A 2nd Year of Books: 52 Books in 52 Weeks
/After reading over 52 books in 2020, I’m inspired to continue the same goal for 2021. I never thought I could read that many books in a year (although I do admit the pandemic did actually help me a lot since I was unable to go out and travel), but this year I’m confident that I can repeat that number. I’ve been doing a lot of research on book inspiration for the new year and I’ve been excited to start compiling my list of to- reads. However, I quickly discovered that it was so much harder this time around because I wasn’t being forced to stay home due to a world wide pandemic. Instead, reading competed with my normal hobbies and interests like traveling and dining out. I wasn’t able to read book after book week after week. Now, I had to set aside time in my schedule just to read! Somehow I got it done though- check out my list below!
The Fifth Avenue Story Society (by Rachel Hauck)- This NYC winter based novel seemed like the perfect choice to kick off this new year of reading. Ever since my December New York trip, I’ve been so nostalgic over how I use to spend cozy winters in the city. This book let me relive my glory days for a few pages! The plot follows 5 New Yorkers as they gather for a secret literary society that each was anonymously invited to and while It isn’t the best book I’ve read or the book with the most riveting story line, it is a solid read to ring in the new year in upbeat spirits. The book starts off slow, but picks up towards the end and is such a heartwarming story!
Dear Edward (by Ann Napolitano)- This book has been on my list for a while now ever since Jenna Bush Hager chose it as part of her book club, Read with Jenna. I was hesitant about picking up for weeks though because the premise of the story (a young boy who loses his entire family in a commercial plane crash as he is the sole survivor from the flight) seemed immensely sad and emotional. However, Dear Edward proved to be so inspirational and thoughtful. The book was a wealth of information on coping with unimaginable grief and insight into how a person who is dealing with intense grief reacts and survives. It is a testament to how strong humans are and the potential our lives have.
The Jetsetters (by Amanda Eyre Ward)- I started this book thinking that it was a lighthearted family about an estranged family that fixes their relationship through a once in a lifetime cruise vacation, but after really getting into it (because yes the story is very addicting!) I realized The Jetsetters was more than an innocent book about traveling. There were so many points in the story where I gasped out loud in surprise or had to wipe a tear from my eye- this book is about the strength of a family, overcoming difficulties, and mental health. I can see why Reese Witherspoon chose it for her book club!
The Flight Attendant (by Chris Bohjalian)- My book club’s first pick of the year was inspired by the new HBO show based on the book with the same name and the fact that we haven’t yet read a mystery novel. The suspense and mystery hits the reader from the beginning when the main character finds a dead body sleeping next to her within the first page of the book. As I read through the book, however, I felt like the author’s development of the character wasn’t great and often times I felt extremely frustrated at how silly or dumb she was. Maybe this was the author’s purpose? To create a heroine that readers disliked? I really wish I could have invited the author to my book club for discussion! Overall, the storyline and idea of the plot is great. However, I think the execution of said story could use some work. That ending though…. its a real shocker!
The Yellow House (by Sarah M. Broom)- As far as memoirs go, The Yellow House was well written. It vividly described the author’s life experiences before and after Katrina in New Orleans, her family’s lives in the Yellow House on Wilson Street in New Orleans East, and how her career choices and life choices were impacted by her childhood. I chose this book in honor of Black History Month and it was the perfect choice! The Yellow House is also on former President Obama’s 2019 book recommendations, which only indicates that it is a solid reading option.
The History of Love (by Nicole Krauss)- I thought this book would be perfect to read for the week leading up to Valentine’s Day because what is more fitting than a story about love? The History of Love was recommended to me by my friend, Vicky, and revolves around an older man who has extensive life stories about his time in Poland during WWII when Jews were being persecuted, his current life in New York City, his almost family, and most importantly, his loneliness. Simultaneously, there is the story of a girl named Alma whose life intertwines with the old man throughout the novel. The book is told from several of the characters’ perspectives and was confusing in the beginning. It is a slower read and tells a heartwarming story.
