The Many Books I Read in 2021

I felt like I read more than normal this year. One of my theories is that I now have a 20-minute carpool commute. The legs of the trip in which I have no kids in the car give me a considerable amount of time to listen to audiobooks which was my medium of choice for 90% of these books. I also love listening to books when I’m alone on a walk for exercise. Let me introduce you to them…

Redhead by the Side of the Road, Anne Tyler (fiction)

I found a real love for the way Anne Tyler describes everyday life and I knew nothing about the book as I started it. It turned out to be nothing of what I thought it would be based on the title. I found myself wanting to keep coming back to it. I will be reading more Anne Tyler books for sure.

One of my favorite parts was the family dinner party. I thought the author did a great job of making that scene very realistic. I was crazy about his sisters. I was left wanting at the end but still a good read. 

Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food, Lysa TerKeurst (non-fiction)

I found this book to be practical and encouraging. A great read at the beginning of the year, especially after a year like 2020 with all the bread-making, afternoon sweet snacks, and overall stress eating. I felt as if this book was a loving friend walking beside me cheering for me and struggling through the journey of trying to lose some extra pounds.

Reset: 20 Ways to a Consistent Prayer Life, Bob Sorge (non-fiction)

If you’re looking for a book to renew your prayer life this is a great place to start. The book is set up as a 20 day devotional with guidance, stories, scripture, space for questions and reflection plus a guided prayer. This book will constantly move you toward prayer day by day with challenges and encouragement with a mentor guiding the way.

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones, James Clear (non-fiction)

Tiny changes can produce huge long-term results. I enjoyed the true stories shared in this book. It left me hopeful for change and made me rethink my current systems instead of focusing solely on the habit. If you are looking to make a change in your life I would say this is a good book to read.

The Finnish Way: Finding Courage, Wellness, and Happiness Through the Power of Sisu, Katja Pantzar (non-fiction)

I’m a sucker for anything Norwegian and this book really delivered. On a side note, I follow a YouTuber Diane in Denmark who helps feed this obsession. This book, The Finnish Way, brought together so many things I relate with, enjoy, and aspire to do based on the traditions of the people of Finland. If you have followed Explore and Thrive for long you’ll know how much I love different cultures, learning from them, tasting their foods, and visiting their lands. I found this book practical and interesting. I especially enjoyed the focus on outdoor living and health. The virtue of sisu (determination and courage to thrive through tough times) is something very relatable during this pandemic.

Redeeming Love, Francine Rivers (fiction)*

This is a must-read. It’s a historical Christian romance set in California during the gold rush. It’s overflowing with love and redemption. I wish I would have read it earlier in my life. If you have not read it, get it, start now, you’ll be so glad you did. Note: Parts of this book were graphic and were difficult for me to read.

The Hate U Give, Angie Thomas (fiction)*

I found this book to bring a clear message about racism in our culture through the eyes of a black high school girl, Starr. The characters help generate compassion and more understanding for what so many people in our country endure. I am thankful for the journey into Garden Heights. Note: This book uses strong language and contains scenes with violence.

Charlotte’s Web, E. B. White (children’s fiction)

I read this book aloud to my boys. We looked forward to each chapter. The lovable farm characters are sure to win your heart. This is a classic I would not pass up. We read it in spring which made it extra special.

Forgiving What You Can’t Forget – Audio Bible Study, Lysa TerKeurst (non-fiction)

The title of this Bible study really says it all. It’s practical steps to forgive and move forward from hurts and pains. I listened to this audio Bible study on a road trip. I’ve never listened to a Bible study before but I really enjoyed it. Each session is around 20 minutes just enough time to fit it into your morning commute!

Eat a Peach, David Chang (memoir)*

Chef memoirs are becoming one of my favorite genres. I’ve been a fan of David Chang for a long time so I thoroughly enjoyed hearing his story. He’s Korean American and has such a skill to create mouth-watering Asian dishes in the kitchen. He brought the laughs, tears, and an up-close view of restaurant ownership. When we went to New York this past November we got to dine at Momofuku Noodle Bar. It was a bucket list item and it didn’t disappoint. It was made even better by sharing the experience with Brent’s sister, Meagan, and her husband John.

Disciple Her: Using the Word, Work, & Wonder of God to Invest in Women, Kandi Gallaty (non-fiction)

If you’re looking for a book to help yourself or other women get on track to following God I would recommend this book. It’s the best book I’ve read on how to start and lead a weekly discipleship group. Kandi Gallaty, the author, shares so many personal stories that are relatable. She understands our busy lives but also sees a way to include God, His Word, and others in our weekly schedule.

