Best Books of 2021: 31 Books to Obsess Over
It is finally time to give you our list of the best books of 2021. It was a crazy year with delayed in publishing, delays in shipping, closures and pandemics. The one thing that didn’t suffer was the amazing creativity of the writers who found a way to transport us, enlighten us and entertain us throughout a year of uncertainty.
This year we put our best books of 2021 into categories. So, whether you like thrillers, YA, historical fiction or fantasy, we have our favorites all in one place for you to read now.
Best Thrillers Books of 2021
Plot
Mariana is a therapist who is still grieving the loss of her husband when she gets a call from her niece, Zoe. Zoe’s best friend Tara is missing and Zoe is afraid something has happened to her. When women start dying at Cambridge, Mariana gets deeply involved as she tries to solve the mystery.
Why Jackie loves it
What an amazing thriller. Alex Michaelides did it again! This secret society book was insane with twists and turns. It kept me on the edge of my seat and my heart beating a little faster!
Adaptation Information
A series adaptation is in the works for this best-seller with Miramax.
Find this book in: Dark Academia Books / Creepy Halloween Thrillers / Books Becoming TV Shows / Serial Killer Books / Books Set in College
The Perfect Daughter by DJ Palmer
When police come to Grace’s door, she is terrified that something has happened to her teenage daughter, Penny. Instead, she finds out her daughter has been arrested for murder.
What follows is a year and a half in a Psychiatric facility while Penny awaits her trial and try to determine if the multiple personalities are real or a made up ruse to get away with murder. Because Eve, the protector, has kept Penny and the other personalities away.
This thriller is brilliantly crafted and had me guessing until the very end. It was amazing to listen to as each personality had a distinct voice. I couldn’t put it down! There was no question that this thriller would make the list of best books of 2021.
The Push
Author: Ashley Audrain
Year: 2021
Genre: Thriller
More info: January 2021 GMA Book Club Pick
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is a domestic noir that will scare the pants off most mothers. It’s compulsively readable.
Blythe Conner comes from a long line of bad mothers, but she’s determined not to be one. When she has Violet, she struggles to connect with her.
The reader is left wondering if Blythe is a mother who sees the worst in her child or if there is actually something off with Violet; something that even her husband can’t see. There is a reason this domestic thriller was chosen by GMA, it is a crazy good read and will have you on the edge of your seat.
Trigger Warnings
Child death, mental illness
Why Kirsten loves it
This was a crazy domestic thriller that was a compulsive read. I could not put it down. I was never sure if Blythe had become like the bad mothers before her or if Violet was mentally ill. The constant questioning had me turning the pages.
Find this book in: Books About Mothers and Motherhood / Psychological Thriller Books / Domestic Noir Books / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read
Best Detective Fiction Books of 2021
We Begin at the End by Chris Witaker
This book was recommended to me by a dear friend who I trust so much when it comes to book recommendations. She was not wrong.
Duchess Day Radley is 13 years old and extremely protective of her five-year-old brother and often acts as a parent to her own mother, Star. Walk is the town chief of police and has never forgiven himself for giving testimony that sent his best friend Vincent to jail for thirty years.
Now, Vincent is out of Jail and Starr is murdered. I was not prepared for the emotional punch that this book delivered with each and every page.
The Madness of Crowds
Author: Louise Penny
Year: 2021
Genre: Mystery
More info: Chief Inspector Ganache #17
Age Range: 13+
Plot
Just when I thought Louise Penny could not get any better, along came The Madness of Crowds. This is the first book I’ve read that addresses the pandemic and Penny did it perfectly.
People have just started to re-emerge from lockdown when Gamache is asked to provide security at a statistics lecture. It seems harmless enough right?! Wrong!
Why Jackie loves it
This book has all the people that you know and love from Three Pines with all the storytelling and tension I’ve come to love in this series! And I am so glad that I have read the Louise Penny books in order. It adds so much to the narrative,
As usual, Robert Bathurst nails the narration of the novel. This is truly a book series that audiobooks bring to life! #gifted
Find this book in: Louise Penny Books in Order
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
May 2021 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
I raved about this book when I read it earlier this month! Well-chosen, Reese! The story of a stepmother and her daughter as they try to find the girl’s father after his abrupt departure. This is a powerful book about motherhood.
Why I Like It: This mystery has so much heart as you see Hannah bond with and try to protect her new stepdaughter, Bailey. I did not see the ending of this book coming, but absolutely adored it. This is one of the mystery books that will keep you turning the page.
