Central Library will not have the following services available on Saturday, October 12, due to the Heartland Book Fest: tech services, public computers and printing, and microfilm.
Our Favorite Fiction Books of 2022
What books from the past year really resonated with our staff? From pop culture page-turners to mind-melting history reads, we’ve highlighted some favorites that gave us a bit of bookish delight.
Here are our FICTION picks from 2022 - be sure to check out our other lists! Or view our NONFICTION picks »
Use the buttons below to limit the results by reading level.
Idol, Burning Rin Usami
Adults (18+) | Teens (13-18)
A short (115p!) tightly wound story of the affects rabid fandom can have on an individual when the idolized topples from the pedestal. Akari worships J-pop singer Masaki Ueno. When Masaki is accused of assaulting a fan, Akari's world is rocked. How do you reconcile belief in an idol and belief in a person?
Kaite S, Readers Services | KaiteS_KCMO
Even though my days of idolizing teenage heartthrobs are long behind me, I could relate to high-school junior Akari, who goes a little crazy over her idol J-pop star Masaki Ueno. Akari takes her adoration to the extreme, though, and when Masaki’s career starts to unravel after he allegedly assaults a fan, Akari’s entire life starts to unravel as well. The extremely talented and impossibly young Rin Usami has found a fresh, unique way to explore toxic fandom, social media, and alienated adolescence. The book was published in Japanese in 2020, but the excellent English translation was published in 2022.
Judy E, Readers Services | JudyE_KCMO
Fevered Star Rebecca Roanhorse
Adults (18+) | Teens (13-18)
This is the follow-up to "Black Sun" that I also read this year. Wonderful "historical" fantasy originating in South American cultural beliefs where people can actually become the avatar of the gods they worship. Human political aspirations also get mixed in. I can't wait for the 3rd installation!
Vicky P, Special Events
Devil House John Darnielle
Adults (18+)
A wonderful reflection on true crime culture and the ways in which reporting on and observing a story intrinsically makes you a part of it.
Devon M, Customer Service | DevonM_KCMO
Babel R.F. Kuang
Adults (18+)
It explores simultaneously the tension created by the gaps in meaning between cognates, and the tension created by internalized colonization weaving a tense personal, political, and magical drama in higher education during the Victorian era.
Matthew S, Discovery Services | MatthewS_KCMO
Babel uses linguistics to tackle racism and colonialism in a way I've never seen before. The main cast of POC characters is small, but they each feel so real, with their own takes on being transients in an academic setting that exploits their heritages while vilifying them in the same breath. This isn't a happy story, but the main characters form a tight-nit bond that helps them keep their heads afloat as the indignities of their lives press in on them, and as they come to see one another as family, we do as well. I think about this book constantly and consider it essential reading.
Sydney V, Circulation
The Golden Enclaves Noami Novik
Adults (18+)
A great conclusion to a trilogy that, quite honestly, showed me what reading could be once again. I enjoyed the vicious environment, wry humor, and no-compromise conclusion that inevitably had some anyway. The story is concluded, but there could still be an opportunity for more.
Kenneth H, OneNorth Computer Lab
In this finale to the Scholomance trilogy Novik ties up all the loose ends in a very satisfying manner. All the hints and nuggets planted in the first two books come together cleverly and neatly like puzzle pieces. El's self-discovery and mettle-testing journey is far from over even though her life is no longer in danger every waking moment now that she's out of the Scholomance. The stakes are still as high as ever and El still needs her allies to navigate the web of secrets, deceit and power hungry enclavers. There are many twists and heart-wrenching dark discoveries El will have to come to terms with, and you will find yourself turning pages and holding your breath on a few occasions. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys clever plot twists, dark academia and strong female characters.
Mila B, Waldo | MilaB_KCMO
Ear Worm! Jo Knowles
Children (0-5)
This silly story about a little worm with a song stuck in his head is a perfect read-aloud! The entire family will be singing and dancing along.
Josie S, YFE – Central Library | JosieS_KCMO
The Messy Lives of Book People Phaedra Patrick
Adults (18+)
Books are a great common topic, when this house maid befriends a client who happens to be a mega bestselling author but also a recluse magic happens for both of them. When the author passes away, Liv, the maid, has been left with task of completing the final novel of her boss and friend which is life changing.
