New Year, New Books For the TBR - Trish’s Anticipated Early 2022 Releases
So last year was my first time writing one of these lists, and even though in review I realize I only read one book from that list (big ups to Final Revival of Opal and Nev), I am back again with my 2022 list, and all my hopes and dreams for getting more off my TBR than I was able to last year. Hey, New year, new books,new me (I hate that phrase btw). So without further ado and in order of release date, here is my anticipated reads list (so far) for 2022. Let’s get into it shall we….
Olga Dies Dreaming - Xochitl Gonzalez
“Set against the backdrop of New York City in the months surrounding the most devastating hurricane in Puerto Rico’s history, Xochitl Gonzalez’s Olga Dies Dreaming is a story that examines political corruption, familial strife, and the very notion of the American dream—all while asking what it really means to weather a storm.” I am always down for some good ol’ family drama and this one seems like it will check off all the boxes.
Release Date: January 4
To Paradise - Hanya Yanagihara
So I know that Hanya’s debut novel, A Little Life, is very polarizing in the book community. Folks either really love it, or really hate it. For me, the idea of a thoroughly depressing life and trauma bonding didn’t really call to me at the time, and so I admittedly have not read it…yet (I’m a mood reader and I’ll get to it when I get to it). But her latest novel, To Paradise - billed as “a bold, brilliant novel spanning three centuries and three different versions of the American experiment, about lovers, family, loss and the elusive promise of utopia.” Does seem very interesting to me and I will be adding this to the TBR. (Side note: Pub week reviews have been all over the place once again, but the premise of this novel does sound very intriguing to me.
Release Date: January 11
The Last House On The Street - Diane Chamberlain
A spooky tale about two women from two different eras focusing on Civil Rights history, tragedy, mystery, and possibly ghosts sounds like a winner to me.
Pub Date: January 11
How High We Go In The Dark - Sequoia Nagamatsu
Excerpted Publisher Synopsis: “In 2030, a grieving archeologist arrives in the Arctic Circle to continue the work of his recently deceased daughter at the Batagaika Crater, where researchers are studying long-buried secrets now revealed in melting permafrost, including the perfectly preserved remains of a girl who appears to have died of an ancient virus.
Once unleashed, the Arctic plague will reshape life on Earth for generations to come, quickly traversing the globe, forcing humanity to devise a myriad of moving and inventive ways to embrace possibility in the face of tragedy.” Welp! Nothing more from me is needed to help sell you on why this book seems like it will be such a good read. You’re welcome.
Pub Date: January 18
Violeta - Isabel Allende
Isabel Allende is an OG in these bestselling streets, and her latest novel tells the epic story of Violeta Del Valle, a woman whose life spans one hundred years and bears witness to the greatest upheavals of the twentieth century. So a Latinx, Forrest Gump-esque tale, written by the great Ms. Allende herself, ok sign me up!
Pub Date: January 25
Goliath - Tochi Onyebuchi
Excerpted Publisher Synopsis: “In the 2050s, Earth has begun to empty. Those with the means and the privilege have departed the great cities of the United States for the more comfortable confines of space colonies. Those left behind salvage what they can from the collapsing infrastructure. As they eke out an existence, their neighborhoods are being cannibalized. Brick by brick, their houses are sent to the colonies, what was once a home now a quaint reminder for the colonists of the world that they wrecked.” This description immediately made me think of Brown Girl In The Ring by Nalo Hopkinson. And seeing as how she is one of my favorite authors, and Brown Girl is one of my favorite books, Goliath makes it to my TBR. This will be my first Tochi book.
Pub Date: January 25
Black Cake - Charmaine Wilkerson
In this moving debut novel, two estranged siblings must set aside their differences to deal with their mother’s death and her hidden past—a journey of discovery that takes them from the Caribbean to London to California and ends with her famous black cake. The island gyal in me saw Caribbean, Black Cake, and this goregous cover, and just immediately said yes.
Pub Date: February 1
The Violin Conspiracy - Brendan Slocumb
A riveting page-turner about a Black classical musician’s desperate quest to recover his lost violin on the eve of the most prestigious musical competition in the world. I love me a good whodunnit and this novel also seems like its going to deliver heavy on the behind the scenes drama of the cutthroat classical world. Let’s go Ray (MC), I’m rooting for ya.
Pub Date: February 1
You Truly Assumed - Laila Sabreen
So YA has been coming for our necks the past couple of years, and In this compelling and thought-provoking debut novel, after a terrorist attack rocks the country and anti-Islamic sentiment stirs, three Black Muslim girls create a space where they can shatter assumptions and share truths. Anything black girl magic is always a win in my book, and we need more stories that amplify the diversity that exists among us. Being Black and being Muslim is not a monolith and I’m glad for stories like this that will help to dispel that.
Pub Date: February 8
When We Were Birds - Ayanna Lloyd Banwo
A mythic love story set in Trinidad, Ayanna Lloyd Banwo’s radiant debut introduces two unforgettable outsiders brought together by their connection with the dead. So I have had the chance to read this one already (see my review on Goodreads here) and this book is such a gem! I can’t wait for everybody else to get their hands on it. The writing is so beautiful and the emphasis on lineage and homage to our ancestors is just so well done. Ayanna is definitely one to watch out for.
Pub Date: March 15
So there you have it. My most anticipated releases for Q1. I will definitely try to keep more lists coming as the year goes on. But what titles are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments and can't wait to talk about these books more in depth when as I move through my TBR. Come on y’all, let’s get lit!!
