Here are my ten favorite books of 2021, in no particular order.
The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren – I adored the premise of this book – a computer matchmaking service based on DNA. It is a master class in fake relationship books. Christina Lauren is so good, I become a reader again, reading for pure pleasure.
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman – I have a soft spot for neuro-divergent characters and Nina was endearingly gruff and off-putting. I love reading about characters who are grouchy loners because eventually you find out why they’re grouchy loners…and your heart melts.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman – I saw this book on the free book shelf of my housing tract and really enjoyed this story of another extremely quirky oddball heroine.
When Stars Collide by Susan Elizabeth Phillips – Along with Rachel Gibson, S.E.P. is the co-queen of sports romance and I really loved this return to her Chicago Stars series.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir – As with The Martian, there’s a crap ton of science in this book, and, as with The Martian, I didn’t understand probably 95% of it, but it was still a spectacularly imaginative Earth-is-going-to-be-destroyed story that took a twist I would never would have expected.
Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl – Very funny and fascinating look into the life of a top-notch restaurant critic, along with some great recipes.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood – This was a stunningly good debut book and another study in the fake relationship. Wonderful slow burn.
The Obesity Code by Jason Fung, MD – This book about how we get and stay fat was mind-blowing. It made so much sense and it’s based on science and evidence, unlike the eat-less-move-more dogma. I’ve got the fasting part down. Now, all I have to do is go low carb and stop eating sweets. Easy peasy. <scoffs>
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry – I loved the structure of this book between present and past. I loved the wit and the inside jokes between the hero and heroine. I enjoyed this book so much, I went out and bought another by her – Beach Read.
Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld – I can’t resist retellings of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and this was very well done.
