Five books Jessica George, author of Maame read in 2022 and loved!

We asked Jessica George, the brilliant author of the upcoming debut of the year Maame her top five books of 2022! Jess also gives us a sneak peak of what 2023 books she’s most looking forward too. Check out her faves below!

1. An American Marriage by Tayari Jones. (A re-read). I used to think that in order to enjoy a book, I had to love the characters and agree with every action they took and every word they said. Now I’m drawn towards stories that include real people, people I won’t always root for or agree with but can still see the validity in their stances. I’m falling more and more in love with stories that highlight the complex nature of humanity and I think An American Marriage does that beautifully.
2. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. I know I’m not the only person to think this. I devoured this story and it kickstarted the end out of a long reading drought. Also, the periodic table hardcover design deserves a mention.
3. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie. I attended a talk where the speaker said that Agatha Christie is the third best-selling author of a time, after the Bible and Shakespeare. I think that fact alone can sell you her books more than anything I have to say will. I’ve read a few of hers now and have enjoyed every single one, but Roger Ackroyd remains my favourite.
4. The Worst Class in the World Goes Wild by Joanna Nadin. I stopped reading Children’s books as soon as I was old enough to transition into YA; now I consider the idea that you outgrow children’s book a misguided belief. Thankfully, I got a job in the children’s fiction department of a publishing house and rediscovered the sheer joy and hilarity that often comes with children’s fiction. The Worst Class in the World series is one of my favourites and I’ll continue reading those books until the last ever one is published. I’m hoping that will be years from now.
5. The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw. This reminded me of how much I love stories that provide insight into multiple lives. I think short stories are notoriously difficult to write because you have so much to pack into such a small space, but I think Deesha did this effortlessly. I’ve been craving short but sweet stories to read ever since.

Five books I’m looking forward to in 2023

1. Rootless by Krystle Zara Appiah
2. Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey
3. Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson
4. Yellowface by RK Fuang
5. A House for Alice by Diana Evans