When I was a kid, I could sit and read 5, 6, 7 books a week without a problem, if not more. As I got older, I wasn’t able to sit still long enough to be able to really focus on what I was reading and enjoy it, and then college and “real life” came along… For 2021, I made the resolution to read more. I’ve always been an active Goodreads user and would sign up for their yearly challenge, but I never got anywhere with it. Until this year.
My goal for 2021 was to read 15 books. Based on previous years, I thought 15 was a pretty hefty goal. As I steadily got closer to a mental breakdown due to my job (that I just quit in April), I started reading as a coping mechanism as opposed to other unhealthy methods.
So far, I’ve read or DNF 48 books, novellas, and short stories. Needless to say, I’m pretty damn proud of myself. Here are my top 10 favorite books so far in 2021 in no particular order.
The books listed here haven’t necessarily been published in 2021, I only read them this year. Part 2 will come at the end of the year.
- The Glass House by Suki Fleet: This was the first book I read by Suki Fleet, and consequently opened up a whole world of angsty goodness, and is now a favorite author of mine.
Trigger Warning: Abandonment & abuse - Lock & West by Alexander C. Eberhart: The perfect combination of angst and sweetness.
Trigger Warning: Neglect, abuse, & suicide - This is Not a Love Story by Suki Fleet: I adore this book and every single thing in it. Be prepared for an intense emotional rollercoaster.
Trigger Warning: Drug use, sex work, descriptions of sexual violence - The Gravity of Us by Phil Stamper: This book is so sweet and charming. This book made me happy and giddy, like when you read a certain book at the beach during the summer. Phil Stamper is now one of my favorite authors, and his Twitter is really fun to follow.
- Don’t Let Me Go by J.H. Trumble: This was the first book I read in 2021, and God, it was intense.
Trigger Warning: Sexual assault, rape, homophobia - A Surplus of Light by Chase Connor: This was the first book by Chase Connor that I read, and it’s utterly amazing with an interesting concept. He’s now another favorite author, and he’s super fun to follow on Twitter.
Trigger Warning: Abuse - Life After Joe by Harper Fox: A short novella. Be prepared for a heartwrenching rollercoaster.
Trigger Warning: Suicide attempt (to be fair, it is unclear if this was intentional or not, but just in case) - The Infinite Noise by Lauren Shippen: This was so sickeningly sweet and cute, I can’t even.
Trigger Warning: Brief mentions of self-injury, depression - Aristotle & Dante Discover the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz: Oh God, this book. Brilliant. I related to so many things in this book, so many things that have always floated around in the back of my mind that I never thought anyone else thought or felt.
Trigger Warning: Hate crimes (homophobia), mentions of other violence - Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall: My review can be found here. I adore this book so much, and I laughed the entire time while reading. It’s fantastic.
Honorable Mentions
- The Wicker King by K. Ancrum: I’m not even sure how to put this story into words. It’s intensely amazing and different.
Trigger Warning: Deteriorating mental & physical health - Virgin Flyer by Lucy Lennox: I really loved Teo & Jack and their relationship. Their relationship was admittedly one of those that just made me sigh happily and get all giggly.
- He Made Me Stay by K. Webster: A heartbreaking short story.
Trigger Warning: Suicidal ideation
I hope you all check these all out — I wish I could have mentioned all 48 of them!
