We love sharing our favorite books with you, as we did recently in our Best Books of 2021 list, but today we’re turning the tables. This list is all about our reader favorites!
How We Determine Which Books Make This List
Last month, we asked our email newsletter subscribers and the members of our Facebook group to share the three best books they read this year. We were thrilled to see that many of the favorites came from our book challenges and recommendation lists! THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to fill out the form, we read every comment and many of your suggestions will make their way onto other lists in the future.
For this compilation, we left submissions open to books of any age. The only requirement was that the book was read during 2021. In the end, we had around 350 book title submissions to sort through!
Twelve books rose to the top, and of those, we’ve both read nine and agree they deserve to be on the best book list. The other three were already on our TBR lists, and will be making their way to the top very soon!
Instead of including full descriptions of each book, we’re sharing a short synopsis and selection of reader comments we received on the submission form for each of the top 12 books. After that, you’ll find an honorable mention list of additional books that also received multiple votes. It’s full of just as many gems as the main list, so don’t miss it!
Readers' Favorite Books of 2021
The Four Winds
by Kristen Hannah
What the Book is About…
As the Dust Bowl ravages the Great Plains, Elsa is forced to make the agonizing choice between fighting for her family’s land in Texas or moving west to California in search of a better life for her children.
In Our Readers' Words...
On one hand it was one of the saddest books I have ever read but also the most uplifting in how kind and supportive many of the people were. –Kathy C.
I really felt like I was in the Dust Bowl. Very descriptive and heartbreaking look at a sad time for many in both the Dust Bowl and California. –Linda B.
Wonderful sad story. So well written I could taste the dust.
Historical fiction about the dust bowl. Heart wrenching, but so emotional. Made me grateful for the small difficulties in my own life. –Julie B.
Gave such an in depth look at what life - for so many during the Dust Bowl/Great Depression era - truly looked like and felt like. Great story line, wonderful writing by K. Hannah.
Tough topic but a wonderful read. Good companion for The Grapes of Wrath. –Diana B.
I connected with it because it mirrored some of my experiences as an immigrant. –Monica S.
Read more about this book on our list of Books Set in the 1930s.
The Girl with the Louding Voice
by Abi Darè
What the Book is About...
Set in Nigeria, The Girl with the Louding Voice follows a young teen who dreams of education and a future much different than family and cultural norms expect from her.
In Our Readers' Words...
This was a surprise favorite from the Africa month in the challenge. I felt connected to the setting and loved Adunni’s grit. –Lynn S.
An inspiring story about a Nigerian girl who fights her way out of an arranged marriage and modern day domestic slavery. I cried for Adunni, but also loved her spirit. AMAZING audio narrator! –Jennifer W.
I can’t stop thinking about this book. The whole idea that slavery is still going on and how brave this girl was. –Kathleen T.
I loved that Adunni persevered and never gave up on her dream to be a teacher. Her strength of spirit shone through in every page. –Kathy C
I loved the main character and enjoyed the story even though very heartbreaking. She fought for her right to live the life she dreamed of. Learned about Nigeria and African culture. –Amy S.
Such a powerful book! I was so invested in the plight of the main character and invested in her success. It completely drew me in. –Jodi F.
Read more about this book on our list of Books Set in Africa.
The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland
by Jim Defede
What the Book is About…
When US airspace was closed on 9/11, 38 planes were unexpectedly diverted to the small town of Gander on Canada’s Newfoundland island. This heartwarming nonfiction book tells the personal stories of the passengers, as well as their unexpecting hosts who welcomed them with open arms and generous hearts.
In Our Readers' Words…
A great book that will stay in your mind forever! Maybe not the names or characters, but how you FELT while reading it! –Rachel D.
Such an uplifting book about regular people helping their fellow humans at a difficult time! –Ellie D.
I laughed and I cried while reading this and it made me feel good about people after the disastrous 9/11. –Pat M.
Read more about this book on our list of Books Set in the 2000s or our list of Books Set in North America.
