Since I often read books long after they have been published, I’m NOT calling this my Favorite BOOKS of 2021. Since not all of them are new this year.
Instead, here are the books I’ve read this year that I enjoyed the most. It was an EXCEPTIONALLY good year and you’ll see it’s a bit of an eclectic mix.
I gave FIVE stars to every book listed below. Each link takes you to my full review, with NO spoilers.
Hope you find something to your liking.
Beginning in January 2021:
The Invisible Life of Addie Larue
by V.E. Schwab
A strange take on the Doctor Faustus legend with lots of surprising twists.
Rules of Estrangement: Why Adult Children Cut Ties & How to Heal the Conflict
by Joshua Coleman
A PhD therapist explains Millennials to their parents. Very helpful.
by Scott O’Dell
Yes, the well-known children’s book. But wonderful to discover as an adult. A true testament to resiliency.
by Kristin Hannah
A captivating chronicle of the U.S. in the 1930s, making the Great Depression and Dust Bowl vivid.
by Maggie O’Farrell
William Shakespeare may be a peripheral character but the novel about his family more than lives up to all the hype.
by Alice Hoffman
Prequel to her three novel series that explores the links between strong, independent women and witchcraft in 1600s Massachusetts.
by Isabel Allende
A woman’s life and the lessons she learns over 100 years. Simply beautiful. Publication Date: 1/25/22.
by Upton Sinclair
The first novel in Sinclair’s Pulitzer Prize winning series spanning much of 20th century history. Brilliant!
by Robin Diangelo
A respected expert on racism thoughtfully explains how well-meaning liberals sometimes make the problem worse.
by Samantha Silva
Historical fiction about the exceptional and tragic life of Mary Wollstonecraft, an intellectual and the mother of Mary Shelley.
by Amor Towles
As good as A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW, this Midwest coming-of-age story simply can’t be missed.
Hey, is anyone surprised that 10 of the 14 are from the historical fiction genre? There were also many four-star books read this year. Explore my website if you’re interested in finding them.
Toby A. Smith 