Concrete Rose (by Angie Thomas)- To close out February (similar to the way I started it) I wanted to read a book by an Black author in support of Black History Month. There are so many ways to support minorities and one way is by simply reading their stories and understanding their words. Last year I read Angie Thomas’ The Hate U Give and had my eyes opened. I learned so much of what it meant to be a young Black child growing up in modern day America. Thomas’ newest novel, Concrete Rose, is the prequel to The Hate U Give and is about the latter protagonist’s father when he was younger. While it doesn’t address a current events issue like The Hate U Give does, it does provide insight into the life of a young Black man and the many struggles and decisions he encounters.
Untamed (by Glennon Doyle)- Untamed was one of the most popular books of 2020 (Reese Witherspoon choose it for her book club and its received several rave reviews). The book is author, Glennon Doyle’s, most personal memoir and shares insights from her life and many personal challenges. The book is a hybrid between being a memoir and also a self help book. Several of Doyle’s personal stories lead to valid and interesting points of how to improve your life. I am always very iffy about self help books because reading them makes me feel like I’m somehow living an inadequate life and that there is something more I should be doing. So on that front, I wasn’t a big fan of Untamed. However, I did find her stories on different parts of her life (thoughts on Christianity, her divorce, her remarriage, her kids) very fascinating and on that front, I did like the book. My advice? Read Untamed for yourself and decide on your own!
Sex and Vanity (by Kevin Kwan)- February also marks Chinese New Year and the beginning of a fresh start in Asian culture. I thought it would be fitting to read a book written by an Asian author to share about Asian culture. Kevin Kwan is the author of the famous Crazy Rich Asians series and just came out with a new novel in 2020, Sex and Vanity. Sex and Vanity is your typical chick flick and is written in classic Crazy Rich Asian format with tons of prestigious references and hilarious footnotes ad of course, plenty of rich people. However, Sex and Vanity also addresses the self identification issue that many hapas (mixed asians) deal with everyday as a result of being caught between two cultures. It was a refreshing book from the serious memoirs I’ve been reading recently.
Hidden Valley Road (by Robert Kolker)- Oprah only adds a few books to her Book Club reads every year so anytime a book is added I have extremely high expectations of it. Hidden Valley Road, along with American Dirt (which I read last year), were chosen for her 2020 Book Club. Then, at the end of 2020, Barack Obama included the book as part of his “Best of 2020” lists so my expectations went even higher. It was a truly fascinating read that delved into how the lives of the 6 mentally ill brothers were impacted as well as how the remaining 6 siblings fare throughout all their family’s medical issues. Dispersed throughout the book are also stories of the scientists and medical professionals who interacted with the family. Parts of the book were too technical for my taste, but overall the book was pretty interesting.
The Cousins (by Karen McManus)- I have loved every single one of Karen McManus’ mystery novels and could not wait to read her latest story about a group of estranged cousins who have never met each other but come together to spend a summer with their mysterious grandmother. I don’t want to say more and give anything away, but this book is no different from McManus’ other books in that the ending is always a shocker!
You Have A Match (by Emma Lord)- Suggested by both Zoe Sugg and Reese Witherspoon, You Have A Match has made a splash on the young adult literary world in 2021. The book was inspired by the genetics testing product, 23andMe that has truly revolutionized the world. While I definitely felt slightly too old to be reading this book (it is perfect for someone in high school though!), it was an easy escape and a quick read that took my mind off life and kept me from binging Netflix shows for a few hours.
Small Great Things (by Jodi Picoult)- I have to say, I was hesitant about reading a Jodi Picoult book because they are always SO sad. But my book club chose Small Great Things for our March read so I decided to give it a go. Small Great Things is so relevant for the current times in that it discusses important topics like racism and discrimination and the consequences of those actions. The book was so addicting- I was so invested in Ruth’s fight against white supremacy and couldn’t wait throughout the entire book to find out the final answer. With Jodi Picoult as the author, you can honestly never tell which way the ending will go.
Group: How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life (by Christie Tate)- I have been reading so many memoirs and nonfictions lately, that I’m getting a little burned out! But Group was suggested by Reese Witherspoon and has a fascinating topic (the power of group therapy) so I thought I would check it out and make it my last memoir for a while. It was the most interesting read I’ve come across in a while- I had never really known what group therapy entailed prior to opening this book and the book’s contents not only educated me on the matter but turned me into a believer. Group therapy made such an impact on the author’s life- she states multiple times throughout the book that it in fact saved her life- that I’m curious to try it out for myself now. I love how books like these truly exemplify the magic of reading and how it can open up a whole new world.
