Since one of my writing goals was to read more, I thought it would help to keep track of what I knocked off Mount Tsundoku. Here’s as good a place as any to post what I’ve read to keep me honest, and what I thought of each book immediately after finishing.

I’m changing up how I build my to-read stacks in 2022. This year, each stack of five will have to include at least two books by women, one non-fiction book, one book by an author I know personally, and one anthology (I’m making a conscious effort to read more short stories this year). Previously my goal was for each to-read pile to contain at least one book by a BIPOC or LGBTQ2S+ author, one book by a woman, one non-fiction book, and one book by an author I know personally. Creating the piles has been getting a little trickier, as I’m having a bit of trouble filling all of my criteria from stack to stack from my own shelves. I still plan on trying to read through the books on my own shelves as much as possible. I’m going to add at least one book from the library by a BIPOC or LGBTQ2S+ author for every stack I build to continue trying to diversify my reading.

The library has become my go-to for keeping up on what’s going in comics, so I’m sure there’ll be a number of graphic novels (and roleplaying games) that jump the queue and end up in the piles from time to time as well.

The World Without Us by Alan Weisman: Great read. Now I totally want to run a post-apocalyptic RPG.

Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition Eberron Campaign Guide by James Wyatt and Keith Baker: I’m not sure I ever read this one cover to cover when it first released and I was playing D&D 4e. Lots of great info for an Eberron game regardless of which edition of the game you’re using.

In the Dark We Forget by Sandra SG Wong: A phenomenal thriller. Absolute page turner, and in my opinion, Sandra’s best book yet. I was lucky enough to receive and advance reading copy, as the book releases June 21st, 2022, and I’ll definitely be purchasing gift copies for friends who are into thrillers.

Cremains of the Day by Misty Simon: A cozy mystery, the first Tallie Graver novel. A fun read. While it has an interesting protagonist, the secondary characters and setting didn’t grab me enough to immediately seek out the next volume, but I would read more.

Shang-Chi Vol. 1: Brothers & Sisters by Gene Luen Yang, Dike Ruan, Philip Tan, Sebastian Cheng: I liked the art, and Yang crafted a fun story. I’ll keep reading the series. I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for Shang-Chi.

Morbius the Living Vampire Vol.1: Old Wounds by Vita Ayala, Marcelo Ferreira, Robert Poggi, Paulo Siqueira, Francesco Mobili, Scott Hanna, JP Mayer, Dono Sánchez-Almara: Not the blame of this series, but it’s something I’ve noticed lately as I’m reading more Marvel and DC books again; I’m getting tired of how many artists it takes for Marvel to churn out a monthly title. There was nothing wrong with any of the art, but none of it felt special either. I’ve always liked Morbius as a character, and I think Ayala did a good job with him. Especially enjoyed the guest appearance by Spider-Man.

Star Wars: Target Vader by Robbie Thompson, Marc Laming, Cris Bolson, Stefano Landini, Marco Failla, Roberto Di Salvo, Georges Duarte: I love having Valance back as a character. His previous appearances were some of my favourite old Marvel Star Wars comics.

When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain by Nghi Vo: Fantastic novella. A fairytale feeling story with talking tiger sisters stalking a cleric. Highly recommended.

The Immortal Hulk Vol. 9: The Weakest One There Is by Al Ewing, Joe Bennett, Ruy Jose, Belarindo Brabo, Paul Mounts, Alex Lins, Chris O’Halloran, Adam Gorham, Rachael Stott: Still cool. Really enjoying this series. Again, I wish Joe Bennett was the sole artist on the book, but I really enjoy the tale Ewing is crafting for the Hulk.

Jackals by John-Matthew DeFossi: A bronze age inspired roleplaying game. Jackals seems based on the Chaosium Basic Roleplaying engine, which I’ve always enjoyed, but simplifies combat (which was one of the things that always kept me from running games that used that engine). I appreciate how the game gives a solid reason for the characters to be together, and to be adventurers, and gives them something to do in the off-season. I’m not sure the setting speaks to me enough to run the game, but I’d definitely give it a crack if someone else was running the game.

Bitch Planet Book One: Extraordinary Machine by Kelly Sue DeConnick, Valentine De Landro, Robert Wilson IV, Chris Peters, Clayton Cowles: I’ve enjoyed pretty much all of DeConnick’s comic writing that I’ve read so far, and this was no exception. Looking forward to reading more in the series.

Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo: I enjoyed Vo’s When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain so much, I immediately checked out this one from the library. Loved it too. Can’t wait to read more by this author.

Here’s what I read in January.

Check out my roundup of my 2021 reading here.

Check out my roundup of my 2020 reading here.