Find this book in Domestic Noir / Books About Mothers / Ultimate Mysteries / Best Beach Reads
Best Fantasy Books of 2021
Under the Whispering Door by T.J Klune
How many stars can I give? T.J Klune has done it again with the wonderful book. House on the Cerulean Sea was my favorite book last year and I am not sure that anything will top it. I read it in a day and loved every minute of this wonderful book.
Wallace is dead. When the reaper collects him at his funeral and brings him to a strange tea shop, Hugo is waiting with the promise of helping him cross over. This light fantasy will make you smile until the last page. If you are looking for a book for fall, this ghost book is five stars.
The Ladies of the Secret Circus by Constance Sayers
Have you ever loved a book so much that you couldn’t put it down but also didn’t want it to end? That is how I felt about the book!
In 2004 Lara Barnes’s fiancé disappeared on their wedding day. As Lara searches for answers, she starts to unravel a family mystery that goes back to 1925. This book has everything. It’s a dark fantasy filled with mystery, disappearances, and magic. I don’t want to give more detail because I don’t want to spoil any part of this book- it was one of my favorite fantasy of 2021!
Dreams Lie Beneath by Rebecca Ross
I adored this stand-alone YA fantasy novel in which local wardens are responsible for recording dreams and later fighting the same dreams when they appear on the night of the new moon.
Clementine is training to be a warden under her father, but he loses his post, and she swears revenge on the challengers. While plotting her revenge, she also seeks to overturn the curse that is haunting the entire kingdom.
Find this book in the Ultimate List of YA Fantasy
Best Romance Books of 2021
Dial A for Aunties by Jessie Q Sutano
Meddelin Chen has an amazing, meddling Chinese-Indonesian family. Meddelin and her four Aunts run a wedding business together. When Meddelin accidentally kills her date and he ends up in a cooler at a wedding with two thousand people, what can go wrong? Did I mention that the wedding also happens to be at a hotel where her ex-boyfriend and love works?
Netflix is adapting this comedy of errors and if it is anything like the book, it will be amazing too.
Why I Like It: I heard great things about this romantic comedy/ murder mystery mashup. It sounds like the weirdest combo, right? This book had me laughing out loud. The characters are flawed which makes them even more loveable, and the absolute chaos is hilarious.
Find This Book In family drama books / Best Beach Reads
Click HERE to Check out the Ultimate List of Feel Good Books
Highland Games by Evie Alexander
I gushed about this on Instagram, but I’m gonna gush about it again here too. I love a good Scottish romance, which long-term readers know because of our books like Outlander
This one has Zoe deciding to pack up her London life and move into the rustic, decrepit cabin on a castle estate her uncle left for her when he died. The problem is Rory, the castle’s caretaker, wanted the cabin for himself.
Rory starts messing with Zoe to get her to leave Scotland, but when he realizes he needs her help, sparks fly in this grumpy sunshine romance. This is the first in a new series of books set in Scotland about Rory and Zoe and their Scottish hometown.
It was charming, funny, STEAMY, and heartwarming. I personally can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Life’s Too Short by Abby Jimenez
Vanessa Price is a famous YouTube star whose life motto is to live life to the fullest every day. Her mother and sister both died before they were 30. When she suddenly finds herself with custody of her half-sister’s baby, life takes a spin in the other direction.
Adrian is the complete opposite of Vanessa. He is a lawyer who plans everything. When these two meet, they are just what the other needs.
I adored this book that will make you think about what you want out of life with a perfect dash of romance.
Best Celebrity Book Club Picks of 2021
The Husbands
Author: Chandler Baker
Year: 2021
Genre: Mystery
More info: August 2021 Good Morning America Book Club Pick
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Ladies, get your book clubs geared up for Chandler Baker’s newest novel. It’s part mystery, part social commentary, but it’s the latter that packs a punch in this contemporary fiction.
Baker examines the mental load that women carry as wives and mothers, particularly working women, and how it differs from what society expects of men.
Murder in the desirable Dynasty Ranch neighborhood has lawyer and prospective buyer, Nora, looking into what happened. With all the Stepford-style husbands she is meeting, she’s starting to wonder what kind of place Dynasty Ranch is after all. You will have such a great discussion about this book about motherhood.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a perfect book for book clubs, it is such a thought-provoking book. You will have such a great discussion about this book about motherhood, family, and societal expectations.
Adaptation Information
Kristen Wiig is set to produce and star in the movie adaptation of this popular story!
Find this book in: Good Morning America Book Club / Books Becoming Movies / Thought-Provoking Books / Books About Mothers and Motherhood / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read
The Love Songs of W.E.B. DuBois
Author: Honorèe Fanonne Jeffers
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: August 2021 Oprah’s Book Club Pick
National Book Critics Circle AwardWinner, 2021
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Wow. This is one of the best books I’ve listened to this year, and yes, I recommend it on audio for a few reasons.