Angie H, Trails West | AngelaH_KCMO
We Are the Light Matthew Quick
Adults (18+)
A timely and beautifully written novel that highlights the power of art and love and community to heal. The story is told through a series of letters written by a high school guidance counselor to his Jungian therapist after surviving a tragedy. I laughed and I cried as I witnessed the capacity to move from grief to hope in these poignant letters. It is a lovely journey well worth your time!
Nan M, SUB
The Ogress and the Orphans Kelly Regan Barnhill
Youth (6-12)
This is a fairy tale with a town mayor who sows distrust and hate while convincing the town that only he can fix things. Who does that remind you of?
Ron F, YFE/Plaza Branch | RonF_KCMO
Sirens and Muses Antonia Angress
Adults (18+)
This is a wonderful book if you love art and want to dive into the world of artists at university! I liked this book because we get to know four different characters that all have their own views and visions for art. They all have their own journeys and we see how they are also intertwined. This is a great book if you love dark academia, but you want it to take place in the art world. Fans of The Goldfinch and Writers & Lovers will have fun reading this! This is the authors first book and I look forward to more in the future!
Victoria S, Plaza Branch/Materials Handler & Library Assistant
The Con Artists Luke Healy
Adults (18+)
A quasi-autobiographical graphic novel about people learning to maybe not be so terrible. Reminded me of Adrian Tomine's Killing & Dying, but less absurd and more relatable (minus mustache mishaps, perhaps). Stand-up comedy is a central theme; I also enjoyed an online talk between Luke Healy and comedian Connor Ratliff about the book.
Emily A, OneNorth Computer Lab | EmilyA_KCMO
Trust Hernan Diaz
Adults (18+)
Trust is basically the same story about a Wall Street tycoon in the 1920s and his patron-of-the-arts wife told three times from three very different perspectives. As I was reading, I kept thinking, “Why is the author doing this, and at what point does he plan to introduce a plot?” Then, bam, the plot kicks in on the third telling along with two strong and interesting female characters. I’ll be honest and say I almost bailed out, but I’m glad I didn’t. After seeing the method behind Hernan Diaz’s madness, I thought it was brilliant.
Judy E, Readers Services | JudyE_KCMO
I Must Betray You Ruta Sepetys
Adults (18+) | Teens (13-18)
This book is the definition of a page-turner. It's really well written and researched, with plenty of mystery and action. Ruta Sepetys is my new favorite historical fiction author.
Katie A, Central | KathrynA_KCMO
Noodle and the No Bones Day Jonathan Graziano
Children (0-5)
Noodle, the sweetest pug the internet ever knew, went viral on TikTok during the pandemic when he would "forecast" what kind of day we were going to have- a "bones" day full of productivity, or a "no bones" day of laziness and self care. Noodle's human Jonathan wrote this sweet picture book that tells the story of Noodles first no bones day and how everyone can have a bones or no bones day.
Chinesa R, YFE | ChinesaR_KCMO
The Art of Prophecy (War Arts Saga #1) Wesley Chu
Adults (18+)
Everything you love about a good C-drama: dramatic matrial arts powers, cranky older mentors, and a chosen one who is going to be dragged kicking and screaming into being ready for their destiny.
Matthew S, Discovery Services | MatthewS_KCMO
Act of Oblivion Robert Harris
Adults (18+)
A fictionalized account of the 1660s pursuit of two of King Charles I executioners from London across the Atlantic to New England.
Joel J, Library Services | JJinWaldo
We Deserve Monuments Jas Hammonds
Teens (13-18)
I absolutely loved and adored this book very much. Jas Hammonds masterfully tells this layered story of a young woman finding out about her family’s past within a novel that’s about generational trauma and racism. The amount of trauma the three generations of women must peel back is constantly met with tension. The story is hard to read at times, especially when you’re reading about Mama Letty’s past and the town’s racism, but this book wrapped its arms around me and refused to let go until the Harding family’s story is told.
Alisha H, One North Computer Lab | AlishaH_KCMO
Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone Tae Keller
Youth (6-12)
Who can't relate to the pain of trying to fit in and find acceptance in middle school? Newbery award winner Tae Keller takes an honest look at the long-lasting effects of bullying with some possible alien encounters thrown in to keep it interesting.
Josie S, YFE – Central | JosieS_KCMO
I don't believe I've ever read such a poignant account of bullying and how difficult it is to navigate middle school. The difficulties are so well told by a not so innocent by-stander, jumping back and forth between the past and the present. I could hardly put this book down I was so engrossed.
