We’ve made it through another year of chaos.
And just like our favourite tv shows and movies, books were an entertaining distraction of choice from it all.
But not all reads are worthy of a recommendation. As people with little time and patience, we know what’s at stake when it comes to endorsing a good book, so we take it very seriously. Luckily, this year was packed with excellent literary endeavours so we’re taking a moment to reflect on the ones that stood out.
From the surprising biographies that gripped us to the modern love stories we devoured, we round up the page-turners we couldn’t get enough of—and highly recommend adding to your list of beach reads this summer!
Ahead, the best books of 2022, according to marie claire editors.
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
“What started off as a throwaway purchase to fill in time for a 38-hour plane ride, turned into one of my favourite books of the year. An autobiography written by former child star Jennette McCurdy talks candidly and honestly about her time in the spotlight From the highs and lows, and her relationship with cast mates, friends, family, and her mother.
A heartbreaking read as you learn about the traumatic situations she was placed in as only a child, but as you continue to read on you become empowered as you see that no matter what obstacles were placed in her way, she has come out stronger and wiser than ever before. Be sure to have tissues on hand.”
— Rachel Clark, Editorial Coordinator
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Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors
“I’m a sucker for a classic meet-cute and tumultuous love story, but Mellors takes elements of that predictable narrative into new and refreshing territory with Cleopatra And Frankenstein. Sure, it’s a love story, but it has a modern-day lens that explores the real, nitty gritty realities of relationship dynamics in 2022.
I’d heard great things before I read it, but it still exceeded my expectations—so much so that I devoured it within 48 hours of a two week holiday. Suffice to say the next book I rummaged for didn’t quite compare.”
— Jess Pullar, Digital Culture Editor
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Different, Not Less by Chloé Hayden
“The joyous Chloe Hayden (yes, Quinni from Heartbreak High) has penned not only the ultimate playbook for neurodivergent young people, but a book packed with Oprah-esque life lessons.
Far from a dry medical tome, the book is both a personal memoir and a practical How-To, carried along by her boundless optimism and heartbreaking candour that will have you cheering her on in her search for her happily ever after. I have honestly quoted her all over town. She is a gift and so is this book.”
— Mel Gaudron, Deputy Editor
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My Body by Emily Ratajkowski
“A deeply personal and intelligent series of essays by the model, actress and entrepreneur, My Body is a deep-dive into feminism, power and sexuality. Looking hard at men’s treatment (and mistreatment) of women, in the New York Times Best Seller, Ratajowski talks about the objectification of women, and goes into depth about the ‘Blurred Lines’ music video which shot the young model to fame early in her career.
This book is a fascinating chronicle of the A-lister’s life, mixed in with a study of society’s current obsession with beauty, this is a must-read for all women and mothers alike.”
— Sally Hunwick, Beauty Director
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Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
“If anyone could turn me into a tennis fanatic overnight, it was going to be Taylor Jenkins Reid. Author of bestsellers The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones and the Six, Jenkins Reid rounds out the universe she created with tennis pro Carrie Soto.
Like her predecessors, Carrie’s flaws are so deftly explored by the author, you can’t help but like her. While I’m sad to say goodbye to the Evelyn Hugo universe, the four books were so varied in subject, I have no doubt Jenkins Reid’s next world will be just as thrilling.”
— Bree Player, Features Editor
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Tell Me Again by Amy Thunig
“There is a line in Amy’s book, among the many heartbreaking anecdotes from her childhood, where she details the contents of her school bag. “I carry my school bag on my back but there is no lunch box, drink bottle or hat inside, just some crumped paper. It is less embarrassing this way.” Though heartbreaking, Amy’s book offers an important exploration of the struggles of endemic poverty, systemic discrimination and the journey of healing from intergenerational trauma.”
— Harriet Sim, Features Writer
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