Ranked roundup
The best books of 2022
25 ranked · updated June 2026
The best books of 2022 reflect a year defined by the intersection of high-stakes emotional exploration and rigorous investigative inquiry. From the sweeping, trauma-informed narratives of Sarah J. Maas to critical examinations of American history and global power, these selections capture the diverse intellectual and escapist appetites of readers.
How this ranking works
Ranked by a Bayesian-weighted score combining each title's average rating and rating count (minimum 20 ratings to qualify, weighted toward titles with more votes), filtered to books released in 2022.
A Court of Silver Flames
Sarah J. Maas
This novel earns its top ranking through a profound exploration of trauma recovery and the complex, evolving dynamics of sisterhood in a high-fantasy setting.
House of Sky and Breath (Crescent City)
Sarah J. Maas
The story secures its place by expertly weaving intricate political intrigue with a high-stakes, forbidden romance set against a vibrant, contemporary urban fantasy backdrop.
The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story
Nikole Hannah-Jones, The New York Times Magazine
This work is essential for its expansive, revelatory reframing of American history that forces a necessary confrontation with the foundational impact of slavery.
The Complete Maus: A Survivor's Tale (Pantheon Graphic Library)
Art Spiegelman
Its inclusion is justified by the masterful use of the graphic novel medium to convey the heavy, intergenerational weight of Holocaust survival and family trauma.
Red-Handed: How American Elites Get Rich Helping China Win
Peter Schweizer
The book earns its spot by providing a chilling, investigative look into elite corruption and the geopolitical tensions currently shaping the relationship between major superpowers.
Reminders of Him
Colleen Hoover
This narrative succeeds through its raw, emotional portrayal of grief and the difficult, often painful path toward redemption and second chances in life.
Rich Dad Poor Dad
Robert T. Kiyosaki
This classic remains a staple for its unparalleled ability to simplify complex financial literacy concepts, making it a foundational text for personal wealth management.
November 9: A Novel
Colleen Hoover
The novel is highlighted for its compelling examination of fate and the lingering effects of past trauma on the possibility of a new romantic future.
The Great Reset: Joe Biden and the Rise of Twenty-First-Century Fascism
Glenn Beck, Justin Trask Haskins
This title is included for its provocative commentary on political polarization and the perceived threats to traditional American economic structures and social governance.
Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History
Art Spiegelman
This foundational work remains a masterpiece for its honest, unflinching depiction of the father-son relationship set against the backdrop of historical tragedy.
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Shelby Van Pelt
The story earns its spot through a unique, touching narrative that links the intelligence of an aquarium octopus to the human experience of long-term grief.
The Love Hypothesis
Ali Hazelwood
This book is recognized for its successful blend of academic tropes and romantic tension, providing a lighthearted yet emotionally resonant look at modern relationships.
Interesting Facts For Curious Minds
Jordan Moore
This collection earns its place by satisfying intellectual curiosity through a vast, curated array of fascinating trivia spanning history, science, and global pop culture.
Life Force: How New Breakthroughs in Precision Medicine Can Transform the Quality of Your Life & Those You Love
Tony Robbins, Peter H. Diamandis
This book is included for providing actionable, science-backed insights into precision medicine and biotechnology designed to optimize physical longevity and personal health outcomes.
Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order: Why Nations Succeed and Fail
Ray Dalio
This work earns its spot by offering a deep historical analysis of economic cycles to explain the shifting power dynamics between nations and global empires.
Run, Rose, Run: A Novel
Dolly Parton & James Patterson
A standout among the best books of 2022.
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing
Matthew Perry
A standout among the best books of 2022.
It Starts with Us: A Novel (It Ends with Us)
Colleen Hoover
A standout among the best books of 2022.
Things We Never Got Over
Lucy Score
A standout among the best books of 2022.
The Housemaid
Freida McFadden
A standout among the best books of 2022.
Air Fryer Cookbook: 600 Effortless Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners and Advanced Users
Jenson William
A standout among the best books of 2022.
The Lincoln Highway: A Novel
Amor Towles
A standout among the best books of 2022.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
Gabrielle Zevin
A standout among the best books of 2022.
The Maid: A Novel
Nita Prose
A standout among the best books of 2022.
Common questions
What are the most popular fantasy romance books of 2022?
The most popular fantasy romance titles include A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas, which focuses on trauma and sisterhood, and House of Sky and Breath, which features a contemporary fantasy world filled with political intrigue and magical powers.
Which books should I read to understand American history and politics?
To understand American history and politics, consider The 1619 Project for a new perspective on slavery and race, Red-Handed for an investigation into US-China relations, or The Great Reset for a critique of government overreach and current political polarization.
What are the best graphic novels about the Holocaust?
The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman is widely considered the definitive graphic novel on the Holocaust. It is split into two parts, with the first installment, Maus I: A Survivor's Tale, detailing the history of the author's father during that era.