The Best Books I Read in 2021

In 2021, I crossed a biggie off my bucket list--read 100 books in a year. I read a ton of good books. So many rereads (I LOVE to reread books) and also a bunch of new ones. Here are some of my fave books I read throughout the year.

I'm gonna start with nonfiction. I've only gotten into nonfic in the last few years and usually prefer to listen to audiobooks (unless it's a home/hobby book). Writing this list made me realize I would like to make more of an effort to read historical nonfic and biographies, as I mostly read/listen to Christian lifestyle, home, and hobby nonfiction.

Nonfiction - Christian

To Hell with the Hustle by Jefferson Bethke | This book is about slowing down in life so we can make sure to leave room for God to do what He wants. I want to be more purposeful with how I spend my time, and this book was a good read. I actually listened to the audiobook, narrated by the author, and highly recommend. Bethke is fun to listen to and includes some "extras" in the audiobook. I need to reread this one.

Loveology by John Mark Comer | Comer is such an excellent, entertaining reader, so I was thrilled that he narrated the audiobook. I truly enjoyed this one and would love to get a hardcopy to read, highlight, and make notes. So much good, practical stuff, but also things I've never thought of in that way. The questions section had EXCELLENT answers to questions that would be asked before marriage (i.e. dating advice). He did a good job at handling sensitive topics in a loving manner. 

The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi | I had listened to a few episodes of The Lazy Genius podcast and enjoyed them so I decided to give the book a try. It was so good! So many good principles I can start incorporating in my life to make better decisions. Yet again, another author who narrated the audiobook, and I enjoy listening to her. I didn't realize this was a Christian book when I started reading it--most of the "Christian content" is towards the end.

Nonfiction - Home and Hobbies

Quilt-As-You-Go Made Vintage by Jena Brandvig | I've really gotten into quilting and borrowed so many quilting books from the library last year. This one was a fave and I borrowed it three times. I love looking through the vintage-inspired quilt blocks. I also read Quilt-As-You-Go Made Modern and didn't like the designs, but I did like the binding tutorial and used it on my last quilt.

The Nesting Place by Myquillyn Smith | This. Book. I picked it up thinking it was a basic home decor book and then she starts preaching. This book is about learning to love your home, no matter where you are in life. I told two of my friends about it who are getting married and moving into places that aren't really where they want to live, and they both were interested so I bought copies for both of them and they loved it too! This book is such a great read if you're feeling discouraged about your home. It is also a Christian book (that I didn't know was Christian when I began reading it).

Nonfiction - Historical 

"The President Has Been Shot!": The Assassination of John F. Kennedy by James L. Swanson | This is a YA nonfiction about JFK. What I enjoyed about this book was the detailed account from both the President’s and assassin’s POV. I learned a lot of things about this historic event that I had never heard before. The great amount of detail in this book is stunning, yet not overwhelming. My only complaint about the book is that I wish it had been printed in color. It’s a shame to read a detailed description of a color photograph only to turn the page and find it in black and white.

Fiction

Funnily enough, most of my favorite fiction reads this year were rereads. I LOVE rereading my fave books--they never disappoint! So I only have two new reads on the list. I pretty much exclusively read Young Adult and Middle Grade fiction.

The Giver by Lois Lowry | I never read this in school, but a teacher friend of mine was telling me how good it was, so I decided to read it. I had it on my shelf already and pulled it off to start it before bedtime. Then I stayed up and finished the book. I couldn't put it down! 

Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg | I have read this book at least five times. It's my favorite YA standalone book. I love a slow love story, and this one takes place over several years. It's funny and real and believable, which is why I keep coming back to it.

Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris | Another one of my most favorite books that I've read many times. This is a Middle Grade book and I consider it the Princess Bride of middle grade. It's funny and has lovable characters. I also read Twice Upon a Marigold and Thrice Upon a Marigold this year and enjoyed both of them as well!

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein | Yes, another reread. My besties forced me to read this in high school or college, despite not liking historical fiction. It's a little slow at first, but gets better as you read through, and the ending is... wow. This is the best friendship story I have ever read.

Winterborne Home for Mayhem and Mystery by Ally Carter | This is the second book in the Winterborne trilogy by Ally Carter (my fave author) and it did not disappoint. At all. If Ally writes it, I will read it.

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord | So incredibly cute. At first I thought the situation was way too *much* to feel believable, but those doubts quickly went away as I fell in love with the characters. I love that their romance was nice and slow—those types of relationships are always more enjoyable to me. Adding every Emma Lord book to my TBR now.