My Favorite Books from 2021
Inspired by the year-end survey hosted by Perpetual Page Turner
2021 Stats
- # of Books Read: 77 (See full book list here)
- # of Pages Read: 26,054
- # of Re-Reads: 8
Note: My answers pertain to books I read this year, no matter when they were published.
1. Best Book You Read in 2021?
Nonfiction
Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins
Shout-out to my friend Tim for recommending this book. It's the best book I've found for building resilience and mental toughness. Goggins went from being a 300-pound guy who was frustrated with his life to becoming a Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and one of the top ultramarathoners in the world. Incredible story.
Fiction
The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz
This is arguably the most inventive story I've ever read. It's also a book within a book. Washed-up writer Jake Bonner is working as a professor when he meets Evan Parker. Handsome, egotistical, and intelligent—Parker is a difficult student to teach. He tells Bonner about a story he's writing, then dies before he can publish it. So Bonner takes things into his own hands...
2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going to Love More But Didn’t?
Foundation by Isaac Asimov
I really wanted to love this book. I've heard about it for years, and I know it's been a very influential book in science fiction, but I just couldn't get into it. Remarkably, it didn't even make my top 15 fiction books of the year.
My main problem was that the book's remarkably long time scale makes it difficult to get attached to any character. As soon as you begin to like someone, you're rushed forward several hundred years, leaving you with literary whiplash. Foundation is an ambitious book and I can certainly see why it was so groundbreaking, but it was a big disappointment for me.
3. Most Surprising (in a Good Way or Bad Way) Book You Read?
The Witches by Stacy Schiff
This historical fiction book tells the story of the 1692 witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts. While reading this book, I found it difficult to conceive that this event actually happened in American history. What a sad, horrible, and revealing time in our nation's history. It's a cautionary tale about rumors, assuming the worst of others, mob mentality, and confirmation bias. The book is quite dense and was a bit of a slog at times, but this period of American history is dark and fascinating.
4. Book You “Pushed” the Most People to Read (and They Did)?
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab
Addie LaRue is a heart-wrenchingly beautiful, modern-day Faustian story about a girl who makes a deal to live forever. The catch? Everyone she meets immediately forgets her…until she meets a guy named Henry Strauss.
5. Best Series You Started in 2021?
The Walking Dead graphic novels by Robert Kirkman
I love The Walking Dead television series, and I'm excited for the final season to hit Netflix sometime next year. This year I finally checked out the graphic novels, and they're awesome. Each one is beautifully illustrated, and Kirkman's story is different enough from the tv series that I was uncertain what would happen next with each page I turned.
6. Favorite New Author You Discovered in 2021?
Amor Towles
I just finished A Gentleman in Moscow, and I'm looking forward to checking out Towles's other books.
7. Best Book from a Genre You Don’t Typically Read/Was Out of Your Comfort Zone?
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab
I don't read a ton of fantasy books, but every once in awhile, I stumbled across one like this that makes me want to dive deeper into the genre. This book is very, very good.
8. Most Action-Packed/Thrilling/Unputdownable Book of the Year?
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
I pounded this book in a couple of days. Michaelides's rookie novel was The Silent Patient, which spent months on the bestseller list. (Check it out if you haven't.) His sophomore novel is just as good. The Maidens tells the story of a professor who exerts a powerful hold on a young group of female students. It's full of Greek tragedy, murder, intrigue, and twists.
9. Book You Read in 2021 That You Are Most Likely to Re-Read Next Year?
Think Again by Adam Grant
Grant encourages readers to question what they think they know and approach ideas with curiosity and humility rather than ego and bluster. I need to get better at that, and I expect to re-read this book soon. If everyone in America read this book, our political discourse would be in a MUCH better place.
--> For my full review of this book, click here.
10. Favorite Cover of a Book You Read in 2021?
11. Most Memorable Character of 2021?
Count Alexander Rostov in A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
During the rise of Communism in Russia, Rostov is sentenced to stay in a hotel in Moscow for the rest of his days. His wit, charm, and indefatigable spirit injected hope and energy into this book, even though nearly the entire novel takes place within the four walls of the hotel.
12. Most Beautifully Written Book Read in 2021?
The Princess Bride abridged by William Goldman
This book is not classically "beautiful," per se, but it is magical and witty. I love the self-aware humor scattered throughout the book.
13. Most Thought-Provoking/Life-Changing Book of 2021?
Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins
One of the biggest themes in my reading this year was books about grit and mental toughness. This book helped me get through a tough time when I was really doubting a few things about myself.
