Best Books of 2021
Of the 97 books I’ve read this year (I’m still hoping to hit 100 before the year is done!), here are a few of my favorites! I’ve broken them into fiction and nonfiction, as well as into several sub-categories. I’ve also included links to learn more about each title.
Fiction
Captivating Fiction
The Stationery Shop
Beautifully written with a captivating story about love and loss, this was a pure delight to read.
Anxious People
This was the first Backman novel I’d ever read, and because of his brilliant writing and character development, I now want to read everything he’s written.
The Midnight Library
Matt Haig engages with difficult topics of mental health and happiness in a captivating story about possibilities.
Sparks Like Stars
Showcasing Afghanistan in the political turmoil of the 1970s, Nadia Hashimi’s captivating story of loss, identity, and belonging was a delight from start to finish.
Thriller/Suspenseful Fiction
The Last Thing He Told Me
The suspense and storytelling in this one left me trying to figure out the plot until the very end.
The Push
Ashley Audrain’s debut novel is truly outstanding. It’s by no means an easy read in terms of content, but her engaging writing kept me captivated for the entire book.
Powerful Fiction
The Girl with the Louding Voice
I made an entire category for this one because it’s just that good. This story features the turmoil and endurance of a child bride in Nigeria who learns to find her voice.
Nonfiction
Theology/Christian Nonfiction
Breaking Free From Body Shame
I loved this one so much I wrote an entire book review about it.
Dark Clouds, Deep Mercies
As a western church, we don’t tend to do lament very well. This read helped me develop an understanding of lament’s framework and how I can use it in my daily life.
The Making of Biblical Womanhood
Professor of history Beth Allison Barr exposes the way the church has misinterpreted Scripture in ways that harm women and leaves readers empowered to value and elevate women the way Jesus does.
Jesus and John Wayne
Historian Kristin Kobes Du Mez guides readers to understand how evangelicalism has co-opted culture as part of religion—and how the church can break free from this pattern.
Prayer in the Night
Tish Harrison Warren’s beautiful words helped me reconcile the juxtaposition of trusting God and wrestling with anxiety. I’d highly recommend this one for readers holding the tension of their pain and God’s goodness.
No Cure for Being Human
Kate Bowler has a beautiful gift for helping people of faith feel seen in their pain.
Books that Made my Life Better
The Lazy Genius Way
With thirteen principles for simplifying life, Kendra Adachi has helped me identify what matters—and let go of what doesn’t. To read my full review, click here.
The Body Keeps the Score
Recommended by my counselor, this book guides readers to understand trauma and its lasting impact on our bodies. While it’s certainly not a light read, it’s a powerful and helpful one.
Share Your Stuff. I’ll Go First.
Laura Tremaine’s engaging stories challenge readers to cultivate vulnerability in relationships. For a fun read about deepening friendships, I’d check out this one!
Intuitive Eating
If you’re ready to break free from diet culture and learn to trust your body, I’d highly recommend this one!
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
Deeply convicting and encouraging, John Mark Comer invites us to slow down and live more simply and intentionally.
Anti-Racism Resources
How to Fight Racism
Written with compassion, Jemar Tisby’s words offer practical ways for Christians to fight racism and embrace God’s heart for the marginalized.
Caste
Isabel Wilkerson invites readers to see the systems of oppression—both in the United States and the world—as well as what we can do about changing those systems.
Informative Reads
Cultish
In this fascinating examination the language of cults, linguist Amanda Montell explains how perfectly ordinary people can be swayed through language.
The Real Jane Austen
For fans of Jane Austen, this invitation to a closer look at Jane’s into her world was enjoyable and fascinating.
