32 Books to Read in 2021
Everyone that personally knows me, knows that I’m an avid reader. I love to read. I love to read about all of the things, so it’s no surprise that the list of books I plan to read this year, or that are at least on my list, vary in genre and author. Some of the books I have chosen were recommended to me, while others are one that I chose because I was interested in them. There are books ranging from self-development, health, parenting, business and books I wanted to read just for fun like mystery or true crime.
Without further ado, here are the books on my list to read this year! I added the little blurb about each book from Amazon as well to give you an idea of what the book is about.
- If I Disappear written by Eliza Jane Brazier– When her favorite true crime podcast host goes missing, an adrift young woman sets out to investigate and plunges headfirst into the wild backcountry of Northern California and her own dangerous obsession.
- Chatter written by Ethan Kross-An award-winning psychologist reveals the hidden power of our inner voice and shows how we can harness it to live a healthier, more satisfying, and more productive life.
- Four Hundred Souls written by Ibram X. Kendi-A chorus of extraordinary voices comes together to tell one of history’s great epics: the four-hundred-year journey of African Americans from 1619 to the present—edited by Ibram X. Kendi, author of How to Be an Antiracist, and Keisha N. Blain, author of Set the World on Fire.
- How to Avoid Climate Disaster written by Bill Gates– In this urgent, authoritative book, Bill Gates sets out a wide-ranging, practical–and accessible–plan for how the world can get to zero greenhouse gas emissions in time to avoid a climate catastrophe.
- The President is Missing written by Bill Clinton and James Patterson-Don’t miss the #1 New York Times bestselling thriller from the world’s bestselling author, James Patterson: an “undeniably gripping ride through the hidden passageways of power and politics” that “moves like Air Force One” (Michael Connelly).
- The President’s Daughter written by Bill Clinton and James Patterson- James Patterson and Bill Clinton—the “dream team” (Lee Child)—return with a thriller even more compelling than The President Is Missing.
- The Psychology of Money written by Morgan Housel– In The Psychology of Money, award-winning author Morgan Housel shares 19 short stories exploring the strange ways people think about money and teaches you how to make better sense of one of life’s most important topics
- Leaders Eat Last written by Simon Sinek– Finally in paperback: the New York Times bestseller by the acclaimed, bestselling author of Start With Why and Together is Better. Now with an expanded chapter and appendix on leading millennials, based on Simon Sinek’s viral video “Millenials in the workplace” (150+ million views).
- Caste: Origins of our Discontents written by Isabel Wilkerson– In this brilliant book, Isabel Wilkerson gives us a masterful portrait of an unseen phenomenon in America as she explores, through an immersive, deeply researched narrative and stories about real people, how America today and throughout its history has been shaped by a hidden caste system, a rigid hierarchy of human rankings.
- Greenlight written by Matthew McConoughey– #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the Academy Award®–winning actor, an unconventional memoir filled with raucous stories, outlaw wisdom, and lessons learned the hard way about living with greater satisfaction
- Didn’t See That Coming: Putting Life Back Together When Your World Falls Apart Written by Rachel Hollis- Fear. Grief. Loss. Betrayal. Rachel Hollis has felt all those things, and she knows you have too. Now, she takes you to the other side. With her signature humor, heartfelt honesty, and intimate true-life stories, #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hollis shows readers how to seize difficult moments for the learning experiences they are and the value and growth they provide.
- Leadership Strategy and Tactics written by Jocko Willink– Leadership Strategy and Tactics explains how to take leadership theory, quickly translate that theory into applicable strategy, and then put leadership into action at a tactical level. This book is the solution that leaders at every level need—not just to understand the leadership game, but also how to play the leadership game, and win it.
- What your ADHD Child Wishes you Knew written by Dr. Sharon Saline– What if you could work with your child, motivating and engaging them in the process, to create positive change once and for all? In this insightful and practical book, veteran psychologist Sharon Saline shares the words and inner struggles of children and teens living with ADHD—and a blueprint for achieving lasting success by working together. Based on more than 25 years of experience counseling young people and their families, Dr. Saline’s advice and real-world examples reveal how parents can shift the dynamic and truly help kids succeed.
- Sugarproof written by Michael I. Goran, Ph D– A leading childhood nutrition researcher and an experienced public health educator explain the hidden danger sugar poses to a child’s development and health and offer parents an essential 7- and 28-day “sugarproof” program.