14. Book You Can’t Believe You Waited UNTIL 2021 to Finally Read?
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
I listened to an abridged version on audiobook years ago, but I figured that doesn't count. 😉
15. Favorite Passage/Quote From a Book You Read in 2021?
From Think Again by Adam Grant
"We favor the comfort of conviction over the discomfort of doubt, and we let our beliefs get brittle long before our bones...We listen to views that make us feel good, instead of ideas that make us think hard."
From Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
"Choose not to be harmed—and you won't feel harmed.
Don't feel harmed—and you haven't been."
16. Shortest & Longest Book You Read in 2021?
Shortest: The Zimzum of Love by Rob and Kristen Bell (160 pages)
Longest: The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas (625 pages)
17. Book That Shocked You the Most?
Mediocre by Ijeoma Oluo
As a white man, this book was an important wake-up call to all the ways throughout history that our country has favored people who look like me. If you have any doubts that racism and sexism still exist in our country, this book will wipe those doubts away. Oluo's direct, honest writing style is a good match for this necessary and challenging topic.
18. Favorite Book You Read in 2021 from an Author You’ve Read Previously?
Letters from a Stoic by Seneca
19. Best Book You Read in 2021 that You Read Based SOLELY on a Recommendation from Somebody Else?
The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt
My friend Lael recommended this book, and it was exactly what I hoped it would be: a mechanism for helping me understand that there are "good people" on both sides of the political aisle, even if my politics sometimes blind me to that fact. Haidt objectively explains the foundations of liberalism and conservatism in America. For a quick taste of this book, check out Haidt's TED talk (below).
20. Best 2021 Debut You Read?
Molly's Game by Molly Bloom
Through her raw determination, quick wit, and hard work, outsider Molly Bloom infiltrated the most elite circles of power in LA and NY to run high-stakes poker games for Tobey Maguire, Leonardo DiCaprio, Alex Rodriguez, Nelly, and other celebs. This story is UNREAL. Even if you've seen the Aaron Sorkin movie, the book is well worth a read.
21. Best World-Building/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab
22. Book that Put a Smile on Your Face/Was the Most FUN to Read?
The Antisocial Network by Ben Mezrich
Not many people would answer this question with a business book, but I'm kinda a nerd that way. I really enjoyed this book. Not only is Mezrich one of the best business storytellers in the world, but this is one of the most interesting events in the history of the stock market.
Ever heard of a "short squeeze"? Most of the world hadn't until January 2021, when a bunch of rogue investors reading Reddit and buying shares of GameStop tried to topple some of the blue bloods of Wall Street. This book details what exactly happened during the GameStop saga from multiple perspectives: individual investors, Wall Street hedge funds, trading platforms, etc.
23. Book That Made You Cry or Nearly Cry in 2021?
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
This novel tells the story of Desiree and Stella, light-skinned black twins who grew up in the Deep South. After they run away from home, one decides to marry a darker-skinned man while the other passes as white and hides her true identity. The book is heartbreaking but beautiful.
24. Hidden Gem of The Year?
You're Not Listening by Kate Murphy
I haven't heard many people talk about this book, and that's a shame. Murphy explains how our society became so horrible at listening (hint: technology hasn't helped), while offering practical tips for how we can become more curious, ask better questions, and truly pay attention to others.
25. Most Unique Book You Read in 2021?
The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains by Antony Lewis
I started working at a cryptocurrency information services company this year, so I've been trying to get up to speed on the industry. This book is a great primer. Lewis does a fantastic job simplifying complexity and explaining the evolution of money throughout history. If you're whatsoever curious about crypto, I highly recommend this book.
26. Favorite 10 Nonfiction Reads of the Year?
- Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins
- Letters from a Stoic by Seneca
- Molly's Game by Molly Bloom
- You're Not Listening by Kate Murphy
- Think Again by Adam Grant
- The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
- The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains by Antony Lewis
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Courage Is Calling by Ryan Holiday
- Becoming by Michelle Obama
27. Favorite 10 Fiction Reads of the Year?
- The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz
- The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab
- The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
- A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
- The Princess Bride abridged by William Goldman
- The Walking Dead, Book 1 by Robert Kirkman
- The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
- The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
1. One Book You Didn’t Get to in 2021 But Will Be Your Top Priority in 2022?
The Republic by Plato
I've read sections of this, but never the entire thing.
