This has not been my most bookish year as I was miring through the fun little pandemi like the rest of the world, but there were a few bright spots and great reads.
Best book of 2021:
Other 5 star gems:
Because who doesn’t want to run away from their problems in a tailored blue suit?
Charming, whimsical, and deeply optimistic. A balm to my jagged soul.
Can I just be the bold, complex, glamorous, old-Hollywood bombshell Evelyn Hugo when I grow up?
But also, where can I get that dress?!
A peek into the therapy room that we all need.
It’s hard to make a book about therapy so beautiful, heartbreaking, and hopeful.
What builds and breaks a family?
Rooted in a single point in time, Woodson uses each character to rock back and forth to reveal the story of this family. A “must listen” for any audiobook fans – I would like the grandfather to narrate my life!
Notable mentions:
Harry Potter series: I am very late to the Hogwarts party, but I started the year blitzing through the series. Not surprisingly, it was fantastic (and I feel like I now understand way more memes and bits now that I am fluent in the wizarding world).
Jane Austen books: In keeping with the very late-to-the-party vibe, I spent a few weeks wandering through Georgian/Regency England with new pals – a romp around with Emma, a wander through Northanger Abbey, and persuaded by the charms of the “old” Anne Elliot. If you are an Austen fan, I would also recommend The Other Bennett Sister by Judice Hadlow, which picks up where Pride and Prejudice left off by imagining the story of neglected Anne Bennett.
Hope 2022 has some literary gems in store. If you have recommendations, send them my way!
Lovely Outliers 
Hey there Jen. I love reading your book recommendations. In 2021 my favourites were “The Last Wilderness”… amazing novel. “The Invisible Child (which I just completed over holidays so it is more like a 2021-2022 cross). AND “Forgotten Garden” “Born A Crime” “All the FRequent Troubles of our Days” ” Aftershocks” and “Fair Play” and “Group”….
Group was awesome (about group therapy).
Love you lots!
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Hey Brit! Love this list! I have red a few – Born a crime and Invisible child are great! Am adding the others to my “to read” list 🙂 Hope you are doing well! ❤
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