Join us in celebrating the Bywater Books titles and authors who have been recognized in The Best of 2022 lists.
JUDE’S FAVOURITE BOOKS OF 2022
“Once in a while, you read a book by a new author, not knowing what to expect, and it blows your mind. Last Chance Chicago is one of these books. And it’s a debut novel, which blows my mind even further. It’s also the kind of book about which I have a lot to say but will end up saying almost nothing because you have to experience it for yourself.” —Jude in the Stars
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OUT IN PRINT’S FAVORITE BOOKS OF 2022
“Seemingly effortless historical fiction from one of our finest writers puts us in 1850s Manhattan as we follow Georgiana Cartwright, an aspiring actress who wants to play men’s roles (“breeches parts”) like her heroine Charlotte Cushman. Totally immersive and wickedly funny in spots, this mid-nineteenth century love letter to actors and the art of the stage is sure to keep you turning pages.” —Out in Print
“Books about old discarded letters have always intrigued me, and leave it to the author of Beowulf for Cretins to spin this involving yarn about mysterious missives, an herb garden, racial bigotry, and coming out. McMan drives her vibrant characters through a plot that runs as smooth as well-oiled clockwork.” —Out in Print
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SHELF UNBOUND’S 2022 TOP NOTABLE INDIES
“We read hundreds of books this year in all manner of genres to connect readers with the best books from the top independent publishers. This year, judging our entries was incredibly hard as we were graced with many great works.” —Shelf Unbound
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AUTOSTRADDLE’S 92 BEST QUEER BOOKS OF 2022
“Set in a small North Carolina town in 1960, Dead Letters from Paradise is award-winning, iconic author McMan at her best. Esther Jane (EJ) is a post office employee and spinster turned plucky amateur detective when she is given a packet of letters addressed to a nonexistent person. Tracking down the origin of the letters, the sender, and the addressee bring EJ down a meandering, unexpected path that leads her on a quest for queer self-discovery. This mystery excels in all areas: tightly plotted; endearing and authentic characters; a rich and original setting.” —Autostraddle
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Hunting Gold by Ann Aptaker
“Hunting Gold…unwinds like the last number at a dim, jazz nightclub?sexy, melancholy and unforgettable.” —Michael Nava
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Check in often as we’ll be updating the list in the coming days.
