Favorite Books of 2021

While I read a lot of great books in 2021, I had terrible bout of a blogging slump. I could not motivate myself to post regularly. I think part of the blogging slump was attributed to switching jobs. In October I switched from working at a high school library to a public library. I really like my new job and I am glad that I made the switch as it allows me much more flexibility in terms of time. I think I finally figured out my new blogging schedule so hopefully you will be seeing new posts in 2022.  

Favorite Adult Books

I was actually surprised how many adults books that I have read in 2021. I read a lot more romantic comedies as they were my comfort reads when I am stressed. I did manage to read some great fantasy too as well as a memoir that I really enjoyed.  

Trouble the Saints by Alaya Dawn Johnson: If you are looking for a literary fantasy book, then this book is for you. It has fantastic, complex, and morally gray characters. I still think about this book even though I finished it several months ago.

Wild Sign by Patricia Briggs: Another solid fantasy in the Alpha and Omega series. Though I had a hard time with the previous book, I easily slipped into this book and could not put it down.

Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo: A beautiful retelling of The Great Gatsby narrated by Jo Baker. I loved that the fantastical elements not only elevated the book, but the critical look at race, class, gender, and sexuality allowed me to rediscover the classic.

A Master of Djinn by P. Djeli Clark: A fun steampunk, alternative history mystery set in Cairo, Egypt. 

Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev: One of the best Jane Austen inspiration books that I have read in a long time.

Thirty Names of Night by Zeyn Joukhadar: The most beautiful book that I have read this year and the one that I have recommended the most to people.

My Broken Language by Quiria Alegria Hudes: A joyful celebration of identity and culture by the creator of In the Heights.

The House in the Cerluean Sea by TJ Klune: Reading this book is like getting a warm, big hug. Absolutely delightful.

Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade: I really don't care for celebrity and ordinary people romance, but this book was thoroughly enjoyable. It reminded me of a grown up version of Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell.

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry: My first book by Emily Henry, but will certainly not be my last. A great pick if you love the friends to lovers trope.

Act Your Age, Evie Brown by Talia Hibbert: A great romance with flawed but self aware characters.

The Ex-Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon: A smart romance that features podcasting and discusses sexism in the office.

Favorite Children Books

I read quite a few good children/middle grade reads this year, but these books stood out to me this year.

           

I really enjoyed all of these diverse picture books that celebrated culture and identity. I learned a lot from the Native American titles, Fry Bread and We are Grateful. I also loved the middle grade titles Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls, The Barren Grounds, and The Girl and the Ghost in which fantasy and real life issues blend beautifully together. Star Fish is a realistic fiction title in which the main character learns to stand up and speak for herself. 

Favorite YA Books

Young Adult books dominate my reading pile. As usual I had a hard time keeping up with all the new releases for 2021. Due to the beginning of the pandemic and not having access to the library for a few months I am still catching up with books that came out in 2020. 

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Saenz: An incredible sequel in which all facets of love are explored.

A Vow So Bold and Deadly by Brigid Kemmerer: A fantastic conclusion to the Cursebreaker series.

In the Wild Light by Jeff Zenter: A beautiful realistic fiction book that talks about class issues with predominately white characters.

Little Thieves by Margaret Owen: What starts as a simple retelling swerves into court intrigue and a heist. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim: A beautiful, fast paced Asian inspired fantasy retelling with a slow burn romance with a twist.

Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli: A solid romance featuring a main character who trying to come out of her friends' shadows. 

Once Upon a Quincenera by Monica Gomez-Hira: Jane the Virgin was my comfort watch during the pandemic and this book delivered those vibes. Realistic and messy characters with a second chance romance.

Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kamp: A mature romance that has a nice balance between light and serious topics such as belonging and mental health.

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter: All of the romantic tropes are mixed in in this book but down really well. I couldn't put it down and read way past my bedtime.

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong: A Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai that completely blew me away.

Favorite Graphic Novels/Manga

I read several fantastic graphic novels this year and a few that I couldn't squeeze in at the last minute. 

Cheer Up by Crystal Fraiser: If you are in a need for a uplifting read, pick this one up. I had a smile on  my face the entire time I read it.

The Montague Twins: The Witch's Hand by Nathan Page: My inner Nancy Drew was absolutely enthralled by this mystery graphic novel. I can't wait for book 2 next year!

Displacement by Kiki Hughes: A wonderful blend of magical realism and historical fiction that allows you to experience what life was like during the Japanese internment camps.

Heartstopper Vol. 3: Another wonderful addition in this heartwarming series. The characters and their relationships are maturing. A good balance between sweet romantic moments and some serious issues.

Honorable Mentions

The following books are the ones that left a lasting impression on me that I would also highly recommend reading:

Adult Titles

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune

A Marvellous Light by Freyka Markse

Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki

Arsenic and Adobo by Mia Manansala

In the Country of Others by Leila Silmani

She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

Second First Impressions by Sally Thorne

Love at First by Kate Clayborn

Children/Middle Grade Titles

The List of Things That Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead

A Thousand Questions by Saadia Faruqi

Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer

Home is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo

YA Titles

Never Look Back by Lilliam Rivera

Early Departures by Justin A. Reynolds

The Gilded Wolves by Roshni Chokshi

Graphic Novels

Wake by Rebecca Hall

Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe