I’m back again with my annual list of interesting books I read during the year. There were a lot of great options, but I narrowed my list down to my best six, plus a look at what’s coming in 2022.
It was a busy year for artist and creator Lady Sara Richard. On my 2022 preview list, the highly-anticipated Greek Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses and Heroes Handbook: From Aphrodite to Zeus, a Profile of Who’s Who in Greek Mythology, a book written by Liv Albert and illustrated by Sara, surpassed expectations. The origins of Greek mythological characters come alive through Liv’s interesting tales and Sara’s beautiful art.
Sara was far from done, though. Late in the year, The Dead Hand Book: Stories From Gravesend Cemetery was published. The Dead Hand Book is a collection of tales, a bit macabre, a bit sweet, but all thought-provoking. It honors the deceased while aiming to increase our understanding of death as part of life. Often open-ended, the stories encourage readers to ponder possibilities. Entertaining and mentally stimulating, The Dead Hand Book could even serve as a classroom textbook.
Craig’s Record Factory: A Young Entrepreneur’s Journey Through the 70s and 80s is described as a “nonfiction novel” by its author, Craig Odanovich. Part autobiographical, part reflective nostalgia, Craig’s Record Factory tells Craig’s story as the owner of a record store and later a video store. It dives into the world of pop culture while interspersing lessons of life, family and business. It is heart-warming, poignant and even educational. It immediately brought me back to my Saturday afternoons at Hegewisch Records.
John Cosper perfectly describes his Dead Park Plaza as “The Office meets Tales from the Darkside.” It is a collection of seven short stories of murder, mayhem and a little mirth at a seemingly mundane office complex. There is nothing mundane about the happenings or the writing though. A bit of quirky humor simply adds to the enjoyment. There could easily be sequels to Dead Park Plaza, and I hope there will be. Author of several other fiction works and co-author on many autobiographies, John has a growing section on my book shelf.
As a long-time fan of the Beatles, I figured I would like The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present by Paul McCartney, but this two-volume set is a masterpiece, a true must for fans of his. The Lyrics is 960 pages of photos, paintings, handwritten notes and personal insights from Sir Paul. Starting from his days before the Beatles, 154 songs are presented, with each one revealing a bit about McCartney. In the absence of an autobiography, The Lyrics serves the same purpose, perhaps even better.
DJ Corchin’s Do You Speak Fish? is clearly a children’s book, but as the grand uncle of two young ones, I find it valuable, especially in these times. It starts with a young boy being frustrated with animals not understanding him and ends with lessons on communication, connection and understanding of others. With fun illustrations by Dan Dougherty, it aims to teach children through a fun story, like all of Corchin’s many books.
Looking ahead to 2022, another book by Lady Sara is already on my radar. Kabumpo in Oz is the 16th book of Oz and the second by Ruth Plumly Thompson. Originally published in 1922, this edition features a new cover and interior illustrations by Sara. This is the story of Prince Pompadore, accompanied by his wise elephant Kabumpo, on an adventure to the Emerald City to marry Princess Ozma. Scheduled for early 2022, it will be on my book shelf shortly after publication.
— John Wroblewski, online writer
Read This Next

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Sep 28, 2023Buffalo AKG Art Museum Expansion by OMA, Shohei Shigematsu Revealed
A new and expanded campus at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum has been completed, reopening this summer and featuring new architecture designed by the architectural office of OMA New York, led by partner Shohei Shigematsu and project architects Lawrence Siu and Paxton Sheldahl, with Cooper Robertson (executive architect). The new expansion includes the Jeffrey E. Gundlach Building and extensive renovations to existing buildings. A $20-million commitment from New York State and Governor Kathy Hochul helped fulfill the expansion’s budget and completes the $230 million capital campaign, the largest campaign for a cultural institution in the history of Western New York State.
Sponsored Content
Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win
Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!
Daily
Sep 28, 20234 Reasons to Hit Up the Nobu Bar at Nobu Hotel London Portman Square This Autumn
Ever since opening in 2021, Nobu London Portman Square has served as the focal point for many gatherings, stays and experiences. This fall the hotel’s Nobu Bar adds four more reasons to visit with an exciting array of offerings, menus and events.
Daily
Sep 27, 2023On This Cruise, You’re Guaranteed to See the Northern Lights or Your Second One’s Free
There’s no doubt the northern lights are awe-inspiring and spectacular. Unfortunately, they’re also fickle and fleeting, and despite your best-laid plans of checking this item off your bucket list, sometimes Mother Nature’s luminescent show just doesn’t cooperate. But one cruise line has a new fail-safe in place.
Sponsored Content
Business or Leisure? With TAP Air Portugal, You Can Have Both!
Are you looking to enhance your business trip with a little leisure? Look no further than Portugal, a country renowned for its captivating blend of history, culture and natural beauty. And with TAP Air Portugal, you can effortlessly transform your business trip into an unforgettable bleisure adventure. Discover why Portugal and TAP Air Portugal are the perfect combination for an enriching and rejuvenating experience.
Daily
Sep 27, 2023Sail Away on Dream Yacht Worldwide’s Easy Crewed Expeditions
Think you need a degree in sailing to enjoy a yachting holiday? Dream Yacht Worldwide, a leader in yacht charters, wants you to relax and enjoy the journey. Newly expanded to include the British Virgin Islands, Martinique, Tahiti and the Seychelles, the "Easy Crewed” offered by Dream Yacht Worldwide also include charter options in Greece and Croatia.
Perelman Performing Arts Center Opens in New York
Daily
Sep 26, 20234 Sweet Spots for Vintage Clothing Lovers
Daily
Sep 26, 2023Viking Polaris Canadian Discovery Review
eFlyer Reviews
Sep 26, 2023eFlyer News
Sep 26, 2023Vicenza, Italy, Accuses Verona of Stealing Claim to Iconic Romeo and Juliet Location
In a dramatic plot twist that seems to have emerged from one of Shakespeare’s own plays, Vicenza, Italy, recently informally accused fair Verona, Italy, of stealing the claim to the famed Romeo and Juliet. For centuries, visitors have made the trip to Verona’s Juliet House to see the famous balcony.
Sponsored Content
IHG® Business Edge: A Better Way to Travel
Many small- and medium-sized businesses face time and budget constraints when organizing corporate hotel travel for employees. To address this problem, IHG® Business Edge emerged as a cost-free business travel solution for small- to medium-sized enterprises, offering travel managers exclusive access to enticing perks, handpicked educational resources and comprehensive company travel metrics. IHG Business Edge connects our loyal customers to our portfolio of 5,800 hotels and resorts across 18 brands in more than 100 countries.
Daily
Sep 26, 2023Explore the Beauty of North America by Rail in 2024
When making your travel plans for fall, winter or any season in 2024, don’t overlook the beauty and excitement travel by rail in North America offers. Vacations by Rail offers an unforgettable experience filled with history, culture and natural beauty. Here are some beautiful and culturally rich destinations in North America to consider:
ShareThis