A RARE FEW NOVELS I ACTUALLY READ: BEST IN YEAR 2021
As is the mantra of each year’s end, here we are and I cannot believe we’re at yet another end of year look back. Or as we like to refer to such things in this world, a peek at our favorite books of 2021. This list is pretty pathetic because of the way my 2021 reading life went. In fact, I nearly married this with my favorite films of the year list, but the organized part of me just couldn’t quite do that (even though I even wrote them together). This year making a big deal like normal just isn’t my thin and to be honest, my heart just isn’t in in plus I’ve had a massive love-hate relationship with entertainment this past year, including books. One of these days I will pick up a book, become engrossed and never look back. I know it will happen, all that needs to happen is picking up one of the books with the ability to do this.
QUIZ | ‘GOSFORD PARK’ 20 YEARS LATER: HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THE FILM?
A RARE FEW NOVELS I ACTUALLY READ: BEST IN YEAR 2021 #BESTINYEAR #FAVORITESOF2021 #FAVORITEBOOKS #BESTOFYEAR #BESTOF2021 #READER #READING #READERS Share on XDespite the slim list, let’s still look at the book because, no matter the number, good books deserve a shout-out! At least in my space they do. With those words out of the way and opinions plentiful (why can I never keep things short?), we present our favorite books of 2021 list, so… let’s go..!
FAVORITE BOOKS OF 2021
As I said already, this is SLIM pickings.
1: JO & LAURIE, MELISSA de la CRUZ & MARGARET STOHL
It’s been something I’ve said many times and ways, but Jo & Laurie is THE book I didn’t know I needed. Historical YA that reimagines Little Women and I’m here for it. Goodreads
2: ALWAYS AND FOREVER, LARA JEAN, JENNY HAN
I mean I couldn’t not include the final chapter that is Lara Jean’s saga. Her stories are just all nostalgic cheer and fun – also, does anyone else know if Jenny Han is going to write something else? Goodreads
3: IN A FAR OFF LAND, STEPHANIE LANDSEM
To be honest, this really isn’t my typical kind of read. I’m kind of waffling on whether or not I liked it well enough to include here, but honestly… I did. It was a good reading experience at the time and I read it before reading was totally gone so there’s that. Plus, while I don’t love all the stylings of the book, I do admire that it’s different than the normal adult historical I read. The plot follows a farm girl who, to get ahead, loses her innocence in pursuit of becoming a Hollywood star. Goodreads favorite books of 2021
4: AFTER SHE FALLS, CARMEN SCHOBER
Full transparency, I haven’t quite finished this novel. I read it faithfully for several days in a row, before I read something and I had things going on that conspired together, and eventually I set the book aside. Needless to say, this is me taking turtle reading to a level I haven’t before. That said, while I don’t know this novel’s ultimate conclusion (yet!), I do admire the heck out of it. Its market genre unique and I respect the author for pushing boundaries (in good ways) and fighting back on the norm. I also appreciate Bethany House for not just publishing this book, but also for the brilliant and genre unique cover design. Have I mentioned how much I love the cover? The plot follows a woman who is being abused and her journey to separate herself and her daughter from that life all while rediscovering God. Goodreads
5: LET IT BE ME, BECKY WADE
Another Becky Wade and another sweet love story. Goodreads
6: SUNKISSED, KASIE WEST
More Kasie West on my favorites menu is always a must. This one features a girl who, while on vacation with her family, learns she and her uber popular social media sister don’t have any – gasp! – Wi-Fi! Goodreads
Your turn! What new favorite books of 2021 did you discover? Have you read any of these? What are your thoughts? Did you like or hate them? What did you like about the ones you read? Which books made YOUR favorites list of the year? Do you have favorite’s lists? (Let me know if so… you know I want to see them, too!) Comment all the comments down below – let’s get our book fan conversations on!
Thank you for visiting! Please, do come back soon
Linking up with That Artsy Reader Girl December 28: Favorite Books of 2021
Well I haven’t read any of these so I’ll comment on your aesthetic instead. I love the post, the pin, your blog theme. All of it! Happy reading! My TTT https://readwithstefani.com/the-best-10-books-i-read-in-2021/
Aw, thanks, Stefani. I really appreciate this. :)
I haven’t read any of the books on your list, but I recently picked up Jo & Laurie. I hope to get to it in 2022.
I hope that your 2022 goes much better than your 2021 did.
Pam @ Read! Bake! Create!
https://readbakecreate.com/the-10-best-books-i-read-in-2021/
Fun. Hope you enjoy “Jo & Laurie” in 2022 Pam! It was the right kind of read I needed at the time. :) And thanks. Hope so too.
Okay, so reading your list reminds me I NEED to read a Katie West in 2022, I need to make it a goal!! While your list might be slim, all the books look good!
Her books are just sweet and simple which, most of the time, is what I want! And thanks. I agree. :) Appreciate your visit, Cindy.
I’ve heard so many good things about Jo & Laurie.
