You have a choice. You can either skip straight to the list of favorite books, or you can read through my political statement. I chose to run this list on Independence Day. I know of a number of women who are choosing not to observe Independence Day this year, saying the Supreme Court has taken away their rights. I agree. I’m not interested in celebrating a country where it’s important that people have a gun, but the rest of us fear to go to church or the grocery store or a concert. Children shouldn’t have to learn to cover themselves with blood and hide from a gunman in order to survive.
I also know that there are book bans throughout the country as organized groups of people try to ban books, and even entire subjects of books, in schools and public libraries. Again, that’s a loss of freedom. As a librarian and a person who cares about other people and our rights to lead a life that will allow us to pursue happiness, I’m opposed to book banning, censorship, the loss of women’s rights, the loss of our right to walk into a public place without fear of losing our lives.
I never have done much on July 4th. This year, though, I chose to move my Favorites of 2022 list to Independence Day. It’s to observe that I still do have the right to read what I want. That right has not been taken away from me yet. I’ve been writing this list for several years now, sharing my favorite books from the first half of 2022. I will say, there haven’t been a lot of books that jump out at me this year. There were some good books, and ones that I praised here. But, ones I can remember details? There aren’t very many. My favorite book of the year isn’t even released until September, but I’m going to share it anyways because I read it in the first six months. And, it will give you a heads-up to watch for this book. In fact, there are several books on this list that come out in September, but I’ll end with my favorite standout.
May you continue to have the freedom of read.
When I reviewed Connie Berry’s fourth Kate Hamilton mystery, The Shadow of Memory, for Library Journal, I said it was ““A seamlessly plotted mystery for fans of English puzzles.” I was my favorite of the mysteries featuring the American antiques dealer who is in England. Kate is appraising a painting supposedly by Dutch master Jan van Eyck, while also looking into a connection with an abandoned house, and teenagers who once broke in to try to solve a mystery. Those teens, now adults, are dying unexpectedly.
I loved John Scalzi’s science fiction novel, The Kaiju Preservation Society. Scalzi handled COVID beautifully. His novel showed New York City shutting down, and the loss of jobs, but that wasn’t the primary focus of the book. After COVID, Jamie Gray is stuck as a dead-end driver for food delivery apps. That is, until Jamie makes a delivery to an old acquaintance, Tom, who works at what he calls “an animal rights organization.” Tom’s team needs a last-minute grunt to handle things on their next field visit. Jamie, eager to do anything, immediately signs on. What Tom doesn’t tell Jamie is that the animals his team cares for are not here on Earth. Not our Earth, at least. In an alternate dimension, massive dinosaur-like creatures named Kaiju roam a warm, human-free world. They’re the universe’s largest and most dangerous panda and they’re in trouble. It’s not just the Kaiju Preservation Society who have found their way to the alternate world, though. There are problems with billionaire tourists to this alternate world who think they have rights to ignore all the rules that keep people and Kaiju safe.
Kathryn Lasky’s Light on Bone introduces Georgia O’Keefe as an amateur sleuth. Light and shadow, life and death are seen through the artist’s eyes. O’Keefe is living at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico when she finds the slain body of a priest in the desert. The plot includes several other murders, Georgia’s burgeoning romance with the local sheriff, and an international espionage plot involving Charles Lindbergh (who is staying at the ranch with his wife Anne). Release date is Sept. 6.
Last year, Mary Bly’s Lizzie and Dante was one of my favorite books. Mary Bly also writes historical romances under the name Eloisa James, including a delightful romance called How to Be a Wallflower. When I reviewed it here, I said, “Pure joy. If you asked me to describe Eloisa James’ historical romance, How to Be a Wallflower, my best description would be pure joy. There are two wonderful lead characters, some excellent supporting characters, and humor as well as the romance. There’s also a connection to theater.” Miss Cleopatra Lewis, a wealthy heiress, is pitted against the American owner of theaters in 1815 London when she buys a costume shop from under Jacob Astor Addison. He offers her a deal she can’t refuse in this business rivals to lovers romance. Delightful.
