The Cream of the Crop: Best Books of 2021
Alright, bookworms! Buckle up as we dive into the best books of 2021. We've scoured the literary landscape, from towering classics to debut gems, to bring you a must-read list that'll make your TBR pile soar. So, grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let's explore the finest reads of last year! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and best books of 2021.
Fiction: The Stories That Stuck
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Kicking off our best books of 2021 list is Kristin Hannah's epic tale, "The Four Winds". This historical fiction masterpiece follows the journey of one woman, Elenor, as she navigates the Great Depression, World War II, and her own personal storms. With Hannah's signature emotional depth and vivid prose, this novel is a riveting read that'll leave you breathless.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Andy Weir, the mastermind behind "The Martian", is back with another sci-fi thriller that'll make your brain hurt in the best way possible. "Project Hail Mary" follows Ryland Grace, the last surviving human in a desperate mission to save Earth from impending doom. With its breakneck pacing and hard science backbone, this book is a must-read for fans of mind-bending, edge-of-your-seat action.
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro delivers another hauntingly beautiful novel with "Klara and the Sun". Set in a near-future where human-like AI are common, this story explores the friendship between Klara, an unsold solar-powered robot, and Josie, a dying girl. With Ishiguro's signature elegant prose and profound themes, this book is a quiet stunner that'll linger in your mind long after you've turned the last page.
Non-Fiction: The Facts That Fascinated
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
In this memoir-cum-cookbook, Michelle Zauner (aka Japanese Breakfast) pays tribute to her mother through food and storytelling. As she navigates her mother's cancer diagnosis and her own grief, Zauner weaves together poignant personal anecdotes and cultural insights, creating a unique and captivating exploration of love, loss, and identity.
Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe
Journalist Patrick Radden Keefe uncovers the dark truth behind the Sackler family, the billionaire owners of Purdue Pharma, in this gripping exposé. "Empire of Pain" reveals how the Sacklers fueled the opioid crisis, all while presenting themselves as philanthropic pillars of society. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime, investigative journalism, or the dark underbelly of big pharma.
The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee
In this groundbreaking exploration of racism's economic impact, Heather McGhee argues that our collective focus on racial disparities has obscured the bigger picture: racism is a barrier to prosperity for everyone. With rigorous research and compelling storytelling, McGhee makes a powerful case for inclusive policies that benefit us all.
Poetry: The Verses That Stirred
Postcolonial Love Poem by Natalie Diaz
Natalie Diaz's stunning collection explores the complexities of love, desire, and identity through a bold, innovative lens. Drawing from her experiences as a Latina, a lesbian, and a resident of the Mojave reservation, Diaz crafts poignant, powerful poems that challenge and inspire.
The Tradition by Jericho Brown
Jericho Brown's award-winning collection interrogates the politics of the body and the legacy of trauma. With its formal virtuosity and raw emotional power, "The Tradition" is a tour de force that grapples with violence, desire, and the intersection of race and sexuality.
Graphic Novels: The Visual Stories That Enthralled
When All the World Sleeps by Karan Mahajan and Danica Novgorodoff
This visually stunning graphic novel tells the story of a young Indian-American man who returns to his ancestral village in search of his missing uncle. With its evocative artwork and nuanced exploration of identity, family, and the complexities of globalization, "When All the World Sleeps" is a must-read for fans of literary graphic novels.
The Hill House by Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden
Mike Mignola, the creator of Hellboy, returns to his dark, atmospheric roots in this chilling tale of a group of strangers who find themselves trapped in a mysterious, isolated house. With its gorgeous, moody artwork and gripping narrative, "The Hill House" is a must-read for fans of horror and the supernatural.
Honorable Mentions: The Books That Came Close
The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski
This fantasy classic follows the adventures of Geralt of Rivia, a witcher (a monster hunter with supernatural abilities), in a world filled with magic and danger. With its engaging characters, compelling plot, and dark, witty humor, "The Last Wish" is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
This acclaimed novel follows the lives of two identical twin sisters who run away from their small Southern town, each making a new life for herself – one passing as white, the other returning years later, unrecognizable. With its richly drawn characters and exploration of race, identity, and family, "The Vanishing Half" is a compelling read that'll keep you guessing until the very end.
So There You Have It, Folks!
Our top picks for the best books of 2021! From page-turning thrillers to thought-provoking memoirs, this list has something for every bookworm. So grab your TBR list, and let's make a reading date out of it! Happy reading, everyone!