Clare H, Youth and Family Engagement | ClareH_KCMO
My Own Lightning Lauren Wolk
Youth (6-12)
This somewhat slow moving sequel to "Wolf Hollow" is about a girl who sees some of the worst of humanity, but learns to forgive and accept. I makes me want to be a better person.
Ron F, YFE/Plaza Branch | RonF_KCMO
Curfew Jayne Cowie
Adults (18+)
This is a dystopian novel set in a world where women are the ones in charge and men are relegated to second-class citizens. The story is a mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. Not bad for a debut novel!
Chinesa R, YFE | ChinesaR_KCMO
The Liar’s Knot (Rook & Rose #2) M.A. Carrick
Adults (18+)
The continuation of a deliciously complex political fantasy where the lines continue to blur, the deceptions continue to compound, and nobody is quite what they seem. I am in awe that the Tarot system created for this series (the Pattern) was used to cast divination to solve moments when the authors were stuck on where to move the plot next. The concluding volume is due out in August 2023 - it's a great time to get prepared early.
Matthew S, Discovery Services | MatthewS_KCMO
Legends & Lattes Travis Baldree
Adults (18+)
What a warm, fuzzy, good feelings book about finding your home and your found family! Seriously, this is one of those books you can curl up with on the weekend with cozy socks and something warm to drink and finish it with a smile on your face.
Alisha H, One North Computer Lab | AlishaH_KCMO
The Red Palace June Hur
Adults (18+) | Teens (13-18)
In 2022 I really appreciated the comfort of the humble genre book. It was hard to narrow down my favorites. I loved Pek’s The Verifiers, a dating app themed cozy mystery, and Liang’s If You Could See the Sun, which mixes a slice-of-life, supernatural fantasy customer-of-the-week type format (think Hotel Del Luna or xxxHolic) with a private school setting. However, I felt like Jane Hur’s The Red Palace was the most underrated!
The Red Palace is a very well done imperial palace detective story loosely based on the historical figure of the Crown Prince Sado. This is a book that hits so many checkmarks. It’s a crime thriller, but it’s also pretty. Hur effortlessly recreates the historic Joseon setting, reminding me of historic dramas that I loved growing up like Dae Jang Geum or Sungkyunkwan Scandal- not an easy feat for an American book. And like any good costume drama, the romance is chaste but swoon-worthy. For those familiar with Asian imperial dramas, this book will be a familiar comfort- with well fleshed out female characters as an extra bonus. For everyone else- The Red Palace will provide a fresh new cultural twist on the typical murder mystery.
Helen L, Central Youth Services | HelenL_KCMO
The Fortunes of Jaded Women: A Novel Carolyn Huynh
Adults (18+)
The Fortunes of Jaded Women was as funny, heartbreaking, and hopeful. It takes a look into the estranged relationships three Vietnamese sisters have with each other, their mother, and their own daughters, and discusses what it means to forgive and forget (or maybe not forget, when it's convenient), accept your loved ones for who they are, and to not waste time on petty jealousies and grudges. I loved this book for its humor and cast of larger than life yet deeply sympathetic characters, as well as its take on mother/daughter relationships and how meaningful and fraught they can be.
Sydney V, Circulation
Crushing Sophie Burrows
Adults (18+)
I liked it, because it is a graphic novel for adults that is simple, yet complex. You kind of make it what it is due to the lack of words. It has an emphasis on the color red which highlights key points in the book. Simply, it's about two characters who cross each others paths and are looking for love. They aren't quite ready for it and go through life. Eventually, they are ready and they find each other in a random setting. It also brings to mind the pressure of individuals to find someone to love. In reality, people need to find themselves first and be comfortable in their own skin, before seeking out a relationship. When they're truly ready, it'll happen.
Tristan K, Customer Service/SUB
Attack of the Black Rectangles A.S. King
Youth (6-12)
This is a book about censorship in a sixth-grade classroom and how, even when it comes from a position of truly caring about kids, it is an insult to the intelligence of the children.
Ron F, YFE/Plaza Branch | RonF_KCMO
The Butcher and the Wren Alaina Urquhart
Adults (18+)
The ending was very surprising! It is rare that I am this surprised by a book and the writing was phenomenal.
J.H., YFE
Lessons in Chemistry Bonnie Garmus
Adults (18+)
This book was not at all what I thought it was going to be, which reminds me to never judge a book by it's cover! The story of a female chemist set in the 1960s made me thankful for how far we've come, but also think about the work we still have to do. It was a lovely story that I was sad to finish.
