Summary

The author reflects on the books they enjoyed reading in 2021, which provided them with joy, learning, and temporary relief from pandemic and personal challenges.

Abstract

In this article, the author shares their favorite books of 2021, which include a mix of fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, and spiritual works. Some of the notable books mentioned are "Seven Drafts Self-Edit Like A Pro From Blank Page to Book by Alison K Williams," "Ninety-Nine Fire Hoops by Allison Hong Merrill," "This Is How I Save My Life by Amy B Scher," and "Coraline by Neil Gaiman." The author also highlights their top three favorites of the year: "Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda," "Icarus Girl by Helen Oyeyemi," and "Latitudes of Longing by Shubhangi Swarup." The article concludes with a list of books the author plans to read in 2022.

Opinions

The author found "Seven Drafts Self-Edit Like A Pro From Blank Page to Book by Alison K Williams" to be a helpful resource for aspiring writers, providing insights into the different drafts of writing a book and the writing life.
"Ninety-Nine Fire Hoops by Allison Hong Merrill" resonated with the author as a coming-of-age story, with vivid descriptions of Taiwan and the protagonist's struggle as a young immigrant woman in the US.
The author found "This Is How I Save My Life by Amy B Scher" to be an engaging and humorous portrayal of India, while also highlighting the author's journey towards healing and forging her own path to health.
The author appreciated the life lessons and empowerment messages in "We’re Speaking The Life Lessons of Kamala Harris: How To Use Your Voice, Be Assertive, And Own Your Story by Hitha Palepu."
"Coraline by Neil Gaiman" is a favorite of the author, with its hauntingly crafted storytelling that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
The author found "Burnt Sugar by Avni Doshi" to be a well-written novel featuring complex and unlikable female characters, which is a refreshing departure from the tendency to write more likable female characters in literature.
The author recommends "Signs The Secret Language of the Universe by Laura Lynne Jackson" for readers who are curious about the mystical and spiritual aspects of the universe.

My biggest Joy of 2021: Books

Books that made me question, chuckle, wonder, laugh and put aside pandemic overwhem…at least temporarily

I’ve been looking back at my year — the things I achieved, what I didn’t quite get done. Amidst setbacks, one clear success has emerged — the books I read despite all the distractions and ceaseless transitions.

Here are some that touched me, that I learnt from, and would get so deeply engrossed in, I would forget (at least temporarily) the challenges of my own novel writing process and the overwhelm of pandemic parenting.

Seven Drafts Self-Edit Like A Pro From Blank Page to Book by Alison K Williams: As the name indicates, it is about the different drafts while writing a book, be it fiction or nonfiction. Yet, it really is about the writing life, what it takes, the challenges, but also the joys, the quirks and delights.

Ninety-Nine Fire Hoops by Allison Hong Merrill: A memoir based on her experiences in Taiwan — a difficult childhood and her rocky relationship with her mom, her struggle as a young immigrant woman in the U.S and how she finally finds lasting love. Her descriptions of Taiwan are vivid; her coming of age story as a young woman finding her voice is universal.

This Is How I Save My Life by Amy B Scher: Her outsider’s portrayal of India is spot on, hilarious and especially fascinating for me to read being from India myself. She writes about going to India for an experimental treatment for Lyme disease. This book is about healing and forging one’s own unique path to health. Amy’s voice is just so much fun to be with. There are many reasons why she’s called an “accidental guru”!

We’re Speaking The Life Lessons of Kamala Harris: How To Use Your Voice, Be Assertive, And Own Your Story by Hitha Palepu: Lessons from Hitha’s life as an entrepreneur and leader, interspersed with life lessons from Vice President Kamala Harris’ trajectory — woven together to teach women how to raise their voice and own their power, especially women of color.

On the left the book that I’m currently reading, on the right — a book I just finished — photo by author

Coraline by Neil Gaiman: Neil is one of my favorite authors and I love returning to this book. Short, swift, can be read by children, and adults alike. Beautiful, hauntingly crafted.

The Third Eye by T. Lobsang Rampa: Another book I keep returning to, reading it as a palate cleanser between other books. It is set in Tibet and was bit controversial when it came out (and still is). You have to read it to find out why.

Burnt Sugar by Avni Doshi: This will be turning into a film as well. Doshi is a craftswoman — each sentence, each word is perfectly placed. And I like the fact that she’s writing about not so likable women. There’s a tendency in literature to write more likable women. These are real women. But they may not be likable. Which is perfect.

Be Here Now by Baba Ram Dass/Hanuman Foundation: The perfect book for the mystically inclined. You can open any page randomly for wise reflection.

Signs The Secret Language of the Universe by Laura Lynne Jackson: Also in the mystical vein. Again, for all of you who think there’s more to the universe that meets the eye, and are curious about finding a way to crack the signs/code.

Swing by Ashleigh Renard: This should be required reading for all married folks. It gives voice to things that we often avoid saying out loud. It’s sexy, provocative, and also beautifully mystical.

Woman of Color by LaTonya Yvette: This is by a blogger and writer based in Brooklyn, the same neighborhood I used to live in. I really admire her work and her blog. It’s a great book for young women and girls.

My top three favorites from 2021:

Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda: There’s good reason why this book features on most top lists of spiritual books of all time. I’m glad I finally read this right at the beginning of 2021.

Icarus Girl by Helen Oyeyemi: Haunting images that lingered long after I put it down. Helen was just 19 when she wrote this — which in itself is incredible.

Latitudes of Longing by Shubhangi Swarup: A stellar example of beautifully rendered magical realism set in India; and an lyrical ode to our planet.

A mix of books I’ve started reading and others I want to finish by February 2022:

A Girl Called Rumi by Ari Honarvar

Superstar India From Incredible to Unstoppable by Shobhaa De

The Secret Keeper of Jaipur by Alka Joshi

Rumi The Masnavi by Jawad Mojaddedi

Wherabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri

One Amazing Thing by Chitra Divakaruni

Hope you’ve had a great reading year too. And if not, there’s always 2022!

Happy Reading!

P.S. — If you’d like to “hear” more detail on these books (and say hi to my cat Midi Midi), click up for my video review.

P.S.S. —I love connecting with fellow writers and readers. To learn more about my work and interests, check out my website at: http://www.natashaisrani.com