Here’s my annual recap of what I read this year! I read 40 books, though I had a goal of 65. Similar to last year, I didn’t commute to work as much as before, where a third of my books read would come from audiobooks.
I was in a reading rut this year. I read some great books – see the recommendations below – but overall, I was disappointed with most of the books I read, which didn’t encourage me to reach for another book! Many times it was not liking a book that is highly recommended (I didn’t like Leave the World Behind, which everyone seemed to like and I’ve confirmed I’m not a Sally Rooney fan). More thoughts on what I’ll do next year in the section below.
Keep reading for stats and recommendations!
My Books of 2021
Here are the stats:
- Books Read: 40
- Pages Read: 12,729
- Average rating: 3.5 stars
- Audiobooks: 1
- Memoirs: 6
- Fiction: 30
- Non-fiction: 10
- Historical Fiction: 2
- Young Adult Fiction: 8
- Poetry: 1
- Graphic Novel: 3
- Romance Fiction: 10
- Shortest Book: 94 pages, What Kind of Woman by Kate Baer
- Longest Book: 448 pages, The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer
- Average Length: 318 pages
My Favorite Books of 2021
Here are some of the books I loved and recommend to you.
Beach Read by Emily Henry
I loved this entertaining novel, especially for the writing. I didn’t realize it was a romance novel until later, and I was delighted by the witty banter.
Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi
This young adult fiction novel focuses on two estranged sisters who come back to each other. I wasn’t sure about this book at first, but the story illustrates the complex, unconditional love between sisters.
Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad
At 23, Suleika was diagnosed with leukemia. This raw and heart-breaking memoir follows her recovery and the unexpected, and many times unspoken, feelings that people in the midst of a health crisis are feeling. In her story, she gives us pieces of advice for moving forward through disappointments.
The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff
I’ve been reading more historical fiction thanks to what gets picked for book club, and this one about female spies in World War II was a page-turner.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
After my first Emily Henry book (mentioned above), I was eager to return to her writing. This one wasn’t as good as Beach Read, maybe because of the storyline, but the easy, witty dialogue is present in this romance novel also.
The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans
I was a bit on the fence about this book of short stories but the final story, which the title of the book comes from, sealed the deal for me. The stories discuss race and American history.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
This steamy romance novel is witty, progressive, and surprising.
Somebody’s Daughter by Ashley C. Ford
This coming-of-age memoir focuses on the author’s relationship with her father, who is incarcerated. The honesty and insightful revelations made this a good read for me.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
I liked Matt Haig’s memoir Reasons to Stay Alive, which details his struggle with depression. This book turns the memoir into fiction and follows a protagonist as she explores how her life would have been if she had made different choices. Ultimately, she is looking for a reason to stay alive. Trigger warning – this book illustrates depression and suicide.
I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
This beautiful young adult fiction book made me cry. It follows Noah and Jude, teen brother and sister twins, as they lean into creativity (they’re art prodigies), process heartbreak, and learn the depth of what being a twin means.
Reading Goals for 2022
Next year I will read 50 books. (Going to be a little more realistic.) I liked reading more books with Asian protagonists, which I’ll continue next year. And perhaps making a dent in my want-to-read Goodreads list; there are 200+ books on it! I’m going to rediscover my joy of reading in 2022 by reading books I wouldn’t usually pick, maybe more science fiction. If you have book recommendations, please let me know; I’m desperate!
How was your reading this year?
P.S. Here are my book recaps for 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017.
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