Maybe your New Year's resolution is to go on more walks or eat healthier foods — or maybe it's as simple as reading more. Since you've got the next 12 months ahead of you, you might find a few good recommendations to be helpful when it comes to adding to your reading list.
So, we tapped Goodreads to see what new titles everyone wants to get their hands on this year. Goodreads found 12 books set to release this year that its members (more than 125 million of them) can't wait for. These new releases sit atop members' "want-to-read" shelves.
While not all of these books are available right now — most of them are available for pre-order until their expected release date, so you can have your monthly read planned ahead of time.
From mystery novels to romance reads, these are the most anticipated books of 2022, according to Goodreads members.
What to read in 2022
"To Paradise," by Hanya Yanagihara
This book starts out in an alternate version of America in 1893, but by the time you've reached the end, it has spanned three centuries. As you read, you'll find that each of the characters in each of the three different Americas in this book, despite living different lives, is united by the same things that have tested them. You'll find similar themes of love, wealth, family and paradise. This pick hits shelves on Jan. 11.
"Violeta," by Isabel Allende
New York Times-bestselling author Isabel Allende's newest novel is set to release on Jan. 25. It centers around Violeta, the first girl in a family of five boys, whose life is marked by "extraordinary events" such as the Spanish flu and the Great Depression. It is written in the form of letters to someone she loves, an inspiring and emotional detailed account of her life, and the joys and losses she has experienced.
"Black Cake," by Charmaine Wilkerson
Byron and Benny are left with a lot of questions after the death of their mother, Eleanor Bennett. Mainly, questions about the inheritance she left behind: a traditional Caribbean black cake. She also leaves them with a voice message that tells the story of her life in pieces — and they're left to put them together and share the cake "when the time is right." You can read this book on Feb. 1.
"The Paris Apartment," by Lucy Foley
New York Times-bestselling author Lucy Foley's new novel will debut on Feb. 22. It tells the story of Jess, who needs a fresh start and leans on her half-brother, Ben, who lives in Paris, for a place to stay. When she arrives at his apartment, however, he's not there. Although she comes to the city of lights to escape the past that has been plaguing her, she finds herself digging into Ben's future.
"Young Mungo," by Douglas Stuart
Douglas Stuart's "Shuggie Bain" won the 2020 Booker Prize. Stuart's next novel, "Young Mungo," is the love story of Mungo and James — a Protestant and Catholic, respectively. The hyper-masculine environment around them forces them to hide their true selves, and they eventually find themselves apart. They'll have to do everything they can to find their way together again. It will release on April 5.
"The Candy House," by Jennifer Egan
Bix Bouton is 40, the successful head of a tech company, the father of four kids and hungry for new ideas. After he stumbles into a conversation group, he gets his big new idea: “Own Your Unconscious.” With this technology, you can access every memory you've ever had — and exchange them for the memories of others. Centering around characters whose lives have all intersected at one point, this story tells the tale of love, human connection and privacy. You can find this book on shelves on April 5.
"Memphis," by Tara M. Stringfellow
After Joan discovers she has the power to change her family's legacy, she finds a way to heal with all of the trauma that they have been through — with her paintbrush. Her art becomes a way for her to understand the sacrifices those who came before her made. The story itself spans 70 years, touching upon the generational experiences and the complexities of life that we face both as individuals and as a country. This title will officially be released on April 5.
"Sea of Tranquility," by Emily St. John Mandel
In the latest from the author of "Station Eleven," Edwin St. Andrew has crossed the Atlantic at just 18 years old and finds himself entering a forest when he reaches land. He hears a violin echoing in an airship terminal and is spooked. Two centuries later, a writer features a passage in a book that seems a little too familiar: A man plays his violin in an airship terminal as a forest rises around him. A detective is later hired to unearth the story of this occurrence, and what he finds is nothing short of extraordinary. It will be released on April 5.
"Book Lovers," by Emily Henry
Another read from New York Times-bestselling author Emily Henry, "Book Lovers" centers around bookworm Nora Stephens and editor Charlie Lastra, who've met on more than one occasion (and it's never gone well). While they keep bumping into each other in the small town of Sunshine Falls, North Carolina, where Nora has escaped to for the summer, they can't help but wonder if it keeps happening for a reason. "Book Lovers" will be available on May 3.
"South to America," by Imani Perry
Imani Perry's book is built on the idea that the history of America is more linked to the South than you think and that if you want to understand the country as a whole, you might want to start by understanding this region. In this story, a native Alabaman returns home and looks at her state with fresh eyes — and learns about the stories and experiences of others she's met along the way. By weaving these stories together, Perry has crafted a book that takes you not only below the Mason-Dixon line but also through the country as a whole. It will be available starting Jan. 25.
