington This is: a memoir, written more like a collection of essays. The topic is the author, Harrington's divorce. I liked it because: while I am not divorced, I related to much of what she had to say about the imbalances (and frustrations) of a heterosexual relationship. It's also funny without poking fun, and poignant without being saccharine. Read this if you like: books about feminism, especially essay collections like Jia Tolentino's Trick Mirror; mother/wife memoirs
	*The Anthropocene Reviewed* John Green This is: an essay collection about the most random assortment of things, each of which turns into a commentary on society and on the author himself. I liked it because: I was impressed by Green's ability to start with what felt like a random "thing" (Scratch 'N Sniff Stickers! Piggly Wiggly!) and then somehow weave his personal experiences, historical anecdotes, and cultural/societal observations into a coherent, fully self-contained essay. Read this if you like: essay collections; memoirs; self-deprecating writer dads.
	*If I Had Your Face* Frances Cha This is: a novel about four South Korea women navigating impossible beauty standards and harsh economic realities. I liked it because: it's not only a compelling story, but I learned a lot about South Korean society without feeling like I was being "taught." Read this if you like: novels told from multiple points of view; women-centric novels; learning about life outside the US.
	*My Brilliant Friend* Elena Ferrante, Translated by Ann Goldstein This is: a novel set in the 1950s about two female friends and their poor, close-knit community in Naples, Italy. I liked it because: it's rare to read a book told in first person that is actually about another character. This book is narrated by Elena, but it is really about her friend Lila. The friendship is complicated, just as all real friendships are. Read this if you like: character studies; coming-of-age novels; books about female friendships. (One Goodreads review perfectly described it as, "Anne of Green Gables if it was set in a rough Italian neighborhood and written by Donna Tartt.")
	The Candy House Jennifer Egan This is: a slightly futuristic novel, told from multiple interlinking perspectives, where social media has evolved to capture and preserve one's memories and, in turn, allow access to others' memories. I liked it because: the premise itself is interesting (and raises all sorts of questions around privacy!), but the fact that it is merely the glue that holds all of the intricate character stories together is even more remarkable. Read this if you like: A Visit From the Goon Squad (its precursor); novels told from multiple points of view; George Saunders's Tenth of December; Lily King (writing style); thinking about the moral/ethical/social implications of social media.
	*Lessons in Chemistry* Bonnie Garmus This is: a novel set in the 1960s about a female chemist who struggles against the sexism of her time. Oh, and she falls in love. With another chemist. I liked it because: it's lighthearted and feel-good while having substance. Yes, there is a romance, but the real meat of the book is the protagonist, Elizabeth's efforts to fully be herself in a world that wants to put women in boxes. Read this if you like: Gail Honeyman's Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine; Maria Semple's Where'd You Go, Bernadette; "chick lit" that doesn't make you want to claw your eyes out.
	*Humankind: A Hopeful History* Rutger Bregman, Translated by Elizabeth Manton and Erica Moore This is: a nonfiction book that argues that humans can, in fact, save ourselves because we are inherently good. I liked it because: it is the first book I've read that acknowledges that we humans have made a mess of things but doesn't self-flagellate or blame some "foreign other" for our woes. Instead, it offers a sense of origin for all our doom and gloom, clears up some misconceptions, and offers a nice fresh breath of hope and optimism. Read this if you like: nonfiction that doesn't make you feel like the world is about to end.
	*A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life* George Saunders This is: an MFA writing class, as taught by Saunders, but in book form. He "teaches" seven short stories by bigshot Russian authors, namely Tolstoy, Chekhov, Turgenev, and Gogol. I liked it because: I've always wanted to get my MFA! Also, I like Saunders's writing, and I like to discuss and analyze literature with other readers. This hit every point. Read this if you like: Russian literature; George Saunders; learning about the craft of writing.
	What Strange Paradise Omar El Akkad This is: a slim novel about a nine-year-old Syrian boy who washes ashore a small, insular island, and the teenage girl Vanna who attempts to rescue him. I liked it because: El Akkad has made a topic that we would like to ignore (refugees and their plight) the subject of a beautifully written book about children. It is a book that stuck with me. Read this if you like: Chris Cleave's Little Bee; books set on islands or in very small worlds; books about immigrants and refugees.
	*The Memory Police* Yōko Ogawa, Translated by Stephen Snyder This is: a dystopian novel about an island where items are disappearing, along with any memories of them. But a few people can still remember, and this is not allowed. I liked it because: it's gorgeously yet tightly written and extremely thought-provoking. Read this if you like: Japanese writers like Kazuo Ishiguro and Haruki Murakami; dystopia; magical realism.