Year in Books: 2021
If you know me, you know I’m a big reader. I’m not a fast reader, but I’m always reading something. Over the past few years, I’ve joined friends in challenging myself to read a certain number of books each year (thank you, Goodreads). For me, that number has crept up to the terrifying heights of 25. I know, I know - not a huge number, but it’s by far my loftiest challenge to-date, and what type of fundraiser would I be if I wasn’t all about setting goals?? I thought as a way to share a little more about myself, I would open up my 2021 reading list…
January
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
I was probably the last person in the world to read this book, and it really doesn’t need to suffer from a review by yours truly. Suffice it to say, I really loved it.
Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby
I love reading new authors, and this one was a great way to kick off January. It’s different than what I normally pick up (fast cars, robbery, getaway plans), but it was a fun read.
February
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
This book was, without a doubt, the most powerful book I’ve ever read. I had to read it in small doses because it was so real and so heavy. But honestly, everyone should read this. I sent copies to friends.
March
Signs Preceding the End of the World by Yuri Herrera
This book was fantastic. It was really hard to tell what was reality and what was mythology throughout the short narrative, which made it kind of wonderfully magical. You don’t really have to worry about which parts were real and which were imagined, because they all come together in such a beautiful way.
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
I know this book offended a lot of people, so naturally I had to check it out for myself. I liked it as a well written thriller.
The Red Lotus by Chris Bohjalian
I didn’t love this one, but it was enjoyable. It’s by the author who wrote the book that the HBO series The Flight Attendant was based on. I could’ve done without the plague references at this point…
April
The Nazi Officer’s Wife: How One Jewish Woman Survived the Holocaust by Edith Hahn Beer
This is the story of one Jewish woman’s incredible experience in Austria as Hitler came to power, and how she survived the Holocaust. I found her experience at the beginning of the book almost even more chilling than her time spent hiding in plain sight. She describes the slow, creeping infringements on her rights before war broke out. She helps the reader understand how difficult it would be to leave a country you’ve always called home, even though the ground is starting to slip out from under you.
May
…
June
Saint X by Alexis Schaitkin
This story was full of social commentary, which really was kind of an important theme for my 2021 reading list. I would not agree with the marketing and call this a beach read, but it was really thought provoking.
The Department of Speculation by Jenny Offill
I did not love this book, despite it being named one of the NY Times Book Review’s ten best books of the year. I found it depressing, which is not at all a reflection on the writing. It was just a downer and I failed to catch any real takeaways.
July
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
I was SO EXCITED for The Maidens. Alex Michaelides’s first book is my favorite mystery. This one was compelling but it lacked the same punch for me.
The Hour of Peril: The Secret Plot to Murder Lincoln Before the Civil War by Daniel Stashower
I don’t typically read a lot of historical books, but I learned a lot from this one. It dragged a bit, but not enough that I put it down for good (which happens somewhat often…).
August
The Power of Ritual: How to Create Meaning and Connection in Everything You Do by Casper ter Kuile
I read this at a time when I was really missing my community and feeling the pandemic isolation big time, and I really enjoyed it. He gives a lot of practical advice in addition to historical context and repositioning of ideas we (I) tend to consider somewhat outdated.
September
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
This was a light and fun mystery, super easy reading that carried me through the end of summer. I’m looking forward to reading her next novel when it comes out next month.
Restless by William Boyd
I loved this one. It jumps around in time and has enough spy stuff to keep it interesting, but it also explores mother / daughter relationships, which I found to be pretty unique.
What Kind of Woman by Kate Baer
LOVED! Thin book of poetry sent to me by a dear friend at the same time I gifted it to another woman in my life. Really good. I should re-read it this year.
October
Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
This was a really powerful story that was so, so human. I liked how it took place over several lifetimes, but also in the span of one day. It was one of my favorite books of 2021.
The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz
This was sent to me by a friend, and I thought it was really fun! It’s by the same woman who wrote the book that the HBO series The Undoing is based on. Need I say more?!
November
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
I was really late to the party with this book, but all of the reviews are true! This book is 100. It demonstrates all of these human-made constructs in our society and how damaging they are. The author does an incredible job at making you ask all kinds of questions you might not have asked otherwise.
Infinite Country by Patricia Engel
This book follows a family that decides to immigrate to the U.S., and then gets torn apart after they’re here. There is a lot of really rich insight into the experience of the immigrant family.
Mrs. Caliban by Rachel Ingalls
This book is really kooky, but it has so many amazing, socially-relevant undertones. I rarely read sci-fi, but I highly recommend this one!
December
The Dance of the Dissident Daughter by Sue Monk Kidd
Sue Monk Kidd is one of my favorite authors. This book explores her personal spiritual journey. I really enjoyed it. I think this was one of maybe two non-fiction books I read during the year.
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
This was my first YA book, and I loved it! I learned so much about the main character’s culture, and all of it was done through a mystery that kept the pages turning quickly. I also love the author’s background and the fact that this was her first novel.
Northern Spy by Flynn Berry
This was the last book of 2021 for me, and it did not disappoint. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything about the conflict in Ireland, and this really hit me in a relatable way. I also loved Flynn Berry’s writing. Succinct, but with enough elaboration that you can really imagine yourself in the protagonist's shoes.
