The Best Books of Summer 2022

This summer, I read so many good books. Some of them were new releases, and most of them were not, but naturally, I need to share the best books I read so that you can read them too! All the books on this list were five-star reads for me.

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh

This retelling of the traditional Korean folktale about the bride of the sea god, Habaek, is stunning.

It provides amazing setting descriptions and for anyone familiar with traditional Korean culture, there is a lot of richness in this book.

From the traditional folk masks worn by a helpful spirit, the stories that the protagonist shares, and even the plot initially being driven by the Korean concept of honbaek, this book is just a beautiful homage to Korean culture.

Also, for a fairytale retelling, the main character has agency, which can be quite rare with the female protagonists in fairy tales.

Uprooted by Naomi Novik

Can you tell I enjoy fairy tale retellings?

Being the third book in the Lochlann Feuds series, this was the book that I was waiting for when I read the first two. The series as a whole has an excellent s enemies-to-lovers storyline where as you learn more about the characters, you love them more. This is also a great book if you want a bit of light fantasy without all the intense magic systems, but a ton of political intrigue.

While the titular “beast” character (known as the Dragon) is compelling, his behavior can often border on toxic. Yet because the main character is so strong in character, it never actually crosses that line.

The plot was compelling and had me spellbound from the very beginning.

The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean

This is probably the only book that might be more suited to an autumn read, but since it was released over the summer, I’m including it in this list.

I will be posting a dedicated book review on this soon, so stay tuned for more of my in-depth thoughts, but know that this was a five-star book for me that has rich themes around motherhood, patriarchy, and sexuality.

Blindsided by Amy Daws

This is book two in the Harris Brothers World series, a thing I didn’t know until I read (or listened to) this book. However, you do not need to read the other books in this universe to enjoy this sports romance about a virgin who lets her Scottish footballer best friend teach her a thing or two about…well…sex.

I’ll admit, this is mainly a five-star audiobook for me. I don’t know if I would like it as much in print because the duet narration is superb. So definitely consider picking this up in audio if you decide to read it.

Crimson Kingdom by Robin D. Mahle & Elle Madison

I didn’t find out until this year that was largely b I have ADHD. ng for when I read the first two. The series as a whole has an enemies-to-lovers storyline where as you learn more about the characters, you love them more. This is also a great book if you want a bit of light fantasy without all the intense magic systems, but a ton of political intrigue.

How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing by K.C. Davis

This short book was recommended to me by my therapist when I expressed how I have a lot of shame surrounding the task of cleaning.

I have never been a neat person.

I didn’t find out until this year that was largely due to the fact that I have ADHD.

This book has changed how I think about chores. Is my home spotless? No. Far from it. But it’s so much easier to feel motivated to clean when you can approach chores with compassion and without shame.

These were my five-star reads over the summer. What were yours? Let me know in the comments!