Books That Captivated Me in 2022

After a long year of silence, I'm back with a new series that’s more exciting than ever. I originally planned to include this post in my year-end gift guide, but it turned out to be too lengthy, so I decided to split it into two parts. As an avid reader, I want to share some books that I believe are worth your time.

This year, I haven’t been able to read as much as I used to due to health issues, but every time I do pick up a book, the experience is still incredibly rewarding. I’ve categorized the books for easier selection, ranging from cookbooks to both fiction and non-fiction, in hopes that you’ll find something that resonates with you or your loved ones. Below are some newly released books from 2022 that I think are definitely worth a try.

Notable Cookbooks of 2022

The Miracle of Salt by Naomi Duguid takes us on a fascinating journey into the world of salt, covering everything from recipes to food preservation techniques. While I can't follow the recipes due to health reasons, exploring how salt plays a role in global cuisine through Duguid's writing has been truly delightful.

Rambutan introduces readers to the unique and sometimes forgotten dishes of Sri Lanka. Since there are few Sri Lankan restaurants in Ottawa, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful collection of images and mouthwatering South Asian recipes.

On the Himalayan Trail by Romy Gill offers an exploration of the culinary traditions of Kashmir and Ladakh, featuring over 80 recipes. In the midst of a complex political backdrop, Gill aims to preserve and share the unique stories and dishes from this region.

Best Fiction of 2022

Five-Part Invention by Andrea J. Buchanan is a seamless novel spanning five generations of women, enduring and passing down their traumas from one generation to the next.

Let There Be Light by Liana Finck presents the creation story from a refreshingly humorous and creative perspective. This may not be a gift for everyone, but if you have a sense of humor and enjoy creativity, you will surely appreciate this work.

Afterlives by Abdulrazak Gurnah follows four main characters in Tanzania from the German colonial period to independence. It paints a vivid and poignant picture of an era disrupted by East African colonization.

Must-Read Non-Fiction of 2022

River of the Gods by Candice Millard recounts the perilous adventure to find the source of the Nile, a thrilling tale intertwined with colonial history and fierce competition among explorers.

Indelible City by Louisa Lim draws readers into the power struggles in Hong Kong, from oppression under British colonial rule to the current suppression by China.

Wired for Music by Adriana Barton illustrates how music helps us navigate social challenges like anxiety and loneliness, while also positively impacting our memory and sleep.

An Immense World by Ed Yong explores our planet through the lens of various animal species, turning complex science into an engaging narrative.