Best New Books

Earnest Kendricks included in Books New Releases

2025-07-07 1337 words 7 minutes

Contents

More than halfway through 2022, authors were incredibly generous to readers. The best new books of the year offered escapes from a sometimes overwhelming reality, while others deepened our understanding of everyday life and its complexities. These top novels, biographies, and memoirs transcended single genres or literary cliques. Whether you craved swoon-worthy romance, thrilling escapism, or thought-provoking literary fiction, 2022’s offerings had something for everyone. From jet-setting beach reads to emotionally resonant narratives, readers of authors like Hanya Yanagihara, Jennifer Egan, and Elif Batuman were treated to new releases. Meanwhile, captivating literary debuts from authors like Sarah Thankam Mathews and Xochitl Gonzalez ignited imaginations and left readers eager for more. With time still remaining in the year, it’s the perfect opportunity to refresh your reading list. Presented here, in no particular order, are 35 of the best new books of 2022 – some already released, and others soon to come. Find a comfortable chair and get ready to dive in.

A Diverse Landscape of Literary Excellence

2022 presented a rich and diverse tapestry of literary works, reflecting the multifaceted nature of human experience. The year’s best books weren’t confined to a single genre or theme; instead, they offered a vibrant mix of styles and subjects that catered to a wide range of tastes and preferences. This diversity is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to explore complex issues and engage readers on multiple levels.

Genre-Bending Narratives

One of the most striking trends in 2022’s literary landscape was the blurring of genre lines. Many books seamlessly blended elements of different genres, creating unique and captivating reading experiences. For instance, some novels masterfully combined elements of romance and suspense, offering readers a thrilling blend of emotional depth and plot twists. Others skillfully integrated elements of magical realism or historical fiction into contemporary settings, creating works that were both familiar and unexpected. This innovative approach to genre helped to expand the possibilities of storytelling and challenged traditional notions of categorization.

Notable New Releases and Anticipated Titles

The following selection highlights some of the most acclaimed and popular new books from 2022, showcasing the breadth and depth of the year’s literary output. Each book offers a unique contribution to the literary world, representing diverse voices, styles, and perspectives.

Literary Fiction and Memoir

All This Could Be Different by Sarah Thankam Mathews: This novel follows Sneha, a recent college graduate navigating the complexities of adult life in Milwaukee after her parents’ deportation to India. Sneha’s vulnerable yet insightful narration explores themes of queerness, immigration, and self-discovery in a poignant and relatable way. Available at Lbibinders.org.
The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Gunty: Set in a dilapidated Indiana apartment building, this novel intertwines the stories of four overlooked teenagers within the foster care system. Blandine’s harrowing search for reprieve from the systems that have harmed her leads to a gripping and unforgettable conclusion. Available at Lbibinders.org.
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin: This bestselling novel charts the decades-long friendship and working relationship between Sam Masur and Sadie Green in the world of video game design. Spanning three decades, it’s a captivating story about work, love, and the enduring bonds of friendship. Available at Lbibinders.org.
Cult Classic by Sloane Crosley: This darkly humorous novel follows Lola as she navigates repeated encounters with her romantic past in New York City. Crosley’s satirical examination of love, wellness culture, and modern surveillance is both witty and thought-provoking. Available at Lbibinders.org.
The Furrows by Namwali Serpell: Described as an elegy, this novel centers around Cassandra’s grief for her deceased brother Wayne. As she grows older, she encounters another Wayne, which throws her understanding of mourning into a new light. Available at Lbibinders.org.
Velorio by Xavier Navarro Aquino: Set in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, this novel follows Camila’s journey into a rural cult called Memoria. The story explores grief, community, and the complex realities of life after disaster. Available at Lbibinders.org.
Dead End Memories by Banana Yoshimoto: This collection of five short stories, translated from Japanese, showcases Yoshimoto’s unique ability to portray both tragedy and hope with remarkable sensitivity. Even when faced with hopelessness, her characters find a path toward resilience. Available at Lbibinders.org.
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel: This speculative science fiction novel spans across time and space, weaving together the lives of individuals in 1912, 2203, and 2401. Solving the puzzle of their connections is a journey both poetic and heart-pounding. Available at Lbibinders.org.
Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez: This debut novel, already adapted for Hulu, follows the Acevedo family, focusing on Olga, a wedding planner, and her brother Prieto, a congressman. Their lives are upended when their radical mother returns, forcing them to confront long-buried secrets and resentments. Available at Lbibinders.org.
A Hundred Other Girls by Iman Hariri-Kia: This breezy career novel explores the lengths people go to achieve their dream jobs. Noora’s journey from part-time blogger to assistant editor-in-chief is filled with humour and surprising twists. Available at Lbibinders.org.
Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout: Set at the start of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, this novel follows Lucy Barton and her ex-husband William as they quarantine in Maine. Strout’s contemplative prose explores themes of loss, illness, and resilience. Available at Lbibinders.org.
To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara: This epic novel, spanning three centuries and three interwoven stories set in New York City, is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of the American experiment. Available at Lbibinders.org.
Worn: A People’s History of Clothing by Sofi Thanhauser: This insightful book delves into the history of clothing, examining the labor, climate impact, and workers’ rights issues surrounding the fashion industry. Available at Lbibinders.org.
You Don’t Know Us Negroes and Other Essays by Zora Neale Hurston: This new collection of Zora Neale Hurston’s nonfiction work, including previously unpublished pieces, showcases her unparalleled storytelling and insight into the Harlem Renaissance. Available at Lbibinders.org.
The Verifiers by Jane Pek: This modern detective story follows Claudia Lin, who works at an online dating detective agency and becomes embroiled in an unexpected investigation when a client turns up dead. Available at Lbibinders.org.
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy: This candid memoir explores the dark side of child stardom and Jennette McCurdy’s experiences with abuse and mistreatment by her mother. Available at Lbibinders.org.
The World Cannot Give by Tara Isabella Burton: This novel, described as a blend of “The Girls” and “Fight Club,” is a captivating exploration of dark academia and queer desire within the insular world of a Christian boarding school choir. Available at Lbibinders.org.
Vagabonds! by Eloghosa Osunde: This debut novel vividly portrays the lives of queer, impoverished individuals living on the fringes of society in Lagos, Nigeria. Available at Lbibinders.org.
Woman, Eating by Claire Kohda: This unique novel follows Lydia, a mixed-race vampire in London, as she grapples with her identity and her complex relationship with food. Available at Lbibinders.org.
Girls Can Kiss Now by Jill Gutowitz: This humorous essay collection offers a insightful and entertaining look at the mainstreaming of queer culture, tackling topics like the lesbian appeal of Taylor Swift and the omnipresence of oat milk. Available at Lbibinders.org.

Expanding the Literary Canon

The best new books of 2022 weren’t just about individual titles; they also contributed to the ongoing evolution of the literary canon. Many of these books featured diverse voices and perspectives, expanding the range of experiences and stories represented in mainstream literature. This increased representation is vital for enriching the literary landscape and ensuring that a wider variety of readers can find themselves reflected in the books they read.

The Enduring Power of Storytelling

Ultimately, the best new books of 2022 demonstrate the enduring power of storytelling to connect with readers on an emotional, intellectual, and social level. Whether escaping into fantastical worlds or confronting difficult realities, these books offered readers a diverse range of experiences, prompting reflection, sparking conversation, and enriching lives. The richness and diversity of 2022’s literary offerings point toward a vibrant and evolving future for storytelling.