I Read Nearly 200 Books in 2021—Here Are 10 I Recommend

This graphic novel, nonfiction, about loneliness was without a doubt one of my top picks of the year. But, at the same, it was difficult to read and I hesitate to recommend it to others. I am used to reading a graphic novel in a few minutes. Find YouIt was so heavy, I had breaks. It is worth taking your time.

A personal tidbit about my reading habits this year is that I set a goal to read 365 short stories in 2021 (and I think I’m going to make it!). Among the many short stories I read was this: The Rock EatersThe collection stood out for its beautiful writing and diverse stories. I tried to note my favorite stories from each collection after I read them, but with this one, I couldn’t choose!

In the category of “books I don’t see around enough,” Butter Honey Pig Bread is the story of twin sisters from Nigeria who move to separate continents and have a semi-estranged relationship, and it’s also about their mother and her mysterious, magical past. Plus, it’s full of delicious food descriptions and cooking scenes, so that’s always a bonus for me!

And now for a nonfiction entry in “books I don’t see around enough,” I decided to read Names for LightIt won the Graywolf Press Nonfiction Prize, which I love independent publishers. This memoir is by a writer who was born and raised in Myanmar. She weaves her family history through multiple generations. The writing was beautiful and I learned a lot about Myanmar’s history.

This graphic novel, which is sweet and touching, was a delight to me. It tells the story of a young boy who lives in the United States who struggles with telling his Vietnamese immigrant parents he is gay. The story is told mainly through fairytales the mother and son tell each other. The artwork is stunning.

I don’t cook often, but I love reading cookbooks that tell the stories of food and the people who cook it. Especially in a year where I didn’t travel as much as I would have liked, reading cookbooks like Ripe FigsIt helped me escape to other places through beautiful photographs and mouthwatering recipes. I particularly appreciated Ripe FigsBecause the author focuses on stories of migrants in Turkey, Cyprus and Greece and describes how their cultures influence local food traditions.

Written by an Ojibwe journalist investigating Ojibwe issues. Seven Fallen FeathersThis book tells the stories seven First Nations young people who were killed in Thunder Bay, Ontario, between 2000 and 2011. Talaga also relates the wider history and relationships between Indigenous communities and Canada to the story of seven First Nations young people who died in Thunder Bay, Ontario, between 2000 and 2011.

For nonfiction that is much more entertaining, see CultishExplores the use language in cults, cult-like organisations and movements. Written by a linguist, this title is punny in two ways: First, “Cultish” can sound like a language itself (similar to “English”) and second, some of the chapters in this book focus on groups that are not quite cults but rather are cult-ish. Get it? (Plus, this book looks amazing on Instagram, which is a little cultish in its own

This collection includes a novella and five stories. They are all set in Charlottesville, Virginia. My MonticelloThis is a great book for people with limited time. The stories are only 16 pages long and will keep you interested. The full cast of audiobook narrators is impressive if you enjoy audiobooks.

For a heartwarming romance, this story about finding true happiness behind the scenes on a reality dating show is the perfect escape! Even if you’ve never watched an episode, The Bachelor (I know!I was so invested in these sweet characters that I was rooting for them throughout the entire process.