Top ten books of 2021
I read 200 books this year.
204, to be precise. Even when I type the number, it feels surreal, like a joke, like some fictional story I’m making up in my head. Did I really read two hundred books this year? Did I really manage that? 200 different stories, 200 different plots, new authors and multiple genres, short tales and long novels, graphics and comics nd audiobooks — this year’s reading was a big ball of experiments.
This year hasn’t been easy or good in any way, but books were my best companion through everything. These books kept me company, sat with me through the tough times and the good times, gave me a hard time as well as the best time. I did read some exceptionally good books this year, books that I know will stay with me for the days to come, and books that I will keep recommending to others.
1. As Good as Dead by Holly Jackson
The Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is one of my favourite mystery series ever and reading the concluding final book was emotional, to say the least. As with any concluding book of a series, I was scared of reading AGAD. Moreover, I didn’t want the book to feel dragged; utterly afraid that it might disappoint. But it did not, and instead ended up becoming even better than the other two books in the series. As Good as Dead is a marvellous conclusion to Pippa’s story. It felt so real, mostly because of the very gentle way that it portrayed Pippa’s mental health journey after being witness to death. Holly Jackson has quickly become one of my favourite authors and I cannot wait to read whatever she publishes next.
2. Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo
It is no a surprise that Rule of Wolves made it to the top of this list. Honestly, I was very sceptical before the release of this book — what with it being the conclusion to the whole of grishaverse (for now I suppose?). Even though I absolutely love Leigh Bardugo and the grishaverse has my whole heart, I didn’t know if the end to the series would be good enough. This was primarily because King of Scars wasn’t my favorite, and I wasn’t entirely on board with whatever it was that Bardugo did with the plot. But she really pulled through and delivered a fantastic end to the world of grishaverse, packed in an action and adventure plot with a fine ending. It was everything that I as a fan could ask for, and more.
3. Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
I had read and loved Elizabeth Lim’s debut Spin the Dawn, so when I received an e-arc of Six Crimson Cranes I was super excited. Once again, Lim has created a rich and vivid fantasy world with Asian characters in lead, and filled with magic and dragons and sibling love and family. SCC is a retelling of the Six Swans, set in an East Asian inspired world. This book was filled to the brim with unexpected twists, sibling and familial love which I adored so much, and an amazing narration. I’m in awe of how profusely Elizabeth Lim had created this new world and immersed us readers into it. I was craving for more after I had long finished the book.
4. Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto
I read this book purely based on recommendation from a few friends and safe to say, it did not disappoint. A total comedy, Dial A for Aunties follows Maddy, her mother and her aunties as they try to cover up a dead body while hosting a wedding. Absolutely hilarious, this book was a joy to read from first to last page. I couldn’t stop giggling and laughing throughout, and the book overall brought me so much joy. If you loved the Hangover movie series, you are going to love this book.
5. Girls with Sharp Sticks by Suzanne Young
At the start of the year, I was looking for dark academia thrillers when I came across this book. I didn’t know what to expect from it, really, and went into it without reading the blurb. Girls with Sharp Sticks surprised me a lot — both with the intriguing plotline and mysterious characters. A very unique thriller, I must say. Although it is somewhat long, the read is totally worth it.
6. The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
I have been wary of reading books by Indian diaspora authors for various reasons. But I got Reading List as a review copy from Harper Collins India, and gave it a read. While the story started and moved slow, it soon made its place in my heart. With a cast of absolutely wholesome characters, readers almost all of them, The Reading List is a heartfelt love letter to readers all around. This book made me so happy and filled my heart with joy, and I would definitely recommend it to others.
7. The Charm Offensive by Allison Cochrun
I will admit — there was a small part in the beginning of this book that made me utterly emotional at 2am at night, where I desperately craved to be hugged tightly by someone. The Charm Offensive was a book that did that for me, and it was the most wholesome book I read this year. With a great representation of OCD, anxiety, mental health and asexuality, this book felt like a doorway to happiness and being seen on page. I loved reading about Dev and Charlie’s journey and their struggles just felt so real, so raw. I must also admit here I wasn’t very invested in the romance in the latter half of the book, but The Charm Offensive made me very happy and brought me peace.
8. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
This year was a deep dive into lots and lots of thrillers. This was my second book from Flynn and I really had no idea what to expect. What I got was a crazy and fast paced, slow burn, immersive thriller, and my words fall short if I try to explain what I felt after completing the book. I had a great time reading this, and the storytelling kept me hooked throughout.
9. Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales
I did not read a lot of Young Adult contemporary this year but Perfect on Paper was the most memorable. A very adorable and wholesome story about finding love, finding yourself and being at peace with your identity and sexuality, Perfect on Paper was such a wholesome read. It filled my heart with joy and felt like a huge warm hug. I enjoyed the way it portrayed and talked about bisexuality and love, and how swiftly paced the whole storyline was.
10. The Infinity Courts by Akemi Dawn Bowman
I have adored Akemi Dawn Bowman’s books for years and getting to read an early manuscript of The Infinity Courts earlier this year was delightful. Her YA sci fic debut, The Infinity Courts was a spectacular book. While it was a science fiction, it did not feel that way, and Akemi kept the balance between YA and science fiction perfect. The book painted a very vivid image of the alternate world ruled by the AI, where humans go after death. With a fantastic concept, the plot thickens as it moves forward. And the climax was just awesome. While there were instances when I felt a bit detached, it was ultimately an instant favourite with its ending.
Apart from these top ten, I also had several other lovely reads that made my heart mushy and exhilarated my heartbeat with its crazy and fantastic plots.
- Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
- Our Violent Ends by Chloe Gong
- Can You See Me Now? by Trisha Sakhlecha
- Heartstopper vol. 4 by Alice Oseman
- Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston
- Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney
- Fence: Disarmed by Sarah Rees Brennan
I don’t think I will forget these books anytime soon. From thrillers to contemporaries to fantasies, I have had a good reading year, I must say. I can’t wait to see what new books I discover next year.
