Favorite Reads of 2021

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Hello! I truly cannot believe we are nearly at the end of the year…where did it all go? A year spent STILL under the spell of Covid (and it’s looking to continue into 2022…ugh). I published my second novel this year, and would not have been able to get through my own publication, and just 2021’s general madness, without reading. Here are some of my favorite books this year – there were a LOT, and so I tried to trim it down to the top 10.

Conversations with Friends: I also read another one of Rooney’s books (Beautiful World, Where Are You) but this is the one I’m still thinking about. Superbly done. Am so jealous that she was so young when she wrote this. Love it.

The Topeka School: I hesitated on whether to include this because I just recently read it. But I went back after and re-read 10:04, and thought this was actually better. More mature, maybe. I’ll be thinking about it for a while, which is why I included it.

Land of Big Numbers: My favorite short story collection of the year. Te-Ping Chen writes stories that each could be their own novel. I still think about a few of them.

You: I love finding a good, snarky thriller that isn’t too easy, cheesy, predictable, etc. I really enjoyed You, which I wasn’t expecting! And I enjoyed the sequels as well (the second at least, I don’t think I’ve read the third yet). A very good treat for anyone looking for a fun thriller.

Mrs. Bridge: I should have read this earlier. If you like slightly dreary literary classics, this is a much read. I know I’m not doing it justice in the description but if you like literary fiction, please give this a try.

The Life and Death of Sophie Stark: I thought about whether to recommend this – but I really liked the voice in this book, the description of the protagonist, Sophie Stark, and its ruminations on art. I think this is a book would might hit harder if you’re in the creative arts, but I really enjoyed it so it has a place here!

Crossroads: I’m a Franzen fan! He’s written some of my favorite books and a highlight for me was being in conversation with him this year for the launch of Crossroads. He is an automatic read along with Strout, Ishiguro, etc. Thrilled that this means we’re in for at least two more novels from him.

Piranesi: This is my absolute delight to recommend to people. It is a little slow in the beginning but quickly becomes something wonderous. I’ve bought multiple copie as gifts.

Blow Your House Down: I have been reading quite a few memoirs, all of them pretty good, but this is the one that stuck with me. There’s anger in here, powerful writing and absolute honesty. The language flows.

Empire of Pain: My favorite non-fiction read of the year. Keefe is one of my favorite writers, hands down, and this is some of his strongest work yet. If you’ve already read pieces on the Sacklers, and Oxycontin, still read this one. I guarantee it will still be fresh, shocking, and informative.

What were some of your favorite reads this year?