My Top 5 Books in 2021…So Far

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In January, I set a goal for myself to read 52 books in 2021. I even wrote a post about my favorite books in March, detailing the books on my nightstand. It started as an effort to rekindle my reading and love of books-something I had let burn out while in school-but now, nearly at the end of the year, it has given me so much more. 

I discovered new genres, joined the Indianapolis Moms Book Club; fell in love with BookTok on TikTok, and I even downloaded the Kindle app for my phone. If you know me, I adore reading physical books but I have found myself reading on my phone while Ollie is in speech or while waiting for my grocery pickup. I even revived my library card from its dusty spot. 

 

Here are my top five books I’ve read this year, in no particular order:

  • Underland: A Deep Time Journey by Robert Macfarlane- This book takes a look at how incredibly connected life is, under the ground. Tying together nature, humanity, and our varying belief systems, Macfarlane shows us there is more to life than what we see. He gives a glimpse into research being done in parts of the world that are restricted all while making sure the science is explained for the average person. My inner Earth Space nerd loved every page. 
  • A Court of Roses and Thorns Series by Sarah Maas- I found this series on BookTok and fair warning-it is full of fantasy, smutty scenes, and quotes that have resonated with me more than I thought they would. I use books that have smut to break up my heavier reads and I have read this series twice now, all the way through. These kinds of “new young adult” books are gaining traction among readers.
  • The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women by Kate Moore- I bought this book on the way home from St. Louis and devoured it. I loved learning more about a piece of history that I didn’t know existed and that has seemed to be pushed under the rug. 
  • Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant- I usually don’t like self-help books; I find them to be preachy and pretentious. However, I enjoyed this book and found myself re-reading sections because I just resonated with them. 
  • Indian-ish: Recipes and Antics from A Modern American Family by Priya Krishna- My husband and I fell in love with Priya when she worked at Bon Appetit and now we are making our way through her cookbook. Each week we pick a new recipe, vegan-ize it if needed, and make it for dinner. All the recipes are approachable and accessible! 

I’m sure as 2021 comes to a close and I reach the bottom of my list, the favorites will change. I am grateful for my reading challenge because my love has returned for books. 

I would love for you to join our book club! A new book is chosen each month, we meet virtually and in person to discuss; this has been a great way to expand my to-read list and be engaged while navigating crazy mama life. If you need a starter list, these are our favorites from this summer, books in fiction, non-fiction, and everything in between!