Penguin's essential 2022 reading list

Penguin has compiled an essential 2022 reading list specifically for us, with the latest non-fiction and fiction to give you a slice of escapism this winter.

From masters of spy fiction, classical myths retold, architectural coffee table gems, and insightful non-fiction. This essential 2022 reading list may inspire gift ideas or simply be an excuse to treat yourself.

1. Silverview by John le Carré

Master of spy fiction, the late John le Carré finished this novel before his death in December 2020. Released in October 2021, the author delves into 'the soul of the modern Secret Intelligence Service' with the story of a bookseller who becomes embroiled in a spy leak.

2. Taste by Stanley Tucci

Taste is a reflection on the intersection of food and life, filled with anecdotes about growing up in Westchester, NY. A gastronomic journey through good times and bad, five-star meals and burnt dishes, each as delicious as the last. Written with Stanley's signature wry humour and nostalgia.

3. The Women of Troy by Pat Barker

A story in the aftermath of conflict, where the ugliness of war is imagined by the words of Pat Barker. The Women of Troy retells one of our greatest classical myths, following on from the critically acclaimed The Silence of Girls.

4. The Magician by Colm Tóibín

Telling the story of Thomas Mann, whose life was filled with great acclaim and contradiction, finding himself on the wrong side of war.

The life and times of Thomas Mann is a fictionalised biography and explores the life and times of the exiled German Nobel winner.

5. The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller

Unfolding over twenty-four hours and across fifty years, as decades of family legacies, love, lies, secrets, and one unspeakable incident in her childhood lead Elle to the precipice of a life-changing decision.

6. Cecily by Annie Garthwaite

Told through the eyes of its greatest unknown protagonist, this debut plunges you into the closed bedchambers and bloody battlefields of the first days of the Wars of the Roses, a war as women fight it.

7. Renegades by Barak Obama and Bruce Springsteen

A candid, revealing and entertaining dialogue between Preseident Barak Obama and legendary musician Bruce Springsteen, exploring everything from their origin stories and career-defining moments to the growing distance between the American Dream and reality.

8. Manifesto by Bernardine Evaristo

A unique book about staying true to yourself and to your vision. A book about how to be unstoppable - in your craft, your work, your life. 'A memoir and manual of careers advice for creatives.' - The Guardian

Frank observations about British society and the challenges of growing up in it as a mixed-race woman.

9. The Book of Hope by Jane Goodall

World-renowned naturalist and conservationist, Jane Goodall has spent more than half a century warning of our impact on the planet. Her latest book inspires positivity in the face of climate change, championing the intelligence of humans to innovate ourselves out of the climate crises.

10. Europe's 100 Best Cathedrals by Simon Jenkins

Europe's cathedrals outstrip many palaces and castles. Arguably, the most sensational group of structures anywhere in the world and hugely popular. They are humankind's greatest creations.

11. An A-Z of Pasta by Rachel Roddy

This is a story of pasta. In it, Guardian columnist and award-winning food writer Rachel Roddy condenses everything she has learned about Italy's favourite food in a practical, easy-to-use and mouth-watering collection of over 120 essential pasta and sauce recipes.

Penguin books

All the books are available from all good book stores.

Penguin books

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