It’s just a sweet and lovely little story. Definitely the right book for me at the time. :) I do hope you enjoy it if you take the time to read, Lydia.
The final Lara Jean book was indeed so nostalgic and fun! I definitely need to catch up on Kasie West books.
YES! All those cozy feels for sure. :)
I never could fully understand Jo’s decision to not marry Laurie, so the first book looks like something I should definitely try. Thanks for the rec!
I think if you are a fan of that ship you’d enjoy this one, Lex. It does a nice job of honoring the original story but with a different conclusion. :)
In a Far Off Land made my list too. I can’t say I loved it, but it stuck with me long after I finished which to me, is the hallmark of a well-written story. I’m dying to read After She Falls.
I think you put it SO well, Brittaney. This is very true. I’m not sure I can say I *loved* “In a Far-Off Land” either, at least not in a traditional way, but there is something haunting and just good about it that yes, sticks with the reader. Ooo, let me know what you think of “After She Falls” if you read it! I just admire it for being different AND I think the story is super good too.
JO AND LAURIE is one I meant to read this year and never got around to. I’m glad you enjoyed it so much!
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
Thanks! I’m glad I did too, Susan – and appreciate you stopping by.
Always and Forever was a favorite of mine too. That series is just so lovely.
YES! Just so charming and sweet. :)
Sunkissed is on my list to read next year. I bought it for my daughter for Christmas, so I need her to read it before I can steal it back. ;) Happy holidays!
That sounds like a winning strategy, Deanna! Love it. :) Hope you and your family had the best Christmas.
I’ve always meant to read the Jenny Han novels but haven’t done so yet. Glad you like the series. My 2021 Favorites
They’re such cozy reads, Anne. :)
I also had quite a short list this year too, it’s been a bit of a mixed reading year for me as well!
Bummer! Here’s hoping we have a better 2022 reading year – and thanks, as always, for the visit, Jo. :)
I listen to the first two books in the To All the Boys I Know Before on audio and narrator was good. I need to get around to reading the third book.
That’s awesome! I hear a lot of audio book fans say that a good narrator is often the key to a good listen. :) Appreciate your visit, Marianna.
I really need to try Jenny Han’s books. I’m thinking maybe this summer! They seem like summer reads to me? Hmm.
The TATBILB books have a Christmas-y cozy setting in some ways, but in others, they’re perfect for any time of year! Her ‘Summer’ trilogy is all about the summer and as Amazon is adapting those I’m glad I finally read them too. :) Thanks, as always, for the visit, Rachel! Glad to chat with you.
Awwww, yay for Jo & Laurie! This poor book took such a clobbering (before it was even released) from people who were offended by the premise alone, without actually understanding the nuance of said premise. I’m glad it was perfect for you. (The fact that THIS Jo isn’t quite THAT Jo is actually what kept it from being a 5-star read for me, but I still really liked it, especially the New York trip — that felt the most like Original Recipe Jo & Laurie to me and the joy in my shippy heart knew no bounds at that point.)
And I just read my first Kasie West book this year (Lucky In Love, just barely missed out on my list), but I am very excited to get to Sunkissed one of these summers!
I hope you are able to find some engrossing reads next year. A few really worthwhile books is often more satisfying than getting through fifty “just okay” ones to find the same handful of memorable reads.
I thought “Jo & Laurie” was traditional in the ways that matter (meaning I thought it honored the story), while also putting its own unique spin on the tale. But of course, as I never read “Little Women” (I don’t think), I’m only judging by the many movies, so… that may be unfair. :) YAY! Hope you enjoy more of Kasie’s books if you read them. Glad to know you did enjoy “Lucky In Love” even with its best of miss. Well said and I agree. A few great ones is better than many “ok” books. :) Appreciate your thoughtful comment and visit! Thank you.
Ooh, I hadn’t heard of Let It Be Me until today but I’ve seen it on two lists already so now I’m even more intrigued by it! I love a sweet romance :)
I too love a sweet romance, Dini. They’re the best. :)
I was on a work pre holiday chitchat call and someone asked what our favourite films of 2021 were, and I was just “what new films?!” I guess I must have watched some but I can’t think of any except the new Bond film, which we went to the cinema to see cause it was finally feeling OK to go for about five minutes. I have done better with books but I’ve not really tried to keep up with the hot new things. Hope your relationship with entertainment gets better next year.
I haven’t seen the Bond film, but I know lots of people think it’s awesome. I’ll see it at some point… I’m sure. ;) But time will tell. Thanks so much for visiting, Ellie. :)
I think the final Lara Jean book *may* have been my favorite! ;) I hope you find that book that reignites your love of reading! <3
I am glad you were able to read some gems despite the way the year has been going. I love the cover of In a Far Off Land. Someday I would like to give Jenny Han’s books a try. I saw the movie based on the first book last year and thought it was cute and funny. I hope next year will be better for you film and book wise!
Thanks! Me too. I’m hoping there will be some great books to discover. Appreciate you taking the time to visit. Thank you.
Also… enjoy Jenny’s books if you read them! They’re fun.