My favorite books, movies and anime in 2022.
2022 is just about over. It’s almost time to roll over the calendars and welcome in 2023. But before that happens lets take a look back at some of the books, movies and anime I was fortunate to experience and enjoy this year. Maybe you’ll find something in the list that catches your attention, or perhaps brings back some good memories.
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Favorite Non-fiction Books
The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl
Dave Grohl might be familiar to some of you. He’s the frontman for The Foo Fighters and used to be the drummer for Nirvana. He’s an incredible musician, and it turns out he’s led an interesting life. I loved listening to this audiobook narrated by himself as he tells his own story. It was very heartwarming learning how important family is, and about the healing power of music.
Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don’t Have All the Facts by Annie Duke
A great read by a master poker player who learned all about how to think in bets, how to weigh risks and rewards and make better decisions by recognizing and understanding the various cognitive biases we all experience. This book is all about realizing that any outcome is made up of part skill and part luck and by learning to better tell the difference we can improve our future decision making.
Favorite Fiction Books
The Wall by Marlen Haushofer
This was such a fascinating and moving read, all based around a single speculative element, the appearance of an invisible wall that traps a lone woman in the mountains, separated from her friends. The story is then about what she does. It’s such a personal and touching story, sad one minute and life affirming the next. Originally written in German in 1963, later translated to English, and then narrated as an incredible audiobook.
Good Omens: A Full Cast Production by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett
An angel of heaven and a demon of hell have spent so much time together on Earth they’ve built up a friendship and have grown to enjoy their time amongst the humans. So when there are incontrovertible signs that the apocalypse is finally here they find themselves trying to stop it. What an absolutely fantastic and fun story full of the humor you’d expect from Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. And what a fabulous audiobook narrated by a full cast who really bring these characters to life.
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
If you’d told me at the beginning of the year that one of my favorite books this year would be an audiobook of this classic children’s story I’d have said you were crazy. And yet here we are. Such an absolutely lovely story, well worth reading to a child, and also well worth reading yourself. And if you get the opportunity, give Xe Sands a chance with her audiobook narration.
Black Sun (Between Earth and Sky #1) by Rebecca Roanhorse
What a powerful start to a new fantasy series, and my first experience with a book by this author. The first short chapter was a bit of a gut punch, and from then on a clock was ticking, taking us closer and closer to something, though we don’t know exactly what. This book went by so quickly, I just couldn’t stop reading.
Grave Reservations by Cherie Priest
Some books are just pure fun and enjoyment, and that’s the case with this one. In a nutshell, it’s about a psychic who’s trying to learn to better use her gift while also running a travel agency. And it’s about a Seattle police detective who happens to have his life changed by using her agency, and then learning about her other skills. A fun, funny, and exciting murder mystery. Give it a try.
Peacemaker by Joseph Bruchac
Peacemaker is a tale of the Ho-de-no-sau-nee, or Iroquois, of North America. It tells the story of the great Peacemaker who brought together the five warring nations into one confederacy. And the story is told through the eyes of a young boy who gets caught up in those times. A story for all ages and all times, one about understanding our differences and coming together.
Favorite Graphic Novels & Comics
Saga Volume 1 & 2 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples
I waited far too long before finally trying this comic book series. I don’t know why. Probably because I heard it was a love story of sorts about a couple just trying to live a quiet life. And yet there’s so much more to it. I sometimes find it difficult to describe the things I most enjoy, and I’m finding that to be the case here. Just try it. It’s one of the best comic book stories I’ve read in a very long time.
Favorite Movies
Dune (Part 1)
I thought this was such a great interpretation of the book, or the first part of it, anyway. It had that same slow but deliberate build up, was very well acted with a great soundtrack and incredible visuals. I can’t wait to see part 2.
WarGames
This was a favorite when it came out and I enjoyed it once again in this rewatch. It’s one of several movies that got me into computers. It’s funny that I watched the 25th anniversary edition of the film 39 years after watching the original.
Ladyhawke
Another rewatch of a classic that I loved when it first came out and thoroughly enjoyed once again. This one was a fantasy love story set in a medieval sort of period.
Labyrinth
And one more classic rewatch from the ’80s. Another fantasy film but of a very different sort, this time with Jim Henson’s folks creating the creatures that populate the film.
Logan
This was my second viewing of Logan. I grew up with the Marvel mutant comic books and Wolverine and the X-Men were some of my favorites. So the final story of Wolverine is sure to get my attention. Thankfully, the movie does the story justice.
Favorite Anime & Animated Movies
RahXephon
It seems most of my favorite video content this year were rewatches, often from when I was much younger. Such is the case with this science fiction anime series. I loved how integral sound and music was to the story.
Fena: Pirate Princess
I didn’t watch a lot of anime this year, so this series makes it into my favorites due to lack of competition. That being said, I did very much enjoy the series, one full of action, adventure, mystery and romance. Granted, it didn’t quite stick the ending, but the rest was a lot of fun.
Have you read any of these books or watched any of the movies? What were some of your favorites this year. Let me know in the comments below.
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