Happy (almost) New Year! The publishing world feels like they’re kicking off 2022 with a bang, which makes me super hopeful and anxious to see what our Book of the Month picks will be for January! I’ve been lucky enough to read a bunch of my Most Anticipated January releases so far, be sure to check our my full reviews and most anticipated lists for even more books to add to your TBR.
January 2022 Most Anticipated
With so many interesting books coming out in January, I think we’ll see mostly January releases, though I wouldn’t be surprised if we see at least one February release. Now that the holidays are over with as well, I think we’ll see less add-on picks and go back to the traditional genre breakdown with at least one of the following: thriller/mystery, historical fiction, romance, and literary/contemporary fiction.
Whether or not these are actually picks, only time will tell. Even if they are not, all or most of these are on my January Most Anticipated New Releases list and my Winter 2022 Most Anticipated.
Winter 2022 Most Anticipated
When the picks are announced and you find you have space in your box still, make sure to also check out my most recent version of BOTM Add-On recommendations HERE, because who couldn’t use even more books!
Keep in mind that these are simply predictions and books I hope get chosen. I could get these completely wrong but the anticipation and guessing is part of the fun right?!
Mystery & Thriller
Thrillers and Mysteries! My favorite genre, so it’s always the hardest genre for me to narrow down some predictions. Normally speaking I go for debuts when it comes to this genre, simply because there are always soo many great repeat and established authors putting out new releases. I personally always hope BOTM puts out debut authors but I know that’s not how it always works.
Reckless Girls is Rachel Hawkins newest release. She’s a repeat BOTM author and I wouldn’t be surprised to see this as a pick or add-on. This was an enjoyable thriller set in the middle of the pacific. It’s a good page turner but didn’t blow me out of the water.
REVIEW: RECKLESS GIRLS
Notes on an Execution is my number 1 pick. It’s being compared to Long Bright River which was a BOTM pick two years ago, I think. I adored that book and I’ve been listening to the audio of this one, and so far I’m enjoying it. Be sure to check back for my full review!
Good Rich People seems like a BOTM pick. It’s women focused, which BOTM tends to cater too, and so far the reviews have been good. I haven’t read this yet but would be happy with it being a pick.
Literary & Contemporary Fiction
I have read neither of these two so far but both are high on my list to read. Wahala is a debut that could actually span into the thriller genre a bit, but with it’s emphasis on friendships and culture, I think this would be a great BOTM pick.
Joan is Okay, is my other January releases that is high on my list to read. It’s main topics of: women in male dominated professions, accepting your culture in today’s society, and trying to juggle it all is very on brand with BOTM picks.
Historical Fiction
There are a surprisingly large number of historical fictions coming out in January and so many of them sounds excellent!
The Magnolia Palace is Fiona Davis’ newest releases which I’m currently reading. While I’m a huge Davis fan, her 2020 release Lions of Fifth Avenue wasn’t my favorite. This one I’m already enjoying more, even though I’m only halfway through. Be sure to come back for my full review soon!
Black Cake, is my debut pick for January. It’s giving me Vanishing Half vibes, based on the it following the journey of family. I have this one waiting to be read on my iPad and may just pick it up this weekend!
Yonder, is another one that is high on my list to read. I actually have a copy of this waiting to read, but it sounds very much in the vein of Colson Whitehead’s writing. I don’t think it would be a bad BOTM pick!.
Romance
The Roughest Draft, before I read it actually gave me Emily Henry Beach Read vibes. This was my primary motive for adding it to my January Predictions. However, after reading it, it’s a much more complex read than I initially thought. It’s less of an airy romance and more of a literary romance. Still very in the vein of BOTM though.
REVIEW: THE ROUGHEST DRAFT
Love & Other Disasters seems like a fun romance. Lately, we’ve seen an uptick in the number of food/cooking related romances so I could potentially see this one being January’s lighter pick.
Fantasy & Science Fiction
I know we don’t get a ton of Science Fiction or Fantasy picks, but both of these sound within the realm of possibilities for January’s BOTM.
How High We Go in the Dark and The School for Good Mother’s while different content both fall under the dystopian genre. One is more a journey post a plague, while the other is set in modern day society and questions how we parent. I have a copy of How High We Go in the Dark and just need to make time to read it. The School for Good Mothers, I actually read and it wasn’t my cup of tea honestly. Maybe it’s because I’m 8 months pregnant and just not in the right headspace but it didn’t do it for me. It still seems like something BOTM would pick up.
REVIEW: A SCHOOL FOR GOOD MOTHERS
Already Available
Two other January Releases that were actually December BOTM picks are Olga Dies Dreaming and A Flicker in the Dark. I really enjoyed both, though I only have a review for A Flicker in the Dark so far.
REVIEW: A FLICKER IN THE DARK
I hope you found a book that you are truly excited about in this post. Let me know which other new releases you are excited for this month or that you’re hoping are BOTM picks, by commenting below or by messaging me on Instagram @speakingof_books. Don’t forget to follow me to get weekly updates and new reviews!
Happy Reading!
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