Book List 2021
As we close another year, I’m back yet again with my book list. While my love for reading is as voracious as ever, I am pleased to say that I stuck to my 2021 wish of reading less and experiencing more. A lot of amazing life events happened in 2021. I got married to my sweet and loving husband. We moved to a new state (Colorado!). I got my first BOOK DEAL and was the ghostwriter on a book for a major lifestyle brand, set to be released in Spring 2023. Throughout it all, my beloved books offered escapism, entertainment, relaxation. I noticed a trend as I went back to look at all the books I read - overwhelmingly the books I picked up geared towards fun. Clearly, amidst all of the changes I was going through, I turned to books to offer comfort. You won’t see a ton of “great literary works” here this year, and frankly, I’m totally fine with that.
My total books-read-count came to 40. That’s a proper, solid amount (if you recall, the total INSANITY of my books read last year was 50!!) I have all the book titles and ratings listed below, and if a book catches your interest, simply click on the cover art and it will take you right to Barnes & Noble to purchase. Scroll to the very bottom to see my Top 3 Books, ranked in order.
Fiction & Non-Fiction:
Memorial by Bryan Washington 7/10
This book was written so interestingly. Unlike any other writing style I’ve read, so it took me a minute to get into it. Two men navigate their relationships with their parents and in turn figure out what their own future together looks like.
Betty by Tiffany McDaniel 8.5/10
At times difficult subject matter to read about, but the way the author writes is so raw and lyrical. Inspired by the life of the author’s mother, Betty, and her coming-of-age story in Appalachian mountains. I was really moved by this story.
Stray by Stephanie Danler 7.5/10
A memoir of growing up in a family filled with lies and the looming struggle of addiction, and one woman’s journey to find a life of purpose. Unlike the author’s first book, Sweetbitter, this one took me a while to get into.
Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam 5/10
While on vacation, a family learns that the world has ended when the owners of the Airbnb show up, seeking refuge. Well written but a bit of a slog to get through.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab 10/10
Fabulous story, really fun to read. A girl sells her soul to life forever… the only catch is that no one can remember her. What gives life meaning if not the people who surround you?
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey 9/10
I don’t think I’ve ever been more charmed by an autobiography. McConaughey has mastered the art of livin’ - I really enjoyed reading his story and took away new perspectives on life. Excellent.
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah 7.5/10
I really like this author, and while the story was very captivating, I prefer The Great Alone over this book. All about a family struggling to survive during the Dust Bowl and The Great Depression. Offered a detailed perspective into the lives of the American farmers who were alive during that time.
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson 10/10
One of the most important books I’ve ever read. If you’ve been asking yourself “how is our country so divided?” - then read this book. Really gives a new perspective on how our society is divided into “caste” systems, which lead to much of the discourse we see today.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry 10/10
Gosh I love this author. Truly enjoyable rom-com read with snappy dialogue and endearing characters. Believe the hype - it’s worth reading.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb 9/10
This was super insightful and well written I enjoyed it immensely. A therapist has to see a new therapist after a devastating life event and learns a lot about herself along the way.
The Husbands by Chandler Baker 9/10
My sister and I listened to this as an audio book during our road-trip from California to Colorado and it was gripping! Takes place in a Stepford-wife-esque neighborhood, except the gender roles are reversed. This made our drive go by so fast!
28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand 9/10
Another feel-good read, perfect for our mini-moon to Paso Robles this year! Two people share 28 summers together as their “same time next year” relationship.
Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan 9/10
This was just plain FUN to read. A man in San Fransisco becomes the clerk at a mysterious bookstore and uncovers a centuries old secret cult.
Beach Read by Emily Henry 10/10
This was an unexpected delight! I laughed! I cried! I read it in 3 days! Love a well-written, feel-good book. Two rival authors finds out they are neighbors at their summer lake houses and challenge each other to a bet - who can write the best book first.
The Startup Wife by Tahmima Anam 9/10
A programmer creates a new app that replaces religion…and deals with the consequences. A really fun read!
The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel 7/10
Follows the lives of people who got caught up in a Ponzi scheme. Quite interesting but took me about 1/3 of the book to really get into it.
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch 8/10
Love a good sci-fi read. A man wakes up in a different dimensional reality and tried to get back to his family in his own multi-verse.
The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse 6.5/10
A haunted (?) sanatorium in the Swiss Alps is converted into a luxury hotel…and a killer is on the loose. I enjoyed it but not good enough for a higher score.
Hunger: A Memoir of My Body by Roxane Gay 7.5/10
A fascinating book that I found difficult to read - and I realized at this moment that I am seeking entertainment-focused books (rather than intellectually focused). A good but intense dive into how hunger in all forms shaped the relationship the author has to her body.
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi 10/10
Twins are separated at birth - one continues growing up in her village in Africa, the other is captured and sold to America as a slave. Each chapter follows the lineage of their families all the way up to present day. It is an incredible read.
Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline 7/10
Explored compelling issue facing humanity, like the emergence of virtual reality, but the first book was better. I often felt bored by the overly descriptive 80s/90s nostalgia.
The Push by Ashley Audrain 9/10
Finished this in a day and a half! Psychological thriller about a new mom who suspects something is inherently wrong with her child and raises the question - can people be born evil?
The Turnout by Megan Abbott 7/10
A dark family drama, set in a ballet studio during Nutcracker season. I enjoyed it but didn’t love it.
This is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone 8/10
Two rival agents begin a secret correspondance during war and fall in love. But being discovered would mean death for both. I’ve never read a book like this before - super trippy and unique!
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler 10/10
In 2025 the world has descended into chaos and anarchy. One woman begins a new religion in hopes of a better future. Fabulous read.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig 9/10
Ooh this was a good one. A beautiful story about all the choices that go into a life well-lived. If you could choose a different version of your life, would you?
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate 8.5/10
A story of a woman trying to learn about her Grandmother’s past before it’s too late. Really loved this one. Explores the history of the stolen children that made up the Tennessee Children’s Home Society in the 1940’s.
The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson 8.5/10
The story of a North Korean citizen rising the ranks of society, from orphan to commander and rival to Kim Jong Il. Fascinating glimpse into life in North Korea.
The Vine Witch Series by Luanne G. Smith 7.5/10
I needed a break from heavy subject matter and these books were perfect. The stories take place in turn-of-the-century France and are about the witches who make wine (who knew that was the secret to a good bottle after all this time??) Truly enjoyable and easy to read.
The Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn 10/10
Pure entertainment. Yes, I read the entire Bridgerton series - all eight books plus the prequel! And I thoroughly enjoyed them. Julia Quinn is such a fun writer and really empowers the female characters in her books. Each one took me a day or so to read through. Can’t wait for Season Two to be released on Netflix in March!
Top 3 Books (in order):
Beach Read by Emily Henry
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
(Honorable Mention - Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent by Isabel Wilkerson)
A few closing thoughts:
I was gifted this beautiful mug by my sister-in-law for Christmas and as I looked at the books illustrated on it, I realized out of the 13 literary works, I had only read ONE!! My reading goal for 2022 is to read all thirteen books shown here, all deemed notable and important feats of literature. I know it won’t be easy (I’m already nervous about making it through War and Peace…) but it’s a great challenge. After a year of “fun” reading, I’m ready to broaden my mind. Here’s the reading list, in case you’d like to take on the challenge too:
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
The Odyssey by Homer
Who’s with me??
