My Top 10 Reads of 2021 (Actually 15)

My reading goal for 2021 was 30 books, and I read 24. Even though I didn’t quite reach my goal, I’m proud of what I accomplished in a year that was full of momentous events including the birth of my adorable twin granddaughters. I read many good books, and here, in no particular order, are some of my favorites.

FICTION

1. The Long Way Home & The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny

Louise Penny lured me in with her first Inspector Gamache book Still Life, and I have been a fan ever since. The Long Way Home (Book 10) and The Nature of the Beast (Book 11) continue with masterfully woven mysteries and characters I can’t get enough of. I use her books as rewards for when I finish major tasks.

• The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

The setting for this book is Bletchley Park, a secret code-breaking facility in Britain during World War II. Need I say more? Based on the lives of women who worked as code breakers, and it follows their deep friendship as they work against the Nazi threat. At the end of the book, Ms. Quinn describes the people and events the story is based on but beware of spoilers.

• The Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo

This YA fantasy series is a brilliant story of “The Chosen One” trope. It’s good versus evil at its finest. I love stories of heroines who have a dormant gift and how they discover it and use it to save the world. This has romance, rejection, revenge, and redemption wrapped into three books: Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising.

• The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

I listened to the audiobook edition on my daily walks. Now my neighbors think I’m crazy because I was laughing out loud as I walked by their homes. With Don Tillman as an “innocent narrator” professor of genetics, the story is told in first person. Don has Asperger’s syndrome, so his literal interpretation of events is always cause for interesting interactions. It wasn’t difficult to figure out the HEA, but the trip getting there was so worth it!

• The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley

Any movie you’ve ever seen about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table probably used Marion Zimmer Bradley’s books as source texts. This is the Arthurian legend told from the women’s points of view. I developed a new perspective on Morgaine (Morgan le Fey) and Gwenhwyfar (Guinevere) as I heard these stories unfold. I listened to the audible edition which contained four book: The Mistress of Magic, The High Queen, The King’s Stag, and The Prisoner in the Oak. These books are difficult to find, but the audible edition is easily accessible.

NON-FICTION

• The Dance of the Dissident Daughter by Sue Monk Kidd

I read this with my two dear friends Lisa and Tina. One positive outcome of being isolated was discovery of Mary Magdalene and feminine spirituality. Reading about Sue Monk Kidd’s own discovery of the sacred feminine sparked a deep dive into the study of Mary Magdalene.

• The Meaning of Mary Magdalene by Cynthia Bourgeault

The research and scholarly study that Cynthia Bourgeault brings to this book is impressive. An Episcopal priest, she is known for her teachings on prayer and spiritual life. This book was a paradigm shift and a life-changing read for me. Spoiler alert: Mary Magdalene was not a prostitute.

• The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer

It took me a while to get into this book, but I’m glad I stuck with it. I read this with Tina and Lisa, and it helped to have them to share reflections and reactions to each chapter. The chapters are short—six or seven pages long—but it takes some “chewing” to understand his points. Another life-changing book for me. After reading it, I often hear “Let it Go” from Frozen now (you’re welcome for that earworm LOL) Michael Singer has no connection to that song or movie, but after you read the book, you’ll understand what I mean.

• Everything Belongs by Fr. Richard Rohr

I’ve read Fr. Richard’s daily meditations for many years. He is a Franciscan priest whose theology is inclusive, incarnational, and ecumenical. The founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation, he has written numerous books, and my goal is to read them all. Everything Belongs was an important book on my spiritual journey.

Even though I’ve only listed nine, two are series so my final count is 15. I’ve enjoyed all the books I’ve read this year, and if I started a book that didn’t connect, I abandoned it. Life is too short, plus, I believe we come to a book when it’s the right time. Some that I abandon the first time will come back when I’m ready. What’s that saying? “When the student is ready the teacher will appear.”

I hope your 2021 included books that spoke to you and touched your heart. Please comment and let me know what your favorite books were this year.