'Tis the season for compiling "best of" lists.

From the finest podcasts to the top movies, the most unforgettable wines, and the best jazz albums of 2022, various rankings abound. Today, I present my unique take on a "best of" list—the 10 most exceptional books about California in 2022. These remarkable works, spanning fiction and nonfiction, were reviewed by The New York Times this year and are sure to strike a chord with readers who either reside in the Golden State or simply harbor a deep affection for it.

FICTION

“All My Rage” by Sabaa Tahir

This young adult novel depicts the lives of two close South Asian friends residing in the small town of Juniper, California, as they grapple with challenges and strive for a way forward.

Reflecting on their teenage years, the author expresses a deep connection to books like John Green's 'The Fault in Our Stars' and 'Looking for Alaska,' which provided early insights into themes of heartbreak, hope, and desire. However, the author believes that if a book like 'All My Rage' had been available during that time, it would have offered a more comprehensive exploration of those emotions, along with a heightened appreciation for their own cultural identity, fostering an understanding that they weren't the only brown kid facing struggles in a predominantly white school.
 

“Avalon” by Nell Zink

This young adult novel depicts the lives of two close South Asian friends residing in the small town of Juniper, California, as they grapple with challenges and strive for a way forward.

Reflecting on their teenage years, the author expresses a deep connection to books like John Green's 'The Fault in Our Stars' and 'Looking for Alaska,' which provided early insights into themes of heartbreak, hope, and desire. However, the author believes that if a book like 'All My Rage' had been available during that time, it would have offered a more comprehensive exploration of those emotions, along with a heightened appreciation for their own cultural identity, fostering an understanding that they weren't the only brown kid facing struggles in a predominantly white school.

“Bad Thoughts: Stories” by Nada Alic

In Alic's inaugural collection of stories, the outwardly bright appearances conceal peculiar and shadowy depths, as noted by our reviewer:

"The narratives unfold within a privileged millennial setting in Los Angeles, capturing its meticulously observed elements—be it the neutral linens adorning a baby shower, destination bachelorette getaways, preoccupations with social media, unconventional wellness pursuits, or a stylish, minimalist loft 'filled with gray modular furniture that resembles life-size Lego pieces.'"

“Heartbroke” by Chelsea Bieker

Described by The Times as a "bold, eerie tribute to California's Central Valley," this short story collection by Bieker presents an unvarnished perspective on the challenging existence of the white working class in a less idealized corner of California. In the story "Raisin Man," a father describes the land as blessed by God, to which his son responds, "My ma says it's the deepest hole in hell." Bieker's clear and compassionate writing accommodates both viewpoints and more.

“Yerba Buena” by Nina LaCour

Renowned for her young adult novels, LaCour entered the realm of adult fiction with this narrative of self-discovery and connection between two Californian women. According to our review:

"The title of the book, translating to 'good herb,' is drawn from California's native flora, a theme that echoes in the stories of both characters. Sara's journey begins in a redwood grove, where she experiences first love with her best friend amid the ancient trunks. Emilie, on the other hand, seeks solace from a tumultuous home life in the stalks of verbena and mint within a school garden."

“Mecca” by Susan Straight

Residing in Riverside, Straight delves into inland Southern California, with a focus on the desert town of Mecca at the heart of this novel.

In "Mecca," typical of Straight's writing, the narrative serves as a heartfelt ode to a locale and its inhabitants. Her prose captures the poetic essence of workers pollinating date palms in the groves, portraying it as a cosmic dance: "It was magic out here, even in the heat. Giant sweeps of golden strands feathered with tiny blooms, four feet long. Like fantastic brooms, and the gods could sweep the sky."

“Nightcrawling” by Leila Mottley

In Mottley's novel, the narrative centers on Kiara, a teenager striving to build a life in Oakland amidst the surge of wealth and influence brought about by the Bay Area tech boom. The city is now filled with tech offices, Ubers, yoga studios, cafes, and bartenders sporting identical tattoos.

For Kiara, a resident raised in the streets and dealers' apartments that once dominated the area, there are limited employment opportunities. She resorts to using the yellow pages to search for a job, unable to afford a smartphone or internet access.

NONFICTION

“Indigenous Continent: The Epic Contest for North America” by Pekka Hämäläinen

A reviewer from The Times hailed this reimagining of North American history from a Native American standpoint—recognized as one of the top 100 books of 2022—as "the finest book I have ever encountered on Native American history, and also one of the most inventive narratives about the continent."

“Tree Thieves: Crime and Survival in North America’s Woods” by Lyndsie Bourgon

In this unexpected book, Bourgon, an environmentalist and journalist, portrays timber poachers in California and other locations not as antagonists but as individuals reacting to a dearth of economic prospects.

“By stepping into the poacher's perspective, Bourgon offers a refreshing and empathetic cautionary tale about the dangers of well-meaning yet excessively zealous environmentalism.”

“Embrace Fearlessly the Burning World: Essays” by Barry Lopez

This collection released posthumously features an essay recounting Lopez's upbringing in the San Fernando Valley, described by our reviewer as "one of the most exceptional pieces of Los Angeles-centric writing I've encountered":

"During his time there, Lopez yearned fervently to break free, yet after his family relocated, he expresses, 'I longed for California to the extent of mourning.' The swift movements of jackrabbits, the thunderous waves, the aroma of eucalyptus, and the 'surgical sharpness' of the light — 'devoid of these elements, I believe I would not have survived.'"