By the time I reach the end of 2021, I’ll have read or listened to 33 books. My main genres of choice include anything for the middle grade audience (usually realistic fiction) and adult women’s fiction, with the occasional epic science fiction/fantasy thrown in to for my inner-nerd.

When I look back at the titles I’ve experienced this year, a few have risen to the top. I am often asked for reading recommendations, so today, I’m sharing that list of favorites! If you are looking for your next great read, read on! If you’d like to see the full list, click here. (I also have 2020 and 2019 list’s archived as well.)

Or if you are looking to read something to get you into the holiday spirit, click here to browse a curation of Christmas stories. —> —> —> A few years ago, my friend Christy Wopat and I made a list of all our favorite Christmas books, from picture books to adult novels, from spoofy stories featuring pop culture icons to thoughtful religious titles. Truly, there’s something for everyone!

Before we dive in, please know that you can order each of these books through my favorite indie bookseller, Alex at Birdy’s Bookstore. Each book is also linked to Amazon. No matter how you get these books in your hands, I hope you enjoy them!

Best Books of 2021

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

In addition to filling my heart with it’s messages of kindness and acceptance, this book was comprised of beautiful prose and laugh out loud moments. It you are looking for something a little off the beaten path that will convince you to believe in humanity again, read this book.

Beach Read by Emily Henry

I love books about books and books about writers; this one was both. The idea that WHO you are dictates the level of attention/success/hero worship your book attains is a dirty little secret in the publishing industry. Often times in the traditional publishing industry, men make a whole lot more money and earn quite a bit more prestige that women. They also earn many, many, many more looks from agents and deals from publishers… so they are in the lead even before the “race” official starts. Don’t believe me? Check out this article or this one, or this one. Anyway. This book is all about two college rivals, and the way they (and their work) is viewed by the public/bookstores/etc. It’s also about their romantic tension and the bet they make that they can each successfully write a book in the other’s genre. I loved it. I’m really looking forward to reading Emily’s newest release, Book Lovers, in 2022.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

A man wakes up on a spaceship knowing he has to save the world, but nothing else. He literally doesn’t even know his own name. Everyone else on the ship is dead and it’s up to him to save humanity. The scientific predicament planet earth finds itself in within Andy Weir’s newest novel is not all that far-fetched and it’s pseudo-reality increases the threat’s urgency as they reader’s follow Mr. No-Name’s attempts to learn what he needs to know and enact a complicated plan. I listened to this book for the reason I listen to all of Andy’s books (and most long, long stories books) because it is easier for me to understand and process the multitude of difficult vocabulary words and scientific content. This book has been the one I recommend most often in every day conversation because it is thrilling, touches on current events (climate change) and people love debating the whole “alien life” scenario and it plays a vital role in this book.

A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat

This story, meant for middle grade readers, is something (like most middle grade and YA books) that can be read and enjoyed by a person of any age. In addition to having the most beautiful book cover of the year (in my opinion) it is a beautiful story that subtly teaches readers about the real value of a person, of a life, of a choice. It is a book that will gently open up conversations about wealth and equality, about speaking up and organizing change. “Set in a Thai-inspired fantasy world, Christina Soontornvat’s twist on Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables is a dazzling, fast-paced adventure that explores the difference between law and justice — and asks whether one child can shine a light in the dark.”

Behind the Lens by Jeannée Sacken

This book stuck with me long after I finished reading it. For days (and honestly weeks) after finishing it I continued to think about the characters and what they were likely doing or where their story went next. The political and military drama of US Troop withdrawal from Afghanistan likely fueled these thoughts, but still, what power the story had! I also loved knowing that the author (a fellow Wisconsinite) used her own experiences as a travel photographer when writing the story and her real life wisdom brought the story to life.

** Front Desk, The Once and Future Witches and Cress also topped my list this year!

I guess when I look back on my these top 5 books, I realize they all have a common thread of doing what is good and right. These days I think we could all use a few reminders on those topics. I also believe in the idea that you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with, a theory presented by Jim Rohn. I’m guessing that the same is likely true for the media you consume. So, why not surround yourself with books and stories that uplift, subtly teach, and shout out the good? My belief in this idea is probably why I myself write what I call FEEL GOOD FICTION and am currently obsessed with Ted Lasso (more on this to come in a future post!).

Alright, those are my top 5 from 2021… what about you? Tell me your favorite book you read this year in the comments!

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