As always, I read a lot of books this year. While it was difficult to choose from the many great books, I narrowed my favorites list to my top six.

Once again artist Sara Richard makes my list. Nectar of the Gods: From Hera’s Hurricane to the Appletini of Discord, 75 Mythical Cocktails to Drink Like a Deity, written by Liv Albert and Thea Engst features 75 mythology-themed cocktails. It combines Albert’s writing, Engst’s recipes and Richard’s amazing illustrations to make an informative, witty literary cocktail.

I grew up listening to sports talk radio pioneer Chuck Swirsky enlightening and entertaining me. With Always a Pleasure, Swirsky tells tales from his career and life. It’s an amazing read that takes me back to listening to him on my transistor radio. Swirsky discussed the book in my recent interview with him.

Co-owner of Aw Yeah Comics, my local comic book store, Franco Aureliani’s Deadman Tells the Spooky Tales is a spooky, spine-tingling 13-tale anthology. Featuring artwork from his fiendish friends, including the aforementioned Richard, this is a graphic novel of ghoulish greatness.

When Peter Golenbock realized he wouldn’t grow up to play center field with the New York Yankees, he turned his attention to writing. Fifty years and many books later, Golenbock is regarded as one of the best sports authors. In Whispers of the Gods: Tales from Baseball’s Golden Age, Told by the Men Who Played It, Golenbock shares stories taken from his hundreds of taped interviews with baseball legends. Golenbock discussed this book in my recent interview with him.

John Cosper followed last year’s Dead Park Plaza with The Shops at Dead Park. Exploring the unique shopping mall adjacent to Dead Park Plaza, Cosper tells of murderous clowns, mind-controlling video games and other spooky things found in this mysterious mall.

I got hooked on Lisa Lutz‘s writing because of her Spellman series, a set of quirky mysteries. With The Accomplice, Lutz produced another intriguing mystery with an interesting character study. Once again, Lutz adds just enough humor to lighten the mood without killing the intrigue.

Looking ahead to 2023, former NFL quarterback Mike Boryla is scheduled to release The Case of the Disappearing Quarterback. Not sugar-coating things, Boryla states this to be unlike the average autobiography. From his relationship with his famous father to walking away from football to a career in law to becoming an author and playwright, Boryla has lived a unique life and tells the good and bad.

Sara Ricard provided artwork for at least two books scheduled for release in 2023. Women of Myth, by Jenny Williamson and Genn McMenemy and The Little Book of Mushrooms by Alex Dorr both feature more brilliant illustrations by my talented friend.

I enjoyed many books this year and anticipate the same for 2023. I love losing myself in a book, especially passing the time on a plane.

— John Wroblewski, online writer