The Rising Tide is Ann Cleeves’ tenth Vera Stanhope mystery. Reunions are common devices for murder mysteries, but Cleeves puts an unusual twist on that trope. This haunting novel reads as if it was a standalone. While the focus is on characters, including Vera’s small police team, Cleeves does a masterful job in introducing each of them. And, the ending is shocking, worth reading just for that knock-out punch. For fifty years a group of friends have been meeting regularly for reunions on Holy Island, celebrating the school trip where they met, and the friend that they lost to the rising causeway tide five years later. Now, when one of them is found hanged, Vera is called in. Learning that the dead man had recently been fired after misconduct allegations, Vera knows she must discover what the friends are hiding, and whether the events of many years before could have led to murder then, and now. Vera is reflective in this book, looking back at her own life as she ages, again wondering about her relationship with her deceased father. But, she also wonders about the members of her team, Joe, Holly and Charlie. “She’d never really trusted her team to do the important things without her. About time she learned that lesson and gave her team some freedom to act alone.” Release date is Sept. 6.
I know I just read Lorenzo Carcaterra’s Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride, but the quiet story and the character of Nonna Maria stand out for me. Nonna Maria has two mysteries to deal with, two problems, in this book. But, the woman who has lived on Ischia, an island in the Gulf of Naples, for her entire life, is known for solving problems. The people of the town turn to her for advice and solutions. The phrase “the wisdom of Solomon” is remembered because of stories of his problem-solving. In this case, it’s the wisdom of Nonna Maria. This quiet book about a woman who loves her island, the town, and its people, is perfect for troubled times.
Deanna Raybourn’s Killers of a Certain Age is my favorite book of the year, so far. Think of the movie, RED, with four women with the skills of Helen Mirren. Billie, Mary Alice, Helen, and Natalie have worked for the Museum, an elite network of assassins, for forty years. Now their talents are considered old-school and no one appreciates what they have to offer in an age that relies more on technology than people skills. When the foursome is sent on an all-expenses paid vacation to mark their retirement, they are targeted by one of their own. That’s when the women realize they’ve been marked for death. But, never underestimate four women in their sixties with a set of skills honed for forty years. Watch for this one. Killers of a Certain Age is wonderful. Release date is Sept. 6.
In July, I never know which of these books will end up on my final list of favorites for the year. But, if the three books on this list with release dates of Sept. 6 are any indication, we’re in for a wonderful second half of the year in books. May we still have the independence to enjoy them.
I take your words quite seriously, Lesa. I take them to heart, and i agree with them, completely. I worry for where we are right now. This year will be, i believe, a definitive year for our country and who we’ll be in the future.
That said – i love your list. I can’t believe I haven’t read ANY of these books! But they are now on my list. Two in particular. Kathryn Lasky’s Light on Bone and Deanna Raybourn’s Killers of a Certain Age.
Now I’m going to ponder my own favorites of the year so far . . .
And, those two books have something in common, Kaye. Sept. 6 release dates, and strong, independent women.
Thank you for your support.
Lesa, I agree with all you have to say here although I could never say it so well.
And thanks for the list of your favorites so far. I have The Kaiju Preservation Society (but haven’t read it yet) and will get Killers of a Certain Age when it comes out.
Thank you, Tracy. And, I’ll remind you about Killers of a Certain Age when my review runs in September.
Total solidarity Lesa. It’s getting bad enough over here, but what is going on in the US just now truly shocks everybody I know. The US gun culture is incomprehensible to us. The threats to the rights of women, children, minorities of all kinds, animals – in fact to everyone except wealthy, entrenched, old white men – are unfortunately all too real both sides of the Atlantic.
Your list is so enticing – for me, especially the books by Lorenzo Carcaterra, Ann Cleeves, Connie Berry and Kathryn Lasky. Is Georgia O’Keefe meant to be the real artist? (Sorry if that’s a dim question…)
That is not a dim question at all, Rosemary. Yes, Georgia O’Keefe is based on the real artist. She was in New Mexico at the time of this book. She had just sold a painting for a record high amount for her. There are many true parts to the story, although the murder and the romance are not. But, I enjoyed seeing the desert and the light through her eyes.
Thank you for your support.You’re right – everyone except wealthy old white men who are too old and too set in their ways to still be in power. Although one of our most disgraceful Supreme Court justices is an old Black man married to a wealthy, entrenched white woman.
