Every year in December, I take some time to look back at all the books I’ve read in the past year.
If you know me, you know I always set out with a book list, and then undoubtedly change my mind as I discover books on Instagram, podcasts, and blogs, and as books come recommended by friends.
This year, I read 26 books (not counting the ones I started and didn’t finish).
(And in case you’re curious, I keep a list of books in Evernote as I read them and write a short description of each book as I finish it.)
Looking for book recommendations for 2022? Today, I’m sharing the five best books I read in 2021, plus a brief description to help you decide if you’d enjoy them, too.
What I Read in 2021 (+ Which Ones Were My Favorite)
*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
The Creative Habit (Twyla Tharp)
As a creative, I love reading about other people's creative processes: their habits and work routines, the decisions they make, the way they think, and how they see the world. I loved seeing the creative world through the eyes of choreographer Twyla Tharp.
In fact, I wrote a whole book review on this one. Read the full post here:
The Warmth of Other Suns (Isabel Wilkerson)
This was such an important read for me this year. I recognized as I worked my way through it this summer that there was so much I didn’t know about the Great Migration in America.
Isabel Wilkerson’s writing is rich and descriptive and captures the experiences and stories of those who lived during this time period and made the epic journey north.
Braving the Wilderness (Brené Brown)
Whenever I read a book by Brené Brown, it usually ends up on my favorites list.
This book is about identity, learning how to stand on your own, stand up for what you believe in, embrace the parts of yourself that you’ve been afraid to share in the past, and brave the seasons of wilderness we all encounter at some point in our lives.
When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing (Daniel H. Pink)
I read Daniel H. Pink’s book, Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact, I recorded a podcast episode with my three biggest takeaways. Listen here:
Ep. 003 - Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
This book was equally enjoyable—packed with research data and insights about timing, in all aspects of life.
The Help (Kathryn Stockett)
“[Two] seemingly different women join together to write a tell-all book about work as a black maid in the South, that could forever alter their destinies and the life of a small town...”
I saw the movie several years ago and really enjoyed reading this novel, as well.
Have you read any of these?
If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
In case you’re curious, here are the other books I read this year:
Sense of Style (Steven Pinker)
A sophisticated guide to writing in the 21st century.
Painting Vibrant Watercolors (Soon Y. Warren)
A how-to guide for exploring the world of watercolor painting.
Creative Watercolor (Ana Victoria Calderón)
Another helpful how-to book for getting started with watercolor.
The Year of Yes (Shonda Rhimes)
“The instant New York Times bestseller from the creator of Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal and executive producer of How to Get Away With Murder shares how saying YES changed her life.”
Such a Fun Age (Kiley Reid)
“A story about race and privilege, set around a young black babysitter, her well-intentioned employer, and a surprising connection that threatens to undo them both.”
A Guide to Historic Artists' Homes and Studios (Valerie Balint)
I found this one in the library app and enjoyed learning more about (and seeing pictures of) various artists’ homes and art studios. Inspiring!
The Art Forger (B.A. Shapiro)
“Almost 25 years after the infamous art heist at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum—still the largest unsolved art theft in history—one of the stolen Degas paintings is delivered to the Boston studio of a young artist. . . .But as she begins her work [creating a copy], she starts to suspect that this long-missing masterpiece. . .may itself be a forgery.”
Dear Mr. Knightley (Katherine Reay)
A story about a 23-year-old English major who receives an offer from an anonymous benefactor to attend Northwestern’s prestigious Medill School of Journalism. His only request is that she write him letters sharing her progress. Through doing so, she learns to write her own story.
Make Something Good Today (Erin & Ben Napier)
A lovely memoir by Home Town stars Erin and Ben Napier about how they met, their creative pursuits, struggling with health issues, finding their home, and building an unexpected TV career.
Beach Read (Emily Henry)
A light summer read. “A romance writer who no longer believes in love and a literary writer stuck in a rut engage in a summer-long challenge that may just upend everything they believe about happily ever afters.”
Garlic and Sapphires (Ruth Reichl)
A fun, inside look at Ruth Reichl’s career as restaurant critic for the New York Times, including her personas and disguises!
The Giver of Stars (JoJo Moyes)
“Set in Depression-era America, a breathtaking story of five extraordinary women and their remarkable journey through the mountains of Kentucky and beyond.”
Tender at the Bone (Ruth Reichl)
I’ve enjoyed all of Ruth Reichl’s books. This one is a coming-of-age story about Ruth’s life growing up and how she developed her culinary senses.
Van Gogh: The Life (Steven Naifeh + Gregory White Smith)
An in-depth look at the life and work of Vincent Van Gogh, including much of his correspondence, early sketches, and insight into his mental health struggles.
Surprise Me (Sophie Kinsella)
A fun, lighthearted read about a British couple celebrating their 10th anniversary and looking to add an element of surprise to their relationship.
The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop (Fannie Flagg)
A continuation of the story first shared in one of Fannie Flagg’s best-loved novels, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe.
Mindset (Carol Dweck)
The psychology behind how we achieve success and how we see ourselves as learners. Do you have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset? Or maybe it’s a little of both?
An Altar in the World (Barbara Brown Taylor)
A reflective perspective on finding sacred moments in the mundane including a chapter on the posture of prayer and what it means to pay attention.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine (Gail Honeyman)
A story about a socially-awkward woman who forms friendships with an unlikely cast of characters in the journey of self-discovery and learning to live a life of connection instead of isolation. Charming, funny, and heartwarming.
Whiskey in a Teacup (Reese Witherspoon)
Stories from the South, including recipes, tips for hosting, decorating, road trips, and cultivating friendship.
Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant (Anne Tyler)
A portrait of a family who, when facing loss “will reluctantly unlock the shared secrets of their past and discover if what binds them together is stronger than what tears them apart.”
What was the best book you read this year?
What challenged you, inspired you, broadened your perspective, helped you develop a new skill, or made you a better person?
P.S. See a list of all the books I’ve read in the past few years here.
