The Spectator’s 2022 Books of the Year
Our writers weigh in
Books
Monday
The return of Cormac McCarthy
Arguably America’s greatest living novelist is back with two novels
Think autofiction is easy? Think again
There are relatively few rules beyond (perhaps) a disregard for plot
Joyce Carol Oates, a woman for all seasons
She remains one of American literature’s great survivors — and provocateurs
Debunking the grievance industry in our schools
A new book shows how the 1619 Project is being taught to students
Thursday
Inside Joan Didion’s extravagant estate auction
The legendary writer’s iconic Corvette photo sold for $26,000
Friday
Warning: this book may make you like Bono
Surrender is full of wry asides on fame, faith and self-flagellation
Thursday
Publishing staff demand axing of Amy Coney Barrett book
Whiners of the literary world, unite!
Prince on pre-order: Harry’s memoir release date announced
The book will be called Spare
Sunday
The prodigal daughter
Mussolini’s Daughter: The Most Dangerous Woman in Europe by Caroline Moorehead reviewed
Nick Cave’s musings on life, death and creativity
Faith, Hope and Carnage by Nick Cave and Seán O’Hagan reviewed
The bookish life of John Carey
Sunday Best: 80 Great Books from a Lifetime of Reviews by John Carey reviewed
Living one’s best life
It helps to have a soft spot for life-wisdom books
A comedian explains how to quit social media
James Acaster has not stopped exploring where he might want to go
Friday
Exposing the logical fallacies of Critical Race Theory
A sharp new book takes a look at its quackery
Thursday
Literary journal in flames after interview with Spectator writer
Alex Perez snaps Hobart Pulp
Wednesday
Alan Rickman and the misery of being famous
He was an in-demand movie star yet it seemed to bring him only stress and unhappiness
Tuesday
Free expression after the Rushdie attack
It was an assault on literary free speech itself
Bob Dylan, the song and dance man
A new biography captures his entire world
Exploring the decline of Britain’s birds
Patrick Galbraith’s latest goes searching for kittiwakes and grouses