2022 FIVE STAR FAVOURITES

HELLO! Welcome to my first, and funnily enough, final post for 2022! I know, such an odd time to start a blog at the end of the year...but when you really think about it, it's actually the perfect time. This year, for me anyway, was probably my best and worst year. Best, as it got me out of the long reading slump I had been in since being pregnant. As for it being the worst year...now that's a whole different story that I will leave for another time.

I thought to base my first blogpost on my five star favourite reads of 2022, because, if you're like me, you sometimes need a little inspiration for your TBR list for the next year, right? I know I'm always tweaking my TBR and adding SO MANY BOOKS that I find on Bookstagram! And let me tell you, its very exciting finding some wonderful reads. I'd have to admit though, 2022 was a rollercoaster of a year with reading. I read some really wonderful reads (which you will soon see) and some very horrible ones that I wish I could erase from my memory. I'm sure I am not the only person who has experienced this this year. Anyway, enough with the babbling and lets get straight into it. Grab a snack, sit back, relax and enjoy my 2022 Five Star Favourites.

FAVOURITE SERIES READ THIS YEAR

The Cemetery of Forgotten Books - Carlos Ruiz Zafon

This series has been around for a very long time and its a series that holds a place very close to my heart. I remember first discovering The Shadow of the Wind ten years ago and immediately falling in-love with it; labelling it as my all-time favourite novel. This series is based in historic Barcelona and follows the adventures of Daniel Sempere. I don't want to go into too much detail about the plot as I want to leave it as a surprise for you all. BUT, I will say this...if you love mystery, thriller, plot twists, poetic lines and meaningful quotes as well as unforgettable characters, then my friend, this series is for you! It starts off as a book about a book and then ventures off into thrilling adventures that take place in wartime Barcelona.

This series taught me patience and that was to push through book two- The Angel's Game. A lot of people enjoyed this book when they first read it, and many didn't. Myself included. HOWEVER, the saying ''patience is a virtue'' definitely applies here as you learn to appreciate and actually understand how pivotal book two is in the series when you read the final book; 800+ pages long and unputdownable. So, when it comes to the time that you decide to pick up The Cemetery of Forgotten Books series, remember this post and push through- it'll be worthwhile, trust me.

A little side note, Zafon released a fourth book that is partly related to the series before he unfortunately passed away. This fourth book is a book of short stories that intertwines with some of the characters from the previous books. It is not important to the series; nevertheless a beautiful read if you're in the mood for something short and sweet.

Thursday Murder Club- Richard Osman

Where do I begin with this series? I picked up The Thursday Murder Club (book 1) during a random Kmart shop. I saw it, skimmed the blurb and thought ''this is right up my alley'' and didn't think twice about it. If you know me, you will know that I am a HUGE sucker for a whodunnit. Agatha Christie...hello! big fan over here! Anyway, I DID NOT regret this sudden purchase! Richard Osman has created a masterpiece; mixing comedy, mystery and thriller all in one series. This series is about four septuagenarian who solve murders! Absurd right? I thought so too until I began reading the first book and could not put it down! I absolutely LOVE this series so much! It has become my comfort read and my happy place. The characters are adorable, the humour, the plot twists, the witty comments! FAN-FRICKEN-TASTIC! Each book was given 5 stars from me and it is definitely a series I will re-read many, many more times in the future. The series doesn't end here though, there is a fourth instalment coming out next year and I can't wait to get my hands on it!

Well done Osman, you have become one of my favourite whodunnit authors! Very excited to see what trouble these septuagenarian get up to in book 4!

FAVOURITE STAND-ALONE READS THIS YEAR

Gallant- V.E. Schwab

Over the years exploring BookTube, Bookstagram and now BookTok, I have heard time and time again about V.E. Schwab and how much of a great author she is. Boy, how everyone was RIGHT! All I can say is, I can't believe its taken me this long to pick up one of her books- but I am very happy Gallant was my first book to read of hers. Gallant is a young adult gothic horror/mystery and in my opinion, the perfect book to pick up during spooky season.

