2021 Book Review

This year my reading started slowly, but picked up during the second half of the year. I am often reading one book and listening to another one, which allowed me to enjoy 43 books this year.

If you are looking for your next book to read or a holiday gift, here are 10 that stood out for me in 2021 (in no particular order):

1.???The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune | So many people read this book, including me! A powerful story of acceptance that is worth reading. The characters will lift your spirits and give you hope. When we change the lens from which we view the world, we see things anew.

2.???My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell | Vanessa’s experience is a powerful look at how abuse unfolds and the long-term effects of the trauma. This is an uncomfortable and disturbing story about a predatory relationship, which can be triggering.

3.???Betty by Tiffany McDaniel | A great story about a family in the Appalachian Hills, told through the eyes of Betty. She fiercely loves her Cherokee father and seeks to understand her mother’s mental illness. Betty has a big heart and an even bigger imagination; both help her survive.

4.???Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe | An eye-opening chronicle of three generations of the Sackler family that sheds light on the pioneering and pilfering tactics used by Purdue Pharma. A compelling account of the makers of OxyContin—the catalyst for the opioid crisis.

5.???The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi | The story of Lakshmi and how she cleverly and carefully crafted a career for herself captured my interest immediately. I enjoyed this book so much that I read the sequel—The Secret Keeper of Jaipur.

6.???The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré | The positive determination of a young Nigerian woman will inspire you. Adunni triumphs against all odds thanks to the lessons and legacy of her mother and her will to fulfill her destiny to become a teacher. Adunni’s story will break your heart, but her resilience will give you hope.

7.???The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 by Garrett M. Graff | I listened to this as an audio book. It brought me back 20 years to that unimaginable day. This book is a fitting tribute that honors the victims, families, and survivors. We will never forget.

8.???Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid | This book is a fun read that had me turning page after page wanting to know what would happen next to the Riva siblings.

9.???Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman | This is not a productivity book, rather a philosophical look at the limited time humans have on this planet. TL;DR: Get comfortable not completing everything on your to do list. Focus on what matters to you. Practice doing nothing.

10.?The Comfort Book by Matt Haig | This book feels like a big hug. To know that you are not alone in your feelings. To know that you will make it through to the other side. Pick this book up anytime, flip to any page, and it will deliver just the positive feelings you need. It’s ok to not be ok.

If you are curious about other books I read this year or in prior years, check out my bookshelves on Goodreads.

What great books did you read this year? Please share your recommendations and favorites in the comments.

This post reflects my personal views. It is not necessarily a reflection of the official views of my employer.