The Best Fiction & Nonfiction Books I Read In 2021

2020 was the year I got back into reading, and in 2021 it became a habit. I went from reading a few books a year to reading 62 this year, which is almost unbelievable. Reading became a part of my everyday life this year. So, naturally being the goal-orientated person that I am, I started setting reading goals. In 2021, I wanted to:

  • Read at least 30 books
  • Diversify my fiction genres
  • Read at least 9 nonfiction books

I also did a few reading challenges, so I wouldn’t get overwhelmed choosing a book from my digital TBR list. It has more than 300 books, and it never seems to go down, because I always find new books to read.

These 62 books include some great and some not so great books. So today, I’m sharing the 5 best fiction books and 3 best nonfiction books I read in 2021.  Looking for your next book to read? Here are my recommendations:

Fiction

Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth

Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth - Best Fiction Books I read in 2021 - Inspire to Glow

Fantasy/Science Fiction

I only knew this author from the Divergent series, and I was interested to see if her other books were good as well. The story of Chosen Ones intrigued me, and it was definitely worth picking this one up. It’s a different take on a hero story, where Veronica focuses on what happens after the hero saves the day. It was one of the best books I read at the beginning of the year, and at the end I still feel the same. If you only read one fiction book of this list, make it this one.

The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells

Classic/Science Fiction

I read another book by H.G. Wells last year and I really enjoyed it, so I wanted to try another one. I’m glad I picked this one up. It wasn’t what I expected. The perspective of the story, the writing style, the story itself where different from any other classic book or book about aliens I’ve read before.

The War of The World by H.G. Wells - Best Fiction Books I read in 2021 - Inspire to Glow

Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid - Book recommendations - Inspire to Glow

Contemporary/Romance

Maybe in Another life is my first Taylor Jenkins Reid book ever, but definitely not the last! It’s easy to read, and the story is interesting. It’s a cute, lighthearted, but emotional story. Perfect if you need a book for your next digital detox Sunday. I can’t wait to read more of this author. Next up is either ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ or ‘Daisy Jones & The Six’. Which one should I pick up first?

Victoria by Daisy Goodwin

Historical/Romance

A book I randomly picked up from the Kobo library, and turned out to be one of my favorite books of 2021. Sometimes a book finds you. It’s a slow-paced book, but that didn’t bother me. I liked the reading Victoria’s story. How she grew up to be a Queen, her struggels and hopes. This book made me want to try more historical fiction books.

Victoria by Daisy Goodwin - Best Fiction Books Recommendations - Inspire to Glow

Dracula by Bram Stoker

Dracula by Bram Stoker - Book recommendations - Inspire to Glow

Classic/Fantasy/Horror

Another classic. This year I read a lot of classic books. Horror was a new genre to me, but I liked it. There’s something about the way classic books are written that I just love. And Dracula is a mysterious story with just enough horror for my liking, because I don’t like horror movies, and I guess the same goes for books. So, I’m hesitant to try them.

Nonfiction

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Autobiography/Memoir

I read this book in the beginning of the year, and at the end of 2021 it’s still one of my favorite books. I like memoirs, it’s probably one of my favorite nonfiction genres, because they give you an insight in a person’s life. And this one gives a great insight into Michelle Obama’s life from childhood to becoming a first lady.

Becoming by Michelle Obama - Book recommendations - Inspire to Glow

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Atomic Habits by James Clear - Best Books I read in 2021 - Inspire to Glow

Psychology/Self Help

If you’ve read my blog post about Atomic Habits you already know why I like this book. It’s easy to read, and the methods are are easy to implement in your everyday life. Even if you’re already good at building habits, you can still pick up a few good tips in this book.

Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes

Travel/Memoir

A book about travel, Italy and food. What more do you need? In this book, you follow Frances Mayes on her journey of renovating an old Tuscan villa. And the only thing you’ll want to do after this reading this book is to pack up your bags and move to small village in Italy.

Under The Tuscan Sun - Best Nonfiction Books I read in 2021 - Inspire to Glow

Want to know which other books I’m reading, loving, and putting on my to-be-read list? Follow me on the StoryGraph! 

What’s one of your book recommendations?

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