Hey, hey, the very inconsistent writer is back again.

Look at me publishing two blog posts in a month.

What God can’t do doesn’t exist, LOL.

Anyway, I have read many books this year and I am currently on my 16th. Let’s pray that my lazy ass finishes the 16th book on time. I am here to tell you about my favourite books that I read in 2022.

Do I think these books are great? Yes.

Do I think everyone should read them? Also, yes.

Let’s start.

CRYING IN H MART BY MICHELLE ZAUNER

Crying in H mart is a memoir from the acclaimed indie recording artist , Michelle Zauner that explores growing up mixed race, and her mother’s death from cancer.

This book was such a delicate hug. It was a gentle and painful exploration of grief, identity and Korean culture through food. Michelle is a talented writer that would draw you in. There were parts of this book which reminded me of my mother and my relationship with my mother. Overall, the book made me sad, teary eyed even but I enjoyed reading it.

I’M GLAD MY MOM DIED BY JENNETTE MCCURDY

I’m glad my mum died is a memoir that chronicles the life of former actress (iCarly star) and singer, Jennette McCurdy. It tells the story of her career as a child actor, her relationship with her abusive mother who died in 2013 and her life after her mother’s death.

When I first saw the promotions for this book, I thought “How bad could her mum be for her to write this book title?”. People of God, I am here to announce that I finished this book and I wanted to resurrect her mother just to slap her. Be warned, this has a lot of trigger warnings for eating disorders, emotional abuse and alcoholism. Everyday that I read this book, I thought “Would this book finish me emotionally or would I finish it?”. This was a very heavy and gut wrenching book which made me stop several times to catch my breath. A wonderful book that would have you sympathizing with and rooting for Jennette.

PACHINKO BY MIN JIN LEE

This is an epic historical fiction that follows the life of generations of a Korean family that had to immigrate to Japan.

Where do I begin in describing the greatest of this book? Not only is this a great book, it’s an immersive experience. I felt every emotion known to man while reading this book. From sadness, to fear to worry to joy, I felt everything. Min Jin Lee is an excellent writer who explores complicated subjects. She explored themes like identity, immigration, masculinity in minority communities, patriarchy, religion, sex work and many more while weaving the stories of a family through the lens of four generations. I was aware of the Japanese occupation of Korea mostly through my study of fascism but Min Jin Lee does a great job of humanizing the stories of people of that time. I am not a “fiction reader” but I definitely enjoyed reading this book and I definitely recommend.

“Living everyday in the presence of those who refuse to acknowledge your humanity takes great courage”

Min Jin Lee, Pachinko

KIM JIYOUNG BORN 1982 BY CHO NAM-JOO

The general theme of this book is the story of a woman who becomes a stay-at- home mum and later suffers from depression. It focuses on everyday sexism the main character experiences from childhood.

I will be honest by saying, I only read this book because Kim Namjoon of BTS read this book. By now, you probably know that I love him and BTS but if you are unaware, read my review of Indigo, his first solo album here.

I am so glad I read it because it was such a great book. The structure of the book did initially confuse me but I eventually got a hang of it. The story was so intriguing and infuriating. It was especially infuriating because some of the things experienced by Choi Nam-Joo are normal under a patriarchal society. I can see why it caused the controversy it did because it is such an honest work of feminist fiction. A good book that will both annoy you and make you want to change the world.

Have you read any of these books?

If yes, did you enjoy reading them?

If no, would you read them now?

Follow my bookstagram page for more book reviews by clicking the link below.

https://www.instagram.com/whatistomiwareading/

Also, tell me your favourite book or books you have read this year in the comments.

See you later.