I absolutely adored this book! You know those sounds on TikTok and Instagram that says something along the lines of ''as soon as I finished this book I wanted to turn back to read it again''? Im paraphrasing here so I'm hoping it rings a bell. Anyway, THIS IS THAT BOOK! I finished the book and had the urge to start it ALL OVER AGAIN! Why? because I LOVED it! It was a gorgeous read! I loved Olivia (the protagonist) and every characteristic about her! I loved the writing- it was so lyrical and so beautifully written- Schwab described the setting so perfectly that I could clearly envision it as I was reading. I got lost in the world Schwab created, and although it was scary, I didn't want to leave it. I feel like the way this book ended could be extended into a series or even a duology. That's just me wishful thinking though. Highly recommend giving this book a go!

While the Baby Sleeps- Stephanie Hazeltine

This book was an ARC that was sent to me by the author. I was asked to read and review it on my Instagram, Goodreads and Amazon. I thought, ''sure why not, the title seems good lets give it a go.'' AM I GLAD THAT I DID! This book was amazing! Thank you to Stephanie Hazeltine for sending this through to me! I powered through this book and was hooked from the very beginning right through to the end. A little warning though (and it is mentioned in the book as well), this contains some triggers of domestic violence and mental health issues such as PPD and anxiety.

I loved this book so much because it mixed a murder mystery with real life experiences. This book is relatable to those who are parents, especially first time mummas like myself! Being a mum, I found that I could really connect with the characters at a different level. Through the story, Hazeltine has portrayed motherhood so accurately, and illustrates the different perspectives of motherhood and how it can affect women both physically and mentally.

If you're an Aussie mum like myself, then you will find many relatable and hilarious quotes throughout this story, so I highly recommend having sticky notes on hand! This book was written wonderfully and had the perfect balance of humour and drama.

The Island of Missing Trees- Elif Shafak

Last, but definitely not least, is Elif Shafak's The Island of Missing Trees. You may be asking, ''why is there a Cyprus flag at the back of this photo?" Well, you will soon find out.

Before reading this book, I was stuck in a reading slump throughout November and the beginning of December. I would pick up books, books that were my usual go-to genres, to only put them down and disappointedly marked them as DNF (did not finish). I just could not find a book that I could connect with and it was beginning to frustrate me. I was then introduced to Elif Shafak from a fellow Bookstagrammer and saw this title on my feed. Once I read the blurb, I immediately clicked 'add to cart' on Amazon and had it delivered the next day. Picking this book and reading it was the best decision that I have made and the cure to my silly end-of-year reading slump.

The Island of Missing Trees is a historical fiction alternating back and forth from London to Cyprus (hence the flag above), exploring the past and the present. The story reveals the life and love story of two people from the opposite ends of this beautiful island. It is not just your everyday love story, this story is unique and extremely special. I won't go into detail because this is a story you want to go in blindfolded and let it unfold as your read through.

I fell involve with this book from the very beginning. The first line on the first page- and that's no exaggeration. This book touched home for me; both culturally and through an array of family aspects. The Cypriot culture from both sides (the Greek and the Turkish) is portrayed perfectly, allowing you to gain a proper insight on how life in Cyprus truly was during the civil war. As for the writing and storyline...absolutely BRILLIANT! The writing was beautiful and poetic, the characters, the plot and even the little plot twist at the end made me love and appreciate this book even more. I have finished this book and honestly, I can't stop thinking about it. A heartwarming, moving and gorgeous read.

BOOK OF THE YEAR

That's a wrap of my five star favourites of 2022. As you can see above, I have read some wonderful books this year, and I have even more intriguing books lined up for 2023. To end the year, I like to overlook the books that I've read and pick my book of the year. This year was a little challenging, but I am confident with my choice.

The book of the year for 2022 is definitely, without a doubt in mind, The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak. If you haven't read this yet, I highly recommend adding this to the top of your TBR list for 2023! I can't wait to see what everyone thinks of it!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Very excited to see where 2023 takes The Book Agent. Stick around and subscribe to my blog to find out!

Signing out for the first and last time this year,

Andrea.

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