The 5 Books that I Stayed Up Way Too Late Reading in 2021

From the dust bowl to outer space

It’s no secret I love to read. It’s my stress-reliever, an escape since I was a little girl.

Now that I’m trying to write a book, I devour books, wanting to understand how a writer pulls a reader in. I’ve even folded corners of pages over so I could go back because of a line, paragraph, plot twist, whatever (I used to yell at people when they folded a page in a book. Okay, I didn’t yell, but I strongly judged them).

I read 70 books in 2021. Some fiction, some nonfiction, some craft writing books, and a few rereads, like It by Stephen King.

These five books are my top 5-star reads of the year.

My Top 5 Books of 2021

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

“As we know, there are lessons to be learned from history. Hope to be derived from hardships faced before. We’ve gone through bad times before and survived, even thrived. History has shown us the strength and durability of the human spirit, In the end, it is our idealism and our courage and our commitment to one another — what we have in common — that will save us.” ― Kristin Hannah, The Four Winds

If you like character-driven, historical fiction books, you will love The Four Winds. The story is set in the Great Depression in Texas. I have read a lot of books set in this time period, but more centered on the world wars, not the personal family struggles in the dust bowl. I would say almost a modern take on The Grapes of Wrath.

I thought of my own grandparents who were raising their family at this time period and how harsh life was. Along with the overwhelming difficulties, Hannah infuses strength and resilience in the main character, which balances out the heaviness of the story.

We Begin At The End by Chris Whitaker

“I just wish there was a middle, you know. Because that’s where people live. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing…sink or swim like that. Most people just tread water, and that’s enough. Because when you’re sinking, you’re pulling us down with you.” ― Chris Whitaker, We Begin at the End

From Goodreads: A fortysomething-year-old sheriff and a thirteen-year-old girl may not seem to have a lot in common. But they both have come to expect that people will disappoint you, loved ones will leave you, and if you open your heart it will be broken. So when trouble arrives with Vincent King, Walk and Duchess find they will be unable to do anything but usher it in, arms wide closed.

Another rich character novel that had me laughing and crying throughout with unexpected plot twists. I long for novels like this where the characters are flawed and three-dimensional and not sure where the story will take you.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

“Humanity’s first miscommunication with an intelligent alien race. Glad I could be a part of it.” ― Andy Weir, Project Hail Mary

This is my first book by Andy Weir. I had seen the movie, The Martian, but hadn’t read the book. Sci-fi is not my normal go-to genre to read, but I couldn’t pass this one up.

Similar to The Martian, Ryland Grace, the main character, is on his own. He’s the survivor of a failed mission, with the survival of Earth in jeopardy.

Weir’s style is smooth when he writes about the technical world he creates, making it feel you’re a science expert by the end.

Plot twists and an unexpected friendship build throughout the story, keeping you hooked throughout, so even if you’re not a fan of science-fiction, you will love this book.

The Book of Accidents by Chuck Wendig

“Life is strange. It’s full of mistakes and regrets, and our minds are very good at bringing those out at the worst times, the times when we’re most vulnerable. Like dreams. The best we can do, I think, is to figure out how to move forward. How we correct the errors that we made to give some peace to ourselves.” ― Chuck Wendig, The Book of Accidents

If you’re a fan of literary horror, then this book is a must-read for you! It’s a hefty story, coming in at 530 pages; I couldn’t put it down.

It is a classic story about the past coming back to haunt a family, but the family isn’t going to just roll over and succumb.

Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby

“Tears ran from his eyes and stung his cheeks. Tears for his son. Tears for his wife. Tears for the little girl they had to raise. Tears for who they were and what they all had lost. Each drop felt like it was slicing his face open like a razorblade.” ― S.A. Cosby, Razorblade Tears

I had this book on my TBR pile for months. A friend of mine said, “Move it to the top of the pile!” And I’m so glad I did.

This book moved me, deep down to my bones. It seems like a simple revenge story at the start. Two fathers, one white and one black, on a quest to seek revenge on who killed their sons. But it is so much more than that.

These two characters are the polar opposite of each other in every way except for their anger. The journey they embark on in this story is one I won’t easily forget.

If you like a fast-paced story with deeply flawed characters, then you will love this book.

What were your cherished reads in 2021?

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We would love to read about your favorite books of the year.

More Cherished Reads from Flint & Steel Writers

Read about L Burton’s favorite series in 2021

Read about Amanda Laughtland’s favorite reread last year

Read about Penny Grubb’s book selections she gave as gifts

Read about David Acaster’s five cherished reads of the year

✍ Written by Ellie Jacobson, @2022 all rights reserved.

✨ I’m a freelance writer and editor from Minnesota, writing my first novel, a psychological suspense novel. Are you a writer? Check out Sparks, my newsletter filled with writing prompts to spark your creativity.

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