Happy 2022! It’s been a while–just over an entire year since I last posted. But I couldn’t resist popping in for a classic “best books I read last year” list. Needless to say, 2021 was yet another tumultuous, topsy-turvy year. Thankfully, reading continued to be an incredible outlet for escape, release, comfort, and growth. I read a total of 63 books in 2021, and here are my top ten favorites from that bunch:
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Dare I say that this is my favorite Austen novel?? I read this at the perfect time: at the end of perhaps the most stressful semester of law school yet, when all I needed was a lovely, sweet story to make me feel something other than the pressure of final exams.
How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell
In the midst of a hectic, crammed law school semester, it can sometimes feel like every single second of your time has to be accounted for and used in the most productive way possible. Odell’s brilliant book How to Do Nothing reminded me that sometimes doing nothing can be the most valuable, worthwhile thing to do.
Ulysses by James Joyce
A bucket list book for sure–I can’t believe I actually read it! I trickled through this tome over the course of several months. I already foresee myself returning to it at some point.
The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green
I know it seems weird to say this, but I feel like this is the book I’ve always been waiting for John to write. Perfection. (Also, would highly recommend the audiobook narrated by John himself!)
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie had me hooked from beginning to end. I always thought that And Then There Were None would remain my favorite novel by her, but this one gives it a run for its money…
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
This book made me realize that I love John Steinbeck writing. Why haven’t I been a diehard fan of his writing before this? His ear for tone and voice is incredible.
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë
Why on earth didn’t I read this novel sooner?? Absolutely a masterpiece. Stunning. Striking. Unsettling. Touching. Raw. I so, so wish I had studied this book during my English lit degree.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
Just the sweetest, most wholesome read. Truly a hug in book form.
Dune by Frank Herbert
This book reminded me how much I love getting swept up in intricate sci-fi/fantasy worlds. It’s been a while since I felt so wholly engrossed and enveloped in a story.
Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert
So pleased that this sequel to Dune didn’t disappoint. Absolutely cannot wait to continue on with this series in 2022.
And there you have it–the ten best books I read in 2021. I’m so excited to see what amazing reads 2022 has to offer.
Please let me know some of the best books you read in 2021, and whether you have any thoughts on the books I’ve mentioned here. Hope you’re having a lovely start to your new year so far!
xx Holly
nut free nerd 
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