In 2021, I found myself with a lot of time on my hands, and I used it to read. Whether I was traveling or just hanging out at a bar, I always had a book with me. Here are some of my favorites from this year:
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Take More Vacations by Scott Keyes: This book is a goldmine for anyone looking to score cheap flights. Keyes, the founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights, shares his secrets on how to find bargain airfare and make your trips better.
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Circe by Madeline Miller: This novel brings the Greek goddess Circe to life in a way that’s both human and fascinating. It’s a page-turner that I couldn’t put down.
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The Expanse by James S. A. Corey: This book series, which inspired the hit Amazon TV show, is a thrilling sci-fi adventure that explores humanity’s future in space.
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Land of Love and Drowning by Tiphanie Yanique: This book, set in the US Virgin Islands, blends family history with magical realism. It’s a vibrant, layered read that won many awards.
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Breath by James Nestor: This book explores the importance of proper breathing for our health. It’s packed with interesting information on how improving your breathing can solve many health problems.
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Less by Andrew Sean Greer: This Pulitzer Prize-winning book is a fun love story that follows writer Arthur Less as he travels around the world. It’s a poignant and subtle look at the American abroad.
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What Doesn’t Kill You: A Life with Chronic Illness by Tessa Miller: This book is a personal story and a resource for others with chronic illness. It’s an eye-opening look at the systemic failures of the US medical system.
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Deep Work by Cal Newport: This book offers great tips on how to do "deep work" and live a less distracted life. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in productivity/time management.
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How I Built This by Guy Raz: This book compiles all the lessons Raz has learned from his podcast into a single resource. It’s full of practical and philosophical tips and insights.
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Born a Crime by Trevor Noah: This book is a funny and hard-hitting reflection on growing up in apartheid South Africa. It’s an eye-opening and educational read.
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The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga: This book follows the self-serving journey of Balram, who works to become a powerful man in India. It’s a NYT bestseller and won the Man Booker Prize in 2008.
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Scotland Beyond the Bagpipes by Helen Ochyra: This book is a funny, easy-to-read exploration of Scotland. It’s full of insights that will make you want to book a trip!
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The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert: This book is the epic tale of Alma, a fictional female botanist living in the 1800s. It’s a captivating story of finding one’s place in the world.
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The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis: This book, which inspired the Netflix miniseries, is a quick, easy, and fun read. It’s more about people than it is about the game of chess.
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The Yellow House by Sarah Broom: This memoir explores life in New Orleans, far from the tourists on Bourbon Street. It’s a must-read for anyone who’s been to New Orleans.
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American Kingpin by Nick Bilton: This book tells the true story of Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road, a dark-web site that sold drugs, organs, and weapons.
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Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: This book follows Ifemelu, who moves back to Nigeria after studying in the US. It’s a massive book, but it’s brimming with incredible prose and storytelling.
The pandemic has been tough, but one silver lining for me is that I’ve been able to read a lot. So, if you’re looking for a new book, here are some wonderful ones to read!
