2021 in Books

Books have a way of keeping me afloat. Sometimes that looks like a life raft, a comfort-read I can cling to when life’s waves get stormy. Other times they expand my horizons, carrying me to places I’ve never been before. Every page is its own tiny voyage. In 2021, I waded through 8 novels, 5 collections of poetry, and 6 books of the Bible. I’d love to tell you about my favorites.

Memoirs proved to be particularly seaworthy vessels. My first read of the year was Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey. This book made me fall in love with living. Who knew an actor’s real life could be even more exciting than a blockbuster film? I usually like to transcribe my favorite quotes from the books I read into my journal, but this work was so deeply personal that it almost felt intrusive to do so. Honest, philosophical, and downright cinematic, Greenlights is as fascinating as it is lovely. 

“I found myself right where I left me.” —Matthew McConaughey

Now that I write poetry myself, reading the work of other poets has become a beacon for me, guiding my own art back to shore. This year, I was so grateful to be a beta reader for On a Tuesday in April, written by my Instagram friend Grace M. Wells. This collection is a must-read for anyone who has ever had their heart broken (so, like, everyone). I also found some really cool chapbooks in a tiny bookstore in Taos, New Mexico. Last but definitely not least, I had to throw in some powerhouse poets. Honeybee by Trista Mateer will literally transport you in time, and suddenly you’re 19 again, going through your first big breakup. Homebody by Rupi Kaur filled me up like a good meal. Reading Kaur’s work felt like feeding myself with nourishing reminders that I am loved and good and strong. 

I debated including On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong in the paragraph above because it’s almost more poetry than novel. This genre-bending work spans poetry, memoir, and fiction—historical and contemporary—to create probably the most beautiful book I’ve ever read. I already loved Vuong for his poetry (might I recommend Night Sky with Exit Wounds), and this book only magnified my admiration for his prose.

I pray the day never comes that I grow out of young adult fiction, but luckily, I am far from it. Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett was this year’s ultimate comfort-read. This fast-paced, young-love story was so delightful that I finished it in a day. It follows two teenagers who start crushing on each other both online and in real life without knowing it’s the same person. Dramatic irony? Count me in. I also finally read Delirium by Lauren Oliver. My favorite quotes from this YA modern classic were surprisingly spiritual. I guess you can’t help but brush up against God when you really start talking about Love. 

“This is what people are always talking about when they talk about God: this feeling, of being held and understood and protected. Feeling this way seems about as close to saying a prayer as you could get.” —Lauren Oliver

Okay, I’m running out of ocean metaphors. This means it’s time to try to describe some of my indescribable favorites. Let’s talk about People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry. Full disclosure: the whole best-friends-falling-in-love trope has me in a chokehold. This romance novel checks every single box and then some. Henry’s superpower is that she curates those small, romantic, will-they-won’t-they moments with mastery, so much so that reading this story had me out of my seat, doing actual laps because I just could not contain my delight. Please, please, please read this book. 

“My heart tripped over its next beat.” —Emily Henry

(also me, the entire time I was reading People We Meet on Vacation)

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is another incredible novel. The prose is both diligent and dazzling in the way it details the intricacies of the natural landscape in which our protagonist, Kya, makes a home. Owens’ writing is so beautiful that the book almost doesn’t need a plot, but she gifts us with a storyline just as compelling as the setting. The strength that Kya cultivates from her connection with the land will fill you with wonder. If you like nature, read this book. If you don’t, read it anyway. You could probably use the literary fresh air like I did. 

“Standing in the most fragile place of her life, she turned to the only net she knew—herself.” —Delia Owens

Owens’ lovely quote brings me to my favorite book of 2021, which was Know My Name by Chanel Miller. This poignant memoir took me a long time to finish—for good reason. You cannot rush healing, nor should you. I felt indebted to Miller for her generosity in letting readers into the darkest period of her life as she navigated a high-profile sexual assault case. With care, honesty, and strength, Miller led me through the ins and outs of a broken justice system, the complexity of trauma, and the beautiful, almost paradoxical nature of the path toward healing. What compelled me most about Know My Name was that the assault was not the bedrock of the story Chanel was telling: she was. Through and through, this is a book about Chanel first, about her humor, her resilience, and her love for the people in her life. Her dignity could not be taken away, not for a single page. To say I am blown away by her strength is an understatement. I strongly recommend this book, but please take care of yourself if you choose to read it and do be mindful of the content warnings (such as sexual assault, suicide, and violence). 

“I have created a self inside the suffering.” —Chanel Miller

Finally, for me, one of the biggest parts of my reading life is the Bible itself. I jumped around a bit, which helped connect a lot of dots for me between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Ecclesiastes cracks me up because it is objectively one of the most depressing books in the Bible, but when I read it, I found it to be quite encouraging. It takes the philosophical weight off of your shoulders to find meaning in life by reassuring you that these worldly troubles don’t last. This sentiment echoes in Paul’s letter of Philippians, where he examines the joy to be found in times of suffering. Song of Songs and Hosea taught me about the depth and complexity of God’s love for us, using some pretty shocking metaphors at times! This year, I had been using a Bible-in-a-year plan that was organized thematically rather than chronologically, which I personally found to be a very helpful approach at the time.

Until next time, keep looking in and looking up (and reading good books!). <3

—Lexy