My top reads in 2022
Last year I did a blog entitled “My 2021 in books bought from Amazon” I listed the 54 books that I had bought and highlighting my favourite reads. I wanted to share with you the books that have really made an impact on me this year.
So here are my top reads, in no particular order……
A Pocketful of Happiness by Richard E Grant
This is a truly wonderful love story. Richard was married to his beloved wife Joan for almost 40 years. Just reading about their passion, connection and deep love was so moving – it was as if the Oxytocin they created is passed onto the reader through the pages. She died of cancer in 2021. On her deathbed she set Richard and their daughter the challenge to find a pocketful of happiness every day. This is a no holds barred look at grief and life after a loved one dies. A truly special read that I have recommended to many people.
This Much is True by Miriam Margolyes
I want to be like Miriam when I grow up – naughty, funny, rude, cheeky, interesting, open minded, does not care what anyone thinks. The octogenarian actress shares hilarious stories from her life and career. She’s not afraid to name drop. A delightful read
How to Live When You Could Be Dead by Deborah James
The amazing Bowel Babe lived her life with such pizzazz, raising awareness and millions of pounds for bowel cancer, especially amongst young people. Her energy was infectious. This book was published posthumously, leaving us nuggets of how she lived such a full, fun, meaningful life that left a deep imprint on whomever she came into contact with.
Landlines by Raynor Winn
I was hooked after reading her debut book “The Salt Path” where she and husband Moth set off on the walk of their lives after being made homeless. Walking 630 miles of the sea-swept South West Coast Path, from Somerset to Dorset, via Devon and Cornwall. I imagine trail walking is a bit like getting a tattoo or cosmetic surgery, once you’ve done one you are already thinking about the next time. Landlines is about the couple’s response to two years of pandemic lockdown – they decide to walk the Cape Wrath Trail, which is over 200 miles of gruelling terrain through Scotland's remotest mountains and lochs. The lure of the wilderness draw them northwards. This book highlights some of the ecological and environmental concerns Raynor has noticed. A passionate love story with the natural world, as well as her terminally ill husband. Mesmerizing and inspiring in equal measures.
Bigger Than Us: The Power of Finding Meaning in a Messy World by Fearne Cotton
Fearne, creator of The Happy Place festival, embraces all things holistic, from spirituality, faith, reiki, shamanism, mediumship, manifesting, Enneagram numbers among others. I found the book enlightening, thought provoking and beautiful.
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? By Dr Julie Smith
Dr Julie, a clinical psychologist, got famous by posting mental health Tik Toks through the pandemic, recognising that not everybody could afford to access therapy. She shares all the insider tricks of the trade, strategies, tools and exercises that can help manage anxiety, depression and all the ebbs and flows of life.
Happy Sexy Millionaire by Steven Bartlett
After listening to a few episodes of “The Diary of a CEO” podcast I felt compelled to read the book. You can’t deny the rags to riches story from a university drop out with a family going bankrupt to a multi millionaire by the age of 25. This is an honest version of how you can go about bettering yourself and your life and taking a closer look at happiness and what it means.
I May Be Wrong by Bjorn Natthiko Lindeblad
As the name suggests Bjorn is Norwegian born. After a high flying corporate career in finance, in his mid twenties, Bjorn became a Buddhist Forest Monk spending 16 years in the jungles of Thailand. One day he woke up and knew his time as a monk had come to an end. In 2018 he was diagnosed with ALS the muscle deteriorating, incurable disease, that in the end makes it too hard to draw breath. This book is him sharing his wisdom and advice on how to face the uncertainty and doubt that is a natural part of life. Many times, in interviews after leaving the monastery, he was asked about what his spiritual learnings had taught him, after contemplation he replied “not to believe all my thoughts.” Very powerful book and great podcast interview with Fearne Cotton just before he died.
The Misremembered Man by Christine McKenna
It was actually the priest at my church that said this was one of his favourite books. I looked at the blurb and my heart sink as I realised it was set in Ireland and the main character grew up in a cruel, oppressive Catholic orphanage. The book however is not all heartbreak, it focuses on two “lonely hearts” and the search for love. Very funny, laugh out loud.
Stronger by Poorna Bell
A year after her husband died by suicide Poorna starts weightlifting and at first it helped her focus. The book examines Poorna’s relationship between becoming physically stronger and mentally stronger. She explores why so many women are uncomfortable with the idea of female physical strength and intimidated by exercise.
The Wim Hof Method by Wim Hof
After watching the BBC series “Freeze the Fear” where celebrities seemed to have near spiritual experiences in the sub zero temperatures in the mountains of Northern Italy, I became a bit obsessed with Wim Hof and all that he had achieved. I started taking cold showers and even signed up to an ice bath experience.
The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
One of the only novels that made my list. I devoured this book. The novel is set in Cyprus, and the story mostly moves between the 2010s and the early 1970s, right around the time when intercommunal violence between the island’s Turkish and Greek communities escalated. At the heart of the novel is a star-crossed couple: Kostas, a Greek Cypriot, and Defne, a Turkish Cypriot. By the time we reach the 2010s, Kostas and Defne are married, have moved to England, and are raising a daughter named Ada their past still haunts them. Beautiful story with an Olive Tree as the hero!
Things I got Wrong So You Don’t Have To: 48 Lessons to Banish Burnout and Avoid Anxiety for Those Who Put Others First by Pooky Knightsmith
I first encountered Pooky speaking at the University of Reading at an AnDY conference (Anxiety and Depression in Young People – Research Unit). She spoke compellingly about young people’s mental health and gave real practical, actionable tips and suggestions which I loved. This book is a gift. Pooky share’s her knowledge, experience, insights and own mental health challenges including her journey with an eating disorder, anxiety and suicidal ideation. Each of the 48 life lessons shares “what I got wrong,” “what I do now” and a “things you could try” section at the end. Read this book so you have some tools when you encounter similar life challenges.
The Climate Book by Greta Thunberg
Published just a week before COP27 is held in Sharm El Sheik this book provides a direct, rousing and refreshing read. Greta writes introductory chapters to each section of the book with stark conviction. Renowned experts have space to share their messages with skill and clarity. This book is superb at explaining the urgency and importance of preventing climate change. I think this is a book that every home should have.
How to be Your Own Therapies: Boost Your Mood and Reduce Your Anxiety in 10 minutes a Day by Owen O’Kane
Another psychotherapist sharing their inner secrets. Using the latest evidence-based tools and techniques from across a range of therapies including CBT, mindfulness and interpersonal therapy, Owen provides empowering solutions to managing what keeps you stuck so you can move forward – all you need is to invest 10 minutes spread across the day to implement the tools.
Be Yourself and Happier: The A-Z of Wellbeing by Will Young
You may remember Will Young as the winner of Pop Idol in 2002. After having a breakdown in 2011, after his brother died from alcoholism, Will Young went through lots of therapy and interrogated everything he thought he knew about himself, from how his identify was formed, his relationship with fame, how he relied on external validation to form his self esteem. Everything he learnt has been condensed into this easy to access A-Z guide.
So which ones will you add to your Christmas wish list?
I would love to know what books have moved you this year? What are your top reads and what is a must read?