- Rethinking Discipline written by Yehudis Smith-A practical guide to conscious parenting with simple, effective strategies that work
- Think Like a Monk written by Jay Shetty– Jay Shetty, social media superstar and host of the #1 podcast On Purpose, distills the timeless wisdom he learned as a monk into practical steps anyone can take every day to live a less anxious, more meaningful life.
- The More of Less written by Joshua Becker– The More of Less delivers an empowering plan for living more by owning less. With practical suggestions and encouragement to personalize your own minimalist style, Joshua Becker shows you why minimizing possessions is the best way to maximize life.
- The Phantom Prince written by Elizabeth Kendall– The inspiration for the five-part Amazon Original docuseries Ted Bundy: Falling for a Killer
- Relationship Goals written by Michael Todd– #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A candid, inspiring guide to finding lasting love and sustaining a healthy relationship by getting real about your goals—based on the viral, multi-million-view sermon series about dating, marriage, and sex
- Everything is F*cked written by Mark Manson– Everthing Is F*cked, Manson turns his gaze from the inevitable flaws within each individual self to the endless calamities taking place in the world around us. Drawing from the pool of psychological research on these topics, as well as the timeless wisdom of philosophers such as Plato, Nietzsche, and Tom Waits, he dissects religion and politics and the uncomfortable ways they have come to resemble one another. He looks at our relationships with money, entertainment and the internet, and how too much of a good thing can psychologically eat us alive. He openly defies our definitions of faith, happiness, freedom—and even of hope itself.
- White Fragility: Why it’s so Hard for White People to Talk About Racism written by Robin Diangelo– The New York Times best-selling book exploring the counterproductive reactions white people have when their assumptions about race are challenged, and how these reactions maintain racial inequality.
- On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft written by Stephen King-Immensely helpful and illuminating to any aspiring writer, Stephen King’s critically lauded, “one of a kind” (Wall Street Journal) classic bestseller shares the experiences, habits, and convictions that have shaped him and his work.
- Present Concerns written by C.S. Lewis– A repackaged edition of the revered author’s essays in which he deliberates on contemporary issues, from the moral to the spiritual to the practical.
- The Gift of Forgiveness written by Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt– A fresh, inspiring book on learning how to forgive, with firsthand stories from those who have learned to let go of resentment and find peace.
- Making Space, Clutter Free written by Tracy McCubbish-Discover the freedom of a beautiful home, personal purpose, and joyful inner confidence with the last home organization book you’ll ever need.
- You written by Caroline Kepnes– A terrifying exploration of how vulnerable we all are to stalking and manipulation, debut author Caroline Kepnes delivers a razor-sharp novel for our hyper-connected digital age. You is a compulsively readable page-turner that’s being compared to Gone Girl, American Psycho, and Stephen King’s Misery
- Then She was Gone written by Lisa Jewell– From the New York Times bestselling author of Invisible Girl and The Truth About Melody Browne comes a “riveting” (PopSugar) and “acutely observed family drama” (People) that delves into the lingering aftermath of a young girl’s disappearance.
- Make Your Bed: Little Things that Can Change Your Life…and Maybe the World written by William H. McRaven-Based on a Navy SEAL’s inspiring graduation speech, this #1 New York Times bestseller of powerful life lessons “should be read by every leader in America
- The Push written by Ashley Audrain-A tense, page-turning psychological drama about the making and breaking of a family—and a woman whose experience of motherhood is nothing at all what she hoped for—and everything she feared
- The Lost Apothecary written by Sarah Penner– With crackling suspense, unforgettable characters and searing insight, The Lost Apothecary is a subversive and intoxicating debut novel of secrets, vengeance and the remarkable ways women can save each other despite the barrier of time.
- Kink Stories written by Multiple Authors– Kink is a groundbreaking anthology of literary short fiction exploring love and desire, BDSM, and interests across the sexual spectrum, edited by lauded writers R.O. Kwon and Garth Greenwell, and featuring a roster of all-star contributors including Alexander Chee, Roxane Gay, Carmen Maria Machado, and more.
- The Wife Upstairs written by Rachel Hawkins– With delicious suspense, incisive wit, and a fresh, feminist sensibility, The Wife Upstairs flips the script on a timeless tale of forbidden romance, ill-advised attraction, and a wife who just won’t stay buried. In this vivid reimagining of one of literature’s most twisted love triangles, which Mrs. Rochester will get her happy ending?
Some of these books are older, while others are currently out, but a select few haven’t even been released yet! I’m excited to dive into this list of books and learn all of the things, experience all of the things and fall in love with all of the things they are to share with me.
Happy reading!