There were some amazing books published throughout 2022 and library staff are happy to share their top picks for the year. A list with even more of the year’s favourites can be found on our online catalogue.
Historical Fiction – Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall
Incredibly timely and beautifully written! This was inarguably one of Staff’s favourite books of the year and we’re lucky enough to call this debut, BESTSELLING Canadian author a local treasure! We can’t wait to see what she writes next!
Historical Fiction – Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
This feminist historical fiction debut was utterly AMAZING!!! If you want to read about a smart, funny, strong-willed resilient woman look no further. The tag line alone had us hooked from the start: “Children set the table. Your mother needs a moment to herself.”
Fiction – Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
A deeply moving and humanistic story about the power of friendship, learning to overcome grief and grappling with loss and mortality told through the eyes of a dying Octopus and the older woman he befriends.
Mystery/Thriller – The Maid by Nina Prose
Another unforgettable Canadian debut with a protagonist you won’t be able to help rooting for as she tries to clear her name for a murder she didn’t commit!
Fantasty Fiction – Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
A captivating debut YA fantasy inspired by the legend of Chang’e, the Chinese moon goddess, in which a young woman’s quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm.
Romance – The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
A feel good romcom full of fake dating and lots of laughs as a female body guard is forced to protect a famous actor.
Non-Fiction/Memoir – Run Towards the Danger by Sarah Polley
Oscar-nominated Canadian actor/director/screenwriter speaks up in this collection of essays in which she reflects on her life as a child actress on Road to Avonlea, living with a disabled body due to scoliosis, losing her mother at a young age, her experience with sexual abuse, chronic pain, endometriosis and high risk pregnancies, being a working mother and so much more.
Non-Fiction/Memoir – How to Keep House While Drowning by K.C. Davis
A relatable and helpful mental health guide written by a neurodiverse mother with ADHD who struggled trying to manage the simple things of life like cleaning and the various mundane, never-ending chores that often feel overwhelming and anxiety-inducing, especially with tiny humans during a pandemic.
Young Adult Fiction – The Summer of Bitter and Sweet by Jenny Ferguson
A wonderful debut YA novel featuring Lou, a demi/asexual Métis girl living on the Canadian prairies. Ferguson masterfully balances the light with the dark as Lou struggles with generational trauma, family secrets and her sexuality over a summer working with her friends at the family creamery.
Picture Book – Con Pollo by Jimmy Fallon and Jennifer Lopez
Con Pollo: A Bilingual Playtime Adventure is an engaging and hilarious picture book that serves young readers as an introduction to basic Spanish vocabulary, brought to life by superstar team-up Jimmy Fallon and Jennifer Lopez.