The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell
by Robert Dugoni
What the Book is About…
Sam was born with a rare condition that makes his eyes a shade of red, earning him the unwanted nickname of Sam Hell at school. At home, his mom tells him that it’s a gift, which doesn’t match how he’s treated in the outside world. The book starts in childhood, but also includes his life as an adult.
In Our Readers' Words...
I fell in love with the characters! I experienced so many emotions listening to this fabulous audiobook that stuck with me long afterwards! –Kay H.
This book reminded me that I need more faith and forgiveness! –Randin N.
Unique plot and powerful message. I loved the larger than life characters. –Jane C.
The story was set around a true medical event, ocular albinism and red eyes, and how the main character dealt with this medical condition. –Mary Sue S.
Read more about this book on our list of Books Set in the 1960s and our Friendship list.
The Rose Code
by Kate Quinn
What the Book is About...
This WWII historical fiction novel is told through a dual timeline. In 1940, three women answer the call to become code-breakers in England’s fight against the Nazis. They form a friendship that will later be torn apart by secrecy and betrayal. In 1947, the three are reunited to crack one last code.
In Our Readers' Words…
Strong women doing important code breaking work at Bletchley Park. Friendships, betrayal, a little romance and a little mystery. I love this author! –Andrea J.
I loved the historical aspect of this book on a subject that I really didn't know much about. –Maureen
A well written story and interesting based plot on a true historical event.
Read more about this book on our list of Books with Colors in the Title.
Where the Crawdads Sing
by Delia Owens
What the Book is About...
Kya is a young girl who lives with her family deep in the marsh, away from others. While she loves the nature that surrounds her and understands it more than most, she also understands the value of learning to read and begins to form a friendship with a boy willing to teach her.
In Our Readers' Words…
I loved the story. The hope, love, strength and resilience of Kya was so well written. I felt like I was there. And I wish I had been. –Jaci E.
It's been a long while since I've read a book like this and I found myself being totally immersed in the world. I totally binge read it! –Alycia B.
I like visiting the eastern part of North Carolina. I can easily see this story setting. I hope that it might someday be made into a movie. I was certainly surprised by the way this story ended. –Deborah D.
If you also loved this one, find similar books on our list of Books for Fans of Where the Crawdads Sing.
The Lincoln Highway
by Amor Towles
What the Book is About…
From the author of A Gentleman in Moscow and Rules of Civility, this new novel spans a ten-day period in 1954. Three 18-year-olds (all recently released from a juvenile reformatory) and a brainy eight-year-old set out on a cross-country road trip in pursuit of a better future.
In Our Readers' Words…
A road trip, coming-of-age, memorable characters, and exquisite writing. -Weezie F.
Rich characters and a plot that was unpredictable. –Caroline
This book drew me in from the first page. Written so differently than any book I’ve ever read. –Jackie H.
An engaging story, beautifully written. I've seen people complain because he doesn't use quotation marks for the dialog; I didn't even notice because the story just flows so effortlessly. –Patty O.
Read about other Books Set in the 1950s.
Beartown
by Fredrik Backman
What the Book is About...
Beartown is a story about hockey and small-town life, but also so much more. When a shocking event occurs, the town quickly takes sides. Who will stand up for the truth, and who will put hockey above humanity?
In Our Readers' Words…
I became so absorbed in the culture of sports in the small Swedish town that I lived and breathed ice hockey, although until I read this book I knew nothing about the sport. Before I finished reading the book, I ordered its sequel Us Against You so I could continue learning more about the environs of Sweden and the game of ice hockey. –Jeanne G.
Backman did a great job of showing what happens when kids get in over their heads and how parents handle tragedy differently, and made the aggressor somewhat of a victim in his own way. The ending was way more realistic than the contrived drama you usually get with a "date rape" story. –Meredith P.
Who knew youth hockey could make such a wonderful story? An unexpected novel from this author. –Diana B.
Read more about this book on our list of Books Set in Western Europe or our list of Books Set in the 2010s.
Firekeeper's Daughter
by Angeline Boulley
What the Book is About...
