I’ve come to love sitting down at the beginning of a new year and taking in my past year in books. This year was a wild one – I surpassed my goal with help from the pandemic bell curve totalling 66 books. In a tumultuous year filled with uncertainty, reading was something I could always find solace and a sense of feeling grounded by. Each book brought me a lot of feelings. Some made me cry, sob actually, some made me giggle, some brought joy, others inspiration, and some made me think differently about the world we live in.
This past year, I made a cognizant effort to read books by authors of colour, both fiction and non-fiction. I felt that it was important for me to see the world through lenses different than my own. Reading Jordan Peterson’s, 12 Rules for Life, was with the intention of trying to see other points of view. That one was a ride.
I felt a deep sense of fulfillment hearing friends and family share their good reads with me. Telling me about the books they read and loved or their pride in spending more time reading this year. Thanks for doing that. Sixty doesn’t have to be the goal – accomplishing book goals of 5 or 10 or 20 should be celebrated equally.
While it always seems near impossible to choose only five favourites, here are some you should add to your list:
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
This profoundly moving book became one of my all-time favourites. I literally need to read it again now. It’s a memoir written by a neurosurgical resident who is diagnosed with terminal cancer and is struggling to find an answer to the meaning of life. Kalanithi grew up with a deep love for literature and an inquisitive mind, both of which permeate through each page.
Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty
It’s Jay Shetty, need I say more? Check out one of his podcasts or viral videos if the answer was yes. Written more like a story teller and less like a how-to, Think Like a Monk is a simplified book dedicated to living a less anxious and more meaningful life. One with more stillness and self-awareness. With lessons Shetty learned from his time as a monk, this book was really inspiring and dare I say, necessary?
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
This one was chosen for our virtual book club and I’m so glad it was. Described by goodreads as “Teeming with life and crackling with energy — a love song to modern Britain and black womanhood.” This book is written without punctuation and almost as a compilation of short stories, but the lives of each of the characters are wonderfully intertwined. I’m still celebrating it.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
I’m potentially too obsessed with thrillers and the ending to this one in particular is truly incredible. The book is about a criminal psychotherapist and a woman who refuses to speak another word after shooting her husband five times. Pick it up and just try to put it down.
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
Chanel Miller at it again! Just kidding, this is her debut. Once known as Emily Doe in Brock Turner’s highly publicized sexual assault case, Miller reclaims her identity with a compelling and courageous memoir. This book is beautifully written, weaving pain, suffering, resilience, and humour together with a vivid depiction of living with and working through trauma.
“Reading is the gateway skill that makes all other learning possible.” – Barack Obama
I attached a picture of all the books I read this year – with all my favourites (32/66) highlighted in pink. There really were too many good ones to choose from. Zoom in for a good time.
Please, tell me the books you love. Share with me your favourites. Guide me to some more good reads in 2021.
Sara
