My Top Reads and Watches of 2022
‘Tis the season of year-end recaps! And what better way to celebrate the passing of time than to highlight the standout stories that kept us entertained.
So here are my favorite books, shows, and movies of 2022. Want to receive my best recommendations more than once per year? Subscribe today!
Top 5 Books
I’ll be upfront and preface this section by saying I prioritize writing my own novels over reading those of others, so most of this list was not published in 2022.
But I still managed to read over 40 books this year! These were my top five favorites.
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey. It’s not often an author captures lightning in a bottle, but after reading Bailey for the first time, she’s an auto-buy for me now. This Schitt’s Creek-inspired rom-com is absolutely adorable and perfectly balances humor, heart, and heat.
Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen. This fast-paced, immersive story is destined to make it to the big screen—think Crazy Rich Asians meets Hustlers against the backdrop of knockoff handbags. It cleverly challenges the model minority myth while keeping you on your toes the entire way.
Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid. After inhaling The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Malibu Rising, I consider TJR another auto-buy author for her unique talent to keep pages turning. I don’t even like sports, but she’s served another ace with this riveting ‘90s tennis tale.
Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu. Occasionally, I get a suggestion from a friend that rocks my world, and this was my favorite recommendation of the year. Yu delivers a whip-smart, satirical look into Asian discrimination in the entertainment industry, structured like a Hollywood screenplay.
The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn. I already explained why season 2 of Bridgerton sucked so hard, but the book was a wonderful read. Witty, sultry, and smart, it’s a classic enemies-to-lovers romance that any historical fan would enjoy.
Honorable mentions
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Rest Is Resistance by Tricia Hersey
Something Wilder by Christina Lauren
Top 5 TV Shows
It sounds heretical for a writer to admit, but I watch way more media than I read it. So despite the fact that I greatly enjoyed binging Succession in a week and walking down memory lane with the original Gossip Girl series, I had to narrow down to the most relevant this year.
These are my top television shows that premiered in 2022.
Severance on Apple TV+. Rarely does a show take my breath away, but the finale of Severance kept me on the edge of my seat so badly that I had to consciously remember to breathe. The entire cast is top-notch, the pacing is impeccable, and the storytelling raises the bar on the thriller genre as a whole.
House of the Dragon on HBO. This series had no right to be so good, especially after the finale that shall not be named. But by putting women front and center and giving the people what they want with Daemon and Rhaenyra’s taboo romance, HOTD redeems the entire Game of Thrones universe.
Andor on Disney+. Rogue One is one of the best Star Wars films of all time, and its prequel series Andor plays to the same strengths. From the get-go, you know this is not a kid’s show, and I appreciate that it requires your full attention and expects you to keep up. Finally, some nostalgia with substance!
Peacemaker on HBO. I wasn’t expecting to love this DC Comics show so much because superhero burnout is real, but it delivers in the best possible way. Come for the crime-fighting eye candy, stay for the heartwarming tale of friendship, kickass soundtrack, and the most hilarious intro ever made.
Edge of the Unknown With Jimmy Chin on Disney+. I just drafted a rock-climbing romance inspired by Alex Honnold, who makes an appearance on this National Geographic series about the harrowing expeditions of the world’s most elite adventure athletes. Breathtaking and binge-worthy, for sure!
Honorable mentions
The Resort on Peacock
Stranger Things, season 4 on Netflix
The Handmaid’s Tale, season 5 on Hulu
Top 5 Movies
After suffering a slew of sterile blockbusters pre-pandemic, moviegoers like myself are desperate for out-of-the-box narratives. I want my stories on the silver screen to be fun and fresh, smart and sexy, and sometimes a little bit—or very—weird.
These top five films checked all those boxes and more.
Everything Everywhere All at Once by A24. Thankfully, I listened to the sage advice to go into this story without any context. You may know it’s bizarre, but you don’t know how deep the rabbit hole goes. I enjoyed every second of this wild ride, including the cathartic emotional release that comes with it.
Meet Cute on Peacock. This time-loop rom-com feels surprisingly fresh as it addresses mental health, depression, and trauma—peeling back layers with its tongue-in-cheek storytelling. It’s deeper than you think and lighter than you expect, making it a charming, worthwhile watch.
Love and Leashes on Netflix. If you’re at all familiar with Korean entertainment, this movie is a big deal. Starring two mega-famous K-pop stars, it follows a woman introduced to BDSM when she accidentally discovers a leather collar meant for her new coworker. It’s sweet, sexy, and such a delight!
Lady Chatterley’s Lover on Netflix. Unpopular opinion, I’m sure, but I watched 2005’s Pride and Prejudice for the first time this year, and Lady Chatterley’s Lover is what it should have been. You get all of the period drama costumes and romantic angst, but with a hefty bonus of full-frontal nudity. It’s a win-win.
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story on Roku. I’m overjoyed that Daniel Radcliffe gets to take his well-deserved boy-wizard money and spend the rest of his life making the strangest movies. This parody biopic is so gut-bustlingly hilarious, it turned me into the cry-laughing emoji. End 2022 with a bang with this banger!
Honorable mentions
Senior Year on Netflix
The Batman on HBO
The Bob’s Burgers Movie on Hulu
Say Adieu to 2022
As the year winds down, we are days away from punting off all our problems until January. Now’s the time to make that hot cocoa, grab that blanket, and park your butt on the couch for some much-needed relaxation. If you’re interested in treating yourself, I hope these recommendations are exactly what you’re looking for.
And stay tuned because I’ll be ringing in 2023 with a reflection on the biggest lessons I’ve learned during my year of writing and rest. Wishing you all the happiest of holidays!