The Midnight Library (by Matt Haig)- My book club’s April pick was Matt Haig (mental health champion author)’s latest novel and although I had never read anything written by Haig, I had come across many of his quotes and books across social media. The Midnight Library explores the concept of regrets and what if’s and comes to the conclusion that while there will always be regret in a person’s life, the most important thing is living that life and moving forward. The book really resonated with me because I’ve thought multiple times throughout my life how things could be different if I just chose a different path when making important decisions. And who doesn’t encounter thoughts like that?
Friends and Strangers (by J. Courtney Sullivan)- Friends and Strangers was part of the Read with Jenna (Good Morning America) book club and I have to say that I’m not really feeling her vibe in books anymore. I wasn’t sure what the purpose of this book was. The plot revolves around the relationship between a middle aged first time mother, Elisabeth, and her college aged babysitter, Samantha. The story is told from both characters’ point of views in alternating chapters. However, for a good half the book, the story was very high level and took forever to introduce the characters to each other. I felt like the author was taking her time to provide backstory on both women, but to me, it was just a slow moving book.
28 Summers (by Elin Hilderbrand)- I have been waiting patiently to read 28 Summers for almost a year because that’s how long it took to get the book from my local public library! I started out as #231 on the waitlist! But the book was worth the wait. 28 Summers tells the story of Mallory Blessing’s life, specifically her love life, over the course of (obviously) 28 summers. I thought the book was utterly romantic and somehow nostalgic (?), but not in the usual rom com way. I highly recommend checking it out because that waitlist isn’t long for a reason!
This Time Next Year (by Sophie Cousens)- I haven’t read a cute romance story in a while and loved This Time Next Year. Highly recommend if you’re looking for something fun and lighthearted to read to get your mind off real life!
The Charmed Wife (by Olga Grushin)- Written by a Russian American author (yay for diverse readings!), The Charmed Wife is a unique and wildly imaginative story about what happens to Cinderella after her marriage to Prince Charming. I love fairy tales and while The Charmed Wife proved to be the ultimate un-fairytale, I still loved that I went along for the ride!
Tokyo Ever After (by Emiko Jean)- Ever since I watched The Princess Diaries as a kid, I’ve been slightly obsessed with the idea that literally anyone could be a secret long lost princess of some foreign land. While that dream never came true for me (very sadly), I love that Emiko Jean made it come true for another Asian American (albeit a fictional one). Tokyo Ever After tells the story of a Japanese American girl who discovers that her father (whom she has actually never met) is actually the first born son of the current King of Japan. Before she knows it, the main character is thrust into the Japanese royal life and deals with growing up, love, betrayal, and friendship. This book isn’t meant to be a serious matter, but instead provided me with a few hours of fun and laughter.
Crying in HMart (by Michelle Zauner)- Every single Asian American child of immigrants can relate to Michelle’s memoir, Crying in HMart. Her writing is so poignant and her story so relatable that I started crying on page 8 all the way to the end of the book (the title is definitely very fitting). On top of that, her story isn’t just about the immigrant lifestyle in America and the concept that it can be so hard to be torn between two worlds, never fitting in fully in either one; but its also about the love between a mother and a daughter and the trauma of cancer and grief. I was taken on so many emotional roller coasters throughout Crying in Hmart, which makes it one of the best reads of 2021 for me,
Shine (by Jessica Jung)- Ever since high school I have loved Kpop- the catchy songs and the addictive dances are all so fascinating! Jessica Jung belonged to one of my favorite OG Kpop groups- Girls Generation and while she has since left the group (due to “creative differences”) she will always remain a beloved icon of Kpop. Her debut novel, Shine, is a fictionalized version of what real Kpop trainees encounter while preparing to debut into the Kpop world. There are crazy rules (no dating! don’t gain a single pound!) and strict training schedules, but there’s also so much drama and determination. Shine is such a fun book and perfect for the ultimate relaxing night at home.
