The year 2021 has been a remarkable one for books, with a diverse and exciting range of titles that have captivated readers across genres and themes. From award-winning fiction to moving memoir, from historical drama to futuristic thriller, from romance to mystery, the best-selling books of 2021 have something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a book to escape, to learn, to laugh, or to cry, you will find it among the top 10 best-selling books of 2021, based on the data from Amazon and Goodreads. These books have been praised by critics and loved by readers, and have made an impact on the literary world and beyond. In this introduction, we will explore the top 10 best-selling books of 2021, and learn more about their authors, stories, and appeal.
One of the most anticipated books of the year was The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, a debut novel that combines romance, comedy, and science. The story follows Olive Smith, a PhD student who pretends to date a handsome professor to convince her friends that she has a love life. But what starts as a fake relationship soon turns into something more, as Olive and Adam discover their mutual attraction and respect. The Love Hypothesis is a charming and witty book that celebrates the power of love and science.
Another book that captured the hearts of readers was People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, a bestselling author of contemporary romance. The book tells the story of Poppy and Alex, two best friends who have nothing in common except their annual summer trips. But after a falling out, they stop talking for two years, until Poppy decides to invite Alex for one last vacation to save their friendship. People We Meet on Vacation is a warm and funny book that explores the meaning of friendship, love, and happiness.
One of the most acclaimed books of the year was Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid, a bestselling author of historical fiction. The book is set in 1983, and follows the four Riva siblings, the children of a famous singer, who throw a legendary party at their Malibu mansion. But as the night goes on, secrets are revealed, relationships are tested, and a fire breaks out, changing their lives forever. Malibu Rising is a captivating and emotional book that examines the bonds of family, fame, and fortune.
One of the most thrilling books of the year was The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave, a bestselling author of domestic suspense. The book is about Hannah Hall, a woman whose husband disappears, leaving behind a note that says “Protect her”. Hannah soon realizes that he is referring to his teenage daughter, who hates her, and that he has been lying about his identity and past. Hannah and Bailey must work together to find out the truth, and to survive the danger that follows them. The Last Thing He Told Me is a gripping and twisty book that explores the themes of trust, loyalty, and family.
One of the most popular books of the year was A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas, a bestselling author of fantasy. The book is the fourth installment in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, and focuses on Nesta Archeron, the sister of the main heroine, Feyre. Nesta is a powerful and bitter woman, who has been traumatized by the war against the evil king. She is forced to train with Cassian, a warrior and a friend of Feyre, who challenges her and awakens her feelings. A Court of Silver Flames is a passionate and epic book that delves into the dark and light sides of magic, love, and redemption.
One of the most surprising books of the year was The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas, a debut novel that was self-published on Amazon. The book is a romantic comedy that follows Catalina, a Spanish woman who works as a scientist in New York. She needs a fake boyfriend to attend her sister’s wedding in Spain, and she convinces her annoying coworker, Aaron, to play the role. But as they pretend to be in love, they start to develop real feelings for each other. The Spanish Love Deception is a hilarious and sweet book that showcases the beauty of Spain, the charm of its culture, and the power of its love.
| Book | Author | Genre | Blurb |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Four Winds | Kristin Hannah | Historical Fiction | A sweeping saga of a family’s struggle to survive the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression in America. Elsa Martinelli must make an agonizing choice: fight for the land she loves or go west in search of a better life. |
| The Midnight Library | Matt Haig | Fantasy | Nora Seed finds herself in a library between life and death, where she can explore the books that contain the infinite possibilities of her unlived life. She must decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place. |
| The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue | V.E. Schwab | Fantasy | Addie LaRue makes a deal with the devil to live forever, but she is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. That is, until she stumbles upon a young man in a hidden bookstore who remembers her name. |
| Project Hail Mary | Andy Weir | Science Fiction | Ryland Grace wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of his mission or his crewmates. He soon discovers that he is humanity’s last hope to stop a deadly alien threat. He must rely on his scientific ingenuity and a surprising ally to save the world. |
| The Vanishing Half | Brit Bennett | Historical Fiction | The Vignes twins are identical, but after running away from their small Southern town at age sixteen, their lives diverge drastically. One sister lives with her black daughter in the same town, while the other passes for white and hides her past from her husband. Their fates intertwine over the years, as their decisions haunt them and their children. |
| The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo | Taylor Jenkins Reid | Historical Fiction | Evelyn Hugo is a glamorous Hollywood icon, who is ready to tell the truth about her life and her seven marriages. She chooses an unknown magazine reporter, Monique Grant, to write her biography. But as Evelyn’s story unfolds, Monique realizes that their lives are connected in a shocking way. |
| A Promised Land | Barack Obama | Memoir | The first volume of Barack Obama’s presidential memoirs, covering his journey from a young senator to the leader of the free world. He candidly shares his personal and political challenges, his historic campaign, and his vision for a more inclusive America. |
| The Song of Achilles | Madeline Miller | Historical Fiction | A retelling of the legend of Achilles and the Trojan War, from the perspective of his lover Patroclus. The two grow up together, and face the wrath of gods, kings, and fate. Their bond is tested by war, glory, and tragedy. |
| The Silent Patient | Alex Michaelides | Thriller | Alicia Berenson is a famous painter who shoots her husband in the face and never speaks again. Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who is determined to get her to talk. He becomes obsessed with her case, and uncovers a dark and twisted truth. |
| Where the Crawdads Sing | Delia Owens | Historical Fiction | Kya Clark is a young girl who grows up alone in the marshes of North Carolina, after being abandoned by her family. She becomes a successful naturalist and author, but also a suspect in a murder case. The story alternates between her childhood and the investigation of the crime. |
