This post is definitely coming in late which is why I thought that it is perfect as a fun Sunday read. I read 22 books in 2021 out of which some became favourites, some were amazing and some just plain disappointing. This post is to recap and recommend the books that absolutely won me over in 2021. Here is my list –

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

This book has made it to my top 5 reads of all time. This book broke my heart and made me want to fall in love at the same time. The book is a retelling of the Trojan War from Patroclus’ perspective and keeping his and Achilles’ relationship at the center of it all. I have done an entire post on this book so I’m not going to go into details. But I definitely recommend this book to people who like mythological fiction and to people who enjoy reading a good love story.

Check the book out here.

The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa

Another book that is bound to make you tear up. This book is written from the perspective of Nana, a street cat, who has been adopted by the kind and loving Satoru. After 5 years together, Nana and Satoru embark on a road journey in the hopes of finding Nana a new home. As their journey proceeds, we catch glimpses into Satoru’s past and learn about his journey before he met Nana. It is a beautiful book that absolutely won my heart and has made it to my top reads of all times.

Check the book out here.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

A beautiful coming-of-age book that revolves around the unlikely friendship between two misfits, Aristotle and Dante. They come from very different worlds and yet are able to help each other navigate difficult situations together. The book is so simply written but is still so profoundly beautiful that it is bound to warm your heart. Definitely give this one a read. (Read my entire review here.)

Check out the book here.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

I was reading a thriller novel after a while and this book got me wanting to read even more thrillers. A very intriguing premise with colourful characters made this a very gripping read. I kept turning pages wanting to know what was going to happen next. The story of The Guest List revolves around a perfectly planned wedding being held on an Irish island away from the mainland. The island and the guests all have their own secrets which are slowly revealed as the wedding weekend progresses eventually leading to the death of a member of the wedding party. Definitely pick it up if you love a good thriller!

Check out the book here.

A Thousand Ships By Natalie Hayes

Another book around the Trojan war but this time from the perspective of all the women impacted in the war. A wife awaiting 2 decades for her man’s return home, queens of slain kings turned to concubines and even more painful stories. This book is bound to move you and give you something to think of especially as you realize that these women were treated as mere accessories in the war stories and their futures after the war not given a second thought. If you’ve enjoyed reading Chitra Banerjee’s books revolving around Indian mythologies from the leading ladies’ perspective, you’ll love this book too.

Check out the book here.

Those were my top 5 reads of 2021. Recommend yours in the comments below!

Check out my other recent posts –

• Content I Binged Watched Recently: Netflix, Hotstar (Hulu)
• Things On Dating Apps That Make Me Really Doubt My Generation’s Ability to Love
• Need A Serotonin Boost? Here Are Some Tips (Guest Post)
• Come To The Beach With Me: Goa 2023
• April Reads: Mini-Book Reviews & More