I absolutely LOVE reading! So much so, that I actually read 131 books this past year! Yes, I’m a nerd. And also a fast reader lol.
Since I read so many books, I thought it would be a good idea to put it to use and make a list of my favorite books from this past year to share with you! I also included links to each book on Goodreads if you want to learn more about each one.
#1. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Okay, so I’m not much of a sci-fi reader, but this book BLEW ME AWAY! Andy Weir is incredibly smart, and the book went over my head a few times (aka- any time a math equation was mentioned) but WOW. The book is about how the Earth’s Sun began to dim for some reason, and to find out how to fix it- a man must travel through space to find the solution! Which, I know sounds dull but TRUST me it’s so fascinating. And yes- I cried at the end because it was so beautiful.
#2 The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
Basically, this book is a locked door whodunnit, EXCEPT the main character wakes up in a different houseguest’s body every day to try and solve the mystery. So well thought out and an amazing mystery that really keeps you guessing.
#3 Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
This book is about a VERY VERY deadly pandemic and follows how the civilization collapses. Which sounds so morbid but it’s so interesting. It’s nothing at all like the pandemic times we are living in now, so don’t worry! A very unique book and I thought it was very good! Also, it’s an HBO show now!
#4 A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
A book about a very grumpy old man when some annoying neighbors move in next door. The book goes back and forth in between the man’s life and current day- where he is heavily depressed after the loss of his wife. His neighbors start out really bothering him by asking for help all the time, but that’s what helps him find meaning in his life again. *cue Kati SOBBING at the end of the book*
#5 Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
This is a weird one, but I love books that are unexpected. It leans into the horror genre, and is a very interesting mystery/thriller almost. It follows a woman who receives a mysterious letter from her newly-wed cousin begging for help from the creepy house she is living in.
#6 People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
THIS. ROMANCE. WOW. A very sweet romance about two friends who vacation together every summer, and then realize the true love they’ve been chasing might have been right there all along. Yes, the friends-to-lovers theme has been done many times but this is such a sweet and realistic version of it *cue Kati crying again* Also, Beach Read by the same author is fantastic as well!
#7 Feel Your Way Through by Kelsea Ballerini
A book of poetry by the brilliant Kelsea Ballerini. AND it’s a book of poetry that actually rhymes, which is rare to find these days with all the hipster poetry out there right now (which I also like, but this book was a work of art). Kelsea pours emotion into every page and tells her stories so well. Again, a THIS BOOK IS A WORK OF ART.
#8 The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
A historical fiction that follows the disastrous Dust Bowl era. A family who owns a farm in Texas is struggling through the Great Depression. Desperate to survive, the mother and children travel to California to seek work. This book is very real when talking about the struggles the family faced. I’m not going to lie, this book is depressing and I definitely cried but it also is so wonderfully written I couldn’t put it down. Absolutely fantastic.
#9 Educated by Tara Westover
This book is a memoir by Tara Westover, who was by survivalist parents who are always preparing for the end times. Tara received very little schooling (she was 17 when she first set foot in a classroom) but dreams of going to college one day- and she makes it happen! A very moving and inspirational book.
#10 I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
I read I Am Malala for the first time this year, shortly before the Taliban took over Pakistan this past year. An incredible story and a must read to understand what Pakistan is facing during these very difficult times.
Also, I would like to mention a book by a local author that I read this year!
Bixby Timmons and the Dragonthorp Riddle by Dwight D. Karkan from Waynesboro, PA. A book intended for children but is such a fun and quick read for adults! Seriously, I thought it was so creative and fun and definitely worth checking out! PSA: You can get a signed copy from the Wee Scot Book Shoppe in Downtown Waynesboro!
If you’ve made it this far- thank you for reading! You already have paid way more attention to my book ramblings than my husband lol (in his defense, I get really excited after finishing a book I like and talk really really fast so it can be difficult to understand what I’m saying).
