How was this year reading-wise for you?
For me, the book year began in an unusual but satisfactory manner. I set myself a goal of reading 52 books. I had quite a good start. For a few months, I read 1 book a week. Then university took all of my time, and I hit a big reading slump so I only read 13 books. I am a little bit disappointed, but I read some amazing books. I'm not going to beat myself too much. Here are the top 5 books I read in 2021 and recommend for everyone to pick up.
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1. The Why Cafe by John Strelecky
The Why Cafe is the last book I read this year and it quickly became my favorite one. The whole storyline is so captivating and makes you reflect on your life. John is a man in a hurry, working in a small café in a distant place that stands in the midst of nowhere. John, who merely wanted to refuel before continuing on his journey, discovers sustenance of a different kind: in addition to the daily specialties, the menu includes three questions that all diners are urged to consider: Why are you here? Do you have a fear of dying? Are you satisfied with your life?
John begins on a journey for answers with the help of three people he meets at the cafe, which metaphorically takes him from the executive suites of the advertising industry to the waves of Hawaii's coastline. He learns a new perspective on his life and relationships along the road. The Why Cafe will cause readers, both young and free and older and entrenched, to reconsider their success criteria.
2. The Witch Of Portabello by Paulo Coelho
This is a book I read at the beginning of the year. It is also the first book by Paulo Coelho I ever read. Before reading this book, I heard so many amazing things about his books and his writings. How do we get the strength to be true to ourselves at all times, even when we aren't sure who we are? The Witch of Portobello, by international bestselling novelist Paulo Coelho, explores this core subject. It's the account of a mystery woman named Athena, as told by those who knew her well—or not at all. The Witch of Portobello, like The Alchemist, is the kind of narrative that will change the way readers think about love, passion, joy, and sacrifice.
3. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
I remember that I just couldn't put Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine down once I started reading it. Eleanor Oliphant has figured out how to survive, but she hasn't figured out how to live. Her life is basic. She goes to work in the same clothes every day, eats the same lunch deal every day, and buys the same two bottles of vodka every weekend. Eleanor Oliphant is in a good mood. Nothing is missing from her meticulously planned schedule.
Unless, of course, everything. Eleanor's fortifications are about to be shattered by a simple gesture of kindness. Now she must figure out how to navigate a world that everyone else seems to take for granted, while also finding the fortitude to confront the dark corners she's avoided her whole existence. Change can be beneficial. Change can be detrimental. But surely any change is preferable to... okay?
4. The Unaborted Socrates by Peter Kreeft
As a philosophy student, I always liked to get more knowledge on topics that are "taboo" and that often people had very different opinions about. Mostly opinions that were not backed up by facts. The Unaborted Socrates is a book I recommend to anyone who wants to gain more knowledge or a different perspective about abortion. This book is very short and easy to read. Is it a woman's right to have an abortion? When does life begin for humans? Is it possible to legislate morality?
What would happen if the ancient Socrates appeared in modern-day Athens? Peter Kreeft imagines a debate between three qualified opponents, a doctor, a philosopher, and a psychologist—over the issues surrounding abortion. Kreeft uses the Socratic method to get through the emotive difficulties and get to the heart of the rational arguments against abortion. As Socrates questions the customary rhetoric and intensity of today's discussion, logic and wit collide.
5. Good Me, Bad Me by Ali Land
This book was a big surprise for me as I usually don't read psychological thrillers. Since I started reading Good Me, Bad Me I couldn't stop. Every chapter ended at the cliffhanger and I needed to know what happened next. Annie aspires for a fresh start in life when she passes her mother over to the cops, but can we truly escape our past? Annie's mother has a history of being a serial killer.
The only way Annie can put an end to it is to turn herself into the cops. She dreams of a new beginning with a new foster family and a new name, Milly. She may now, without a doubt, be anyone she wants to be. Milly's past secrets are keeping her awake as her mother's trial approaches. Milly's mother is a serial killer, after all. Blood is also thicker than water.
Have you read any of these books?
What was your favorite read of 2021?
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