Well said, Lesa. It is hard to believe that this is what our country is becoming
It’s just so hard to watch, Jennifer.
Amen.
It’s funny, because Jackie was saying much the same thing about July 4 yesterday. I totally agree with you. In the past we’ve done what some might consider “patriotic” things on July 4 – we’ve been to fireworks shows in places like Shaker Heights, Ohio and Foster City, California, watched the tall ships in New York harbor, even spent July 4 abroad in London (it was very weird being there on July 4) and Edinburgh. Every time you hear some politician say, “that’s not who we are” you have to think, yes, that is who at least some of us are, sadly.
I’ve read the Scalzi and enjoyed it too. He does some interesting things with gender in this book.
KILLERS OF A CERTAIN AGE is definitely one I will look out for.
And, Jeff? You notice we’re referring to it as July 4. It’s not Independence Day for so many Americans. Jackie is right. And, I remember how proud I was in 1976, watching all the patriotic events on TV all day. I was at Stone Mountain, Georgia as a young teen, and the patriotic music by a college band, and the fireworks were inspiring. Today it’s just a day off work. I’m 65, but I worry for my nieces and nieces-in-law.
I loved Killers of a Certain Age. I’ll be reminding people of it with my review in September.
Lesa, thank you, thank you. I don’t feel a bit festive this year, for all the reasons you lay out. Listening to a public reading of Frederick Douglass’s “What, To the Slave, Is the Fourth of July?” speech yesterday made me even less inclined to party hard on a day that doesn’t signify independence for so many, even now – especially now.
Even though Connie Berry is my distant cousin-in-law, I’ve only started reading her series, and I love it. I have the new book on the top of my TBR stack! And I appreciate the other recommendations, especially the Georgia O’Keefe sleuth. (I’m writing a well-known historical figure as my lady PI’s friend and accomplice, but I haven’t dared to write in her voice – will check out how Lasky does it.)
Thank you, Edith, for caring. I think there a lot of us, women and men, who feel as if our country let us down this year. If a few words make others feel better, or think about it, that’s good.
I’m glad you’re enjoying Connie Berry’s series! I’ve been honest with her in my reviews and notes. I detested a character in one of them, and she found that funny.
I hadn’t read one of Kathryn Lasky’s books in years, but I always liked her writing. This one emphasized the artist’s view of light and shadow.
Lesa, you’ve heard of Easter eggs, right? Keep your eyes peeled. Thank you for including The Shadow of Memory.
I just hope I catch the Easter eggs, Connie!
Thanks, cuz! You know how much I love your Quaker Midwife series.
Your words captured my thoughts exactly. I feel we live in such troubling times and so will not be celebrating our country today. Thank you for today’s list of books. Luckily my local library has not been banning books so I will spend this July 4th reading. I loved the newest Vera Stanhope and the Connie Berry (I feel that series continues to impress) and just started the Nona Maria. Since the airports seem to be a complete mess I will travel to Ischia through this book! Also looking forward to the latest by Deanna Raybourn. She lives locally and I have enjoyed both of her previous series. Love the sound of this one.
It feels like a perfect day to read about women or read books by women authors, Susan. Edith Maxwell wrote a note just above yours on my blog, and I can recommend her Quaker Midwife mystery series. I agree that Connie Berry’s books just seem to get better. I wish we could travel to Ischia in reality after reading this book. Yesterday, I finished one set in Tuscany. That would do as well! Oh, Deanna Raybourn. She knows how to write about women I admire.
Lesa,
I read your political statement, completely agree with you, and really appreciate you sharing your feelings. There isn’t much to celebrate this Independence Day. I’ve been uneasy and at loose ends for awhile now. I have, however, read several great books so far this year. They are “Take My Hand” by Dolan Perkins-Valdez, “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus, “Matrix” by Lauren Groff, and “Hour of the Witch” by Chris Bohjalian. They didn’t all come out this year, but they’re my favorite reads of the year so far.
Linda, I too enjoyed Lessons in Chemistry. Such a strong female character; I imagine many of us have known women like her.
Linda, Like you, uneasy and at loose ends describes my feelings. My sister and I call each other to vent. It helps to have someone to complain with. I’ve heard so many good things about Lessons in Chemistry. When the holds list disappears at the library, I’m gong to have to pick up that one. Thank you for your own list of favorite reads this year! Sending emotional hugs.
