Top 10 of the Year: 2(0)22 Good
Reflecting on 2022 has shown me the reoccurring themes of relationships (platonic and intimate), familial ties, a higher sense of self-proclamation, and the meaning of life as I want it to look. My top 10 books of 2022 are primal to what is coming next in the evolution of Dawnshaeé and the necessity to dismantle my arch nemesis, an inner voice that has taken on the form of desperate social acceptance and pathetic self-doubt.
Considering angel numbers, I must say that this year’s picks are 222 good for their own good and if you’re on the hunt for reads that nudge you to focus your attention on your heart and identity - these are it!
10. How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue
It’s set in a fictional African village that is affected over multiple generations by the corruption of American capitalism and colonialism. The Eclectix the Book Club read Thula’s revolutionary story and left us with so much to unpack along the way. The ending absolutely crushed me.
9. Miracle at St. Anna by James McBride
Historical fiction always holds a special place in my heart and couple that with a book recommendation from my bestie, Shelbey (@ShelbeyAndTheBookstore), this World War II novel stuck with me all year long. If you want to cry, then cry again watching the film directed by Spike Lee, read this one!
8. Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow
Breaking generational curses, one daughter at a time. This is a fairly short but impactful novel. Black Women are often praised for their strength and resilience, but Tara takes to honoring the path that gets them there.
7. Wash Day Diaries by Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith
This graphic novel should be in every Black Woman’s canon. These are the stories that are wrapped in all of our coils in some form of fashion. I enjoyed Wash Day Diaries and the rich detail of Black texture/culture in the artwork. The bonus in this one is my one-year-old daughter loved reading it before bed, too!
6. You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi
Isn’t this on everyone’s year-end list? It’s rightfully so! Meeting Feyi in the middle of her grief, in her attempt to put herself back out there after a major loss is easy to criticize. After the criticism though, you’ll hear the call to compassion to encourage everyone to find their guilt-free joy.
5. Perish by Latoya Watkins
THIS BOOK! Y’all! I cannot imagine what Latoya’s therapy sessions looked like as she was writing this story. Complex and traumatic from multiple points of view, this book led me to my very first Instagram Live discussion. The story is intricate and full of sorrow, please read it (with caution).
4. Last Summer on State Street by Toya Wolves
I cannot recommend this book enough! Toya wrote a story from the perspective of the youth who lived in Chicago’s Robert Taylor Homes in the 90s. There’s nothing like profound fiction that sends you off to further your understanding by conducting research. With this story, I learned so much more about the failures of public housing authorities, gentrification, and Black communities.
3. Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn
Honestly, I knew when I read this in the beginning of the year that it was solidified in my top five. I’m pretty sure my own life events at the time had a great influence on my adoration for Yinka - but I do not regret it one bit!
2. Legendborn series by Tracy Deonn
I’m cheating here, but the Legendborn series is monumental. I’m #TeamBree and #TeamSel, through and through. I would be hard-pressed to find another King Arthurain legend retelling that blows my mind the way the Legendborn series does.
1. Love Radio by Ebony Ladelle
“I’m the blues in your left thigh, trying to become the funk in your right.” ALL OF THE BLACK ARTS NOSTALGIA!!!! Count on me to never fall out of love with YA when it’s done right. Dani & Prince are a reflection of Black kids raised by Blackity Black parents who appreciate the artistry of Black entertainment.