Kate T, YFE | KateT_KCMO
The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza Mac Barnett
Youth (6-12)
The unassuming robot at the heart of this crazy adventure story had me at the words "toenail-clipping robot seeking purpose in the vast universe."
RC, Circulation
Sea of Tranquility Emily St. John Mandel
Adults (18+)
If I have to explain why I love this author, it means that you have not read this author. You should immediately read Station Eleven, then Glass Hotel, and then Sea of Tranquility. It was a surreal story about an author that wrote about a pandemic before a pandemic and then wrote about having written about a pandemic in an actual pandemic; also time travel? And moon habitation? So much YES.
Ryan R, Customer Service | RyanR_KCMO
Answers in the Pages David Levithan
Youth (6-12)
This book is an amazing example of how people who would censor books are usually making a big mistake. They may think they are doing something good but usually they miss something that they would get if they would just read the whole book. That's where the answers are: in the pages!
Clare H, Youth and Family Engagement | ClareH_KCMO
Easy Beauty Chloé Jones
Adults (18+)
Every exquisitely crafted sentence of this memoir taught me more about the world and myself. Jones grew up in KS which is only the first connection I shared with the author. Also, she is a working mom, with chronic pain and a chronic desire to understand her place in the world. I'm grateful for the very personal journey that Jones graciously invited me on in Easy Beauty. I had this book on hold for months. Libby notified me of its availability the exact day I tested positive for Covid. For me, it was the perfect quarantine companion.
Lauren P, Philanthropy
In her stunning perfectly written first book, Jones writes about living with sacral agenesis, a physical condition that she was born with--a disability that is impossible to hide and leaves her in pain. Jones goes on a series of trips in pursuit of the meaning of beauty and explores the dichotomy of two types of beauties: one that is obvious and easy to see, and the other that one must work for to fully appreciate. Vivid, often funny, and filled with theories and mediations that will shift the way you look at the world. Not just the best memoir of the year, the best I've ever read.
Mick C, Customer Service | MickC_KCMO
Gibberish Young Vo
Children (0-5)
A young boy fills the cover of this wonderful picture book that brilliantly portrays not understanding the world around you when you come to the US from another country, are sent to school, and do not know English. Then he meets a friend and color begins to seep in while symbols turn into letters. Fascinating art and an insightful story gave me joy this year.
Crystal F, Youth & Family Engagement | CrystalF_KCMO
Last Call at the Nightingale: A Mystery Katharine Schellman
Adults (18+)
First, I love period mysteries. And living in Kansas City, the so-called Paris of the Plains, a good story about bootleggers hits close to home. This takes place in New York in the 1920 during Prohibition. The main character Vivan loves the world of speakeasies and jazz music. This world leads to danger and excitement. Such a fun listen.
Teresa B, Central | TeresaB_KCMO
The Hourglass Throne K.D. Edwards
Adults (18+)
An amazing finale for the first trilogy of the Tarot Card sequence. You can always count on K.D Edwards to create a masterful blend of witty dialogue, action and tragedy.
Abigail C, Westport
The Marvellers Dhonielle Clayton
Youth (6-12)
Harry Potter meets Divergent with diverse characters!
Abbey L, SUB | AbbeyL_KCMO
The Maid: A Novel Nita Prose
Adults (18+)
This book captured my attention because it is subtle mystery and mystique. I loved the main character, and it is a hard book to put down as you desperately hope that things work out!
J.H, YFE
When We Lost Our Heads: A Novel Heather O’Neill
Adults (18+)
I would read literally anything Heather O'Neill writes. Her writing is what I'd describe as ethereal, and she uses the most lovely metaphors to tell her stories. This book is about two young girls who become friends in Montreal in the 19th century and what happens to them throughout their lives. O'Neill challenges her readers to think deeply about gender, power, and class, and about the things a person will do for love.
Kate T, Youth and Family Engagement | KateT_KCMO
The Pet Potato Josh Lacey
Youth (6-12) | Children (0-5)
This sweet story about a boy and his pet potato (his parents won't get him a "real" pet) just goes to show that attitude can carry you a long way ... even if your pet potato starts to get mushy and stink.
RC, Circulation
The Passenger Cormac McCarthy
Adults (18+)
I don't know if I like it. I am still reading it. I am entirely intoxicated to be in new McCarthy prose. It is something, for sure. I have been very much looking forward to it and cannot wait to jump into the coda, Stella Maris.
