Best Of... Favorite Books Read in 2021!

Trying a simplified "best of" edition this year... let's see how this goes! I've broken my favorite books read into genres. As always, a reminder that these are the favorite books I read in 2021, thought they might not have necessarily been published in 2021. If you'd like to read more in-depth reviews of any of the books featured here, you can find them on my Goodreads site. 

Happy reading!  

MYSTERY & THRILLERS 

*EXIT — a funny and heartwarming tale coupled with an excellent, intricate mystery that keeps you surprised. Protagonist Felix Pink is a delight. 

*LOLA ON FIRE — a dark, fast paced thriller that feels like an action movie. It’s raw and violent with a layer of underlying tenderness.

*THE POSTSCRIPT MURDERS — a wonderful and witty mystery filled with bookish references; the second in the series featuring the excellent DS Harbinder Kaur. (A crime series with a lesbian lead—I love it!) 

*MOTHER MAY I — a riveting and addictive thriller about the power of motherhood. So suspenseful and twisty—an excellent page turner! 

*WHITE NIGHTS — second in the Shetland Island series and an atmospheric mystery that will keep you guessing. I love Detective Jimmy Perez. 

*THE NIGHT HAWKS — number 13 in the Dr. Ruth Galloway series, but still as captivating as ever. It’s a lovely book with beloved characters and a strong, creepy story. 

 *GONE FOR GOOD — a cold case intersects with a new murder in the first entry of the Annalisa Vega series. Well-written, great protagonist, wonderful intertwining of Vega’s personal life with the investigation, and keeps you guessing. 

*THE NIGHT SHE DISAPPEARED — an intricate and twisty page turner about a missing young woman. Very dark but features such a great balance of thrills and characterization—complex and intricate and so well-done. 

 

 FICTION & NON FICTION (And yes, non-fiction is used lightly here as there is only one. But it was great!)

 *THE KINDEST LIE -- a beautifully written book that deftly examines the issues of racism and class in America. Set in 2008, its characterization is great and it's often sad, often touching, and always well-done.

*HONEY GIRL -- one of my favorite books ever, this is a beautiful, charming, must-read lesbian romance. I loved the main character Grace beyond words. It's hilarious and funny yet deftly covers mental health issues and racism.

*WHAT COULD BE SAVED -- a lyrical and fascinating look at the pull of family. Much of this book is set in Bangkok and the entire story is immersive and illuminating.

*SKYE FALLING -- a unique look at the complexities of family and race. It's funny, heartfelt, and completely engaging, with an authentic cast of characters.

*THE GUNCLE -- a beautiful, funny, and sweet story of finding hope after loss, when "Gay Uncle Patrick" takes in his brother's kids for the summer after his sister-in-law's death. This sad yet hopeful and witty book is made up of a million little wonderful moments you will treasure.

*SHE DRIVES ME CRAZY -- Maybe should have gone in my romances section, but who cares, it's SO GOOD! Friends to enemies + fake dating done in the best fashion ever. Queer romance, basketball, humor, and tenderness.

*MY MONTICELLO -- beautifully written, nuanced, and insightful collection of short stories and a novella that explore race, identity, and more.

*RAZORBLADE TEARS -- riveting and heartbreaking story about a black father, a white father, and their murdered sons. Brutal and not afraid to tackle hard topics.

*EVERYTHING WE DIDN'T SAY -- suspenseful family drama that perfectly captures small town Iowa. Taut and slow burning with nuanced characters.

*THE RURAL DIARIES -- delightful and honest memoir detailing Hilarie Burton Morgan and her family settling in Rhinebeck, NY. 

 

ROMANCE 

 *THE SOULMATE EQUATION -- a witty and wonderful romance about a number crunching single mom, Jess, who matches with the creator of a new dating site that predicts love through your DNA. Features a great couple with awesome chemistry, excellent banter, and made me smile constantly.

*ONE LAST STOP -- a dazzling, heartfelt queer romance filled with diverse characters. August and Jane are a romance for the ages. This book is swoony and sexy. A gorgeous story flowing with passion, with beauty, and with magic.

*THE CHARM OFFENSIVE -- a delightful romcom set in the reality show realm. This is a truly lovely book, with a great romance filled with crackling tension. It combines excellent points about mental illness and being loved unconditionally. I loved its blend of serious and fun and flirty.

*EIGHT PERFECT HOURS -- Charming, passionate, slow-burn romance about two people finding their way back together after being stuck in the snow. Great chemistry, excellent coverage of mental health, and so heartwarming.

*SPOILER ALERT -- Funny, sexy, and sweet read centered around fan fiction and body positivity. So charming with amazing banter but also some moving emotional moments. 

 

YOUNG ADULT 

*CONCRETE ROSE -- A striking prequel to THUG that deftly shows how institutionalized racism has affected Maverick's world. It touches on friendship, family, belonging, and more. Spellbinding and so well-done.

*COOL FOR THE SUMMER -- a wonderful book about finding yourself and love. Adler's characters pop onto the pages. Portrays the queer community very well and does an excellent job capturing teens and the spark of falling in love. Fun, sweet, and captivating.

*THIS POISON HEART -- captivating YA fantasy. Briseis knows she has a rare gift--with just a touch, she can grow plants. Filled with strong women, including Briseis (who is bi) and her two moms. Part mystery, part myth, and all page-turner.

*HAZEL BLY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA -- an absolutely stunning read that viscerally captures grief and loss. Everything in this book is amazing--the whimsical myth of the Rose Maid; the diversity of the characters; and the total acceptance of Hazel's parents being gay and bi. It made me cry, but left me hopeful too.

*THE DEAD AND THE DARK -- mesmerizing look at the supernatural and the pull of family. Gould’s book (a debut!) is original and spellbinding and filled with LGBTQIA rep. Part horror story, part exploration of the meaning and depths of darkness, and part look at family dynamics. A ghost story and a sapphic love interest--what more do you need?

*NEVER SAW YOU COMING -- an insightful look at love and religion. A really lovely and moving story. While it includes a lot of religious themes and discussion, religion and forgiveness informs the story, rather than detracts from it. This lovely book offers a charming romance, along with a timely look at religion and how it can affect young people as they make their way in the world.

*FROM LITTLE TOKYO, WITH LOVE -- wonderful exploration of belonging and family. It's impossible not to root for Rika. Features real characters, covers serious topics while remaining funny and romantic, and will sweep you off your feet with its beautiful story.