Bookstagrammers Share 2021 Favourites and What They Are Most Excited to Read in 2022

If you’re on Instagram, chances are you have seen a “Bookstagrammer” post about what they are reading! We love having Bookstagrammers participate in our Better Reading Preview program, where they review books before publication, sharing their reviews and gorgeous photos on Instagram.

Who better to help us wrap up the year in reading, and look ahead to what’s new in 2022, than some of our favourite Bookstagrammers! We asked some of our regular Bookstagrammers what their favourite BR Preview book was in 2021, and what new book are they most looking forward to reading in 2022. Here’s what they said.

Fasmina – @fasmina_

Favourite Preview Book of 2021

When Things Are Alive They Hum by Hannah Bent. Being one of my all-time favourite books, this book was an ocean of emotions. It was all I needed to look at the world differently, through the eyes of Harper, for its beauty and the optimism that radiated through her character.

Most excited to read in 2022

I look forward to reading more and more books that are out of my comfort zone, with depth and layers that need to be unravelled. I’d also love to read more Australian fiction so that I can learn about this land I’ve fallen in love with.

Linda – @lindabalogh5077 

Favourite Preview Book of 2021

This is a tough question, there were so many amazing titles this year! My favourite Preview book was When Things Are Alive They Hum by Hannah Bent.

Why: This book still resonates with me many months later. It was such a beautiful and poignant story about family bonds and what it truly means to love somebody. It was heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once. The writing style of Hannah Bent was so intimate and elegant, it’s hard to believe it was a debut novel. I might not have picked this book up if not for Better Reading Preview, and it deserves to be read by as many people as possible.

Most excited to read in 2022

I’m a big fan of Lauren Chater’s historical fiction novels. I can’t wait to read her upcoming book, The Winter Dress, which will be released in April 2022.

Cathie – @cathiesbooks 

Favourite Preview Book of 2021

My favourite book I Previewed for Better Reading this year was The Maid by Nita Prose, which will be released in January 2022. The main character Molly and the storyline are both incredibly unique and charming. I think I read the entire book cover to cover in one sitting because it was so good. This was Nita Prose’s debut novel, and she has absolutely nailed the ‘cosy mystery’ vibe that so many readers are loving at the moment.

Most excited to read in 2022

In 2022 I’m looking forward to reading The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis. I’m a sucker for historical fiction and this novel promises to combine this with a dual time period mystery which has me intrigued.

I’m also looking forward to new releases from some of my favourite authors: Yerba Buena by Nina LaCour in February, and The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth in April.

As for the rest of the year, who knows, but it’s going to be another great year of releases.

Divya – @stellarcupofbooks

Favourite Preview Book of 2021

Good Indian Daughter by Ruhi Lee was the first Preview I did with Better Reading. The first one is always special! For me, it is an important book because, as a person of Indian origin living in Australia, it is a rare opportunity to come across an author with a similar background. Good Indian Daughter is a thought-provoking memoir, and there were a lot of parts I could relate to.

Most excited to read in 2022

I enjoy reading thrillers and mysteries the most. There are two books on top of my list to read next year. One is Simone St James’ new book, The Book of Cold Cases. I have read most of her books, and she has never disappointed. I am also keen on reading The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley as well.

Alli – @the_crooked_shelf

Favourite Preview Book of 2021

My favourite Preview book in 2021 was The Hush by Sara Foster. I really enjoy dystopian novels, and it is very close to issues going on in the world right now that it feels like it’s part of a not-too-distant future. The other BR Preview I have enjoyed was The Jigsaw Man by Nadine Matheson as it was a great thriller and kept me on the edge of my seat.

Most excited to read in 2022

I think so far, I am most looking forward to the release of Gallant by Victoria Schwab and also The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley.

Click here to find out how you can join our Better Reading Preview program. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram at @betterreadingau for more bookish inspired news, photos and reviews.