First, the different narrators help tell this dual-timeline contemporary fiction. Through one narrator, we learn about Ailey’s life as an African American woman in the 20th century. The other narrator tells the story of the female ancestors of Ailey’s going all the way back to her Indigenous, black, and white relatives from two centuries earlier.
Through Ailey and her ancestors, the weight of what it means to be a black woman in America means. The sacrifices, injustices, struggles, and harassment endured by Ailey and her kin in the present day and the past are explored with a depth so real, I forgot it was a fictional story at times.
The second reason this book is great on audio? It’s LONG. It clocks in at over 800 pages or almost 30 hours of audiobook time. The narrators sucked me in and those 30 hrs flew by.
Trigger Warnings
Rape, slavery, incest
Why Kirsten loves it
I will say, this book made me consider my White Privilege in a way no non-fiction book could have. It’s a heavy story, but very worth the read and a great book for book clubs. The audiobook was fantastic and the 30 hours of story sucked me in.
Find this book in: Oprah’s Book Club List / The Best Celebrity Book Clubs / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Books by Female BIPOC Authors
Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour
January 2021 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Black Buck was everything I thought it would be and more! At times this book reminded me of the subtle racism in Such a Fun Age but it was also reminiscent of the systemic racism in The Nickel Boys.
And then there was the whole Wolf of Wall Street portion that had me picturing Leo screaming on the trading room floor. This contemporary fiction was both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Find this book in Contemporary Fiction / Books with Colors in the Title
Best Literary Fiction Books of 2021
Cloud Cuckoo Land
Author: Anthony Doerr
Year: 2021
Genre: Literary Fiction
More info: National Book Award Finalist
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author
Age Range: 14+
Plot
I don’t know how to begin to describe this book. This is NOTHING like All The Light We Cannot See and yet, I absolutely loved it. It is part historical fiction, part sci-fi, and absolutely amazing.
The book is set in Constantinople in the fifteenth century, Five hundred years later in a library in Idaho and in a spaceship traveling to a new planet sometime in the near future. Even while trying to describe this book, it does not seem to go together and yet, the story of Cloud Cuckoo Land (a story within the Novel) acts as the glue that brings the characters together. The result is an amazing sci-fi book with a very powerful message.
This is not an easy read but is well worth it.
Trigger Warnings
War, school shooting
Why Jackie loves it
I loved this unique sci-fi historical fiction novel. The story within the story was woven perfectly throughout. I think people will either LOVE this book or hate it. But the mark of a good book is one that will be remembered and talked about.
Find this book in: Nonlinear Narrative Novels / 20 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time / The Best Audiobooks of All Time / Books about Libraries
A Thousand Ships
Author: Natalie Haynes
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: Shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I loved this take on the traditional Greek stories surrounding the Trojan War. They are all told by the women in the mythology which is certainly a perspective that doesn’t get much play. From Amazonian warriors to Queens like Penelope, each of the famous female figures in Greek mythology gets their own moment in the son in this epic tale.
Why Kirsten loves it
Penelope’s chapters in particular had me laughing out loud. I highly recommend this classic retelling to Greek mythology lovers and lovers of adult fantasy books.
Find this book in: Greek Mythology Retellings / Classic Book Retellings
Hell of a Book by Jason Mott
July 2021 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
There are so many layers to this book that is a book about a fictional author and his book “Hell of a Book”. I can see why Jenna chose this book as her July 2021 pick.
The novel tells the story of Soot- a young black boy in a rural town. As we hear the story of Soot we also have the author talking to “The Kid”, a young black boy who may of may not be invisible.
The description of the book does not do it justice. It is a powerful and poignant commentary on family, children, and the lengths that parents will go to to protect their children. This book is haunting.
Best Historical Fiction Books of 2021
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
While the main portion of this story features 3 code breakers at Bletchley during WWII, one of the main characters is dating Prince Philip. You know, the same Prince Philip who eventually marries the queen?
It’s a dual-timeline story and one of those storylines is set against the backdrop of Philip’s wedding to QE2. Plus it’s a Kate Quinn royal novel, so the writing and story are both top-notch.
Find this book in Ultimate List of Mystery Books / WWII Books / Royal Reads / Books With Color in the Title
The Paris Apartment by Kelly Bowen
Oh, how I loved this book.
Part historical fiction, part mystery, and part love story, this book was so well written and the story was delivered perfectly. This is one of the picks from the list of books set in Paris that is dual-timeline.
