Following on from my Annual Wrap-Up Part 1, here is a more in-depth look at the books I read in 2021. This list has been adapted from The Perpetual Page Turner’s End of Year Survey.
2021 Reading Stats
Number Of Books You Read: 24
Number of Re-Reads: 10
Genre You Read The Most From: Children’s fiction
Best In Books
Best Book You Read In 2021?
You can’t really go wrong with Maggie Stiefvater. I’ve loved all her other books and thankfully this one lived up to the hype too.
Most surprising book you read?
I was looking for some fun short stories to read with my students and stumbled across this. It was very entertaining and a lot of the stories have clever twists.
Favourite cover of a book you read in 2021?
Quite minimalist and mysterious. I loved the premise of this book (Jurassic Park meets The Hunger Games) but unfortunately it was a bit underwhelming.
Most memorable character?
I mean, the BFG is one of the most memorable characters of all time. I enjoyed re-reading this to my daughter. She was captivated.
Most beautifully written book?
Neil Gaiman’s stories never fail to capture my imagination and make me wish I’d thought of them. This anthology was a mixed bag, but there were some stand-out stories that will linger in my mind for a long time.
Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book?
This was such a raw, emotional and inspiring story. I was in floods of tears by the ending. 5 stars!
Book you can’t believe you waited so long to read?
Tamora Pierce’s books have been recommended to me so many times. I really enjoyed the magic and worldbuilding in this and wish I’d started the series sooner.
Shortest & Longest Book You Read?
This comic by Warwick Eede was unique and intriguing. I can’t wait for issue 2!
This was my least favourite book of 2021. The author is very talented but the genre just isn’t for me. It was so bleak and depressing. I just need escapism!
Best Book You Read In 2021 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure/Bookstagram, Etc.:
This book was far out of my comfort zone as I don’t normally enjoy contemporary romances. But I’d heard loads of good things about it, and when my school book club picked it I decided to give it a go. I hadn’t realised there was a dystopian setting, which I really enjoyed. The ending destroyed me but the characters and their relationship were fascinating and beautiful.
Best 2021 debut you read?
I don’t think I read any 2021 debuts at all! Most were re-reads or books that had been on my TBR for a long time.
Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting in a Book You Read This Year?
I was completely immersed in this world and feel like I went on holiday there. Thisby reminded me of Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man all at once and I won’t forget it in a hurry.
Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?
Re-reading this to my daughter was a nostalgic experience. I loved seeing her surprise and excitement as she got to know the characters and unravel the mystery.
Hidden Gem Of The Year?
This modern collection of short stories (and a short play) by POC explores themes of racism, police brutality, gentrification, gang violence and more. I found it original, creative and enlightening.
Book That Made You The Most Mad?
This book was an emotional rollercoaster. It left me heartbroken and angry at the people who comitted such terrible atrocities in real life and those that deny they happened.
Best Indie/Small Press/Self-Pubbed Read?
I think this short story is self-published. It was mysterious and amusing, with an unexpected yet satisfying ending.
Your Blogging/Bookish Life
Favourite bookish post you wrote in 2021?
I didn’t actually write that many book-related posts this year. It was mainly life and writing updates. My favourite was probably Reflections on my First Author Event.
Favourite non-bookish post?
A is for Afterlife. The whole A-Z series was fun to produce with my daughter.
Favourite bookish-related photo you took?
Best bookish event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, etc.)?
I had a blast at Boston Book Festival in September, where I had my own author table and got to meet lots of local authors and illustrators.
Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2021?
Apart from the above, the Blogging from A-Z Challenge was a lot of fun.
Most challenging thing about blogging or your reading life this year?
Probably getting in the right frame of mind to read and blog. With stress at work, health and family concerns and the ongoing worry of the pandemic, sometimes I’ve just felt too burnt out even for reading.
Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?
I got a lot of views and comments on my “Golden Summer” WEP Flash Fiction.
Best bookish discovery (book-related sites, book stores, etc.)?
I discovered a lot of book lovers to follow on BookTok, including @aymansbooks, @caitsbooks, @cultofbooks, @erynbroughtabook, @yabooktok, @lalysbooktalk, @storybookmaze, @thedogearedbook, @tomesandtextiles and @abbysbooks.
One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2021 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2021?
After finishing a few books I need to review, my priority will be Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor.
A 2022 Release You’ve Already Read & Recommend To Everyone:
I haven’t read any 2022 releases yet. If you have, please drop your recommendations in the comments!
Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2022?
I’m looking forward to the finale of Maggie Stiefvater’s dreamer trilogy (as yet untitled).
What were your favourite books of 2021? Which 2022 releases are you most looking forward to?
Leave a Reply