Top 2021 Books I Read
In 2021, I read just over 30 books. I believe this is the most I’ve read in a year and am often asked which books I recommend. While this isn’t explicitly travel-related, almost everyone brings a book on vacation they end up not reading :)
Here are my top books of 2021 (either audiobook or physical copy), followed by my favorite books of all time.
A Messy Bookshelf is a Wonderful Thing
2021 Favorites
Project Hail Mary (audiobook) by Andy Weir - I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did, but WOW. The audio version was incredible. I loved how the characters were written (Rocky forever!), and how the plot revealed itself throughout the book. This was one of the few books I have listened to that I would go to bed excited to wake up so I could listen some more. I have gifted this book to 3 people so far this year.
Greenlights (audiobook) by Matthew McConaughey - Again, did not expect to enjoy this as much as I did. Definitely recommend the audiobook version because who doesn’t love Matthew McConaughey’s voice? I loved his detailing of his success and what he considered his “greenlights” throughout his life. This book made him seem much more approachable and down-to-earth.
Boy Parts by Eliza Clark - Wow wow wow. Feminist American Psycho is the best way I can describe this book. You can see the shift in the unreliability of the narrator and you quickly hate her… but you can’t stop turning the pages to figure out what happens next.
Good Neighbors by Sarah Langon - Finished this book in 2 days! Desperate Housewives meets The Crucible. It was fascinating seeing how an entire neighborhood block can turn against a family simply because of one drunken woman’s decision. I loved how the children’s point-of-view was referenced, too. Great read.
Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson - Fellow Tennessean! I finished this book in one night. What a fun, loveable, and bright book. It showed me the importance of “the family we choose.” I’m gifting this book to a sister this year.
The Oracle Year by Charles Soule - A man wakes up with 100+ predictions about the future in his head. He quickly realizes the predictions all work together and is running from the public and the US Government. Absolute page-turner trying to figure out how the different POVs come together and if Will makes it to the end unscathed.
The Grace Year by Kim Liggett - Really enjoyed this book as it was a strong female protagonist in a dystopian world YA novel, but wish the romance aspect had been left out. This book is about a group of girls who, when they reach 13, must be removed from society to exercise their “magic” then come back to be married off. It felt like Hunger Games meets Lord of the Flies, which are two of my favorite books. I loved the strong main character (though aren’t we tired of the “I’m not like other girls” line?) and the story behind the grace year. However, I am tired of books with strong female protagonists feeling like they must have a romantic interest in them. Overall, I enjoyed this book and loved the different take on a dystopian future!
Books that fell short for me
We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz - the premise was great, but the book could’ve been cut in 3/4 if the author removed every line that said “but Kristen knows me better than anyone else.” It felt dragged out and surface-level for me.
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides - I honestly hated The Silent Patient so I’m not sure why I picked up The Maidens. I feel like both of his books try to pick out the most ridiculous twist. I knew what to expect in The Maidens in terms of the twist, so I read the last page first, so I knew who the killer was. Keeping that in mind, none of it added up or made sense. I really wanted more of a deep dive into the secret society of The Maidens, but all we got was this random twist and honestly, a shitty plot.
Wow No Thank You/We Are Never Meeting in Real Life by Samantha Irby - I may have enjoyed these more if I read them instead of listening. I was expecting a No One Asked For This x Roxanne Gay crossover type book, but it fell flat. I loved her humor and I enjoyed the books, but it fell just a little short for me.
The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley - I’m honestly bored with the blockbuster mystery/thriller novels that have been coming out. I used to be enthralled by these (a la Gone Girl, The Woman on the Train, The Woman in the Window, etc.), but now they all seem to be reaching. I actually forgot who the murderer was and what happened in this book.
One by One by Ruth Ware - Same as The Hunting Party, but the murderer was pretty obvious looking back and it was strange that 3 of the 7 guests had POVs in the novel. Why not stick to 2 or all 7?
Current Favorites of All Time
This is Where I Leave You
When Breath Becomes Air
Bridget Jones’s Diary
The Kingkiller Chronicles (2 of out of 3 planned books out so far)
Know My Name
No One Asked for This
The Alchemist
Lord of the Flies
Bad Feminist