In 2017, Aurelia inherits an apartment in Paris when her grandmother dies. She is not prepared for what she finds inside the apartment that she never knew existed. Now she must get the help of an art restorer to discover the history and the mystery surrounding the apartment and its contents.
In 1942, Estelle is living in Paris under Nazi occupation. When the Germans come to take away her beloved friends, Estelle does everything she can to help them. This is a dual-timeline pick from books about WWII that should not be missed.
The Paris Library
Author: Janet Skesklien Charles
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller, Washington Post Bestseller, USA TODAY bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
In 1939, Odile is working at The American Library in Paris. There, she and her fellow librarians do everything in their power to try to save their patrons. But when the war is over, she faces a betrayal she didn’t anticipate.
In 1983 Montana, Lily is looking for an adventure which she finds whileinvetigating her neighbor’s past. But she was not expecting a dark secret to connect the two of them!
Trigger Warnings
Antisemitism, War
Why Kirsten loves it
WWII books felt a little been-there, done-that to me recently but this book has me back to loving the sub-genre. What makes this story different is the setting – The American Library in Paris. I loved hearing about the librarians and how they tried to help their Jewish subscribers. The story sucked me and had me thinking about the war in a new light.
Find this book in: Books Set in Paris / Books Set in France / Books About WWII / Books About Books / Books About Libraries
Plot
This is an incredible novel about the women of Smith College who went to help French war victims on the war front. The band of 15 women in this novel is based on the 18 real-life heroes of Smith College.
These ladies started from scratch to help those ravaged by war only to have the war come back and destroy the lands around them again. But they never faltered in their quest to help the war-torn villages of women and children impacted by the war.
The book gives a well-rounded feeling of what these women needed to do to save the lands and the people and is an emotional pick from books about friends.
Why Kirsten loves it
This historical fiction is based on real events and had me captivated from the first page. I love the bravery and camaraderie of these amazing women.
Why Jackie loves it
The role of women is so often overlooked and so this story about the women of Smith College was enlightening. I loved the characters and the story, but the fact that it was based on real events of WWI made it even better.
Find this book in: Friendship Books / Books About Sisters and Sisterhood / Books Set in France / Best Book Club Books / WWI Books / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021
Best Contemporary Fiction Books of 2021
The Very Nice Box
Author: Laura Blackett and Eve Gleichman
Year: 2021
Genre: Romance/ Thriller
Age Range: 14+
Plot
The quirky personality of Ava, the protagonist in The Very Nice Box, is reminiscent of Eleanor Oliphant. Being inside Ava’s unique brain was a real treat.
Ava works as an engineer at a furniture company similar to Ikea. She has the same routine every day and is rather isolated socially until Mat Putnam bursts into her life.
As her backstory unfolds, this book goes from romance to thriller in the most delightful way. One of the most original vacation books of 2021. It’s a must-read for laughs and suspense and is a perfect pick for books like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is one of the most original vacation books of 2021. It’s a must-read for laughs and suspense and is a perfect pick for anyone who loves Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.
Find this book in: Books Like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine / Books With Neurodivergent Characters
The Final Revival of Opal and Nev
Author: Dawnie Walton
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Good Morning America Buzz Pick
Best Books of 2021 by Barack Obama, The Washington Post, Goodreads
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This fantastic story looks at the rise and eventual breakup of an interracial punk-rock duo. It’s told in a multi-time narrative set in the 1970s and 2016 – when she’s considering reuniting with Nev. But as musical journalist Sunny digs into Opal & Nev’s history, she uncovers surprising hidden facts. With a narrative structure similar to Daisy Jones, you’ll be hooked from the very first chapter.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, violence
Why Kirsten loves it
This is the closest of the books like Daisy Jones and The Six. It’s told in an interview format and is about a band from the 70s. The comparison makes sense… and yet…
This 70s book is wonderful in its own right! No comparison is needed. It looks at sexism and racism in the music industry during this time period and is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. It is a total must-read.
Find this book in: Books Like Daisy Jones / Full Cast Audiobooks / Books About Music, Bands, and Musicians / Feel-Good Books / Faux Celebrity Fiction / Epistolary Novels / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Best Books of 2021
All the Lonely People by Mike Gayle
This contemporary fiction book was my surprise star of the summer so far. I had not heard of the book and thought it sounded great. I loved every minute of it.
Hubert Bird is a widower who has weekly conversations with his daughter in Australia. He tells her amazing stories about how he spends his time. The problem? It is all made up.
With his daughter coming to visit, Hubert must find friends and a life to show his daughter.
Hubert gets a second chance at love and friendship but the book dives deeper into Hubert’s past as well. The depth and sincerity in this book are wonderful and I cannot say enough good things about this feel-good book from our list of books like A Man Called Ove.
