My Favorite Books of 2022
As the year 2022 comes to a close, I want to share the top five books I have read over the past twelve months. These books have all had a profound impact on me, and I highly recommend every one of them.
Dune by Frank Herbert
Dune is a fascinating science fiction book that you would enjoy. It’s set in the distant future and follows the story of a young man named Paul Atreides, who is caught up in the politics of a planet called Arrakis. The planet is the only source of a valuable substance called “spice,” and various factions are all trying to gain control of it. Paul has to navigate this complex political landscape and overcome many challenges to secure his family’s position on the planet. The book is well-written and has many exciting ideas about politics, religion, and the environment. I noticed that many Sci-Fi concepts first introduced in Dune have flown down into many other Sci-Fi Books and movies. It’s worth checking out if you’re a fan of this genre.
Favorite Quote from the Book
“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss and Tahl Raz
Never Split the Difference is a book by former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss. The book shares Voss’s experiences as a negotiator and provides practical tips and strategies for negotiating in any situation. Voss argues that the key to successful negotiation is to focus on the other person’s perspective and to use empathy to build a strong connection. He also discusses the importance of framing and tactics such as the “black swan” to gain the upper hand in a negotiation. Overall, the book is a fascinating look at the world of negotiation and offers valuable insights for anyone looking to improve their negotiation skills.
Favorite Quote from the Book
“Mirrors work magic. Repeat the last three words (or the critical one to three words) of what someone has just said. We fear what’s different and are drawn to what’s similar. Mirroring is the art of insinuating similarity, which facilitates bonding. Use mirrors to encourage the other side to empathize and bond with you, keep people talking, buy your side time to regroup, and encourage your counterparts to reveal their strategy.”
Artemis by Andy Weir
Artemis is a science fiction novel by Andy Weir, the author of The Martian. The book is set in the future on the moon colony of Artemis, the first and only city on the moon. The main character is Jazz, a young woman who makes her living as a smuggler on the moon. When a wealthy business person offers her a large sum of money to sabotage a competitor’s operation, Jazz finds herself caught up in a dangerous conspiracy that threatens the entire city. The book is fast-paced and exciting, with Weir’s trademark attention to scientific detail, humor, and relatable characters. If you enjoyed The Martian, you will definitely like Artemis.
Favorite Quote from the Book
“How dare you call me lazy? I’d come up with a scathing retort but, meh, I’m just not motivated.”
Masala Lab: The Science of Indian Cooking by Krish Ashok
Masala Lab: The Science of Indian Cooking by Krish Ashok explores the science behind Indian cooking and how various ingredients and techniques can create delicious and complex flavors. Ashok provides recipes for different dishes, from simple snacks to elaborate main courses, with step-by-step instructions. He also includes in-depth information on the science of spices, how they interact with other ingredients, and tips on building a well-stocked spice pantry. If you’re interested in learning more about the science of Indian cooking, Masala Lab is a fascinating and informative read.
Favorite Quote from the Book
“The plural of spouse is spice. — Christopher Morley”
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
The Night Circus is a fantasy novel written by Erin Morgenstern. The book tells the story of two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who are trained from a young age to compete against each other in a secret and dangerous competition. The competition takes the form of a beautiful and elaborate circus that only appears at night. The two magicians must use their skills to outdo each other in increasingly dangerous and complicated feats of magic. The Night Circus is a beautifully written and immersive book that will transport you to a magical world of wonder and intrigue. I highly recommend it to fans of fantasy and magical realism.
Favorite Quote from the Book
“Good and evil are a great deal more complex than a princess and a dragon . . . is not the dragon the hero of his own story?”
Have you read any of the books that I mentioned above? I would love to know which books had the most impact on you in 2022.
