There were so many books that captured our attention throughout the course of 2022, both fiction and nonfiction. Today we’re sharing our absolute favorite books of the bunch—the books that moved us and stuck with us long after we read the final sentence. Happy reading!

These are our favorite books we read in 2022…

The Anatomy of Anxiety by Ellen Vora, M.D

Recommended by: Kate

What I loved about this book was how Dr. Vora was able to hold multiple truths of an experience with anxiety at the same time, while challenging the ways we’ve treated mental illness in Western medicine. It reflects her unique experience and training, both as a licensed psychiatrist and functional medicine expert. As I learn how to listen to my body more intently, I find I have a clear understanding of how my lifestyle contributes to swings in my mood, irritability, and physical symptoms. I am thankful for her work.

The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan

Recommended by: Bridgette, Brand Director

I believe that great books do more than just entertain—they leave a lasting impression. This one definitely did the trick! This book was an intense read, yet absolutely captivating. I don’t want to give too much away, but for days after I thought about what “infractions” I’d committed as a mother and how (IF!) I’d survive at this institution.

I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t) by Brené Brown

Recommended by: Greta, Content Creator

I just love Brené and the way she writes. After reading her books, I’m always left with so much to process in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming. She speaks with so much conviction but also so much grace, and I really appreciate that. I think anyone in any stage of life would find enjoyment in this one!

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Recommended by: Kate

The Midnight Library is about one woman who decides to end her life but then finds herself stuck between life and death, with the opportunity to try out different lives she could have lived had she made different decisions. The main character is a mirror for any of us who have ever felt like there’s been a true disappointment in life. This book will likely make anyone who reads it think about life a little differently; it will mean something unique to each reader.

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

Recommended by: Jackie, Editorial Director

I positively devoured this book. It follows Dannie Kohan, a woman who plans her life down to every last detail. She nails an important job interview and accepts her boyfriend’s marriage proposal all in one day. Everything is going according to plan, until she falls asleep that night and wakes up in a different apartment, next to a different man. She spends one hour here, five years in the future; when she wakes again in her own home, nothing will ever be the same again.

Sound compelling? Sure. Is this book what you think it’s going to be? Absolutely not.

This book is about love, friendship, and heartbreak—a story of the most human variety. It ripped my heart wide open and left me thinking about it long after.

A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner

Recommended by: Nancy, Executive Assistant

“A beautiful scarf connects two women touched by tragedy in this compelling, emotional novel.”

I loved the character development in this book. I felt highly connected to each person. It’s historical fiction, which I love, and the storyline weaves together both past and present events in a very engrossing way.

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Kate Arends

Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.