Lesa, thank you for this. For the books, which are all going on my TBR list and will bring me comfort. And for your thoughts on the 4th. I’m feeling the same way. There’s no independence today. Thank goodness for this community and strong women.
Thank you, Claire. I appreciate all the comments today. It means there are so many of us out there who feel the same way today. In fact, I think we’re the majority, but the minority has had too much clout in recent years, and continues to have it. If surveys are correct, the majority of people do not agree with the Supreme Court on their last decisions.
Lesa– Thank you so much for this post. It meant a lot to me to read it this morning.
Thank you, Wendall.
I agree with everything you said! I’m not as good at expressing myself as you are so I’m really glad that your readers are getting to read about how a lot of us feel. I have eight grandchildren and one great grandchild and there will be more on the way before long. I’m having a hard time dealing with the world that they will be living in. I also fear it is going to get worse. Thank you for expressing your thoughts and mine as well.
The Rising Time and Killers of a Certain Age are both books I’m looking forward to reading! I, too, am glad that I still have the freedom to read whatever books that interest me.
I know, Carol. It’s hard to think of the world the next generations will inherit. I hope we can change it before they have to deal with our mistakes.
And, as you said, books are important to all of us here. I’m glad we still have the freedom to read them. Sending hugs.
Good morning! Lesa, I wouldn’t add anything to what you said–I agree with everything. On Saturday night we attended a local July 4th celebration, complete with fireworks. Before the (fabulous) band started playing its first set, there was a lot of recorded patriotic music, and the crowd seemed enthusiastic about it. I couldn’t help wondering, though, which of them actually agree with the horrible things that have been happening.
As for your list of books, I totally agree with the Connie Berry series and am proud to have Connie as a Facebook friend. The first time you recommended the Eloisa James book, I bought it on Kindle and am looking forward to reading it. And I can’t wait to read the new book in the Deanna Raybourn series–I didn’t bother requesting it on NetGalley because the publisher is Berkley and–well, you know . . .
I hope everyone has a happy 4th. Since we’ve already been to a holiday celebration, I think we will just be enjoying my younger son’s barbecuing later today.
Margie, you made me chuckle with your comment about Berkley. I don’t even bother any more knowing they’re not going to approve my request.
Margie, I think a number of people are just afraid to express their true feelings when they’re out in public and in their communities. It does make you wonder how many actually feel differently, doesn’t it?
The new Deanna Raybourn is not in the Veronica Speedwell series. But, she does dedicate it to all those feminists who are feeling rage. That’s a great dedication.
Thank you for your commentary. Not to mention the reading suggestions!
You’re welcome, Ed.
Lesa, thank you. For the books, which will all go on my TBR list, and for your words. I fed the same way. There is no independence today. Thank goodness for this community and strong women.
Thank you for this post. I would like to add that I would like to live in a country where I don’t have be labeled as a Staunch Conservative or Commie Socialist Liberal-no in-between. I fear for my grandchildren every day they go to school with the gun violence. And despite whether I am pro or against abortion, I do believe you don’t go backwards and as a woman, it should be my choice.
My favorite books so far this year were These Silent Woods, Unlikely Animals, Adult Assembly Required, and Remarkably Bright Creatures. I have the new Connie Berry on my reserve list from the library. I am anxiously awaiting my turn.
Enjoy your day off!
Thank you, Sharon. You’re right. It’s not easy to live in a country in which we find ourselves labeled, but, then white women have had it easy compared to so many others who are labeled by their skin color, and have been for their entire lives. I wouldn’t ever call myself pro-abortion. But, pro-choice, yes. Every woman should have the right to make the choice that is best for her. And, pro-choice does sometimes mean she chooses what is best for her own health, physical or mental.
You have two books on that list that are ones everyone has been raving about – Adult Assembly Required and Remarkably Bright Creatures. I just don’t know when I’ll get to them with my schedule.
Sharon, I hope you like the book!
Thanks Lesa for your post. Don’t forget we also recently lost the right to federal regulation of clean air & water as the Koch political manipulations pay off.
And Covid is showing its power once again. The warning has been raised to high in my county and the new variant isn’t intimidated by prior vaccinations or acquired immunity.
