TOP 5 BOOKS OF 2021
My reading goal for 2021 was 50 books, and wow did I find some good ones this year! I’ve always been an avid reader, but it’s become a bigger priority for me over the past few years, especially as I’ve noticed my screen time creep up and up. This year, I set myself a goal of 50 books, and as I look at my Goodreads account, it’s interesting to see the trends in the types of books I chose to read this year. In past years, I’ve had a pretty even balance between non-fiction and fiction, but 2021 was all about love, fiction, fantasy, and thriller (could it have been to do with wanting to escape from reality? hmm…). So whether you’re looking to set a new reading goal or find your next read, I hope this list gives you a little inspo!
Curious to know my 5 favourite books of 2021? Keep scrolling!
1. THE LOGAN MCRAE SERIES by Stuart MacBride
This year was my foray into crime and audio books. My boyfriend and I spent a lot of time together during various home renovation projects over the year, and to pass the time, we listened to 6 of the Detective Sergeant Logan McRae crime novels. The characters in this series are so vivid, and we absolutely love Steve Worsley as a narrator. I was a little wary of this series at first, since it tends to get pretty graphic, but the balance of crime and Scottish humour made these books so enjoyable to read! I will definitely be continuing on with this series in 2022 (there are 12!)
2. THE GIVER OF STARS by Jojo Moyes
Based on the 1930’s Horseback Librarians program in Kentucky started by Eleanor Roosevelt, The Giver of Stars had me immediately hooked. This story is a tribute to bookworms, teachers, and every person who understands the importance of literacy, of reading for both knowledge and entertainment, and the undeniable need for libraries. It is also a testimonial to the resilience, independence, and compassion of women, so obviously I loved it 🙂
3. EROTIC STORIES FOR PUNJABI WIDOWS by Balli Kaur Jaswal
Speaking of books centered around strong women, this was a fun one! When I picked it up, I thought surely the title is misleading? Nope! There are erotic stories galore, but believe me, this story is so much deeper and important than the title might suggest. Centered around the immigrant experience and community of Southall, London, this book delves into modern vs traditional struggles, education, love & forgiveness, storytelling, hidden secrets, and even… murder.
4. THE FAMILY UPSTAIRS by Lisa Jewell
Okay I was obsessed with this one, and if you’re even a little bit into cult-ish thrillers, you just might be too. Set in past and present London, this disturbing, chilling, and complex narrative begins to unfolds as the three narrators thread together the truth of what actually happened to the previous inhabitants of the Chelsea mansion…
5. AWAY WITH THE PENGUINS by Hazel Prior
One of my last reads of the year, Away With the Penguins gave me Eleanor Oliphant meets Where’d You Go, Bernadette vibes (so you know it’s going to be quirky, and sweet). This one involves Scotland, Antarctica, secret diaries, baby penguins and an 86-year old woman searching for connection and someone to leave her millions to, what more could you want??
BONUS: Honorable Mentions
Choosing my top 5 books of the year was really difficult, so here are a few more that I loved!
THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO by Taylor Jenkins Reid
THE FOUNDLING by Stacey Halls
SEA WITCH by Sarah Henning
THE ALICE NETWORK by Kate Quinn
THIS IS GOING TO HURT: SECRET DIARIES OF A JUNIOR DOCTOR by Adam Kay
Curious to know what other book I’m reading? Follow me on Goodreads! I’d also like to know, what have been your fave books this year?
Talk soon,
