The year 2021 offers an exciting lineup of books for avid readers. From dystopian fiction to memoirs and thought-provoking non-fiction, this list promises something for everyone. The must-reads of 2021 include Kazuo Ishiguro’s Klara, a gripping tale of love and what it means to be human, and The Kindest Lie, a poignant reflection on race and class by Nancy Johnson. Kristin Hannah’s The Four Winds, a story of resilience in the face of adversity, and Imbolo Mbue’s How Beautiful We Were, a timely book on corporate greed and environmental devastation, are equally captivating reads. Additionally, the list includes Ashley Audrain’s The Push, a chilling psychological thriller on motherhood, and On Juneteenth, Annette Gordon-Reed’s moving memoir on slavery’s historical legacy. The Bad Muslim Discount by Syed M. Masood is an insightful book on the immigrant experience. Finally, the anthology Four Hundred Souls, edited by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain, offers a moving account of the African American experience, making it an essential read.
10 Must-Read Books of 2021
If you’re an avid reader, 2021 offers an array of new and enticing books to add to your must-read list. From emotional memoirs to gripping thrillers, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a list of the top 10 must-read books of 2021:
1. “Klara and the Sun” by Kazuo Ishiguro
A brilliant work of fiction, “Klara and the Sun” tells the story of an Artificial Friend named Klara who is designed to keep teenagers company. Set in a dystopian future where science has advanced beyond imagination, this novel is a tender exploration of what it means to love and what it means to be human.
2. “No One Is Talking About This” by Patricia Lockwood
A funny, profound, and deeply moving debut novel, “No One Is Talking About This” is a reflection of our attention-deficit culture. The story follows a woman on the cusp of internet fame as she navigates the highs and lows of social media with wry humor and keen insight.
3. “The Kindest Lie” by Nancy Johnson
“The Kindest Lie” tells the story of a Black engineer named Ruth who returns to her hometown to confront the past she left behind. A tale of race, class, and grief, this debut novel is a poignant reflection on the American Dream, its limitations, and the costs of chasing it.
4. “The Four Winds” by Kristin Hannah
In “The Four Winds,” Kristin Hannah tells the story of a Texas woman who embarks on a journey to California during the Great Depression. With evocative prose, Hannah captures the spirit of an era and explores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of hardship and adversity.
5. “How Beautiful We Were” by Imbolo Mbue
In this powerful novel about corporate greed and environmental devastation, Imbolo Mbue details the story of a village in Africa fighting back against an American oil company. At once epic and intimate, “How Beautiful We Were” is a timely reminder of the cost of progress and the human toll of unchecked capitalism.
6. “On Juneteenth” by Annette Gordon-Reed
A memoir of growing up in Texas, “On Juneteenth” offers a personal and deeply moving reflection on the historical legacy of slavery and its aftermath. From the author of “The Hemingses of Monticello,” this book is a testament to the power of memory, history, and family.
7. “The Push” by Ashley Audrain
A chilling and suspenseful debut novel, “The Push” is a psychological thriller about motherhood and the shadows that haunt it. With a gripping narrative and a shocking twist, this book is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
8. “The Committed” by Viet Thanh Nguyen
9. “The Bad Muslim Discount” by Syed M. Masood
A witty and insightful novel about the immigrant experience, “The Bad Muslim Discount” follows the lives of two Pakistani Americans on opposite coasts of the United States. With razor-sharp humor and heartfelt emotion, Syed M. Masood explores the challenges of identity and belonging in a divided world.
10. “Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019” edited by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain
“Four Hundred Souls” is a groundbreaking anthology that explores the history of African America through the voices of 90 writers. Spanning four centuries, this book is a moving and enlightening account of the African American experience and a timely reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.
These ten books represent a diverse range of genres and perspectives, making them must-reads for anyone searching for new and compelling works of literature in 2021. Each one has the power to move, inspire, and provoke, leaving an indelible imprint on the reader’s mind and heart.