Ryan R, Customer Service | RyanR_KCMO
A Merry Little Meet Cute: A Novel Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone
Adults (18+)
Two fantastic authors, Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone, pair up for this steamy holiday romcom, where a plus size porn star and a boy band washout with a bad reputation end up shooting a Christmas romance for the squeaky clean Hope Channel (Think Hallmark)- and of course, fall in love. With lots of laughs and plenty of heat (and a few nods to fans of KC BBQ), this is one for those who like their romance spicy.
Diana P, Collection Development | DianaP_KCMO
The Puppy Bus Drew Brockington
Children (0-5)
I have not enjoyed a children's book like this in a very long time. A boy finds himself on the wrong school bus and eventually at a school for dogs. This fun-loving book will fill you with imagination as you dream of a world where this story could become a reality. The story is so fun and made me want to immediately find my way to a puppy bus.
J.H, YFE
Mina Matthew Forsythe
Youth (6-12) | Children (0-5)
Mina the mouse is uneasy when her dad brings home some "squirrels," and with good reason. "Oh I see the problem," said the doctor. "The problem is that these squirrels are definitely cats." Gorgeous artwork, crazy book.
RC, Circulation
When Women Were Dragons Kelly Barnhill
Adults (18+)
When Women Were Dragons blended fantasy and feminism in a way that read like a love letter to women (cis, trans, or otherwise). The characters felt so real and sympathetic, and I joined them in every triumph and heartbreak. The indignities the main character and her family faced still stick with me, but the happy ending they find is well-earned and cathartic.
Sydney V, Circulation
The Stardust Thief Chelsea Abdullah
Adults (18+)
This beautifully written fantasy that draws on One Thousand and One Night stories was a very enjoyable read. In this intricately crafted world jinn are hunted by humans for their silver blood and relics imbued with jinn magic. The story follows two young women violently orphaned as children, a jinn posing as a human bodyguard and a sheltered naïve prince fond of storytelling find themselves on a quest to retrieve a powerful relic lost for centuries. They must overcome their deep distrust and dislike for each other to survive all kinds of magical perils, backstabbing and trickery. For fans of the Daevabad trilogy and folk tales-inspired fantasy.
Mila B, Waldo | MilaB_KCMO
Seven Empty Houses Samantha Schweblin
Adults (18+)
This is a book of seven short stories that will all challenge your perspective on what it means to be home. Some of the stories are dark and creepy, and some are a little silly. All of them will make readers think about the ways in which we connect with the people in our lives.
Kate T, Youth and Family Engagement | KateT_KCMO
American Fever Dur e Aziz Amna
Adults (18+) | Teens (13-18)
I just want to have a word with the publishers here because I don’t understand why this book is not classified as YA. This is a perfect YA book, on par with the beloved classics. It follows a Pakistani teenage girl, Hira, during a one year foreign-exchange trip to Oregon. It takes place entirely in high school. It almost feels as though the publishers decided that because there is literary merit, we should classify it as adult and once again prioritize adults and demean teens and their “teen books.”
Actually, this is an anti-YA book (the exception that proves the rule). It takes YA tropes, especially those found in Very Important Diverse Books That Want To Win Awards, and flips them on their heads. And its funny. Our protagonist is too full of herself to be bogged down by microaggressions- it’s not her problem if others are ignorant. She is also confused by conciliatory immigrant narratives or the American dream- what’s so great about the US anyways? Hira is content being separate and better from everyone else… until she isn’t. Because actually, she does care. And coming of age means finding that line between being witty and irreverent, and being a jerk.
Helen L, Central Youth Services | HelenL_KCMO
Bonus Reads
We admit: We can’t just keep our recommendations confined to a calendar year. Here are more books read by Library staffers in the past 12 months that may not have been published during 2022, but still gave us a literary charge.
The Secret History Donna Tartt 1992
Adults (18+)
Not published in 2022, but I had to see what all of the TikTok hype was about. I immediately added this book to my all time favorites. It's a long one but it is one of the rare few that keep you gripped the whole time. The characters are not good people- within the first chapter you know that they have done something horrible but they're so well written it's hard not to like/sympathize with them. This book is a masterpiece.
