My Favorite Books I’ve Read in 2021 (So Far!)

The Last Garden In England by Julia Kelly:

This one was such a surprise for me! It was one of those books that just came together so wonderfully with the different storylines from these women in different eras who each had a tie to this same garden. If you are looking for a historical fiction book that isn’t super dark or depressing, just check this out!

The Electric Kingdom by David Arnold

My brain still is spinning from this one — it was the first book I read in 2021 and definitely one I haven’t stopped thinking about. I honestly reread most of the book upon finishing because it’s such a layered story and I needed to watch the pieces falling together with my new knowledge of the ending. I don’t know David pulled it off but he did. Less action-y than a blockbuster post-apocalyptic but still propels you along with the compelling characters whose hope and humanity you feel, the lyrical writing and the aching world he constructed and pulls you into. Very unique book!

Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas

I’ll be honest — prequels make me nervous! Especially a prequel of Starr’s dad Mav, seriously my fave in The Hate U Give, but oh Angie Thomas DELIVERED a great prequel. This was everything that good prequels are made of. I loved getting more of Mav’s backstory — it made me really love him more. Even if you haven’t read THUG — this is such a wonderful coming of age story of a young Black boy who must come into manhood early as he’s making big decisions about his future when he finds out he is going to be a father. My heart ached as much as it was full with this one.

Float Plan by Trish Doller

A perfect adult debut for Trish Doller (whose YA books I love so much!). I loved this story of self-discovery and rebirth after a time of grief, heartbreak and sorrow — all set mostly on a sailboat and beautiful island destinations. Plus I REALLY loved the romance which felt so perfectly done and was really nice and slowburn. A great beach read that balances the sadder aspects of this story with the romance and the adventures.

Lore by Alex Bracken

I absolutely adored this standalone fantasy novel from Alex Bracken!! Super page-turning and such a fun spin on Greek mythology. Seriously couldn’t stop turning the pages as these ancient bloodlines converge in NYC to fight for immortality. While you have to be a little patient to get through the initial dump of world-building (which it’s only book so I get it), it really paid off and I thought this one not only entertained but brought so much extra depth I hadn’t expected in the characters and their stories.`

Last Night At The Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

Don’t let this historical YA go under your radar, friends! The setting was immersive (San Fransisco in the 1950’s during the Great Scare) and this tender story of first love, self-discovery, sexuality and found family was WONDERFUL. I talked a little more about Last Night At The Telegraph Club here.

The Push by Ashley Audrain

This book is BANANAS (and dark) but also, as a mother, I found surprisingly within it some interesting musings on motherhood and postpartum depression that really hit home — in the midst of some aspects of this mom’s life that most definitely did NOT hit home. It’s chilling, shocking and will seriously elicit a reaction from you. Mine was visceral in several parts — parts that were designed to be and parts that, like I said, maybe just resonated as a mother. I talked to a bunch of other moms who also loved this one and we all were impressed with, how in the midst of such a dark story, it really did bring some truths that a lot of new moms face. Would make a great book club pick! (though triggers galore — feel free to ask me about them or look on Goodreads).

Take Me Home Tonight by Morgan Matson

What a FUN book and romp through NYC complete with shenanigans, mishaps and a side story so ridiculous that just REALLY works and made me cackle. It’s rare to have so much fun reading a book and somehow, even though the book was set in 24 hours, it managed to have Morgan Matson’s signature charm and friendship feels. If you want something fun with a little romance, lots of mishaps and a good friendship story..check this one out!

You May Also Like: Books That Take Place All In One Day

We Are Inevitable – Gayle Forman

As you know, Gayle Forman is one of my all time favorites and what I love about her books is how they always hit me right in the heart and give so much to think about. This one is an ode to bookshops, community and second chances in life. While the main character is rather prickly and hard to like at times, I found myself actually compelled by him and honestly kind of understood those walls that come up when really hard stuff has happened and especially when you feel like you were in it all alone. I loved the messiness of it all. Also, perhaps one of the BEST things about this book, was the group of secondary characters– the Lumberjacks and Chad really were my fave. Truly just a beautiful book that reminds us we are designed to be in community with others and to be a part of our own villages.

Last Summer At The Golden Hotel by Elyssa Friedland

This one really surprised me! It is a lighter family drama (a perfect beach read!) that was funny, poignant and full of family drama (not of the super depressing or dark variety). The Golden Hotel itself felt like a character and I could feel the pull to hold on to the past but also the need to embrace whatever future might lie ahead so I was super compelled to turn the pages to see the fate of the family and their hotel.

Faye Faraway by Helen Fisher

This one is definitely on here because it really hit me and spoke to me in such a PERSONAL way — related to losing a mother and playing out this fantasy of what it would be like to know her as an adult. It was such a quiet, contemplative book while having a really cool time travel concept. I really loved this one and just really connected (and cried) a whole lot. I wrote a bit of a heartfelt caption about this book on Instagram below.

Fable by Adrienne Young

I loved this adventure-packed YA pirate fantasy! Flew through it and I loved Fable and the crew of found family she makes along the way. Grit and adventure — I’m glad I finally read this one!

With the Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo

Elizabeth Acevedo has really become an all time favorite author for me after reading this and Clap When You Land prior to this (even if you don’t think you like YA novels in verse you should still try it). I loved this story about a young mom, who is talented in the kitchen, who has to balance the real present day life as a young mom with responsiblities with her aspirations and dream to be a chef — much less a pipe dream to go on a culinary trip with her class this year. You will fall in love with Emoni and root for her. Seriously, a must-read for any lover of contemporary YA.

Know My Name by Chanel Miller

One of the most powerful books I’ve ever read (well, listened to as an audiobook). I can’t tell you how many times I stopped what I was doing just to listen to Chanel’s powerful words, how many times I just sobbed listening to her story and her strength. A must-read memoir if you haven’t gotten to it yet!

Dancing At The Pity Party by Tyler Feder

Wow this one felt like I could have written it as a fellow member of the dead mom club who, like the author, lost my mom to cancer in college. I sobbed and sobbed and sobbed and felt so seen and understood — like someone GOT what I went through when my mom was sick and also after she passed. I’ve never read a graphic memoir before but this is a must-read if you’ve ever lost someone close to you– especially a parent — as she talks so poignantly (and heart-wrenchingly comically) about grief and loss.

Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon

This one was such a delightful young adult rivals to lovers romcom that takes place all in one day surrounding a fun senior year tradition! If you are a fan of contemporary YA, a must read for sure!