Top books of 2022

Winnipeg writer’s novels among most popular books at Winnipeg Public Library

Stacks of books on a table
Over 4.5 million checkouts were made through the Winnipeg Public Library in 2022.

A Winnipeg writer’s two novels have made the list of the top five most popular books checked out at the Winnipeg Public Library in 2022.

Over 4.5 million physical and digital checkouts were made through our libraries last year and Katherena Vermette’s The Break (924 checkouts) and The Strangers (897 checkouts) were fourth and fifth most popular.

The Break is about a multigenerational Métis–Anishnaabe family dealing with the fallout of a shocking crime in Winnipeg's North End and The Strangers explores race, class, inherited trauma, and matrilineal bonds that—despite everything—refuse to be broken.

Making the list of top three titles were The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah (1,340 checkouts), The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave (1,321 checkouts, and Audrey Blake’s The Girl in His Shadow (949 checkouts).

Covers of Katherena Vermette's book The Break and Kristin Hannah's book The Four Winds
Katherena Vermette’s book The Break was checked out 924 times in 2022. Kristin Hannah’s book The Four Winds was checked out 1,340 times in 2022.

Two of John Grisham’s books, The Judge's List (888 checkouts) and The Whistler (833 checkouts), made appearances in the top ten. Other most popular books last year included A Gambling Man by David Baldacci (888 checkouts), Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb (870 checkouts) and Legacy by Nora Roberts (841 checkouts).

Not sure what to read?

If you’re looking for your next read but not sure what to pick up, explore our library catalogue, which also includes some suggestions from our library staff.

You’ll need a Winnipeg Public Library card to borrow any materials. Cards are free if you live or pay taxes in Winnipeg. You can apply for one at any library branch or fill out an online form to access our Digital Library only.

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