Katie A, Central | KathrynA_KCMO
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue Victoria Schwab 2020
Adults (18+) | Teens (13-18)
It's well done. It's So haunting. The whole story vibes Hercules and Megara, sans human strength and a second death. then the plot twists. I appreciated the parallels to mental health, how one copes with loneliness and the people they choose because they're all they have, and the sacrifices we make for the people we love and for a sense of freedom, and how the choices we make in the moment can be so life-changing in the long run and makes us question our decisions.
Adrielle C, Central / Customer Services | AdrielleC_KCMO
The Witch’s Heart Genevieve Gornichec 2021
Adults (18+)
I absolutely loved this book! It’s been on my radar since it was released but due to my ever growing pile of TBRs, it unfortunately got buried… until now! I’ve always loved Norse Mythology, and I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for Loki, so I knew I was going to love a book about one of Loki’s wives
Alisha H, One North Computer Lab | AlishaH_KCMO
Star-Crossed!! Vol. 1-4 Junko 2021-2022
Teens (13-18)
This author is someone I'm very familiar with so when I discovered they were adding new titles to our collection I knew it would be good. In this Idol-crazed manga you find that fans are quite dedicated and sometimes a little too dedicated. Asahina the MC is Chikas biggest fan, and lives a picture perfect life, good grades, student council president, leads by example, all for the sake of being a worthy fan of Chika her favorite of the Idol group P4U. In a twist of fate Asahina and Chika are caught up in quite an interesting situation where they grow and learn a lot from one another whether they like it or not. And it is so fun to follow them throughout the the little mix up.
Flor R, North-East
Witch's Hat Atelier Volumes 1-9 Kamome Shirahama 2017-Current
Adults (18+) | Teens (13-18)
I liked it, because a lot of manga are geared towards children. This series was well developed and could be appropriate for 11 yr olds and up. I was surprised by it's detailed magic system and character development. The plot is well formed and builds. Overall, it was a great read and I'm excited for more! The first volume was released in 2019, the most current 2022.
Tristan K, Customer Service / SUB
The Girl in His Shadow Audry Blake 2021
Adults (18+)
This was a really interesting book about a topic that I have kind of heard about but never really explored. I knew that women had no rights during the 1800's but I never really thought of that women doctors weren't allowed and that of all places England was strict about it. The sequel is just as good too!!
Shelby P, Trails West/Materials Handler
The Merciful Crow Margaret Owen 2019
Adults (18+) | Teens (13-18)
This year I found myself drawn to crow books. It seemed like anything I really enjoyed had something to do with crows in some way. So, while not published in 2022, "The Merciful Crow" was my favorite read this year. In this book, there is a plague which can affect anyone except the lowliest Crow caste. Due to this, Crows are called upon to dispatch anyone who has signs of this plague before it spreads. Even though this saves lives, they are looked down upon and threatened constantly. This story revolves around a young Crow woman who has the fire to fight for a better life for her people and the promises she has to keep in order to make it happen.
Vicky P, Special Events
A Night Divided Jennifer A. Nielsen 2015
Adults (18+) | Teens (13-18)
Beautifully written and gives insight to what life could be like behind the Berlin Wall. I cherished every character that Nielsen introduced and every character arc each had to go through.
Adrielle C, Central, Customer Service | AdrielleC_KCMO
Intimacies Katie Kitamura 2021
Adults (18+)
This book is such a thrilling ride of betrayal, self-reflection, drama, and reflection of truth in a complicated world.
Elaine B, AmeriCorps VISTA Program
The Forest of Vanishing Stars Kristin Harmal 2021
Adults (18+)
I love this book because it cast a different light on ww2. It was different from any other ww2 book Ive read because other books are about the soldiers or Jewish people or lgbtq or gypsies. Ive never read a book about a nazi soldier's daughter. I really enjoyed watching her come into herself and dealing with the world because she only grew up with one woman.
Shelby P, Trail West/Materials Handler
Winner Cake All Denis Swanson 2020
Adults (18+)
This installment of the Chef-on-the-Go is just as fun as those before it. Swanson does a great job on description of setting and characters.
Angie H, Trails West | AngelaH_KCMO
The Murderbot Diaries Martha Wells 2017-Current
Adults (18+)
An anxiety-ridden cyborg who thinks people are sort of awful, except the ones who aren't, and doesn't care about gender. While the most recent installment came out in 2021, I didn't discover the series until this year. Overall, it feels very 2022 to me - corporations being jerks, figuring out what work feels meaningful, anxiety (again). But also: action, explosions, space travel, sabotage, cool robot friends, hitmen, and the humanizing power of soap operas. The audiobooks are especially good!
