Redhead's Reading Presents: Best Books 2021

Jan 21, 2022
2 min read

Updated: Oct 7, 2025

The hottest and most coveted literary award right next to The Pulitzer Prize.

As much as I would love to have a straightforward countdown of the three best books that I read this past year, I am too indecisive and take the interpretation of the word “best” far too seriously. From that indecision comes this list.

Instead of rating them, I chose the three books that I most enjoyed reading and described them by their best quality. Am I simply a product of the participation award generation? Maybe, but I like to think that this is a more honest and in-depth analysis of my favorite books of the year.

Most Fun:

Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave

I don’t know exactly what it was about this book, but it was all the drama and feel-goodness that I was looking for in a simple and quick read. It was one of those books that felt as entertaining as a movie. I would recommend it for anyone who is looking for something lighthearted and fun.

The Same Energy:

Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews

Most Informative:

The Island of Lost Maps by Miles Harvey

I will admit that I almost put this book down toward the beginning due to textbook reading assignment flashbacks, but I will also admit that it taught me a lot and I feel more informed and intrigued about the mysterious world of maps. If you’re looking for an easy way to learn about something new and different, this is my recommendation.

Related:

The Lost City of Z by David Grann

Most Helpful:

Post Grad by Caroline Kitchener

This book was helpful for me because I read it almost exactly one year after I graduated college. It gave me a great perspective on life after graduation and eased the paranoia that I should know what the hell I’m doing. I recommend this to anyone in college, recently graduated, or feeling down about feeling aimless.

Similar:

Women, Work, and the Art of Savoir Fair by Mireielle Guiliano

Thank you to everyone who caught this year's Redhead's Reading: Best Books of the Year review. Happy reading!