White Ivy (by Susie Yang)- I’ve been reading so many books written by Asian authors this year because that’s really where my interests have been lying and I have had White Ivy on my list since the beginning. Its the usual take on Asian Americans fitting into the American life, but sides more with the idea of becoming “white washed” and instead of embracing the typical immigrant story, Yang navigates the world of becoming a “white” Asian and fitting in with other Caucasians while maintaining an Asian heritage (a delicate balance I have also struggled with in the past). The ending was honestly shocking and not where I saw this story about an Asian American girl going AT ALL, but just makes this book even more fascinating and non-traditional.
American Panda (by Gloria Chao)- I wanted a sweet lighthearted book to read prior to leaving on vacation so I picked up this story about a Taiwanese American girl who grew up under the watchful eye of strict immigrant parents. While there were several parts of the book I could not relate to (my parents just weren’t the typical strict Asian parents I guess!), I still appreciated the underlying theme that children of immigrants had to work even harder to “repay” their parents sacrifice in journeying to a new country. I’m glad that by reading this book I was able to support another Asian author!
A Stranger in the House (by Shari Lapena)- This mystery/thriller leads the reader on a journey of suspense and intrigue about a seemingly happily married couple, Karen and Tom, and goes into all the different secrets couples can keep from each other. The ending is shocking (as is all Shari Lapena novels) and you won’t want to miss it!
Deadly Inside Scoop (by Abby Collette)- Not the best written book, but still an entertaining easy read! The plot follows an African American ice cream shop owner who encounters a murder right outside her shop and who embarks on an investigation to find the culprit. While the plot sounded very interesting to me and was what made me pick up the book in the first place, I felt that the writing was actually relatively boring and didn’t do a great job conveying the suspense or “murder mystery” type story line.
The Bone Code (by Kathy Reichs)- For many years now I’ve loved the show, Bones, and how mysteries are solved simply through examining well, bones. Its so fascinating how so much detail and information can be derived from the human skeleton that supports our bodies. For some reason, I’ve never read the books that inspired the show so I decided one day to just go for it. I’m not a big fan of Reichs writing, mainly because she would have cliffhangers at the end of each chapter, only to not resolve the suspense at the beginning of the next chapter. It was honestly a little confusing!
Greenlights (by Matthew McConaughey)- I never considered listening to Matthew McConaughey’s memoir (because other than being from my alma mater, UT Austin, I wasn’t really a big fan), but when a friend raved about it I decided to give the audiobook a go during my 4 hour drive to Dallas. And boy was I shocked! First, hearing McConaughey’s easygoing and distinctive voice telling me about his life story and life lessons was amazing. I loved his Australian accent during the story of his study abroad experience! Second, I learned so many crazy wonderful things about him that I didn’t know about before and now I can’t wait to see some of his movies.
Re Jane (by Patricia Park)- Continuing my streak of supporting Asian American authors by reading this modern day twist on the story of Jane Eyre by Korean American, Patricia Park. Although its been a while since I’ve read Jane Eyre so I can’t really say if Re Jane was a similar story or not…. I still enjoyed reading about the coming of age story about Jane Re as she understands herself through living in Brooklyn, Seoul, and back to her native Queens.
Shadow and Bone (by Leigh Bardugo)- Our book club’s September pick was a fantasy novel, a genre I haven’t really dived into yet, so I definitely had my reservations prior to reading. Shadow and Bone is a popular trilogy that has now been turned into an equally popular Netflix tv show (with very attractive actors). While it was a bit difficult at first to figure out the fantasy world the author had created for the story, I actually enjoyed the narrative (although I don’t think I’ll continue reading the other books in the trilogy) and by the end of the book, I felt like I had a grasp on the Grishaverse.
Anxious People (by Fredrik Backman)- Wow, Anxious People was so amazing and so relatable and so touching. I see why it is a New York Times Bestseller! I throughly enjoyed reading about a group of strangers who become better people by opening up to each other and understanding where the others are coming from. All during an afternoon of being held hostage by a fake bank robber (you’ll have to read the book to get it!).
Beach Read (by Emily Henry)- Beach Read was such a fun lighthearted read (that would obviously have been ten times better had I read it on the beach) and I loved the cute romance story between two authors who initially met in college literature class, only to reunite later as neighbors on the beach.