Delicious!, Ruth Reichl (fiction)*

Here we are again with another book about food, this time it’s a novel. Ruth Reichl with her background as a food critic and last editor-in-chief of Gourmet magazine brings this novel to life. It’s set in New York with a quirky cast of characters. I found it to be a most enjoyable read.

The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter, Margareta Magnusson (non-fiction)

I know the title seems morbid but it’s actually a very helpful book. If you’ve ever had to go through someone’s things after they’ve passed away you can understand this dilemma. Written by an 80-100 (her words) year old Swedish woman. So many tips and ideas on how to truly think differently and clear the clutter. The author, Margareta Magnusson, is an artist so the book is full of her line drawings. I’m glad I spent time on this helpful read.

Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverted Kids, Susan Cain, Gregory Mone, and Erica Moroz (non-fiction)

My eyes were opened to the complex and beautiful lives of introverts. I learned more about myself, my spouse, and my kids. I highly recommend this book to anyone, introverts or extroverts, who is curious to learn more about themselves and the people around them. I’m able to have more understanding and empathy in my parenting because I read this book.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, J.K. Rowling (children’s fiction)

I read this book in October which seems like the right time to read a Harry Potter book. I mostly read this because Grant ask me to and because we dressed up as Harry Potter characters for Halloween. I wanted to make sure I understood the characters enough to rightly represent them. Sadly, I’m not a big Harry Potter fan but I do appreciate the books because I see how much my son loves them.

History of the World in 6 Glasses, Tom Standage (non-fiction)*

I truly found this book fascinating. Although it was a bit drawn out in parts, the way six different drinks played such a huge role in history captivated me. Learning the origin of coffee, something I drink daily, was actually entertaining. If you enjoy history and any of the 6 drinks, “beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, and Coca-Cola,” this book might be for you. I don’t drink alcohol but I still found the origin and history very interesting. This is another example of a compelling way to learn history without textbooks.

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World, John Mark Comer (non-fiction)

This was a top book for me in 2021. John Mark Comer slows things down by showing a refreshing example of how to live life with God in this ‘always on’ culture. So much of this book spoke to my heart and desires. Coming from a very low season this book was just what I needed to set a new pace for my life and family. I can’t wait to steal the idea of baking a huge chocolate chip cookie in a cast-iron skillet, dumping ice cream on top while it’s still warm, and sharing it with my family on Sabbath. I highly recommend this book.

The Emotionally Healthy Woman: Eight Things You Have to Quit to Change Your Life, Geri Scazzero with Peter Scazzero (non-fiction)

This is also a top book for me in 2021. It’s so powerful and helpful. Since I struggle with my mental health I’m always looking for resources to help me grow. This book has been extremely helpful. I read most of this book in 2021 but finished the last chapter in 2022. I had to include it in this list because I can’t wait an entire year before I tell you about it. That’s how important it is. The audio version is excellent. If you are struggling with your emotional health I think this book is a great resource to help you on your journey.

Christmas on the Island, Jenny Colgan (fiction)*

Set on the fictitious Scottish Island Mure, this was a festive escape. I think this was my first book by Jenny Colgan. I picked it because I wanted a Christmas-themed book set in Scottland. I enjoyed it mostly (I could have lived without the detailed love scene) but otherwise, it delivered on small-town life, complex modern relationships, and homemade Lanark Blue scones available at the Little Beach Street Bakery. Note: There’s a same-sex relationship between two supporting characters.

Return to Virgin River, Robyn Carr (fiction)*

This was another blind pick for a novel set during Christmas. This book took me back to the breathtaking beauty of California. I was introduced to interesting characters and started to feel at home in Virgin River. The fact that it’s a Netflix show also intrigued me although I’ve never seen the show. This book is part of a series and this is the only book I’ve read in the series. I liked it and would be interested in the other books. Has anyone seen the Netflix show? Note: Only the Kindle and Audio versions of the book are available on Amazon at this time.

The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding, Agatha Christie (fiction)

My first Hercule Poirot Mystery! A short story set at Christmastime during a proper English country Christmas. A full house of guests and servants intertwine as the mystery of the royal ruby is discovered. I listened to this while waiting to pick up kids from school. A fun little listen that truly was a treat.

What are you currently reading, please share. I’m always looking for my next book.

*Contains scenes with strong language, sexual and/or violent content. I try to skip over those passages. Besides the few passages that contain this content, I think these are great books.

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If you purchase from a link on this blog a small percentage of the sale may come back to me. You are never charged more for the product. It’s a way to keep this site going and I’m very selective about the things I list. It’s mostly things we already own and love or things I think you would enjoy. Thank you for reading!