We Are Not Like Them
Author: Jo Piazza and Christine Pride
Year: 2021
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: October 2021 Good Morning America Book Club Pick
Age Range: 14+
Plot
A contemporary fiction book set in Philadelphia! This is the story of 2 local girls, who have been best friends since childhood. Riley is a black woman living her dreams of being a reporter, while Jen is a pregnant white woman married to a cop.
Their friendship is put to the test when Jen’s husband kills an innocent black boy while in pursuit of a thief and Riley is the lead reporter covering the case.
Told from the perspective of both women, this gripping story covers systemic racism in the police force while dealing with the nuances of navigating a bi-racial friendship. If you are looking for powerful books about friendship, this is one that will make you think.
Trigger Warnings
Police Brutality
Why Kirsten loves it
This doozy of a book was enthralling and thought-provoking. I knew it was a perfect book for book clubs from the very first chapter.
Why Jackie loves it
This book had me thinking long after I finished the last page. The characters were rich and believable and the plotline was realistic as well which is what make it so compelling to read.
Find this book in: Good Morning America Book Club List / Books About Friendship/ Best Books for Book Clubs / Best Books of 2021
Best Women’s Fiction Books of 2021
Haven Point by Virginia Hume
What a wonderful read. I truly can’t explain how much this book swept me away to Haven Point as I learned about four generations of the Demarest family.
This story focuses on the great-grandmother, grandmother (Maren), mother, and daughter (Skye) as they spend their summers in the waspy coastal town. Secrets unfold, loves bloom and fade, and the ties that bond are explored.
Why I Love It: This is a wonderful beach read with heart, I hope you take a chance and get swept away too. It’s one of the best family saga books I’ve ever read.
Find this Book in Family Saga Books / Best Beach Reads
Under the Southern Sky by Kristy Woodson Harvey
This book starts with a woman whose marriage is ending and a widower dealing trying to move on. They are childhood friends and she discovers that the embryos he froze with his deceased wife are deemed abandoned.
He’s determined to find a surrogate and she’s determined to support him. Their mothers, on the other hand, are determined to get them together.
The story is set in Palm Beach and Cape Carolina, with a touch of NYC. Some of the scenes gave me such Dawson’s Creek vibes too!!
Why I Love It: This southern beach read is a total summer must-read. It’s uplifting and poignant and had me laughing and crying, sometimes at the same time.
Find This Book In: Best Books of 2021 / Best Beach Reads of All Time
Best YA Books of 2021
Firekeeper’s Daughter
Author: Angeline Boulley
Year: 2021
Genre: YA Fiction
More info: Fall 2021 YA Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, Firekeeper’s Daughter #1
Age Range: 14+
Plot
I have not read many books where the central characters are Indigenous American
While this is characterized as
Trigger Warnings
Drug Abuse
Why Jackie loves it
I did not know much about the Ojibwe culture before reading this book; the little bits about traditions and spirituality were fascinating. Each added more depth to the story and I could not put it down. The narration was wonderful and added to the story. #gifted by Macmillan Audio
Adaptation Information
President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, purchased the rights to this book via their production company, Higher Ground Productions. It’s scheduled to become a TV series on Netflix.
Find this book in: Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Books About Mental Illness / Fun Books for Teens / Books Becoming TV Series
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
Just when I thought that nothing could top the Caraval series, Stephanie Garber wrote this book. This YA fantasy romance book will not disappoint her die-hard fans and for those who have never read Caraval, you can fall in love for the first time. I absolutely loved this book.
Evangeline Fox was raised in her father’s curiosity shop where she grew up learning about the legends. When Evangeline learns that the love of her life is about to marry her stepsister, she offers the prince of hearts anything in exchange for stopping the wedding. This deal takes Evangeline to the North where the real adventure begins.
The Prince of Hearts has plans for Evangaline but, throughout the story, we can never fully guess his intentions. This first book in the Once Upon a Broken Heart Series will leave you wanting much more.
If you love Stephanie Garber books, this series is NOT to be missed.
Plot
Hello Dark Academia. Centered around Devon and Chiamaka, the only black students at an elite private school, this is one wild thriller. After being chosen by prefects on the first day of their senior year, Devon and Chiamaka quickly become the targets of the mysterious Aces – a dangerous gossip girl-type character out to ruin their lives.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
I was on pins and needles as this thriller unraveled, addressing systemic racism in private institutions in the process.
Find this book in: Books Set in High School / Dark Academia Novel / Stalker Books / Psychological Thriller Books / Fun Books for Teens
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