The Silent Patient (by Alex Michaelides)- My book club picked this thriller for our October read and I couldn’t be happier because I love mystery and suspense. The Silent Patient is written by a first time author, Alex Michaelides, who has written screen plays for some big time movies. While the writing is simple (aka easy to understand), I think the plot was developed well and the ending was such a surprise!
The Forest of Vanishing Stars (by Kristin Harmel)- My pre ordered brand new Kindle is finally here! Over are the days where I have to drive 15 minutes in the hot Texas sun to pick up my physical books from the West University Library. Here come the days of ebooks and traveling light! And to celebrate I borrowed an ebook so that I could use my Kindle on its very first day in my home. My library has 7 day specials occasionally where readers can borrow popular books for 7 days without waiting on the waitlist and The Forest of Vanishing Stars sounded intriguing so I thought I would give it a read. It is a historical fiction novel about a group of Jewish people who escape and survive in the forests of Poland during the Holocaust. As with any book about the Holocaust, I was extremely emotional throughout the entire story, but this book is worth the read. The words are so powerful and beautiful and the characters are a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
The Party Crasher (by Sophie Kinsella)- A juicy fun Sophie Kinsella book is always the remedy for a long day of boring old work day and I haven’t indulged myself in one of her stories in so long, I felt like it was time again. Get ready for tons of laughs (and tugs on your heartstrings)!
The Lost Apothecary (by Sarah Penner)- Named as one of the most anticipated books of 2021, The Lost Apothecary involves 2 women (one from the 1700s and one from present day) who tell their stories side by side throughout the novel. Its a bit of suspense and mystery all led by two great female leads.
Big Summer (by Jennifer Weiner)- The cutest book about a plus size girl who is navigating through life as an influencer and reconnecting with an old frenemy. The story makes you feel good about yourself, but at the same time acknowledging the fact that self image issues can pop up at any time. And a real bonus was that the plot actually ended up including a mini mystery (which I loved)!
The Wangs vs. the World (by Jade Chang)- I really wanted to like this book because it was written by a fellow Asian American, but honestly the plot was very confusing and dry and I had no idea where the story was going. The tagline stated that it was about a wealthy Asian American family (a dad, stepmom, and 3 siblings) who lose their wealth suddenly and are forced to discover their identities as individuals and as a family. From that, I was initially interested, but the actual plot was all over the place- from looking for long lost land in China to a cross country road trip from LA to New York.
Fault Lines (by Emily Itami)- A brief peak into the world of a Japanese woman who seemingly appears to have the perfect life, but is in fact extremely unsatisfied with her life. Even though the story doesn’t go major places and doesn’t have tons of highs or lows, I oddly still enjoyed reading about Mizuki’s life in Tokyo and her continued insight into the way her life is going.
Five Total Strangers (by Natalie Richards)- Originally, I thought this thriller would have a very complicated backstory and conclusion with 5 different strangers having 5 different major secrets and drama. However, in the end the this thriller mainly revolves around its main character, Mira, and its ending is somewhat predictable. This is a very simple mystery!
The Dressmakers of Auschwitz (by Lucy Adlington)- This is the second book I’ve read this year on the Holocaust and the tragedies that occurred in Europe during this time. However, while my first book was a work of fiction, The Dressmakers of Auschwitz is about the true story of several women from various backgrounds (Jewish, political prisoners, etc…) who literally sewed for their lives while being imprisoned in the infamous concentration camp, Auschwitz. The author told the stories of these dressmakers, who worked in the Upper Tailor Studio making clothing for SS wives, in a way that highlighted these womens’ bond with each other and how the bond of being prisoners helped them to survive the darkest days of their lives. I had never heard of their stories before and appreciated the opportunity to be educated on their survival stories.
Bossypants (by Tina Fey)- You probably know by now that I love listening to celebrity memoirs being read by the celebrity herself. I especially love comedian memoirs because they are always hilarious and full of funny anecdotes. I don’t know why I never listened to Tina Fey’s 2011 book when she is literally the queen of comedy, but I’m glad I finally did!
