Fav Reads!

We're at that point where I had to take a moment and reflect on my reading journey so far in 2022. According to Goodreads I'm 2 books behind in my goal. Whatever. I'm not too bothered since I'm at 22/50. However, I like to take time and look through the first half of the year and what books stand out.

This year, I had five that I chose without a second thought. No middle grade in here right now, although I did read some really great MG books this year (Amari and the Night Brothers, Forget Me Not, The List of Things that Will Not Change). The books below just stood out for me.

In no particular order:

1) All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir-- I'm not really ready to talk about this. It took me a month to read it because I knew getting started I was in for heartbreak. And then I needed many emotional breaks throughout. It was heavy and it was good and just make sure you have kleenex from the beginning because Sabaa Tahir does not hold back. The writing is beautiful, making the story of three strong and resilient people so heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. Just read it. I'm still recovering, but it's an important story.

2) What I Carry by Jennifer Longo--This is another story where you might want your kleenex, but Muir, the main character won't stand for it. And there is so much growth in her story! I finished this one in just a few days.

3) The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune--I wasn't really sure what I was getting into with this one, but I fell in love almost immediately! Linus is a prickly character who believes in following rules to the T--which is why he's been chosen to investigate how a certain group of strange and powerful magical youth are being treated in their home. He has to determine what is right for these children and if it's the same thing as following the rules. It's so easy to love Linus, even though he would hate it if you said so and get all grumpy about it.

4) Small Favors by Erin Craig--This might be my favorite of the entire year so far. It was one of my first reads of 2022 and every time I think about it, I am taken back to Amity Falls where Ellerie lives with her family in an idyllic little town. There's an underlying magical quality to the village where she lives and although it seems innocent at first, things turn sour quickly. With so many possibilities, it's hard to figure out who is the culprit to all the terrible things that begin to happen. I was very intrigued with this book and will probably read it again.

5) Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley-- Daunis has never fit in. Not with her white family and not on the Ojibwe reservation. She's thrust into a criminal investigation when she witnesses the murder of her friend and has to decide if uncovering the truth will be worth ostracizing herself even more from her community. I really loved Daunis and her strength and determination. Plus the unfolding of this mystery was really done well and I was surprised multiple times as Daunis discovered certain truths.

What have your favorites been so far this year? Have you read any of these yet?