Scribd users spent hundreds of millions of hours consuming content this year. (We’re guessing many of you achieved your reading goals this year!) While 2019 leaned into nonfiction, fiction prevailed in 2021 and continues to dominate our top 10 in 2022. This year eight out of 10 audiobooks were fiction and only two were nonfiction; similarly eight of the 10 ebooks were fiction. Colleen Hoover commanded both lists with six of her bestselling books that are trending everywhere, including #BookTok. The celebrity memoir from Jennette McCurdy clearly resonated with readers.
A few books have some staying power, and if you haven’t read them yet, now’s the time. Two books that topped the 2021 charts remain in the top 10: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck and The Seven Husbands of Eveyln Hugo with the former (which also happened to by last year’s #1) landing in both the audiobook and ebook charts.
What does 2023 have in store? Will we all continue to want to escape into a good fiction book (we’re looking at you, Colleen Hoover fans)? Or will we open up a few more memoirs or personal growth books on becoming our best selves? Time will tell, and we’ll be here next year to report back. Happy reading!
Top 10 audiobooks on Scribd in 2022
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
The biggest memoir of the year, “I'm Glad My Mom Died” immediately sold out in bookstores. McCurdy is an actress best known for playing Sam on the Nickelodeon sitcom “iCarly.” Her writing debut is an honest memoir of child stardom under the control of an abusive mother, and how those experiences led to eating disorders and substance abuse before her eventual recovery. McCurdy’s darkly funny coming-of-age story offers hope to those struggling to overcome trauma.
It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover
Colleen Hoover dominated 2022. Her books were everywhere: blowing up on BookTok, filling up bestsellers lists, and taking over bookstore displays. To top it off, we also got a new Hoover book to fall for: The sequel to “It Ends with Us” picks up immediately where the original story left off. Ex-spouses Lily and Ryle maintain careful civility while co-parenting their young daughter, but when Lily’s girlhood sweetheart, Atlas, returns, Ryle’s dark tendencies reemerge. Hoover strikes a fine and relatable balance of tension and hope, revealed through Lily and Atlas’ alternating perspectives.
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
“It Ends With Us” consistently tops the bestseller list even now, despite coming out several years ago (thanks, TikTok). In a lot of ways, it seems like a stereotypical sexy romance novel: The protagonist is named Lily Bloom, and she’s stuck choosing between a hot doctor named Ryle and her first love, Atlas. But this romance novel shines above the rest for its very real and poignant portrayal of cycles of abuse.
The Subtle Art of Not GIving a F*ck by Mark Manson
This personal growth book flies in the face of so much conventional self-help wisdom, it’s hard not to label the book as anti-self-help. Yet, that label undermines how pragmatic the book actually is. In the overcrowded and over-clichéd self-help genre, this is a book well worth whatever f*cks you can muster.
Fairy Tale by Stephen King
Charlie Reade, a lonely teenager with problems at home, befriends the elderly Mr. Bowditch. The more time Charlie spends at Mr. Bowditch’s home, the more curious he becomes about the shed out back — and the unearthly noises coming from within. Of course, it wouldn’t be a true King (“Billy Summers”) novel if the oddly mysterious didn’t morph into a fantastical adventure full of good versus evil and quests for survival.
Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
Nursing student Tate and airline pilot Miles aren’t in love. They’re more like friends with benefits — without the friendship. But the steamier things get between the two, the harder it is for either of them to keep their emotions in check. Hoover’s bestseller proves how messy new love can be, especially when secrets from the past dictate the present.
Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
After witnessing her teenage son commit a brutal murder, Jen awakens the next morning with another shock: It’s the day before the crime. Each morning thereafter, Jen travels further back in time, giving her a chance to get to the root of her son’s actions (and stop the attack before it happens). McAllister’s time-hopping mystery explores the repercussions of our choices. Read along with Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club this August.
The Ex Hex: A Novel by Erin Sterling
It’s your typical heartbreak romance: Boy meets girl, boy breaks girl’s heart, girl (who’s actually a witch) puts a curse on boy to teach him a lesson. OK, maybe not so typical, but a “hex” of a lot of fun. Sterling imparts humor and whimsy in this magical romance that keeps you glued to your seat — and wondering if the protagonists will find their way back to one another.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.” There’s a reason “The Alchemist,” originally published in 1988, has consistently been one of the most popular books on Scribd — and around the world — year after year. Epic and uplifting, this fantasy chronicles the life of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd who yearns for adventure in pursuit of a worldly treasure. Along the way, his journey transforms into one of self-discovery. Anyone in need of inspiration to follow their dreams will find a kindred spirit in Santiago and his story.
