Hello all! Somehow, it is that time of year again— time to reflect and categorize our year, evaluate which goals we did or did not yet reach, and cultivate our “year end” lists.
This year, I had a good reading year. I read 40-some books, ranging from slim poetry collections to a 1400 page trilogy. Fortunately, I enjoyed almost all everything I read, but 11 books stood out in particular. They range in genre and topic, and together create a compelling portrait of the literature I consumed in 2021.
I have in depth reviews of (nearly) all these books in my recent two blog posts: Summer Book Reviews and Quarter Year Wrap Up. Instead of writing reviews again, I thought I would include short descriptors for each book instead 🙂
In no particular order:
- Lizard, by Banana Yoshimoto: a short story collection capturing moments of tenderness, spirit, and hope. Great for moments of transition.
- A History of My Brief Body by Billy Ray Belcourt: a poetic essay collection and memoir by a Driftpile Cree Nation author pulling from the intimate, the historical, and the physical.
- Pew by Catherine Lacy: a unique novel following the appearance of an unknown person to religious American town, the week of the town’s infamous and cherished festival of forgiveness.
- How to Write an Autobiographical Novel by Alexander Chee: an essay collection by a Korean American writer about being a writer, activism (during the AIDS crisis and beyond), trauma, and art. Likely my favorite essay collection I’ve ever read.
- The Fifth Season series by N. K. Jemisin: a speculative fiction trilogy that tackles subjects of oppression, maternity, and morality. It’s a great introduction to speculative fiction for readers new to the genre like me!
- Wolf Hall & Bring Up The Bodies by Hilary Mantel: (I will read the final installment in the Cromwell trilogy next year) the first two novels in famous Cromwell trilogy, following Thomas Cromwell as he rises in the ranks during Henry the VIII’s reign. An impeccably crafted, engrossing historical fiction series full of drama and intrigue as well as softer moments of beauty.
- Whereas by Layli Long Soldier: written in response to the congressional apology to Indigenous Americans signed in 2009, and also speaks to Long Soldier’s experiences as a mother, daughter, and Oglala Lakota poet.
- Piranesi by Susanna Clarke: a mysterious, intriguing little novel offering insight into the beauty of both the mundane and the sublime.
- Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters: a novel following a fracturing relationship between Reese, who wants badly to become a mother, and Ames, her former lover who has detransitioned.
- A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders: (if I had to choose a favorite, it would be this one!) a charming and enlightening read subtitled “In which four Russians give a master class on writing, reading, and life.” Likely my favorite book on writing I’ve ever read, from one of my all time favorite authors.
Let me know what your favorite books were this year 🙂
** All links for books are affiliate links, so I make a small commission on your purchases.
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