This YA thriller, written by a Native American author, is about a biracial teen who is an unenrolled member of the Ojibwe tribe. When she witnesses a murder, she reluctantly goes undercover in the criminal investigation to infiltrate a drug ring in her community.
In Our Readers' Words…
I loved Daunis' journey navigating two worlds (Native/white), and I enjoyed the descriptions of modern day Ojibwe traditions and customs that I did not know about. Great on audio! –Jennifer W.
This fast paced book features a Native American community, a mystery, a wealth of society/community issues and is probably my top pick of the year. –Allison S.
When I started reading it, I was blown away by the gentle weave of Chippewa language and English. Just beautifully written. Since I spend summers in Michigan and have passed through the UP and the Soo many times, I could relate to the beauty of the landscape Boulley describes. Learning about the indigenous people was wonderful, too. –Sarah B.
Malibu Rising
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
What the Book is About…
This book is set in 1983 at the annual end-of-summer beach house party hosted by the Riva siblings - the children of famous 70’s rock star Mick Riva. By midnight, the party is out of control and before dawn, Nina Riva’s mansion has burned to the ground and her siblings’ secrets have been revealed.
In Our Readers' Words…
I loved the Riva’s, especially Nina! I love the way Taylor Jenkins Reid writes and couldn’t get enough of this book. The flashbacks and the closure that took place for their family at the end made it a book I’ll never forget. –Ashley M.
I love when you know how a book ends but you have no idea how you’ll get there. Great story of family. All of the 1980s references were wonderful!
So well written. Descriptive and engaging with a strong storyline, great characters, and a lot of emotion. Rich and detailed.
Read more about this book on our list of Best Beach Reads.
The Guncle
by Steven Rowley
What the Book is About...
Once famous sitcom star Patrick has a typical Palm Springs lifestyle full of cocktails at brunch. He loves when his his niece, Maisie, and nephew, Grant come to visit for a weekend, but then they normally go home. When tragedy strikes, he has to step up into a full-time Guncle role and help the kids with both daily life and more serious events.
In Our Readers' Words...
Fun and heart-warming, a good read when the last couple years have been getting us down. –Caroline
Heart-warming, heartbreaking yet funny! Crazy gay uncle takes his brother’s kids for the summer. I had a Guncle and found this book charming and touching. –Andrea J.
I laughed, I cried, I felt all the things and loved every minute of it! –Melissa
This book also topped the list of the Book Girls' Favorite Books of 2021.
West with Giraffes
by Lynda Rutledge
What the Book is About...
This heartwarming historical fiction is based on the true story of two giraffes that were transported all the way across the US in the 1930s, and the unlikely duo who make the trip with them.
In Our Readers' Words…
A road trip, coming-of-age and also an orphan, a crabby old man, and ….. giraffes! What’s not to like? –Weezie F.
I could not put it down and I love giraffes. Just the whole idea of going across country with two giraffes in a truck and all the people you meet along the way. Fascinating! –Judith S.
Great adventure story. Well written. –Sarah W.
Read more on our list of Books Set in the 1930s. West With Giraffes also topped the list of the Book Girls' Favorite Books of 2021.
PS: We have a West with Giraffes book club guide with discussion questions, as well as a printable version available on Etsy that also includes bonus giraffe content, a custom bookmark, and more!
HONORABLE MENTIONS
- Moloka’i by Alan Brennert
- The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
- The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth
- The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
- The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
- The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley
- This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
- Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
- The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin
So many amazing books, right? We loved collaborating with all of you to put together this list and can’t wait to do it again next year. If you’re not already in the Read with the Book Girls group on Facebook and on our email list, be sure to sign up below. We can wait to see your favorite books next year!
More 5-Star Book Recommendations
For more of our readers’ favorites, also be sure to check their picks for the Best Book Series for Adults too!
West with Giraffes Book Club Questions & Discussion Guide
Friday 1st of September 2023
[…] the 1930s, as well as the unlikely duo who make the trip with them. This novel was voted as one of our readers’ favorite books, and made our own top book list as well. If you’re looking for a heartwarming book with lots […]