I’ve read some really amazing books recently, so when I sat down to choose the 10 best books I read in 2021, I knew it was going to be hard for me to choose only 10.
And there wasn’t even a stand-out favourite as I read several books this year that will now count as my all-time best books.
I try to read of variety of books in my 2021 Reading Challenge and I’ve found some amazing authors that I’ve never read before too.
In no particular order, here are the 10 best books I read in 2021.
Betty – Tiffany McDaniel
I already called this my favourite book of the year way back in February!
Even though this book tore my heart to pieces, I could not put it down (is that weird 🤷🏻♀️) and I actually had no words when I finished it #notlikeme
Based on the life of the author’s mother, Betty is a page-turning Appalachian coming-of-age story filled with resilience, tragedy, discrimination and loss….. but also a father’s unwavering love for his children, especially his “little Indian” Betty.
A Man Called Ove – Fredrik Backman
I’m so glad that I finally got around to reading this book – it had been on my #tbrpile for awhile – and I can see why so many people rave about it.
This wonderful and heartwarming tale of unlikely friendships, kindness, love and loss will be one that I remember for years to come.
I laughed. I cried. And I laughed some more.
The Heart’s Invisible Furies – John Boyne
If you haven’t already read this book – add it to the top of your reading pile right NOW!!!
I laughed, I cried, I got angry and I got swept away in the brilliantly written story.
The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart – Holly Ringland
This was the first book I read this year by first-time Aussie author Holly Ringland and I absolutely loved it.
The farm that I was staying at, at the time, was the perfect location to immerse myself in this captivating story of love, loss and redemption.
A Little Life – Hanya Yanagihara
I read this book back in February and it still haunts me.
It’s definitely not a book for the faint-hearted and I found I could only read about 100 pages at a time (it’s 700+ pages) before I’d need a break.
I wasn’t sure if I was even going to make it to the end but I quickly became invested in the characters and was glad that I did because even though this is an incredibly sad and heartbreaking story, it’s also a story of extraordinary friendships and love.
Us Against You – Fredrik Backman
I always worry that when I read the second book in a series that I’m not going to enjoy it as much as the first but boy was I wrong with this one.
This book is bloody fabulous and I actually think I loved it more than I loved “Beartown” (which was fantastic!).
This beautifully written story has it all; strength, love, family, grief, loyalty, courage and loss.
The Light Between Oceans – M.L. Stedman
I’ve read quite a bit of Australian based fiction this year and this would have to be one of my favourites.
It’s a heartbreaking tale of what happens when good people make bad choices. And makes you wonder what you would do in the same situation.
The Good Sister – Sally Hepworth
This is the first book I’ve read by local Melbourne mamma Sally Hepworth and it was brilliant.
It has the perfect mix of love, laughter, sibling rivalry and suspense, and was just what I needed after starting the year with some pretty intense books.
I cannot wait to read more of Sally’s books.
Anxious People – Fredrik Backman
I cannot get enough of Fredrik Backman’s books! Anxious People is the fourth book I’ve read of his and I’ve loved them all.
This is a story about many things – a bank robbery, a rabbit costume, a bridge, pizza and idiots – mostly it’s a story about idiots.
When She Was Good – Michael Robotham
What was the last book that you just couldn’t put down?
The first night I started this book, I didn’t put it down until 2.18am and then I couldn’t put it down again until I finished it the next night 1:47am. It was so fast paced and suspenseful.
This is the second book in this series, so make sure you read “Good Girl Bad Girl” first (it’s awesome as well).
What books have you loved this year? Have you read any of my favourites?
Keep track of other books I love in my Goodreads.
I read the “Light between oceans” and the “good sister” in 2021 as well. Both were excellent reads.
I remember watching the movie adaptation of the light between years ago, but the book is just so much more heartbreaking. I can totally understand why it was a best seller at the time. Still an excellent read.
The Good Sister was one recommended to me on Booktok. It was my first introduction to the author Sally Hepworth. I could not put this book down. Loved Fern, and her Wally.
Hi Matilda, I read so many wonderful books last year, so it was hard to choose my Top 10.
I haven’t watched “The Light Between” yet but I’ve heard it’s good.
The Good Sister was my first Sally Hepworth book too and I cannot wait to read more of her books.