This year I challenged myself to read 13 specific books while still reading other books of course! This is something I’ve decided I want to do again this upcoming year, sticking with the same number of books.

I chose a wide variety of books to read in 2021, but there will be quite a few differences for 2022. There aren’t any series I’m currently looking to finish, but there are some I’m looking to start. I want to read a classic novel or two. I won’t be reading any other fertility books for the time being. And because 2021 knocked my mental health and self-confidence on its ass and made me question almost everything about myself, I’m going on a bit of a mental health kick for 2022. I do think I have an excellent balance of Fiction and Self-help/Non-Fiction books, so I’m excited to share this list with all of you! First I’ll start with the Fiction books and then move into the Non-Fiction books.

1. The Name of the Wind

Many of my friends have recommended this book to me, some of them even saying it is their favorite book! With rave reviews like that, I had to pick up a copy for myself to read! It is a part of a series and I have the second book on my bookshelf (recent thrift find), so I’m really hoping I like it!

2. Jane Eyre

I know this novel has been around longer than any of us have been alive, but admittedly when it comes to classic novels, they’re a hit or miss with me. If anyone asked me what my favorite classic novel is, it’s a tie between Dracula and The Picture of Dorian Gray. But one day while thrifting for books, I came across this really nice edition of Jane Eyre and bought it. So if I like it, I’ll have a really nice edition to keep on my shelf and if I don’t like it, well then someone else can have the joy of finding it while thrifting for books one day!

3. The Count of Monte Cristo

Whatever I know about this book I learned from Once Upon A Time in an episode where they briefly touched on the character of Edmond Dantes. I can’t even say for sure what I saw was accurate because Once Upon A Time definitely took creative liberties! But I found it cheap while looking for books, so I figured I’d pick it up and give it a read one day.

4. Dracul

So I’m not 100 percent sure this book is Fiction, but from the description on the inside jacket, it feels like it could be a Non-Fiction book, but with elements of Gothic Fiction woven into it. I’m not really sure. All I know is if it’s Dracula/Bram Stoker related, I want to read it.

5. Carve the Mark

I was and still am a huge fan of the Divergent series (though the ending of Allegiant made me angry and don’t even get me started on how they ran the movie series into the ground). I know I’m late to the game on this one, but when this book first came out I was reading so many other books and focusing on so many other things that this book fell off my radar. One day while thrifting for books I came across it and decided to pick it up and finally give it a read. Do I think it will be as good as Divergent? I’m not sure, only time will tell!

6. In The Shadow of Dracula

The vampire craze will NEVER be over for me. I will always love a good vampire novel. So when I came across this book while thrifting, I knew I had to bring it home with me. I’m very excited that this book has John Polidori’s “The Vampyre” in it as well as “Carmilla” by J. Sheridan Le Fanu and also “Dracula’s Guest” by Bram Stoker, though I already own that book! This book is filled with so many good vampire stories that I can’t wait to stick my teeth into it! (And yes, the vampire pun was necessary).

7. The Book Thief

This is another book I’m late on reading, but I came across it while thrifting for books and figured what the heck. I’ve heard some people say this book is an absolute must read, so I’m curious to see what the hype is.

8. The Five Love Languages

I’ve had several friends tell me this book is a must read because it helps you understand what you need to be shown love by a partner and vice versa. Apparently it also helps with communication! With my engagement ended and me not fully being sure how to love/what I need to feel love/how to not have a failing relationship, I’m hoping this book can help me out a bit because I need it!

9. You Are Enough

The title pretty much sums up why I bought it. I’ve spent most of 2021 feeling like I’m not enough and I need to change that way of thinking. In 2022 I want gain the belief that I am enough and hopefully, this book will aide in that!

10. Into the Magic Shop

The title of this book is really what drew me to it, but the back summary really made it sound interesting. I haven’t really figured out what I’m hoping to gain from this book, but I’m interested to see what it has to offer!

11. Let Go of the Guilt

This another book where the title sums up why I bought it. In 2021 I was made to feel guilty about so many things, which led to me becoming unhappy and very self-critical. I’ve spent most of 2021 beating myself up over something and its made me hate myself and constantly feel like a failure and like I’m letting everyone down. So in 2022 I want to break away from all those feelings and stop feeling guilty over every little thing I say or do!

12. Joy at Work

Confession time- I don’t like my job. Honestly, I only do it because it pays the bills, I have a decent amount of freedom throughout the day (I can take my lunch whenever I chose, I can use the bathroom when needed without telling anyone, etc), but there are definitely aspects of it I hate. Until I’m able to have the job I want, I have to stay at the job I have and find a way to make it work better for me. So I’m hoping this book will help me with that.

13. Wonderbook

I’ve had this book since I was working on my undergraduate degree. It’s one of the few textbooks I kept. I remember reading small sections of it, but I’ve never taken the time to read through the whole thing. So I decided 2022 will be the year I finally read through the whole book! It has some really interesting illustrations, so I know it’ll be an interesting and fun read for me!

So those are my 13 books for 2022! What do you think of the list? What books are on your to-read list for 2022? I would love to know! I hope everyone has a great week!