Before I begin celebrating my 10th year of blogging, I'm taking a moment to reflect on some of the great reads that I enjoyed in 2021. In total, I read 53 books this year. While I'm proud of reaching my book a week goal, I'm even more excited that I was able to achieve my goal of reading works from more diverse authors. In total, I read 25 books by women, 13 by BIPOC authors, and 9 by LGBTQ+ authors. In seeking out works by a more diverse group of authors, I was introduced to a wider array of stories and perspectives. I've never been one to rank favorites, but here are 5 of my favorite reads of the year listed in the order that I read them.
The Burning Girls by C.J. Tudor
My favorite book by Tudor to date, The Burning Girls sees the author explore religion, parenthood, trauma, and grief, all packaged in the guise of a supernatural thriller. In the book, a pastor and her daughter escape a tragedy in the big city by moving to a small farming community. As the pair attempt to settle in and leave their past behind them, the haunted past of their new home begins to emerge. Whether you're looking for a thoughtful meditation on religion, a harrowing story of a mother and daughter learning to live and love each other, or a "can't put down" thriller that keeps you reading into all hours of the night, you'll find what you're looking for in this book.
Rhapsody by Mitchell James Kaplan
I've played and studied music for most of my life, so I found Rhapsody to be the perfect combination of historical fact and imaginative fiction. The book tells the story of real-life musicians Kay Swift and George Gershwin as the pair form a complex relationship as both musical muses and lovers. Kaplan's rich descriptions of the music and the characters who created it paves the way for an emotional connection to a story that until now has only lived in the history books.
Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy
The most subtle and serene read of the year, Once There Were Wolves tells the story of a biologist as she introduces a pack of wolves into the Scottish Highlands. The vastness of the landscapes and sheer scope of monitoring a pack of wolves is juxtaposed with the more internalized conflicts that the characters face. McConaghy writes with a quiet sureness that gives even the simplest moments a sense of gravity and enchantment. Months later, I still find myself reflecting on this work.
A Promised Land by Barack Obama
Barack Obama has always had a way with words, and the first volume of his presidential memoirs is no exception. A Promised Land sees the former president thoughtfully reflect upon the run-up to and the duration of his first term in office. Whatever your opinions of his politics, I think that there is great value in reading a memoir like this one. The eloquence and candidness with which Obama presents his story made this my favorite work of non-fiction this year.
The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison
I missed reading this book when it was released in 2016, but I won't soon forget it after reading it this year! The Butterfly Garden evades nearly every attempt to describe or classify it. The novel is part thriller, part horror, part psychological suspense, yet even those genres fail to fully capture the essence of what this story is. The story focuses on a group of women held captive by a sadistic man known only as "The Gardener". Even in the most inhuman of situations, the connection of humanity shines through on every page of this book. I was haunted, mesmerized, disturbed, and moved.
Have you read any of these books? What was your favorite read of the year? As always, thank you for your support. I can't wait to kick off the 10th anniversary of A Book A Week and share in a new year of reading with each of you!
The Burning Girls is one I'd like to get to and The Butterfly Garden sounds interesting!
ReplyDeleteBoth would make for worthy additions to your 2022 TBR!
DeleteI loved The Burning Girls, too! What a great read. And I'm putting The Butterfly Garden on my reading list for next year. :D
ReplyDeleteButterfly Garden is incredible. I don't think it will work for everyone, but I couldn't get it out of my head!
DeleteI haven't tried any of those, but I would be interested in the Tudor one
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed each of Tudor's novels, but this one is by far my favorite!
DeleteSomehow I managed to not read Burning Girls even though I know we talked about it. I loved Butterfly and Promised Land. Such fantastic, if dramatically different, reads. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteYou really should give Burning Girls a go! I've always liked to think that I have fairly diverse reading tastes, and I think these choices prove that. Happy New Year!
DeleteI'm not even sure what happened, I am almost positive I checked out a Kindle version. I may have accidentally returned it when I meant to return something else, but I am going to fix that right now before I forget!
DeleteAnd agreed, this list absolutely proves you have diverse and excellent taste in books. Happy New Year!
As soon as I as left this comment, I went to the library website and put in a hold. Someone returned it in the last four minutes because now it is my turn!
DeleteI just saw the Burning Girls on someone else's list. Must be a memorable read.
ReplyDeleteIt was the first great book that I read this year, and I keep coming back to it.
DeleteThe diversity in genres and authors sure does give a wonderful new perspective that I experienced, too, when I branched out. Love seeing five of your favs. I've added Rhapsody and Once There Were Wolves to my future reading list. Congrats on hitting your book goal and a decade in blogging this week. Both are impressive.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Ethan!
Thank you! I've really enjoyed discovering so many new and great books this year. I think you'll really appreciate both of the books you've added to your TBR. Happy New Year!
DeleteI haven't read those but I'm glad you liked them. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 10 years of blogging! That is amazing! I really loved The Burning Girls. I think that I read it in 2020 or it would have made my list this year. I need to prioritze reading Once There Were Wolves this year!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I definitely recommend Once There Were Wolves! It is incredible.
DeleteKudos on so many diverse reads (and authors) in 2021. I remember your review of The Burning Girls and it's been on my radar since.
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely worth a read!
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