Zibby Mag

By Zibby Owens

I don’t love “best books of the year” lists because how can any one publication or person definitely say that their list contains the best? According to who? We all have such unique reading tastes and perspectives.

What I can say is that when I look back over the many wonderful novels I’ve read this year, these eight struck a particular chord with me, personally. Whether it was loss, reinvention, overcoming, family, love, or resilience, these novels as a group triggered something in me and kept me reading until the bitter end.

And now, every time I see them on the shelf, I feel like hugging them.

If I were to pick a dream line-up similar to the Zibby Books novels we’re launching in 2023, it would be a mix like this. A strong sense of voice and place; propulsive narratives; and beautiful writing.

I hope you enjoy these reads as much as I did. And for a full list of my “best of” 2022, just listen to the 400 episodes of Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books in 2022.

Start there. Never stop.

Free Love by Tessa Hadley

Set in London in the 1960s, this escapist novel about family, motherhood and rediscovering yourself in midlife is absolutely beautifully written. I still feel like I’m sitting at a vanity with wallpaper behind me as if I’m the main character; Tessa’s descriptive language is so spot-on.

The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb

This lyrical thriller meets coming-of-age tale weaves in the story of a young Black musician and the systemic, generational, and literal obstacles he overcomes on his way to success.

Hurricane Girl by Marcy Dermansky

This quick-witted, trim novel includes what it means to find yourself, where to go to find home, who to trust, and what really matters. It’s funny and spirited and, like all of Marcy Dermansky’s novels, involves swimming!

Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro

This soulful story is as interwoven as a maypole, draped in story, subplot, and soul. Dani Shapiro’s latest novel tackles family life in a small town, mistakes you can’t overcome, and the meaning of life, time, and memory.

We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman

A comedy about having a friend in hospice just sounds wrong, but this hilarious, moving novel by Catherine Newman is one of a kind. You’ll laugh and cry.

The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith

A musician copes with the loss of her mother aboard a cruise ship with her dad only to find love and rediscover herself in this evocative, accessible novel. You’ll feel like you just went to Alaska and back—and that you’ll have more of a grip on your own loss and the notes that accompany it.

Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan

Nora is hilarious and I want to be her best friend. One of the most likable mom protagonists, Nora combines falling in love again post-divorce with motherhood along with her own writing career ending in a caper involving her kids, her love, and her life.

What the Fireflies Knew by Kai Harris

This beautiful novel about the summer of two Black sisters is rich, lyrical, and memorable; a coming-of-age story when what you want is out of reach and who to trust is up for grabs.