The Shining (by Stephen King)- My book club is on a mission to try books from various genres, including ones that wouldn’t normally be our first choice. I have never read a horror book before (and for good reason: I’m easily scared!), but since Stephen King is such a renowned author, I felt that this choice would be a great one. King’s writing is very detailed and sophisticated and The Shining is definitely very well written. The suspense and action (and gore) is there! I haven’t been converted into a horror novel lover, but The Shining was a great entryway into the genre.
Next Year in Havana (by Chanel Cleeton)- I’ve been wanting to read this Reese Witherspoon recommended novel for a long time now and finally downloaded it on my Kindle to read while traveling to and from Memphis on one of my last trips of the year. What I initially thought was just a romance novel (which was there for sure!), turned out to be so much more than that. I learned so much about Cuba’s history and my eyes were open about the struggles than Cubans faced whether they stayed in their homeland or made the decision to migrate to the US. I love how we can explore the world through books and its one of the reasons that has made me fallen back in love with reading!
People We Meet on Vacation (by Emily Henry)- I loved Beach Read and couldn’t wait to pick up the latest Emily Henry rom com novel. This one didn’t disappoint! The whole book is basically an homage to the movie, When Harry met Sally, and centers around 2 best friends who find their way back to each other and figure out their lives in the way that happily ever afters can only exist in books.
A Slow Fire Burning (by Paula Hawkins)- If you’ve read the book Girl on the Train, you’re familiar with its popular author Paula Hawkins and you’re familiar with the thrillers she churns out. A Slow Fire Burning is no different and offers up an intricate mystery that starts off with a murdered body in a houseboat and a whole slew of possible suspects with all sorts of personal stories. Its a great suspense novel and one that I recommend!
The Paper Palace (by Miranda Heller)- Google recommended this book to me and I can definitely see why- the story is up my alley! I love stories about love and relationships. Paper Palace is about a woman’s decision between her long time husband who has been by her side and created a family with her and her equally long time best friend who has been the keeper of her secrets over her lifetime.
The Love Hypothesis (by Ali Hazelwood)- I fell in love with this book and all of its quirky cute characters immediately upon reading. I loved the author’s idea of a science related romance and all the troubles the couple went through to get their happy ending. I love books like The Love Hypothesis for their light hearted approach to reading and can’t wait to read more books like it in 2022.
The Holiday Swap (by Maggie Knox)- The perfect Christmas book! The Holiday Swap is about two identical twins who switch places right before the holidays and find themselves in mischievous adventures and undergo life changes along the way. It reminded me of The Parent Trap (one of the all time best movies ever) and had me feeling so happy after reading.
The Girl with the Louding Voice (by Abi Dare)- This book opened my eyes to the unfair treatment of girls in Nigeria. I had only vaguely heard about the struggles girls go through for education in that country, but the author’s words (which are based on a true story) helped me understand that underprivileged Nigerian girls basically face the impossible when it comes to education and rights. After reading this book, I felt so fortunate to have grown up in a country where education is pretty much a given and something I will never take for granted again.
The Last Thing He Told Me (by Laura Dave)- Any book recommended by Reese Witherspoon is guaranteed to be a hit so I saved the best for last and loved every second of reading this thriller. The premise of the book resides on a man who disappears (for a variety of reasons) and leaves behind his wife and daughter to pick up the pieces, figure out the mystery, and continue living. I felt that it was a perfect 2021 read because this entire year has been full of confusion and uncertainty, but everyone has gathered their strength and continued living in these trying times.
That Summer (by Jennifer Weiner)- I had originally intended The Last Thing He Told Me to be my last read of 2021, however, I miscounted and discovered I was 1 book short with only 3 days left to spare. So I checked out what I thought would be a solid easy read by Jennifer Weiner (this is the second book I’ve read by this author this year) and blasted through the novel. But what I gained from the novel was so much more than easy- the book is based on the story of a girl who is raped by a guy when she is young and tells the perspectives from many other characters who later on become involved. I found the plot fascinating and eye opening.
Final Thoughts- I’m honestly shocked I’ve been able to read 52 books this year, although it was a struggle and not as easy as 2020 was, but I powered through (getting the Kindle as a gift really helped so thanks mom!) and soaked in so many stories this year. I can’t wait to see what books 2022 brings!
