2021 is ending, but that doesn’t mean that you stop reading. Regardless of the unfortunate events this year, there are still wonderful things that happened, sparking enthusiasm and hope from each of us, such as publishing new books and refilling to-be-read lists. As a certified bookworm, every year is like a book series in which you reach the last pages but still get excited to open the sequel.
Whether you are looking for new titles for your swamped TBR or you want to read more stories before the year ends, then this blog is for you. Listed below are some of the must-read books that will make your 2021 more memorable and exciting.
Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead
This bestselling book written by the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead showcases the different stirring events during Harlem in the 1960s. The said events include heists, rip-offs, and deals with shady clients for survival. Hence, it highlights a wonderfully recreated Empire State around the early 1960s and a family saga disguising as a crime novel. Harlem Shuffle didn’t fail to convey a great dramatic play, race, power, and all things in between.
The Yellow Rose: A Novel of the Texas Revolution by Carl R. Brush and Bob Stewart
The Yellow Rose by Carl R. Brush and Bob Stewart is a historical fiction book published in 2020. However, it also shows hints of romantic elements. The story is set during one of the most important movements in history, which is the 1836 Texas Revolution. It focuses on the characters Sam Houston and Emily, which were both based on real people. The former led the fight to establish the Republic of Texas while the latter helped Sam in particular events and got romantically involved with him.
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Faber and Faber published the sci-fi book by the notable author Kazuo Ishiguro titled Klara and the Sun. It has already received multiple reviews and was longlisted for two book awards: the 2021 Booker Prize and the 2022 Andrew Carnegie Medal Excellence in Fiction. The story is set in the fictional U.S. with an unidentified future where a bunch of kids is genetically lifted to improve their academic skills. Moreover, it uses a first-person POV, specifically the main character named Klara. It is a solar-powered artificial friend selected by an ill kid named Josie to be her buddy.
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr is an instant bestselling book published in 2021. The tale takes place in 15th century Constantinople. Doer made a remarkable period of times and locations that mirror the broad linkage of everyone on the planet — from the past to the present and to the future. It revolves around the story of Anna, Omeir, Zeno, Seymour, and Konstance. They are completely different people who were somehow connected even if they lived in different periods.
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
Laura Dave penned another bestselling book published in 2021 by Simon & Schuster. The Last Thing He Told Me is a novel filled with mystery and suspense that will shock the readers. Hannah Hall, along with Bailey Michaels, embark on a journey to uncover the truth after Owen Michael’s — Bailey’s dad’s disappearance. Before the mystery happened, Owen left a message to his wife containing the words “protect her.” Thus, would the two solve the difficult puzzle, handle the mind-blowing truth, and realize that they create a new and unanticipated future?
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
This critically acclaimed novel by Casey McQuiston was published in 2021 by Griffin. One Last Stop follows the story of August and the beautiful girl on the train named Jane. The former is cynical about her decision to move to the Empire State and live alone, while the latter magically appeared on the subway in a leather jacket and with a soft smile on her face. The problem is that Jane doesn’t only dress like an old-school punk rocker because she’s surprisingly from the 1970s currently lost in the present time. The twenty-three-year-old protagonist does her best to save her subway crush that’s, unfortunately, lost in time.
Oliver’s Twist 