Minh's 2022 Reading List
the one year I met my reading goal [48]:
For five years now, I have been doing a year-end book recap. I did it first on Goodreads, brought it to LinkedIn last year, and decided to share it with you all this time around on Substack.
We are going to make this sweet and short. I debated on whether to write this summary post but I do get a lot of questions on the things I read so here we go.
Let me know your favorite reads from this year.
OVERVIEW:
Number of books read: 46 (goal was 45 🎉)
Full book list: Follow me on Goodreads for details on 46 of them.
Fiction/Nonfiction split:
Person of color (POC) authors:
It’s important for me to read a wide variety of authors as I found myself reading excessively from Caucasian authors a few years back, partly due to the books’ prevalence and availability.
BEST READS:
Know My Name by Chanel Miller (recounting Chanel’s experience in the Brock Turner Stanford rape incident in 2015. This book was surprisingly hopeful and written about trauma in the most beautiful way one could imagine. Chanel is a fantastic storyteller and I highly recommend this book for both men and women)
Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (spectacular storytelling with a strong female lead. I find myself rooting for Evelyn so much for her strength, sharpness yet vulnerability. Taylor Jenkins Reid’s best book for sure)
Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez
Home Body by Rupi Kaur (compelling poems about the women’s experiences with their bodies, family, and love)
Atomic Habits by James Clear (this book reframes the way I look at consistency and habits for the last quarter of 2022 and onward. Actionable and easy read, it would be a great gift for any self-help aficionado)
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan (explores and traces the American food system, from corn to cow and cereals. It’s fascinating and eye-opening)
This is going to hurt by Adam Kay (witty diaries of an OBGYN junior doctor in the UK. For me personally, reading three-fourths of his actual diaries is enough because the stories are repetitive but overall insightful books into the life of a junior doctor aka a resident in America.)
Sorry, I’m late I don’t want to come by Jessica Pan (I read this at the beginning of the year with the intention of becoming more outgoing. I did step out of my comfort zone a lot this year so try it out if you need some encouragement)
NOT-SO-GREAT READS:
These aren’t terrible but they fell flat from the hype they were getting in my opinion.
Is Everyone Hanging out Without me by Mindy Kaling
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena
How to Fall in Love with Anyone by Mandy Len Catron
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahiti
INSIGHTS FROM READING:
Writing good fiction is incredibly difficult. Good modern novels are rare to come by.
With nonfiction, I prefer books that were written from research or rich personal experiences.
Good writers establish great context for readers to latch onto.
To be a good writer, either has outstanding writing skill or be concise.
2023 INTENTIONS
I want to read more fiction and novels in the new year. I will also try to read more classics :)
Give me a recommendation for good fiction in the comment section or reply to this email.
Thanks all for a wonderful year, this will be my last post. See you in the new year!