For the past few years I have been intentionally compiling my best books of the year. So I thought I would share my top 10 books of 2021. Counting down…
#10 | The Comfort Book by Matt Haig
A practical guide to comfort you in difficult times, including playlists, food, and practical advice. I have enjoyed everything that I have read by Matt Haig, and have this one on my nightstand to pick up when I am feeling a bit low.
#9 | You Got Anything Stronger: Stories by Gabrielle Union
Though not as funny as her first book, We’re Going to Need More Wine, this one stood out because of Gabrielle’s openness and honesty in discussing difficult topics including infertility, motherhood, and racial justice. For example, she talks about how everyone else was so happy when her surrogate became pregnant but she was mad! This book was so very painful at some moments but it has stayed with me and I cannot stop thinking about it so, on the list it goes.
#8 | The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Delila Harris
This one was unlike anything I have ever read. Some have said it was a book written by a black woman for everyone, but that included often unexplained references to a black woman’s life (IE. Putting on a silk scarf at night). I loved that about it.
#7 | The Wayfarer Series by Becky Chambers
I read all 4 of these books starting with A Long Way to Small Angry Planet. And thus began my love of Becky Chambers. I will read anything she writes.
#6 | Writers & Lovers by Lily King
This book has the second best ending of a book I read all year so, on the list it goes.
#5 | The House on the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
I don’t know why it took me so long to read this one but such a lovely, hopeful story. Anyone who is struggling to feel accepted and loved by others should take a peek at the magical story.
#4 | Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
In March, the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club read this one; I hadn’t read it since I studied it in college. It held up. I love it as much then if not more now. And it was very interesting to read it as an older woman and how my perspective have changed since then.
#3 | Address Unknown by Katherine Kressman Taylor
Everyone should read this! And at about 70 pages, it won’t take much of your time. Originally published in the early 30’s before the start of WWII, it is a fascinating story told in letters about two friends, one German and the other a Jew and what happens when the German moves home at the rise of Hitler. Fascinating! Short – only 72 pages.
#2 | Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
This book is epic! The longest I have read in a long time. But very much worth my time.
#1 | A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
I heart this book so much! I read it for the third time last week and hugged it to my chest when I was done.
What was the best thing that you read last year?
enjoy life…
Per usual, I’m linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy and her Quick Lit post.
shannan enjoys life! 
I’m reading and listening to The Other Black Girl right now. I agree that it assumes the reader understands black woman issues, but I’m still very intrigued with the story. One of my last books of the year was Address Unknown. I loved it too. I tried Cloud Cuckoo Land and just couldn’t figure it out. So, I put it aside.
Cloud does take some time to get going, which I typically do not enjoy, but once it got going it was fascinating.
I’m glad you loved Address Unknown. Such a story m, right?
Thanks for being here. Thanks for commenting.
I had no idea Anthony Doerr wrote another novel!! I loved All the Light We Cannot See, so I am very interested, even though long books are intimidating!!
Here are my top 2021 reads, if interested! https://elle-alice.blogspot.com/2022/01/10-favorite-books-of-2021.html
I was and I did check out your list. Have you read any other work by Tolkien? How does it compare to The Hobbit?
Now I have a goal for 2022 – read a book I want to hug to my chest afterwards 🙂
That’s a great goal! I want more of those too. Let me know if you find one.
looks like a great list—i wish i read HALF as much as you! happy new YOU year!!! xxo
Thank you. Happy New Year to you also.
I have Gabrielle Union’s ebook on hold with the library. I haven’t read her first one. I heard her tell part of her infertility and surrogacy story on a podcast and I immediately searched out the book.
I read The Other Black Girl over the summer, and yes, there were some references I’m sure I didn’t catch. 🙂
I’m adding The House on the Cerulean Sea to my list now because I could use the reminders of being accepted and loved. 🙂
I’m currently reading Wish You Were Here, although it’s a little disturbing since the setting is our current pandemic. So also very intriguing.
I love listening to Gabrielle on podcasts. Thanks for being here.
Great list- it was the push I needed to just go ahead and buy Matt Haig’s Comfort Book. I have wanting to for a long time now. I already own some of the others and need to READ THEM!
Matt Haig is weird or should I say “different” but I enjoy his work very much. Especially the way he deals with anxiety and depression, which is a part of his life. Let me know what you think. Thanks for commenting.
Interesting choices. The only one that I have read is House on the Cerulean Sea – and loved. So my TBR just got longer! Address Unknown will be first up. Thanks for the list!
Thank you, Margaret. Do let me know what you think of Address Unknown.
Shannan you were great looking and articulate with your choices. I very much enjoyed watching!
Thank you, Debbie! Glad you could attend the event.