2. Books You Are Most Anticipating in 2022 (Non-Debut)?
Making Numbers Count by Chip Heath and Karla Starr - Release Date: 1/11/2022
The Power of Regret by Daniel Pink - Release Date: 2/1/2022
The Founders: The Story of Paypal and the Entrepreneurs Who Shaped Silicon Valley by Jimmy Soni - Release Date: 2/22/2022
The Cryptopians: Idealism, Greed, Lies, and the Making of the First Big Cryptocurrency Craze by Laura Shin - Release Date: 2/22/2022
3. Book You Are Most Anticipating in 2022 (Debut)?
Finding Me: A Memoir by Viola Davis - Release Date: 4/26/2022
4. Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2022?
(None come to mind)
5. One Thing You Hope to Accomplish or Do in Your Reading Life in 2022?
I've been slowly working my way through The Uber-List of the Top 200 Books of All Time. I'd like to read at least another eight books from that list this year.
What were your favorite books that you read in 2021? I'd love to hear your recommendations. Please leave a comment below!
I am avoiding writing progress reports by reading your blog. Thanks for reading so many books so the rest of us can glean from you. You’re amazing! Happy New Year!!
Haha, I love that! Thanks for your comment and I am happy to provide some distraction. 😉
I love it that this blog post is providing two sisters (see above comment) from doing what they are supposed to be doing. Ha!
Let’s see. Where do I start?
1. Rita asked me to purchase The Hidden Life of Addie LaRue with one of my Audible credits so she could read it for her book club. Clearly I should listen to it since I’ve got it already.
2. I read The Princess Bride for the first time last year and LOVED it. I, too, was blown away by the story within the story. Did you see my review? If not, take a peek: https://headfullofbooks.blogspot.com/2020/12/review-and-quotes-princess-bride.html
3. The Plot. Don and I listened to the audiobook and we were completely blown away by the plot twist at the end. Oddly we listened to another murder mystery within a murder mystery right after that book, Magpie Murders. You might want to check it out. https://headfullofbooks.blogspot.com/2021/10/review-and-quotes-magpie-murders.html
4. I think I must have been in a bad mood when I read The Vanishing Half. I liked, not loved it. I liked the first half better than the back half.
5. I read Treasure Island for the first time in 2021. You read The Hobbit and Pride and Prejudice. What took us so long? I have to really psych myself up to read classics. I never studied literature in college so I have hard time appreciating their timeless themes related to Greek tragedies, etc. I am determined to work really hard on my Classics Club list this year, reading at least 8 classic in 2022. The first on my list is The Grapes of Wrath.
Good luck getting back to Seattle. I understand you’ve had a really hard time getting on a flight. Love to your wife.
Happy New Year.
Glad to provide a reading-related distraction for you! 😉
Here are my thoughts on what you shared:
1. It sounds like Rita and I disagree about Addie LaRue, so I’d be curious to hear your thoughts on it! It’s long but I thought it was well worth the time.
2. I enjoyed your review on The Princess Bride. I agree that it’s amazing!
3. Yes, the ending of The Plot was great. Such an incredible story. I’ll have to check out Magpie Murders. I keep seeing that book everywhere, but I’ve never checked it out.
4. I agree that the first half of The Vanishing Half was better.
5. Some of the classics can be tough. There are a few big ones I’m hoping to tackle in 2022 if I can mount enough courage, including Moby Dick and War and Peace.
Happy New Year!! 🙂
Oh man, I hope that last, long comment I just wrote didn’t just disappear.
Don’t worry, it didn’t disappear! It just went into “moderation” because WordPress asks me to approve comments that include a link (in case they’re spam). I approved the comment, but now that you added an extra comment, I’ll just delete one of the duplicates. 🙂 Sorry for the confusion.
Marcus and I both really enjoyed “Beneath a Scarlet Sky” by Mark Sullivan. Amazing story based on true events. How the author came upon the story is interesting as well. Hope you enjoy it if you get a chance to read it!!
Thanks for the reading list! Can’t wait to check out some of these.
Thanks for that recommendation, Lindsay! I’ll have to check it out. Say hey to Marcus for me, and I hope you both have a happy new year! 🙂
About War and Peace and/or Moby Dick. I hear, ya! I think I’d do better reading those books as part of a class so I could have the benefit of discussion as I read. A few years ago I did a read-along of A Woman in White by Collins. I don’t think anyone read along, but I posted discussion topics and partial reviews once a week. That kept me going. I should do that again. Collins wrote in the style of Dickens who serialized his chapters publishing them in a literary magazine. That way he gained a loyal following and all the chapters end on a cliff hanger to bring back his readers for the next section.