21 books I loved in 2021

Do you set a reading goal at the beginning of the year? My goal this year was just to read more books than I read last year - we aimed low here because I didn’t really settle into my love for reading until September. So here is a round up of 21 books I loved from 2021 (they are not ranked in any specific order)!

01. sex & vanity by Kevin Kwan

Kevin Kwan is my man. I freaking LOVED his Crazy Rich Asians series. The way he dramatizes families, shares about asian culture, & his writing style is my fave! his books are always so easy to read! this would be a great beach read!

02. leadershifts by John Maxwell

I read this when I was at the peak of burnout. I was craving change. I knew I needed to change my habits to be a better leader & business owner. This book taught me about the desire I have to serve people. I continue to take the advice from Maxwell & ask myself how can I serve people better & how can I serve more people. 

03. Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom

This book reminded me of impact we have on the people in our lives, accept death, spend our time well - caring & serving those around us & maybe consider dancing a little bit. 

04. the last mrs. parish by Liv Constantine

This was my first Reese Witherspoon book club pick of the year. I read it in Colorado with the van doors open so it deserved a mention. The storyline sure kept me entertained but is also super twisted so brace yourself.

05. the guest list by Lucy foley

Now this book was interesting. Its about a murder that takes place during a wedding. There were lots of twists & turns that kept me interested while reading. But I was so mad because Andrew guessed who the murderer was by looking at the back cover without reading a single word from the book & was right - of course. 

06. eleanor oliphant is completely fine by Gail Honeyman

I truly did not get the hype of this book the first 100-150 pages but I decided to stick with it ended up LOVING it! The message & lessons throughout the book were so good!

07. on fragile waves by E. Lily Yu

This book is about refugees from Afghanistan who are journeying towards Australia. Its a heart breaking story but should be read because it sheds light on the realities refugees face. I also read this around the time American troops were pulling out of Afghanistan earlier this fall so I appreciated the way the author tells this story even more. 

08. the Alice network by Kate Quinn

So good! I loved the double storyline & the way it all connected! This page turner kept me hooked & on the edge of my seat the entire time I read it! 

09. our woman in moscow by Beatriz Williams

Ahh Beatriz Williams! Love this author! She actually wrote this book during the pandemic which I think is cool. I love seeing the things people created & worked on while they were at home during the lock down! This book was such a page turner! If you love historical fiction, read this!! 

10. meet me in Bombay by Jenny Ashcroft

Okay, this book was so cute! It was about a man & woman who live in India during the early 1900s. The man goes to fight in WWI & loses his memory so its the journey of him finding his way back to this girl - freaking loved it! It was so sappy in the best ways. 

11. second first impressions by Sally Thorne

Y’ALL. the perfect cheesy rom-com you need in your life. It’ll make you want to get tattoos & work in a retirement facility. Its hilarious & super cute! I read it in 2 days & have no regrets! 

12. the paris library by Janet Skeslien Charles

This was a super sweet & interesting story about the American Library in Paris during WWII. It also has a parallel storyline that takes place in Montana. This is a story with a lot of sweet messages, interesting history, heart break, & redemption. Your life will be better if you read this book & you’ll want to go to Paris and wear a beret. 

13. the paper palace by Miranda Cowley Heller

Another Reese Witherspoon book club pick! This book won’t be for everyone but I couldn’t put it down & really enjoyed it! *Trigger warning - multiple sexual assaults occur.*

14. Build a Story Brand by Donald Miller

If you’re an entrepreneur who wants to get clear on your message & copy, I cannot recommend this book enough! Its super insightful & give you lots to think about! 

15. the summer wives by Beatriz Williams

Oh boy, Beatriz Williams again! This book was so cute! The entire time I read this book, I felt like I was right a fly on the wall watching the characters & drama unfold on Winthrop Island! I also love this author because her characters in all her stand alone novels are connected by a family tree which is brilliant in my opinion.

16. You are a badass at making money by Jen Sincero

The kick in the ass you need to rethink everything about money, examine your limiting beliefs, & analyze how your thoughts are holding you back. If you need to improve your relationship with money, I cannot recommend this book enough!! 

17. Beach Read by Emily Henry

This was the cutest little rom com! two writers with writers block, in Michigan, a cute couple that owns the local coffee shop/book store, a surprise affair. Its a super easy read, would truly be perfect for reading at the beach! 

18. Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton

The history of the politics of Cuba, the family ties, and the friendships were amazing! Loved this story of heartbreak, injustice, and love. I learned so much about cuban history & ended up doing lots of my own research while reading it. Cannot recommend it enough - especially If you’re into history!

19. The Secret Life of Violet Grant by Beatriz Williams

What a page turner!! I was captivated by this read from the first page! A bold, extravagant woman ends up with an estranged aunt’s missing suitcase from Switzerland who supposedly flees with her lover & murders her (really horrible) husband. a journey of finding the truth & love. The ending gets ya! Big fan of this one! 

20. The 12 week year by Brian Moran & Michael Lennington

Need a productivity kick in the booty? Start your year with this book! Loved the ideas and ways to implement the 12 week year in my personal life & in my business. Highly recommend for all entrepreneurs! 

21. people we meet on vacation by Emily henry

so many friends recommended this book to me! its a hot one & everyone is loving it! I got lucky one day & found it at the library after waiting for it for two months! the characters are hilarious & charming. the plot just makes you feel happy. I was hooked & flew through it! add this to your summer beach read list!

Tell me in the comments, did we read any of the same book this year? what were your favorite reads this year??

Xo,

Al