Favorite reads of 2021

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.