Emily A, One North Computer Lab | EmilyA_KCMO
Feral Creatures Kira Jane Buxton 2021
Adults (18+)
OK, so maybe crows weren't the only common denominator in my reading this year. Apparently, it was also plagues. So, you can guess that the follow up book to Hollow Kingdom combines the two subjects nicely. Feral Creatures is a wonderfully different zombie story with a pet crow as the main character. All the animals have to work together to help raise & protect the last normal human on Earth. All other humans have greatly mutated after exposure to a "virus" passed along through electronic devices. The quirky humor mixed in makes this a fantastic read.
Vicky P, Special Events
Rock Paper Scissors Alice Feeney 2021
Adults (18+)
As a lover of twisted thrillers, my interest was immediately caught by the telling of this story in the letters written by three different points of view; the troubled married couple, and another voice involved in the story line. Set in the remote Scottish highlands, the plot thickens as a snow storm leaves them isolated in an old remodeled chapel. The ending will leave you catching your breath.
Deborah G, SUB | DeborahG_KCMO
Reprieve: A Novel James Han Mattson 2021
Adults (18+) | Teens (13-18)
This was the perfect spooky season read. The setting, characters, and plot twists will keep you on edge the entire time!
Elaine B, AmeriCorps VISTA Program
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games #0) Suzanne Collins 2020
Teens (13-18)
The prequel to The Hunger Games, was wonderful. I love the back stories of "villains".
Shelby P, Trails West/Materials Handler
The Mirror Visitor Quartert Christelle Dabos 2013-2019
Adults (18+) | Teens (13-18)
Great world building, and even better characters! I started reading the first one and finished all 4 in a week! I love the premise of a world with powers that are passed down, and the political intrigue that follows the main characters.
Abbey L, SUB
My Heart Is a Chainsaw Stephen Graham Jones 2021
Adults (18+)
Horror movie lovers rejoice! This book, the first in a trilogy to continue next year, had so many references to the world of horror that I found myself smiling at nearly every one. Being called a love letter to the genre, this book is a must for horror fans.
Jeremy W, Plaza
The Wonder Emma Donoghue 2016
Adults (18+)
Even though this book was published in 2016, it was just turned into a movie (available on Netflix) with Florence Pugh, so I am submitting it! This book was a really interesting work of historical fiction, capturing ideas about faith, love, and religion. It's loosely based on the idea of the 'fasting girls' in historical Ireland. Not sure if this is a *spoiler* but it is nice to have a book with a happy ending where someone tries to do the right thing.
Eve A, MVSC
Ali Cross Series James Patterson 2019-Current
Teens (13-18) | Youth (6-12)
Well written, keeps you on the edge of your seat!
Bobby, Plaza Kids Korner
Velvet Was the Night Silvia Moreno-Carcia 2021
Adults (18+)
This story was a perfect noir twist set in Mexico during the 1970's! Maite,her very name defining her, is looking for love in all of her romance magazine trying to exist at her daily grind job. After agreeing to watch her neighbor's cat, she is drawn into the intrigue and danger of Mexico's Dirty War. The characters are believable and the story is a slow burn...
Deborah G, SUB | DeborahG_KCMO
Adults (18+)
The quote on the cover is correct- “I love this book!”
Love in the Big City follows the narrator, a gay man in Soeul, through four short stories exploring different types of love and relationships: friendship, family, and boyfriends with an air of “Korean cool” (reminiscent of K-dramas such as Work Later, Drink Now) that makes this a fun read for single 20 and 30-somethings. The narrator has a magnetic voice that is hilarious 80% of the time. He is dramatic about the mundane and irreverent towards the tragedies in his life. The remaining 20% is gut-punchingly sentimental. Park’s writing and Anton Hur’s translation is beautiful, with paragraphs that I would pause to re-read. The lighthearted tone acts like sugar to the medicine for the heavier themes of the novel. Unlike most K-dramas, the book focuses on queer life which is often still taboo in the Korean mainstream.
In looking at 2022 and writing this blurb, I can’t help but to mourn Itaewon. The narrator frequently went clubbing in Itaewon, a neighborhood known as a refuge for foreigners, “promiscuous women,” and lgbtq people. The preventable Itaewon tragedy this year was absolutely devastating and I hope the families and loved ones of the over 150 killed will see justice in 2023.
Helen L, Central Youth Services | HelenL_KCMO