The BEST Books of 2021 (According to Me)

TL;DR

A book lover shares their favorite reads of the year, including horror, short stories, thriller, romance, non-fiction, sci-fi, and literary fiction.

Transcript

hi everyone welcome back to my channel for what is probably my favorite video to film every single year because it's also my favorite video to watch every single year on everyone else's channel and that is of course my favorite books of the year this year specifically being 2021 so welcome to my top 10 books of 2021. you know the drill at this poin... Read More

Key Insights

• 😆 The reviewer's favorite books of 2021 span various genres, including horror, short stories, thriller, romance, non-fiction, sci-fi, and literary fiction.
• 📔 Books that explore themes of trauma, queer experiences, and societal issues, such as capitalism and patriarchy, resonate strongly with the reviewer.
• 📔 The inclusion of supernatural elements, unreliable narration, and commentary on historical events or societal norms adds a unique flavor to many of the featured books.
• 🤩 The strength of character development and emotional depth are key factors that contribute to the excellence of these books.

Questions & Answers

Q: How would you categorize "You Let Me In" by Camilla Bruce?

"You Let Me In" can be categorized as a horror novel with elements of literary fiction and supernatural themes. It explores trauma and unreliable narration, making it a compelling and unsettling read.

Q: What is unique about "Cursed Bunny" by Bo Ra Chung?

"Cursed Bunny" is a short story collection that uniquely combines horror with commentary on capitalism and patriarchy in South Korea. The stories are imaginative, thought-provoking, and consistently engaging, making for a memorable reading experience.

Q: Is "Get a Life, Chloe Brown" by Talia Hibbert a lighthearted romance?

While "Get a Life, Chloe Brown" is a contemporary romance, it delves into deeper themes like chronic illness, self-acceptance, and personal growth. The romance is healthy and realistic, providing a refreshing take on the genre.

Q: How does "This Is How You Lose the Time War" stand out among other sci-fi novels?

"This Is How You Lose the Time War" stands out for its literary style and emphasis on character development rather than intricate world-building. The love story between the two main characters adds emotional depth to the time-traveling narrative.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The reviewer shares their favorite books of 2021, featuring a range of genres and themes.

• The first book mentioned is "You Let Me In" by Camilla Bruce, a horror novel that blurs the lines between genres and explores trauma and the supernatural.

• Next is "Cursed Bunny" by Bo Ra Chung, a collection of unnerving short stories that comment on capitalism and patriarchy in South Korea.

• "The Family Upstairs" by Lisa Jewell is a gripping thriller about a woman uncovering the dark secrets of her inherited family home.

• "Get a Life, Chloe Brown" by Talia Hibbert is a contemporary romance featuring a chronically ill protagonist who learns to take control of her life.

• "We Have Always Been Here" by Samra Habib is a memoir that explores the author's experiences as a queer Muslim, challenging stereotypes and embracing self-acceptance.

• "And Then She Ate Him" by Tom Denbigh is a poetry collection that draws inspiration from folk tales, mythology, and queer experiences.

• "Girl of Bone and Ivy" by Damian Callan and Scarlett King is a fantasy romance about a woman transported to another world and her budding relationship with two fairy princes.

• "This Is How You Lose the Time War" by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone is a literary sci-fi novel told through exchanged letters between two time-traveling adversaries who unexpectedly fall in love.

• "A Madness of Sunshine" by Nalini Singh is a thriller set in New Zealand, where two protagonists join forces to solve the disappearance of a young woman in a close-knit community.