Dog-Eared’s Best Books of the Year (So Far)
As booksellers and heavy readers, us staff here at Dog-Eared Books have ready many amazing titles this year. But these books listed below are the cream of the crop (so far). Most are new this year, but some backlist titles are so good we couldn’t help but include them. Consider this our longlist for the best 2022 has to offer.
Amanda: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
I've read a lot of 5-star books this year, but the one that's most delighted and surprised me thus far is "Lessons in Chemistry," an out-of-the-park homerun debut from Bonnie Garmus. The book reminded me of reading "Where's You Go, Bernadette" because of its unique and endearing characters and for its good humor. Elizabeth Zott is a determined chemist thwarted by the sexism of the 1950s. After finding love and losing it and ending up a single mother rejected by her scientific field, she reluctantly finds success as the star of a cooking show that offers more than recipes, maybe even a revolution. This was compulsively readable, smart, and big hearted. Added bonus: a dog named Six-Thirty narrates a portion of the story.
Amy: These Precious Days by Ann Patchett
I already thought the world of Ann Patchett’s writing–she is primarily known for her novels–but in These Precious Days she ventures into essay writing. What I initially felt was good, middle-of-the-road nonfiction ended up becoming a favorite because of how skillfully she grabs you with her ability to show human connection. She writes so poetically, and it’s not cool or edgy, it’s just thoughtful, rich, meaningful writing. I think her essays are such a beautiful example of how to live an authentic life filled with generosity and interconnectedness. One of the stories that struck me most was when she talks about her three different fathers and explains all the different things she’s learned from each of them. Patchett gives them so much credit for what they’ve given her, and I love the idea of thanking those who have shaped our lives, giving credit where credit is due. Ultimately, it’s a beautiful, contemplative collection of essays about a warm, genuinely kind person, and her graciousness, generosity, and kindness leap off the page making it such an enjoyable reading experience.
Bailey: Devil House by John Darnielle
The writing in this novel is genius. John Darnielle dissects what it means to represent other people and events and how those things can be skewed in the name of a story as well as the painful consequences those stories can wreak. True crime writer Gage Chandler lives in the “Devil House” in sleepy Milpitas, California as a part of his writing and investigative method. He attempts to reconstruct the circumstances of the cult-like murders as closely to “truth” as he can - as someone who wasn’t there. John Darnielle makes Chandler present in the narrative even when it appears to be a straight telling of events and draws your attention to the bias inherently present in a single rendition of an event - especially an event whose impacts radiate through communities and time.
Brittany: Rodham by Curtis Sittenfield
Visit the personal side of an iconic public figure through this unique blend of historical fiction and alternative-reality fantasy! I closed the book with admiration for both Rodham-Clinton and the creativity of the author.
Chad: Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake
The wondrous world of fungi are brought to life in this stunning and entertaining read on mycology. Become immersed into the biology, magic, capabilities, uses and power of fungi. Each chapter never ceases to amaze.
Ellyn: The Seaplane on Final Approach by Rebecca Rukeyeser
Mira takes a summer job at a remote Alaskan resort with the hopes that she can earn enough money to stay in Alaska and pursue her crush on a sleazy fisherman. When the couple who owns the resort has a marital crisis, things go off. the. rails. A smart, funny coming-of-age tale. Plus, Rukeyser is an Iowa Writer’s Workshop Grad. This is the book that I can’t stop thinking about.
Jessica: Joan by Katherine J. Chen
The novel opens with ten year old Joan in 1422 and spans her short, young life. Each section begins with a summary of the actual timeline and then delves into true fiction–more of a “what if” take. The writing is brilliant, lush, and descriptive. Joan’s resiliency makes this a propulsive read. Despite the fact that I read this very recently, I can already tell it’s going to stick with me. For fans of Hamnet, Booth, and The Book of Longings.
Katie: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
This is one of the two five star reads of 2022 for me. It started as a challenge I gave myself to step out of my comfort genre and give sci-fi a try. Sci-fi is so intimidating to me because every book looks like a freakin’ tome. Andy Weir, though, is so unbelievably talented that I lost myself in this book. You know that out-of-body feeling where you get when you forget you are actually reading a book and you actually lose yourself in the story? Andy Weir somehow made me “see” and “experience” what was going on in the story without the understanding of the math and science behind it. I have given this book to my dad (physics teacher), my nephew (med school), friends who are English teachers, and high school students and they have all loved it!
Mariah: Babel by R. F. Kuang
It’s hard to express how much I love this book—even just talking about it makes my chest feel as though it is about to burst. Babel is, in a word, revelatory. I know that part of why I love it so much is because it hits exactly at the locus of my personal interests–it’s a novel about translation set in England in the Victorian period. But beyond those simple points this is a book about anti-colonialism and justice with some of the most astonishingly life-like characters I’ve read and a setting I can feel in my bones. It makes me feel angry and sad and achingly hopeful. I already know I will not read a better book this year.
Rachel: Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel
A retelling of South Asian mythology that has given a new voice and story to a character who has been villainized through history. With incredible epic writing, you won’t want to put this down. Kaikeyi will forever be a story I return to. I loved being taken to her kingdom.
Sarah: Florida Woman by Deb Rogers
Jaime has gotten herself in some trouble—let’s just say it involved a whole lot of dollar bills, a bar, a fire, and a pelican—a true Florida Woman story if there ever was one. Blurbed by the Tiger King himself (which, listen, I have a million questions about the Tiger King blurb: “My kind of book. I loved it.” I would give my left kneecap to understand what made this his “kind of book.” Either Joe REALLY didn’t read it or someone is doing some serious trolling here…or maybe both), this book nestles in nicely with the rest of the “Florida School of Lit”. Think Karen Russell’s Swamplandia!, Kristen Arnett’s Mostly Dead Things, and Carl Hiaasen’s Squeeze Me. I’d say the FLorida School is characterized by explorations into that chasm between the glossy amusements and everyday grit, dark humor, and a very honest treatment of the Florida heat and profusion of bugs. A quick romp perfect for disgustingly humid summer weather.
Tanvi: Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
Eleanor Bennett has just passed away but has one last message for her two adult children–an eight hour video in which she shares the story of Corey, a young Caribbean girl who is driven by tragedy to England. Who is Corey? And who really is Eleanor Bennett? An epic family saga that features standout writing and a fully developed cast of characters.
Vince: A Little Life by Hanya Yanigahara
I'd say my top read for the year (so far) is Yanagihara's A Little Life. After I finished the last page, I laid on my floor for, like, a good ten minutes. Let's get this out of the way: it's a heavy read, bleeding with trauma of all varieties. If anyone is averse to tragic backstory, I'd maybe steer clear of this one. But if you choose to read it, I think you'll find it worthwhile. I'd be surprised if it disappointed you - especially with how masterfully developed Yanagihara's characters are. Her characters are deeply, beautifully flawed, and as the characters' lives progress from college to adulthood to the very end of their lives, you witness how their relationships to each other either grow or warp with time. They are textured, lovable, sometimes detestable, and earth-shatteringly vulnerable people who will leave a yawning gap in your heart when you're finished reading.
