The Best Books I Read Last Year
I’ve had my ups and downs with reading. Periods where I’ve stayed up late for weeks flying through a series. Seasons where I'm only reading nail polish names (best-ever: OPI’s I’m Really Not a Waitress). Times where I am all about non-fiction, and then a string of novels.
Last year, I finally signed up for Good Reads, and committed to reading 39 books in 2021. Because I turned 39. Creative, right?
I ended up reading 43! Why yes, I am bragging.
Before I share my favorites, I’d like to jam a few of my opinions down your throat.
Listening to audiobooks counts!
Yep, you’re not turning pages, but it effin counts. It’s one of my favorite ways to consume books because it allows me to make boring tasks (washing dishes, folding the never-ending hell that is laundry, walking the dogs, stripping wallpaper) fun. I am ashamed to admit that many audiobooks came from Audible (aka putting cash money into Mr. Worldwide Shipping’s pocket), but I also regularly request them from the library. I have heard great things about Libro.FM, which allows you to buy audiobooks from independent bookstores.
I’ve also tried Scribd, which is like Netflix but for audiobooks. It’s $9.99/mo and has SO MANY TITLES. Way less $$$ than Audible. You can get a 30 Day FREE trial here.
Buy from your local bookstore.
Amazon is so damn easy, but it’s really not that hard to buy a book from a local, independent store. Not only does it support a local business, but it’s better for writers! Did you know the NYT’s bestseller’s list weighs books purchased from indie stores more than those purchased on Amazon? You can even pre-order from local shops, or ask them to get stock your favorite author. It really helps writers.
I love my Kindle.
I enjoy flipping the pages of a book. However, I am now Kindle-obsessed. I blame Jonathan Franzen, whose epic tome Freedom tagged along on a Florida vacation. That effer was so big and heavy, I wanted to set it on fire and get my own freedom. A Kindle fits perfectly into my purse, so I can be toted everywhere (want to read 40 books this year? Read instead of scrolling Instagram whenever you have a few spare moments). I also read every night before bed, and love that I don’t need the lights on.
Get the Libby app.
With Libby, you can get library books on your e-reader (or audiobooks on your phone) in a snap. I usually get some sort of wild hare up my ass and put a ton of books on hold all at once. Then they trickle in over time. If I don’t have time to read something, you can ask the library to delay your hold for a week or a few months. Another thing— if you want to give some love to a writer, ask your library to stock their book.
Here are the best books I read last year.
A light-hearted (not) read all about the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma. My husband and I listened to this book over multiple road trips. It’s a lot of heavy info, so we broke it into chapters, listened to Oprah and Dr. P read their own words, then discussed. Fascinating, especially if you have a child or were a child, so yeah, everyone should read this book.
Another fluffy read (not). Of Don and Mimi Galvin’s twelve children: six of their sons were diagnosed with schizophrenia. It’s a fascinating story about mental illness, empathy, plus lots of 1960s “American Family” vibes.
It’s on every dang Best of List, and worth all the praise. This novel explores what might happen in the space between life and death.
An enemies to lovers rom-com featuring the First Son of the USA and Prince Harry… er… not Prince Harry, but a British Prince that I kept picturing as Prince Harry. Just plain fun.
This book felt like reading the movie Reality Bites, or some other great 90s rom-com starring Winona Ryder. Protagonist Casey waits tables while she makes her writing career happen. Funny, full of heart, and a fast read.
Probably my favorite book this year. Per its back cover: In a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. I felt frustrated with Addie every step of the way, and cheered for her wins. She’s an easy character to love.
Late to the party on this one, but as good as escapist historical fiction gets. Set in 1938 Manhattan, you get drinkin’, dancin’, fancy people and, because duh a book must have conflict, heartbreak.
Minnesota-centric? Check. Cooking-heavy? Yep. Beautifully written? Good lord, yes. I listened to Amy read this book herself, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
TBH, I had never really though much about Siberia, let alone the peninsula of Kamchatka, but now I kinda want to see it? Disappearing Earth is part thriller, part sociological exploration. I listened to it, but reading might be better for those unfamiliar with Russian names.
I will never, ever, ever-ever-ever forget this book. It continues to haunt me, and I am not even sure I can truly call it a favorite read of the year. This is more of a call to the greater public to see who else read this book about cannibalism and wants to talk about it with me?
Health memoirs usually stress me out, but Lightning Flowers is a beautifully written exploration about the USA’s crummy healthcare system, AND what really goes into the devices we use every day— from our phones, to life-saving medical devices.
Again, it’s on every Best Of list because it is. A love letter from a daughter to her mother, and the struggle to reconnect with her Korean heritage. It’ll break your heart and make you hungry.
My kind of historical fiction! An unexpected love story set in mid-century Hollywood. Sort of based on Elizabeth Taylor. And a shoutout to audiobook narrator Julia Whelan— she does it for me.
Even if you’re not into horror books, Stephen King’s memoir on writing is a must for anyone who writes (or wants to). It’s full of honest advice (no, maybe more like brutal truths) about what it really takes to write. TL;DR: Just frickin write. And read. This book is why I read 43 books last year.
What’s it like to try swinging? I don’t know, but Ashleigh does! My favorite thing about this memoir is its brave honesty. As a memoirist myself, telling the truth, even if it’s not flattering (and especially if it could hurt someone you love), is hard. Ashleigh Renard gets gutsy here, and I super admire her for it.
What were the best books you read last year? What are you looking forward to this year? Did you read Tender is the Flesh? Are you grossed out by meat forever? Share in the comments!
Like this post? Save it on Pinterest!
