Earlier this week when I posted by Top 25 Fiction Books Read of 2022, I mentioned that it was a really great reading year for me. I could easily feel comfortable recommending over half of the books I read this year. Because I had so many strong reads, I decided to break this year’s top books list in two categories of fiction and non-fiction. For my top non-fiction selections this year, I have ten to share with you. I didn’t read as many non-fiction as fiction selections, so proportionally it makes sense that there are less titles here to tell you about.
My topics are a bit all over the place but they are mostly of the memoir genre. I have to admit that I did find myself exhausted and a bit bored this year from specifically the celebrity memoir realm, so I am guessing you will see me read less of that in 2023. Since I have less titles here than on my fiction list, I will write a bit about each one for this list.
Top 10 Non-Fiction Books Read in 2022
Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story – Bono – I loved this book although I will say it is long, so long. I highly recommend the audio – Bono narrates! And he will even sing to you! U2 has been a common thread and enjoyment throughout my life and I loved learning the stories behind theses 40 featured songs and what was going on when they were written. While I already knew a great deal about Bono’s humanitarian efforts I loved learning much more. He also offers a glimpse into his family life, which he has done a pretty stellar job of keeping private for so long.
Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle For America – Cody Keenan I think many people shy away from books that appear to be politically leaning but in this case I would urge you to reconsider. Keenan was a speechwriter for President Obama and I found it pretty fascinating to learn of some of the processes, strategies and everything that goes into this effort. I also loved learning that Keenan is a bit of a procrastinator.
Fight Like A Mother: How a Grassroots Movement Took on the Gun Lobby and Why Women Will Change the World – Shannon Watts This past year I have become a little bit involved in Moms Demand Action and Everytown and wanted to learn as much as I could. I am in awe of Watts who has made more movement in the act of common sense gun laws than probably any else. She is a powerhouse! I have added her to the list in my head of people I don’t know personally but would love to have over for dinner.
The Happiest Man on Earth – Eddie Jaku This should be required reading for all humans. I think I have only said that once before (Know My Name by Chanel Miller). This heart wrenching memoir of Jaku and his family will rip at your soul. But as he states, much more eloquently than I, we have to keep talking about the events of the Holocaust and never forget.
When Breath Becomes Air – Paul Kalanithi – This is a deeply profound memoir, written by a young neurosurgeon as he faces his journey with terminal stage 4 lung cancer. His entire existence comes into question and as a husband and young father he contemplates what makes life meaningful and worthy of living. Not a happy book, but very thought provoking.
I’m Glad My Mom Died – Jennette McCurdy I have to admit, I hate the title and almost didn’t read it because of that. It’s uncomfortable, right? The whole book is uncomfortable, so that is the point. It sickens me that as I stood in my kitchen washing the dishes or making dinner while my own kids had these Nickelodeon shows on, these atrocities were occurring to these kids on the other side of the screen.
The Storyteller: Tales of Life & Music – Dave Grohl – I enjoyed this on audio, narrated by Grohl. I did complete it shortly before the tragic death of his bandmate so as that news hit, I was probably a bit more in tune with what a loss this was for him than I would have been otherwise. While I am not a giant Foo Fighter fan (I don’t dislike them either), I really loved how “real” Grohl came across and his humble nature. He knows what he’s got and he is most appreciative.
A Bittersweet Season: Caring For Our Aging Parents and Ourselves – Jane Gross While this is not the most current book on the topic, I stumbled on this and it was a valued resource for me this year. It opened my eyes to some solutions I had not thought of and also helped me find other resources out there I had not yet considered. Due to it’s age, there is some info that is no longer accurate, however I do find it too be a valuable book.
Best Wishes, Warmest Regards, The Story of Shitt’s Creek – Daniel Levy, Eugene Levy Catherine O’Hara Yep, I am including a coffee table book, because it is THAT good. I love Shitt’s Creek and everything about it. This fun filled beautiful photo heavy book is loaded with little stories from the show that made me want to start watching it all over again.
The Comfort Book – Matt Haig – This is quite different from Haig’s fictional works (which are among my favorites as well). Perfect for anyone looking for hope in uncertain times.
I look forward to another great year of reading in 2023!!! Enjoy the holiday week and Happy New Year!
