By Krystle J Bailey
According to a recent brief by Stephen Hawking, “If you stacked the new books being published next to each other, at the present rate of production, you would have to move at ninety miles an hour just to keep up with the end of the line.”
Hundreds of new titles hit the shelves in 2021, including several New York Times Best Sellers, self-published authors, celebrity memoirs, and more. It was challenging to narrow down the shortlist with so many books to choose from. Here are a few of the 2021 most recommended reads by Amazon, NPR, and online reading clubs.
Top Fiction Books
Project Hail Mary: A Novel by Andy Weir
In this New York Times Best Seller, Ryland Grace is a lone astronaut on a desperate mission to save humanity. The fate of the world is in his hands; however, he can’t remember the assignment – or his own name. Aboard a small spaceship with two dead crewmates, Ryland is faced with multiple challenges, a failing memory, and the world at stake. With the help of an unexpected ally, he just might have a chance.
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
The Guncle finished as a finalist in the 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards and was an NPR Top Pick. Patrick, better known as Gay Uncle Patrick (GUP), loves his niece and nephew, but when tragedy strikes and the children are left in his full-time care, Patrick has no idea what to expect. His “Guncle Rules” are no match for the reality of raising children, and Patrick quickly realizes that jokes and treats can only get you so far as a parent.
The Guncle is hailed as a “moving tribute to the power of love, patience, and family in even the most trying times.”
The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz
Amazon, New York Times, and Washington Post all agree that The Plot was one of the best books of 2021.
This thrilling story features a once-promising novelist, Jacob Finch Bonner, and his dead student, Evan Parker. After the unexpected death of his student, Bonner does what any self-respecting storyteller should do. He picks up Evan’s unfinished book and shares the chapters with the world. As the stories begin to come true and suspense takes over, the plot thickens when Bonner receives an email declaring him a thief.
Stephen King describes the book as “one of the best novels I’ve ever read about writers and writing.”
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
From the author of Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers comes the newest New York Times Best Seller from Liane Moriarty: Apples Never Fall. The best-selling novel shines a light on how the people we love the most have the power to hurt us in the worst possible ways. Four grown siblings face unimaginable circumstances when their mother goes missing, and the most obvious suspect is their father. The family is highly regarded in their community. Two children strongly feel their father is guilty, while the other two aren’t so sure. The four siblings are challenged to reexamine everything they know to be true as they uncover the unexpected truth.
An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed by Helene Tursten
“Dark, irreverent, and hilariously funny.”
—Booklist, Starred Review
88-year-old Maud is no stranger to death. Since she was a child, death seemed to follow her. Just when she thinks things are going to slow down in her old age, detectives arrive on her doorstep with questions for Maud. Six interlocking stories weave the tale of, as the title implies, an elderly lady who must not be crossed. Described as dark, thrilling, and hilarious, this 2021 new release will have readers craving more from little old Maud.
Top Non-Fiction Books
Will by Will Smith
“It’s the best memoir I’ve ever read.” —Oprah Winfrey.
Will was an instant bestseller this year. The beloved “Fresh Prince” is one of the most globally recognized entertainers of our time. In his self-titled memoir, Will Smith opens up about his insecurities, trauma, and life transformation. The profound account highlights pieces of Will’s story that fans haven’t seen on the big screen, offering a glimpse into the man behind the movies.
My Broken Language: A Memoir by Quiara Alegria Hudes
Quiara Alegria Hudes, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and the co-writer of In The Heights, tells her coming of age story set in Philadelphia. Haunted by the untold stories of the barrio she grew up in, Hudes shares her journey of finding her own voice in the vast sea of languages and culture. Music, love, and family are the pillars of this inspiring story told by this deeply loved and celebrated writer.
“Her sentences will take your breath away.”
– Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of Hamilton and In The Heights.
When Evil Lived in Laurel by Curtis Wilkie
Set in the 1960s, When Evil Lived in Laurel tells the story of how one brave FBI informant helped topple the KKK organization in Southern Mississippi. Tom Landrum, an unassuming Mississippi man, joins the KKK as a spy to help penetrate the secret circles and bring down the southern hate group. The riveting story shines a light on the institutionalized racism of the Civil Rights Era and how it continues to affect our world today.
Crying In H Mart by Michelle Zauner
Michelle Zauner tells the culturally rich story of family, grief, and overcoming. As one of the few Asian American children of her youth, Zauner chronicles her life as a minority in Eugene, Oregon, her experiences with her grandmother, and her transition to the East Coast as she finds her way in the restaurant industry. The New York Times Notable Book Of the Year is a beautiful blend of love, laugher, culture, food, language, and history.
Invisible Child by Andrea Elliott
Invisible Child: Poverty, Survival, & Hope in an American City is the story of a young Brooklyn girl faced with surviving a world riddled with violence and addiction. The eight-year plot follows young Dasani and her commitment to guiding her siblings through unimaginable circumstances. Invisible Child illuminates critical issues in America that still exist today, told through the eyes of resilience and hope.
“A vivid and devastating story of American inequality.”—The New York Times
If you’re looking for something to spend those holiday gift cards on, check out one of these 2021 bestsellers. We look forward to what 2022 has in store for us book lovers!
