Books for 2021
In this new season of 2021, we thought it be most appropriate to start a running list of books we have been reading that are getting us through this (already) tumultuous New Year. Some of these reads are new and have only been on shelves for a few months, while others are classics that can be read time and time again.
Lately we’ve found that curling up in bed or on our favorite chair with a good book is the best way to unwind from a hectic day or ease into the night. Personally, reading at night puts us in more of a relaxed headspace than scrolling through social media.
Reading is such a beautiful activity and nourishing to the soul. Below are a few of our favorites, but we encourage you to let us know which books you would put on this list as well! We are always looking to expand our minds with different genres of books, so do not hesitate to shoot us a DM on Instagram with your book recommendations.
Fiction
By Delia Owens
One of the most gripping stories of 2020 follows a young girl named Kya who longs for a life filled with romance and love, but finds her in the middle of a mysterious murder. At its core, this book is a coming of age tale that grips its readers with moments of love, suspense, and secrets.
By Brit Bennett
What if you had a twin sister that you thought was long gone, only to find out they are living a completely different life than they once were? That’s the case in this gripping novel that brings up topics such as identity, family, and race in a provocative and compassionate way.
By Yaa Gyasi
This compelling story about a family of Ghanaian immigrants explores deep topics such as depression and addiction while also touching on religion, science, and love. It is a fantastic read and is written by Yaa Gyasi, who is the author of the best selling novel, Homegoing.
Memoirs
By Michelle Obama
This memoir, written by former First Lady Michelle Obama, recounts her life before and during her time in the White House. She writes about every personal aspect of her life, from how she grew up and found her voice to her popular health campaign.
By Elizabeth Gilbert
Eat, Pray, Love is one of the most popular memoirs to date and recounts the travels and findings of American author, Elizabeth Gilbert. The memoir chronicles Gilbert’s life and many adventures in India, Italy and Indonesia after her divorce.
Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly
By Anthony Bourdain
This memoir, written by the late and great Anthony Bourdain, talks about life in the food industry and what people don’t see behind the kitchen doors. This is the perfect read for anyone getting into the culinary world or for fans of Bourdain himself.
Poetry
By Rupi Kaur
Poet and author Rupi Kaur is known for her eloquent way with words, even if she is bringing up stressful topics. Her newest poetry book pays homage to her strengths and weaknesses through the most difficult moments in her life. Kaur does an amazing job of painting portraits with her words and immersing the reader into her world.
By Amanda Gorman
We were blown away by the inaugural poem written and performed by Amanda Gorman that we had to put it on this list. Gorman’s words basically lifted themselves off of the page and stuck to us like glue in the best way possible. She has a powerful voice and knows how to pack a punch with her wording and tone. We are huge fans and cannot wait to read what she writes next.
By Kate Baer
This list of poems by Kate Baer documents the many ups and downs in a woman’s life. Truly a fantastic book and was also featured on Goop’s Best of 2020 book list!
Classics
By F. Scott Fitzgerald
This is one of our favorite books to read again and again. Everything about this classic is amazing, from the romantic and dramatic storyline to the grandeur parties that we only dream about attending.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
By C.S. Lewis
You may be wondering why this children’s classic is on our list of books to read, but hear us out: This has been one of our favorite books since we first picked it up in elementary school, so it is a must on this list. We love a good fantasy story, and this one remains to be one of the most heartfelt ones out there today.
By Jane Austen
For fans of period pieces, this ones for you! Emma is a wonderful story filled with romance, matchmaking, and Victorian-age antics that everyone will enjoy. If you are a fan of Pride and Prejudice, you will love this book.
Light Reads
By Jenna Evans Welch
We love a good light reading book, and this one has the perfect mix of cheesy romance and heartfelt moments that we adore. It is a coming of age story of a girl who has recently lost her mother to cancer and is trying to figure out who her real father is, all while navigating the ethereal city of Florence, Italy.
By Emily Henry
They are complete opposites of each other, but magic happens when they are living in neighboring beachside towns and writer’s block sets in. If you like fun, sexy reads, this is the perfect one.
By Sophie Cousens
This is the perfect story about fate and how sometimes we cannot entirely pinpoint where life takes us. If you are someone who loves reading about how two people come together through interesting circumstances, this is the best book to pick up.
Children’s Books
By Amanda Gorman
Amanda Gorman is such a beautiful poet, we had to put her on this list twice. This illustrated poetry book talks about how the future is filled with change, and it’s up to our generation and the ones after us to continue fighting for justice.
By Renee Watson
This is a beautiful story about adapting to a new life, even when hardships keep coming your way. This is a great story for any child who has had to move and figure out their new way of life in a brand new city.
By Christian Robinson
This heartwarming book by Christian Robinson is all about different perspectives, and how every single one of us matters to the world. This is a great story to read to younger children who are just learning about differences in people.
We hope that this list inspires everyone to go out and pick up a new book or reread a classic that they haven’t touched in years. Reading, again, is such a wonderful activity and art, and we love expanding our minds with all of the amazing reads that have come our way in the last year. If you have any book suggestions or recommendations for us, please feel free to reach out to us on our Instagram.