Best Books From 2021: A Literary Journey | Top Must-Reads of the Year - Worlds Best Story
Best Books From 2021

Best Books From 2021: A Literary Journey | Top Must-Reads of the Year

24 Jul 2023

Are you looking for some gripping reads to dive into?

Well, you’re in luck! 2021 was a remarkable year for literature, with an array of exceptional books that captivated readers around the world.

From thought-provoking novels to mesmerizing non-fiction, this blog post will take you on a journey through the best books of 2021.

So, grab a cozy blanket, settle into your favorite reading nook, and let’s explore these literary gems!

1. The Push by Ashley Audrain

Kicking off our list is a psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

“The Push” by Ashley Audrain delves into the complexities of motherhood and the haunting legacy it can leave behind.

With its dark and suspenseful narrative, Audrain’s debut novel explores the question: How far would you go to protect your child?

Prepare yourself for an unsettling journey through the depths of a mother’s mind.

The Push by Ashley Audrain

2. Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

Next up is a thought-provoking science fiction masterpiece by the Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro.

“Klara and the Sun” introduces us to Klara, an Artificial Friend who observes the world with keen eyes.

Set in a dystopian future, Ishiguro raises profound questions about the nature of consciousness, love, and what it means to be human.

Prepare to be immersed in a beautifully crafted narrative that will leave you pondering long after you turn the last page.

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

3. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Andy Weir, the author of “The Martian,” returns with another exhilarating science fiction adventure.

In “Project Hail Mary,” Weir takes us on a thrilling interstellar journey with Ryland Grace, a scientist on a mission to save humanity.

Packed with scientific puzzles, unexpected twists, and Weir’s trademark humor, this book is a must-read for science enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a gripping space odyssey.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weirv

4. The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

If you’re in the mood for a poignant historical novel, “The Four Winds” by Kristin Hannah will transport you to the Dust Bowl era of the Great Depression.

Set against the backdrop of Texas, this epic tale follows Elsa, a courageous woman who embarks on a treacherous journey to find a better life for her family.

Hannah’s evocative prose and vivid characters make this a captivating exploration of resilience, sacrifice, and the strength of the human spirit.

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

5. Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson

Isabel Wilkerson, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, presents a profound examination of the enduring influence of caste systems in “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.”

Drawing parallels between caste systems in India, Nazi Germany, and the United States, Wilkerson offers a fresh perspective on the persistent divisions within societies.

Thought-provoking and eye-opening, this book challenges readers to confront deeply ingrained societal structures and work towards a more equitable future.

Caste The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson

6. The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse

For fans of atmospheric thrillers, “The Sanatorium” by Sarah Pearse is a gripping page-turner set in the Swiss Alps.

Eerie and suspenseful, this novel follows Elin Warner, a detective who finds herself in a luxury hotel-turned-sanatorium where dark secrets lurk within its walls.

Pearse skillfully weaves together elements of psychological suspense and a chilling setting to deliver a truly addictive read. 

The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse

  1. Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe

Patrick Radden Keefe’s investigative masterpiece, “Empire of Pain,” uncovers the shocking truth behind one of the wealthiest families in America, the Sacklers.

With meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Keefe delves into the rise of the Sackler dynasty and their role in fueling the opioid crisis.

This gripping exposé not only sheds light on the devastating consequences of corporate greed but also raises important questions about accountability and the pharmaceutical industry’s influence.

Empire of Pain The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe

8. Project to Product: How to Survive and Thrive in the Age of Digital Disruption with the Flow Framework by Mik Kersten

In the realm of non-fiction, “Project to Product” by Mik Kersten provides invaluable insights into navigating the digital age.

Kersten introduces the Flow Framework, a groundbreaking approach that helps organizations transform their project-based mindset into a product-oriented one.

With real-life examples and practical strategies, this book guides businesses and individuals toward embracing innovation and adapting to the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Project to Product How to Survive and Thrive in the Age of Digital Disruption with the Flow Framework by Mik Kersten

9. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

Brit Bennett’s “The Vanishing Half” is a powerful exploration of identity, race, and family secrets.

Set in the United States during the mid-20th century, the novel follows the lives of twin sisters, Desiree and Stella Vignes, who take diverging paths—one embracing her Black heritage, the other passing as white.

Through exquisite prose and compelling storytelling, Bennett examines the complexities of race, societal expectations, and the enduring bonds that shape our lives.

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

10. The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race by Walter Isaacson

Walter Isaacson, acclaimed biographer and historian, delves into the groundbreaking world of gene editing in “The Code Breaker.”

This captivating book tells the story of Jennifer Doudna, the brilliant scientist who co-invented CRISPR, a revolutionary gene-editing tool.

Isaacson skillfully weaves together science, ethics, and the personal journeys of the individuals involved, offering a glimpse into the potential and ethical dilemmas of this game-changing technology.

The Code Breaker Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race by Walter Isaacson

2021 Brought us a Treasure Trove of Remarkable Books

The year 2021 brought us a treasure trove of remarkable books that encompassed a diverse range of genres and themes.

From psychological thrillers to thought-provoking non-fiction, these books immersed readers in captivating narratives, deepening our understanding of the world and ourselves.

Whether you’re seeking spine-chilling suspense, introspective literary fiction, or enlightening non-fiction, the best books of 2021 have something for every reader.

So, pick up one of these acclaimed titles, let your imagination soar, and embark on an unforgettable literary journey.

Remember, these are just a few of the outstanding books from 2021, and there are many more gems waiting to be discovered.

Vincent Salera

Founder @ World's Best Story™ amplifier of creativity & fun!