"The It Girl," by Ruth Ware
New York Times-bestselling author Ruth Ware is back with a mystery about one woman's search to find answers about her friend's murder. The convicted killer might be innocent — and now Hannah must search for the truth all over again, which might hit closer to home than she expects. You can start reading this pick on July 12.
For more stories like this, check out:
- Want to read more in 2022? Here are 4 books to get you started
- Jenna Bush Hager picks 'captivating' dystopian drama for January 2022
- 5 books to read after 'Bright Burning Things' by Lisa Harding
Subscribe to our Stuff We Love and One Great Find newsletters, and download our TODAY app to discover deals, shopping tips, budget-friendly product recommendations and more!
As a seasoned literature enthusiast and avid reader, my extensive knowledge spans various genres and authors. I have immersed myself in the literary world, keeping abreast of the latest releases, critically acclaimed works, and upcoming titles across multiple platforms. My passion for reading goes beyond mere consumption; I actively engage in discussions, literary analysis, and contribute to online book communities.
In the article you provided, Goodreads has curated a list of highly anticipated books for the year 2022 based on the preferences of its vast membership, exceeding 125 million members. This comprehensive selection encompasses a diverse range of genres and themes, catering to the varied tastes of readers. Let's delve into the details of each mentioned book:
-
"To Paradise," by Hanya Yanagihara
- Genre: Historical Fiction/Speculative Fiction
- Release Date: January 11, 2022
- Overview: The narrative unfolds in an alternate version of America in 1893, spanning three centuries. The characters, living in different Americas, are united by common themes such as love, wealth, family, and paradise.
-
"Violeta," by Isabel Allende
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Release Date: January 25, 2022
- Overview: Isabel Allende's novel revolves around Violeta, the first girl in a family of five boys. The story, presented in the form of letters, explores her life marked by extraordinary events like the Spanish flu and the Great Depression.
-
"Black Cake," by Charmaine Wilkerson
- Genre: Mystery/Family Drama
- Release Date: February 1, 2022
- Overview: Byron and Benny grapple with questions surrounding their mother's death, inheritance, and a traditional Caribbean black cake. The narrative unfolds through a voice message that reveals their mother's life in pieces.
-
"The Paris Apartment," by Lucy Foley
- Genre: Mystery/Thriller
- Release Date: February 22, 2022
- Overview: Lucy Foley's novel follows Jess, seeking a fresh start in Paris at her half-brother Ben's apartment. However, Ben is absent, leading Jess to dig into his future while escaping her own troubled past.
-
"Young Mungo," by Douglas Stuart
- Genre: LGBTQ+ Fiction/Romance
- Release Date: April 5, 2022
- Overview: The story centers on Mungo and James, a Protestant and Catholic, navigating a hyper-masculine environment that forces them to hide their true selves. The novel explores their journey to find each other again.
-
"The Candy House," by Jennifer Egan
- Genre: Science Fiction/Dystopian Fiction
- Release Date: April 5, 2022
- Overview: Bix Bouton, a tech company head, explores a new idea involving accessing and exchanging memories. The narrative interweaves characters' lives, focusing on themes of love, human connection, and privacy.
-
"Memphis," by Tara M. Stringfellow
- Genre: Historical Fiction/Family Saga
- Release Date: April 5, 2022
- Overview: Joan discovers the power to change her family's legacy through art. The story spans 70 years, delving into generational experiences and the complexities of life.
-
"Sea of Tranquility," by Emily St. John Mandel
- Genre: Science Fiction/Mystery
- Release Date: April 5, 2022
- Overview: Edwin St. Andrew's journey involves a forest, a violin, and a mysterious occurrence. The narrative, set two centuries later, follows a detective's quest to uncover the extraordinary story.
-
"Book Lovers," by Emily Henry
- Genre: Contemporary Romance
- Release Date: May 3, 2022
- Overview: Nora Stephens and Charlie Lastra, with a history of awkward encounters, find themselves repeatedly crossing paths in a small town. The story explores whether these encounters are more than mere coincidence.
-
"South to America," by Imani Perry
- Genre: Non-fiction/History
- Release Date: January 25, 2022
- Overview: Imani Perry explores the interconnected history of America with the South. The narrative follows a native Alabaman's return home, offering fresh insights into the region's stories and experiences.
-
"The It Girl," by Ruth Ware
- Genre: Mystery/Thriller
- Release Date: July 12, 2022
- Overview: Ruth Ware's mystery novel involves a woman's quest to uncover the truth about her friend's murder, raising questions about the convicted killer's innocence.
This curated list provides a diverse array of literary experiences, catering to readers with varied interests and preferences. Whether you're drawn to historical fiction, mystery, romance, or speculative fiction, there's something for every avid reader in the lineup.
