What makes a book noteworthy to you? What criteria must it fill in order to get a star beside its title in your notebook or a high rating on your Goodreads feed?

For me, it is a shocking twist, a character that I connect with deeply or a life event that I can relate to, which brings a touch of nostalgia, longing or healing to my soul as I read.

Library Journal states that “best books must also fill some of the most fundamental desires of readers, offering experiences that are transporting, addictive, expanding, delightful, or thrilling.”

For the start of 2023, I’m offering a glimpse of what others say are some of the Best Books of 2022, which we also have available for free with your library card; some in print and others digitally.

Remember – if you walk in and don’t see a title you’re craving on the shelf, always ask a staff member to work our magic in finding it or placing you on hold to be next in line.

• “Killers of a Certain Age” by Deanna Raybourn — “Four well-trained female assassins star in this explosive, humorous thriller reminiscent of the 2010 movie RED. Billie Webster and her three friends, recruited in their 20s, were the first all-women team of assassins trained to kill Nazis. Eventually, they moved on to killing dictators and sex traffickers. Now, 40 years later, the recently retired women must use all their skills in a fast-paced gamble to save themselves before their own agency removes them for good.”

• “Book Lovers” by Emily Henry — “Literary agent Nora agrees to take a break from her hectic New York City life when her sister Libby begs her to go on a trip to small-town Sunshine Falls, NC, where Nora keeps on running into grumpy book editor Charlie, who morphs from enemy to friend to lover. Delightfully playing with romance tropes, Henry delivers an utterly engrossing and satisfying novel with bonus book recs scattered throughout, making this the perfect romance for book lovers.”

• “The Stardust Thief” by Chelsea Abdullah — “Abdullah brilliantly unfolds a tale built from the threads of One Thousand and One Nights. It is an adventure quest in search of the jinn in the lamp. To start, four travelers must step into the endless, ever-shifting sands of the desert, a shimmering substance that hides wonder and terror. Abdullah splendidly transports readers into this world by layering details into the story so deftly that the veil between magic and reality slips and flows delightfully.”

Sadly, the list goes on and on, while this article cannot. Be sure to look for your favorite titles of 2022 on the catalog through our website and select “where is it?” to see the current status and location of that item.

If there is something new that you’re looking for and we don’t appear to have it, visit www.stanlycountylibrary.org and select “Material Suggestion Form” on the green toolbar to request the title be purchased and added to our collection.

If you’re interested in creating your own book journal to log your books in the new year, email cburdge@stanlycountylibrary.org to reserve a spot in our Book Journaling Workshop on Jan. 21 at 11 a.m. in Albemarle.

It’s been a great 2022, and we look forward to much in store for 2023.

Currently Reading: “Archer’s Voice” by Mia Sheridan.

Sara Hahn is director of the Stanly County Public Library.