On the bright side I haven’t read any of the books on your best list, so possibly some entertainment in store for the second half of the year.
You’re right, MM. Unfortunately, I wrote this post before that EPA decision by the court. It took me a while to write it, and to think about what I wanted to say. I never went back to add anything.
Yes, COVID is getting worse here. A friend has it who was so careful for the previous two years. I’m afraid we’ll all get some variant eventually.
I hope you find a book or two that you enjoy.
The perfect note for a difficult day, Lesa. Thank you! And look at all that fabulous reading ahead!
Thank you, Leslie. It is a difficult day, isn’t it? Oh, and I”m lucky because I have the new Spice Shop mystery coming up!
Lesa, you have articulated my sentiments exactly. The Supreme Court has made three horrific decisions in the past few weeks that will alter the way many in this country live. And much of that court will be in place for decades. I fear for those young children and wonder what their lives are going to be like.
Your books sound delicious. I have not read any of them, I love the Connie Berry series.
Enjoy your reading today.
Thank you, Jeannette!
It’s just frightening, Jeannette, thinking of the future with that Supreme Court in place.
Everything you said! Thank you Lesa for the well chosen words. And the books! Always the books!
Thank you, Karen.
Thank you for the book list. I always value your reviews. As for SCOTUS, let’s not forget that they also stripped Native Americans of sovereignty on their own land, ruling that outside law enforcement can intrude and take over cases that occur under tribal jurisdiction.
Thank you for all of this. Thank you.
Thank you, Molly.
I’m with you, Lesa. My husband and I haven’t celebrated the 4th in a long while. We’ve gotten so fed up with neighbors shooting off illegal fireworks so late at night. I especially don’t like the ones that shakes the windows and vibrates throughout the house. Now, I choose not to celebrate for the reasons you’ve mentioned. Now, for the books. I really like the Vera series. I’ve enjoyed watching Vera on PBS. Now, I need to catch up on all of the books. Happy Books Day!
Thank you. Happy Books Day to you, too, Bonnie. Yes, this is the third night in a row there have been fireworks here. Enough already.
My friends are not celebrating,, i responded with hope. woke up in the middle of the night and wrote a poem about not bending to injustice and standing for our freedom. Then there was a shooting today in the town where I visited my aunt as a chidl, people gathered for a parade, a white male shooting innocents from a rooftop.
We have to demand more gun control!!!!
I know. We do have to demand more gun control, Carolee.
Thank you for this, Lesa. And, as always, for the book recommendations as well.
Thank you, Clea.
It’s hard to believe where we are as a country now. I read about events on January 6 and am ashamed that we had Trump as a. President. Books are an escape and we must always support our libraries. Looking forward to the new Ann Cleeves/love all of her books.
Yes, Dionna. So hard to believe what a dark road we’ve gone down in just a couple years.
We need books as an escape. The new Ann Cleeves is excellent.
Thank you for saying what so many of us think. Very difficult times. I look forward to reading your recommendations.
Thank you, Cathy. Yes, we’re living through difficult times.
Lesa, we went over to my daughter’s and son-in-law’s cabin on the Wabash River outside Mt. Vernon. They had a fish fry for family and friends. We had a lovely time, and I was happy to see people. But tonight, I couldn’t bring myself to watch “The Capitol Fourth” on PBS like I do most years. With the attacks of our democracy and women’s rights and then a new shooting today at a Fourth of July parade, I didn’t feel like listening to songs about our country.
While I haven’t yet read any of the books you picked, they all sound like great reading. I guess I’ll do my half year picks, too, but my reading has been so slow this year, I feel like I’m playing catch-up and not getting any early reading done.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and reading with us.
Thank you, Kathy. I’m glad you had family time. But, I understand about not watching “The Capitol Fourth”. It just didn’t work for me this year.
Well, Elly Griffiths had enough books out to probably make your half year picks right there. (smile)
Hugs, Kathy. I hope you’re doing okay post-surgery.
Agreed—it was a low holiday. I just received Nona from Murder By the Book in Houston and I’ve ordered Killers of a Certain Age as well!
I hope you enjoy both books, Becky. I really liked Nona. I loved Killers of a Certain Age.