Our Favorite Books of 2022

Surely we can all agree: 2022 was a whirlwind. Through it all, the wins, the hurdles, the milestones achieved, there was one constant for our Klaviyos…books. Thanks to our ever-popular free book benefit (if you are better off for having read it, we’ll pay for it) we are a team of avid readers (and listeners–audiobooks are covered too!) When the buzz of the outside world got a little too loud, we let ourselves get lost in the pages of a vivid mystery. When we needed the strength to take on a challenge at work, we turned to the experts for advice. We read science fiction thrillers, escapist romance novels, manifestos on design and guides for leveling up our leadership skills. Which ones will be sticking with us? 

We asked Klaviyos to help us put together a list of the best books we read in 2022, the ones we stayed up late to finish, and turn back to time and time again. Here are our top picks:

Presence by Amy Cuddy is the best book I read this year. It spoke about a variety of different subjects such as: Bringing your authentic self to work, how your body language breeds more confidence, and ultimately how the tips and tricks in these pages can help one be more present, lessen their anxiety, and overcoming and navigate through any challenging situations both professional and personal. 

-Peter Swan, Technical Recruiter

Leading Change by John P. Kotter: His 8 step guide to managing change is, in my opinion, one every leader (or aspiring leader) should read. I have found it especially helpful as Klaviyo has continued to grow and evolve. Not only has it helped me to better understand change, but it has also helped me to shift my perspective on organizational change, why it is necessary as a company grows, and how to benefit and grow from change myself.

-Kylie Deverell, Backline Product Expert

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman: This book made me laugh almost as hard as it made me cry and I loved every second of it! The author immediately thrusts you into the lives of complete strangers, and brilliantly shows that when you don't know what other people are going through it's worthwhile to find out 

-David Lustig, Data Scientist

West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge: I just thought it was kind of a story about overcoming adversity, connecting with animals, and it made me feel good. 

-Allison Randazzo, People Tech Lead Analyst

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton was incredible, it discusses the potential risks of doing things simply because you can, the dangers of science motivated by profit, and why ethics are critical to modern science. We read it for book club and I’m still obsessed. 

-Julia LiMarzi, Program Manager, Customer Education

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir: I read it in less than a week and stayed up past midnight a few weeknights to find out what happens next. Amazing page-turning sci fi with a lot of heart.

-Elcee Vargas, Lead Product Marketing Manager

I would say my favorite book that I read this year was Good Vibes, Good Life: How Self-Love Is the Key to Unlocking Your Greatness by Vex King. This book was really uplifting and very emotional. It's one of those books that you wish everyone in your life would read at least once because it has the ability to make a big impact on your wellbeing and happiness, especially in times of hardship.

-Charlotte Milton, Senior Product Expert

A Burning by Megha Majumdar: This book struck a sad and hopeless chord with me and I love how the author used such great characters and situations to unfold this heart-breaking story. The story made me feel and think deeply about how underprivileged groups and individuals might be incentivized to turn against one another to save themselves at such heavy expense to others - all victims of a corrupt political and media system that favors and keeps only a small percentage of people in wealth and power.

-Angela Weidmann, Producer

One of my favorite books of the year was The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi. It was easy to get lost in the story even though there were different narratives and timelines.

-Rose Gluck, Klaviyo University Program Manager

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin: The world of gaming & tech and a beautiful story of complex friendship, jarring love and loss and Boston scenery all brought together with intelligent and readable storytelling.  Zevin's The Storied Life of AJ Fikry is also a great read for book (or book shop) lover.

-Kelly Freeland, Senior Benefits Analyst

This is Happiness by Niall Williams: Beautifully written, whimsical, detailed imagery of Ireland.

-Kaitlin Moore, Senior People Operations Specialist

My favorite book I’ve read this year is Severance by Ling Ma. It’s an amazing take on a post-apocalyptic world where people become “fevered” & doomed to repeat their daily routines mindlessly — it made me really think about my own relationship with work/routine and take stock of what’s important.

-Cassidy Feerick, Senior Sales Operations Analyst

The best book I read in 2022 was The Guncle by Steven Rowley. A modern-day 'Auntie Mame' that takes place in Palm Springs, this novel made me & my other Klaviyo coworkers laugh & cry. It's a moving tribute to the power of love, acceptance, and family in even the most trying of times.

-Perrin Brown, CSM-Growth

We hope you’re taking notes! Want to join our team of bookworms? Check out our open roles, we’re hiring!