The Seven Husbands of Eveyln Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
“Don’t take my emotional mess as a sign, ‘oh, this is really bad, don’t read it,’ because it’s frickin’ amazing,” says Pauline (@thebooksiveloved) as she tries not to cry on TikTok, in one of the most-viewed videos about “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.” Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel about an aging Old Hollywood actress finally telling her whole life’s story to an unknown journalist is highly emotional. Told in a memoiristic style, you will leave convinced that Evelyn Hugo is a real person. (Just to reiterate: She’s not.) Was #2 in 2021
Top 10 ebooks on Scribd in 2022
November 9 by Colleen Hoover
In a twist of fate, Fallon and Ben meet the day before Fallon moves across the country. Their connection is undeniable, so they agree to meet every year on the same date. The bond between them grows stronger year after year until a terrible discovery threatens to tear them apart forever. In classic Hoover style, November 9 engages readers with slow-building intimacy and shocking revelations you won’t soon forget.
All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover
Quinn and Graham’s love is tested by infertility in this exploration of marriage and the challenges that can destroy otherwise happy relationships. Hoover’s plot is a familiar one, but she breathes fresh life and vulnerability into “All Your Perfects” by weaving between past and present and revealing the cracks that slowly disintegrate the life Quinn and Graham have built. An authentic marriage story that’s both heartbreaking and redeeming.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
This book flies in the face of so much conventional self-help wisdom, it’s hard not to label the book as anti-self-help. Yet, that label undermines how pragmatic the book actually is. In the overcrowded and over-clichéd self-help genre, this is a book well worth whatever f*cks you can muster. Was #1 in 2021
Confess by Colleen Hoover
Auburn is still grieving a loss from years ago when she steps into an art gallery looking for a job. There, she meets Owen, and their instant attraction sends Auburn reeling. But Owen’s dark past, and a jealous friend of Auburn’s, may keep the two from a happy ending. No bestseller list is complete without Hoover (or in this list’s case, two Hoovers), and “Confess” lives up to the author’s reputation for books filled with passionate love, weighty secrets, and tough choices.
Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
Humiliated as a teen, Ani spent years crafting the perfect, enviable life — but it’s built on a dark secret that could destroy everything. This is the fashionista’s “Gone Girl,” with just as much satirical observation about modern femininity but a lot more pop culture flare. A Netflix adaptation starring Mila Kunis dropped on September 30.
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
Author Dave wastes no time eliciting intrigue, beginning this thriller with a mysterious note, a missing person, and half a million dollars of questionable origin. As newlywed Hannah searches for her husband Owen amidst growing police suspicion, her one goal is clear: Protect Owen’s daughter at all costs. The growing bond between stepmother and stepdaughter keeps you just as engaged as the twist-and-turn plot in this refreshingly original must-read.
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
“You’re either a master of money or a slave to it,” Kiyosaki asserts in his landmark book that challenges conventional middle class wisdom about hard work and saving money. Learn to make your money do the work for you.
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
Because this sweet story bounces between the past and present day, it felt as though I got two love stories in one. It delivered the romance trifecta: an adorable meet-cute, the totally expected unexpected plot twist, and most importantly, a second chance at a happily ever after.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.” There’s a reason “The Alchemist,” originally published in 1988, has consistently been one of the most popular books on Scribd — and around the world — year after year. Epic and uplifting, it chronicles the life of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd who yearns for adventure in pursuit of a worldly treasure. Along the way, his journey transforms into one of self-discovery. Anyone in need of inspiration to follow their dreams will find a kindred spirit in Santiago and his story.
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
A love triangle blossoms at a shared beach house that friends Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah visit every summer. This breezy YA read about childhood friends growing into something more, from the author of “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” has a film adaptation streaming on Prime Video.
About the Author: Sarah Sung
Sarah is the Editorial Director at Scribd who obsesses over content strategy and brand building, and has written lifestyle content for AFAR, San Francisco Chronicle, and Under Armour. In her spare time she teaches indoor cycling and consumes podcasts, audiobooks, and ebooks at all times of the day and night. Traveling and dining out are always high on her to-do list
