2021 was the year I rediscovered my love of reading and made more time for enjoy it as a past time. As a result, I discovered lots of new books, including some real favourites. Here’s a short run down of my eight favourite picks from last year in case you’re on the look out for something inspiring, life-changing, or just a good fiction to get stuck into.
- Becoming – Michelle Obama
I didn’t think it was possible to admire Michelle Obama any more than I already did. Her story and her attitude to work, life and politics is nothing short of inspiring. I find autobiographies can often be dull in places, but the entirety of this book was interesting and gave such a great insight into American politics and everything the Obama’s achieved, both during Barack’s presidency and before. Michelle’s attitude towards making the world a better place is incredibly motivating and moving. This book has definitely left me thinking about how I can implement a similar thought-process to my own life. A must-read story by a remarkable and inspirational woman.
2. Malibu Rising – Taylor Jenkins Reid
This book!! Jenkins Reid has become renowned for her realistic stories and this feel good summer fiction certainly was a good place to start delving into her books. It has such an interesting and unique story line with deep and powerful characters – some who I loved and some who were so easy to hate. I loved the alternating time-hop chapters, getting to understand the backstory, learning how this affected each character, and how it ultimately led to the book’s conclusion. A brilliant read full of familial relationships, emotional hardships, fame, drama and heartbreak.
3. Caraval (the whole series) – Stephanie Garber
A magical young adult series, comprised of three page turners full of twists and magic. Think Disney, meets Harry Potter with some dark twists thrown in. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who loves an easy fast paced read with likeable characters and an interesting plot – it’s one of those series you don’t want to end.
4. Working Hard, Hardly Working – Grace Beverley
A self-help book from a social media entrepreneur, this book certainly provided a lot of food for thought and plenty of new ideas on how I can improve my working habits and balancing it alongside the rest of life. Expect topics regarding work, methods of how to make your work life effective and enjoyable, to self-care, social media and finding your work-life balance. I am certainly a fan of some of the practical methods and visuals Grace suggests, and her opinion on work in the modern day is very relatable and refreshing to read. For me, I did have to be in the right head space to really take in this book – especially the working hard section, and I will definitely need to come back to and mark up certain sections to really digest and use the ideas effectively. This is definitely worth a read if you’re looking to work on creating a better and enjoyable relationship with work, improving productivity, switching off and how to fit this with the rest of your life.
5. Regretting You – Colleen Hoover
If you are on the hunt for a proper romance novel, this one is for you. It’s got a bit of everything – from love stories, to action and drama as well as a twist that I did NOT see coming. I fell in love with the characters and gobbled this up in a day. Hoover is a brilliant story teller and the perfect author for an easy (but emotional!) read.
6. The Guest List – Lucy Foley
A classic Agatha Christie style ‘whodunnit’ thriller. I loved this book just as much as Foley’s The Hunting Party, which is saying something. The writing style makes for an easy read, and I would go as far to say that Foley’s books are some of the best thrillers I’ve read. The characters are introduced and set up so well and again, I was left guessing who the killer was until the very end. I read the last 100 pages in one go because I couldn’t put it down. It’s going to be hard for any thriller to live up to this.
7. Dear NHS – Edited by Adam Kay
A compilation of stories from famous favourites, detailing the impact of the NHS on their lives. Heartwarming, emotional and funny at times, this is a real wholesome read, making me grateful for the free healthcare we are so lucky to have. I would highly recommend this for those in need of something positive.
8. So Lucky – Dawn O’Porter
A funny, light and entertaining fiction covering topics of friendship, family, body image and female empowerment. A very relatable one for female millennials, and the perfect holiday read. The message to avoid judgement of others is one we should all carry with us.
