Happy New Year, everyone! It's time to share my top ten favorite reads of 2021.
As I've mentioned in previous posts, last year, I participated in the Goodreads Choice Awards reading challenge. It was also a year of Brandon Sanderson books for me since I read five of his books in 2021, including the first two in the Stormlight Archive series. Both themes are reflected in my top ten list, as four books from the Goodreads Choice Awards challenge and three books by Brandon Sanderson made it onto the list. The complete top ten list is as follows:
1. The
Way of Kings - Brandon Sanderson
2021 was the year I finally decided
to read Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive. I've read his Mistborn
series (both the original trilogy and the Wax & Wayne books) as well
as The Rithmatist, and I've loved them all. However, the Stormlight
Archive series was always daunting because each book is over 1,000 pages
long, and there are supposed to be ten novels in all (when they're eventually published). I
finally dove in last year, and I'm glad I did. Usually, with such long
books, I find that a good percentage is filler, but I can't really think of
anything I'd cut from The Way of Kings. The Stormlight Archive has the
potential to become my favorite fantasy series of all time!
2. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue -
V.E. Schwab
I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did. For
one, it's more of a romance than a fantasy novel despite being a
finalist in the 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards under the Fantasy
category. The book also moves slowly. However, the writing is beautiful,
and that made the story itself beautiful. I found myself falling deeper
into Adeline's life the more I read it, until I wished the book would
never end. It has been a long time since a book connected with me on an
emotional level like this one did, and all I can say about Addie LaRue
is, I will remember you for a long time.
3. My
Contrary Mary - Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows
When the
Lady Janies released a new book last year, I had to read it. I rated
the first three Janies books as 5 stars, and it's possible that My
Contrary Mary is my favorite of the bunch (although it's technically
part of a new Mary series). As always, the story was fun and funny to
read. I appreciate all of the pop culture references and wondered how
many more I missed. Not knowing the history it's based on, I can't say
how accurate the portrayal of Mary was, but one thing the Lady Janies
books does is make me want to learn more about the historical characters
they're based on, which is yet another point in their favor IMHO. I
recommend My Contrary Mary and the Lady Janies books to everyone.
4. Elantris
- Brandon Sanderson
In addition to beginning the Stormlight Archive
series this year, I also read Elantris, Brandon Sanderson's first
published novel. It's hard to believe this was his first book because it's as good as many seasoned writers' best works. As with all of
Sanderson's books I've read so far, the world-building is fantastic,
including the magic system in this world. There has been talk of a
sequel to Elantris, and if Sanderson ever writes it, I can't wait to
read it.
5. The
Midnight Library - Matt Haig
The Midnight Library was the winner in
the Fiction category of the 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards, so I had high
expectations going in. Fortunately, the book lived up to those
expectations. It was inspiring in a way few books are, covering topics
such as life choices, regrets, and the importance of one's perspective
on life. Although the philosophical teachings could be a bit
heavy-handed at times, I found several nuggets of wisdom in this novel.
6. Words
of Radiance - Brandon Sanderson
What, yet another Brandon Sanderson book? I was able to finish the first two books in the
Stormlight Archive series this year, and both were great. I rated
Words of Radiance lower than The Way of Kings because it was hard to
live up to the greatness of the first book. If I had waited before
starting the second book, I might have rated it higher. Nevertheless,
this was a great sequel, and it confirms my suspicion that the
Stormlight Archive is on its way to becoming my favorite fantasy series
ever.
7. The Sun
Down Motel - Simone St. James One part thriller and one part horror
story, this was a gripping book that was hard to put down until I
finished reading it. The novel is told from the point of view of Vivian
in 1982 and her niece Carly in 2017. Both women were interesting
protagonists with distinct voices, and I had a great time reading both
of their stories. The author did a masterful job weaving their stories
together, and I thoroughly enjoyed being led along for the ride.
8. The
Queen's Gambit - Walter Tevis
I watched the Netflix series based on
the book and thought it was very good. As it turned out, the adaptation
was fairly faithful to the book, making the book a delight to read. The
book talks chess more than the TV series did, so you'd probably like it
more if you're familiar with the game. However, I don't think you need to be a fan of chess or to have watched the series to enjoy this book.
9. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder - Holly Jackson
The last 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards
book I read this year was also one of my favorite books of 2021 and
possibly my favorite YA mystery ever. The way the mystery unfolds was
well done, and I felt like I was piecing things together the same way
Pip did. The story alternates between third person narration and Pip's
journal, which is written in first person. Sometimes, the transition
threw me off a little, and Pip did some things that I felt were out of
character for her, but this book kept me glued to the pages throughout.
After finishing A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, I learned it was part of a
trilogy. I'm definitely interested in finding out what happens to Pip
next.
10. The
Butterfly Garden - Dot Hutchison
This haunting story was one of the best
thrillers I read this year. There are potentially horrific triggering
events, so be warned before you read this book. Otherwise, this was a
well-constructed and well-told story. I was particularly impressed by
the way the author was able to introduce so many characters, yet make
them all memorable and believable. This is the first book in a series,
and I'm excited to read the sequels.
