In a year filled with challenges, books have provided us with a much-needed escape, a way to learn about different cultures and perspectives, and a source of comfort. NPR's book critics have read hundreds of books this year, and these are the ones they couldn't put down.
From heart-wrenching memoirs to laugh-out-loud comedies, from thought-provoking essays to gripping thrillers, there's something for everyone on this list. So settle in, get comfortable, and let these books transport you to other worlds.
To help you narrow down your choices, we've divided our list into categories, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and more. We've also included a few of our favorites from each category, so you can get a taste of what each has to offer.
npr best books 2021
Escape, learning, comfort.
- Heart-wrenching memoirs
- Laugh-out-loud comedies
- Thought-provoking essays
- Gripping thrillers
- Something for everyone
- Divided into categories
- Fiction, nonfiction, poetry
- Favorites from each category
- Narrow down your choices
- Transport to other worlds
With NPR's best books of 2021, you're sure to find something that will captivate and inspire you.
Heart-wrenching memoirs
Sometimes, the best way to understand our own lives is to read about the lives of others. Heart-wrenching memoirs offer us a window into the experiences of people who have faced incredible challenges and emerged stronger on the other side. These books can teach us about resilience, hope, and the power of the human spirit.
One of the most acclaimed memoirs of 2021 is In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss by Amy Bloom. Bloom writes about her 25-year relationship with her husband, Brian, who died of cancer in 2020. The book is a moving and honest account of love, loss, and grief, and it has been praised for its raw emotion and powerful storytelling.
Another powerful memoir is The Body Liberation Project: How Understanding Racism and Diet Culture Helps Cultivate Joy and Build Collective Freedom by Chrissy King. King writes about her own struggles with body image and eating disorders, and she explores the ways in which racism and diet culture intersect to harm people of color. The book is a call to action for all of us to challenge the harmful messages that we receive about our bodies, and it offers a path to healing and liberation.
Finally, Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner is a poignant and funny memoir about a young woman who loses her mother to cancer. Zauner writes about her Korean American identity, her relationship with her mother, and the ways in which food and cooking helped her to cope with her grief. The book is a celebration of life, love, and the power of family.
These are just a few of the many heart-wrenching memoirs that were published in 2021. If you're looking for a book that will move you, inspire you, and stay with you long after you finish reading it, pick up one of these memoirs.
Laugh-out-loud comedies
Laughter is one of the best medicines, and there's nothing like a good comedy to lift your spirits and make you forget about your troubles for a while. The following books are sure to have you laughing out loud.
- Wow, No Thank You.
Samantha Irby's latest collection of essays is full of her trademark wit and self-deprecating humor. She writes about everything from her love of cats to her struggles with anxiety and depression. Irby's writing is relatable and hilarious, and she has a knack for finding the funny in even the most mundane situations.
- Seven Days in June
Sarah Courteau's debut novel is a laugh-out-loud comedy about a woman who gets stuck in a time loop and has to relive the same seven days over and over again. Courteau's writing is sharp and clever, and she creates a cast of characters that are both funny and endearing. This book is perfect for fans of Groundhog Day and other time loop comedies.
- The Verifiers
Jane Pek's debut novel is a darkly funny thriller about a woman who is hired to verify the authenticity of people's online dating profiles. As she investigates her clients, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies. The Verifiers is a fast-paced and suspenseful read, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.
- The Maid
Nita Prose's debut novel is a heartwarming and hilarious story about a young woman with autism who works as a maid in a luxury hotel. Molly is a quirky and lovable character, and she has a knack for getting into all sorts of misadventures. The Maid is a feel-good novel that will leave you smiling long after you finish reading it.
These are just a few of the many laugh-out-loud comedies that were published in 2021. If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh until your sides hurt, pick up one of these comedies.
Thought-provoking essays
In a world that is increasingly divided, it's more important than ever to read essays that challenge our assumptions and help us to see the world from different perspectives. The following books are collections of essays that will make you think, question, and learn.
- In Praise of Shadows
Junichiro Tanizaki's classic work of cultural criticism explores the Japanese aesthetic of shadows and darkness. Tanizaki argues that shadows are essential for beauty and that they can create a sense of mystery and wonder. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Japanese culture or aesthetics.
- Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion
Jia Tolentino's collection of essays explores the ways in which we deceive ourselves and others. Tolentino writes about everything from social media to reality TV to the rise of the alt-right. Her essays are sharp, insightful, and often very funny.
- How to Write an Autobiographical Novel
Alexander Chee's memoir-in-essays explores the complex relationship between fiction and autobiography. Chee writes about his own life, but he also uses his experiences to explore larger themes such as identity, race, and sexuality. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in writing or in the creative process.
- Uncanny Valley: A Memoir
Anna Wiener's memoir recounts her experiences working in the tech industry in San Francisco. Wiener writes about the sexism and bro culture that she encountered, as well as the ways in which the tech industry is changing our world. This book is a fascinating and thought-provoking look at one of the most powerful industries in the world.
These are just a few of the many thought-provoking essays that were published in 2021. If you're looking for a book that will challenge your thinking and help you to see the world in a new way, pick up one of these essay collections.
Gripping thrillers
Sometimes, there's nothing better than curling up with a good thriller. These books will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
- The Plot
Jean Hanff Korelitz's latest novel is a twisty and suspenseful thriller about a struggling writer who comes up with the perfect plot for a novel. But when she starts to investigate the plot, she discovers that it may be based on a true story. The Plot is a clever and suspenseful read that will keep you guessing until the very end.
- The Last Thing He Told Me
Laura Dave's latest novel is a gripping thriller about a woman who is searching for her missing husband. As she investigates his disappearance, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies. The Last Thing He Told Me is a fast-paced and suspenseful read that will keep you guessing until the very end.
- The Push
Ashley Audrain's debut novel is a psychological thriller about a new mother who is struggling to bond with her baby. As she becomes increasingly isolated and paranoid, she begins to suspect that her baby is trying to kill her. The Push is a dark and disturbing novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
- The Hawthorne Legacy
Jennifer Lynn Barnes' latest novel is a YA thriller about a group of students who are trapped in a deadly game. As they try to escape, they uncover a dark secret about the Hawthorne School. The Hawthorne Legacy is a fast-paced and suspenseful read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
These are just a few of the many gripping thrillers that were published in 2021. If you're looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, pick up one of these thrillers.
Something for everyone
The best thing about books is that there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a heart-wrenching memoir, a laugh-out-loud comedy, a thought-provoking essay, or a gripping thriller, you're sure to find a book that you'll love on NPR's list of the best books of 2021.
If you're looking for a book that will make you think, check out one of the essay collections on our list. These books explore a wide range of topics, from the nature of beauty to the rise of the alt-right. They're sure to challenge your assumptions and help you to see the world in a new way.
If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, check out one of the comedies on our list. These books are full of humor and heart. They're perfect for a lighthearted read that will leave you feeling happy and uplifted.
If you're looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, check out one of the thrillers on our list. These books are full of suspense and intrigue. They're perfect for a rainy day or a long plane ride.
No matter what you're looking for in a book, you're sure to find it on NPR's list of the best books of 2021. So curl up with a good book and let yourself be transported to another world.
Divided into categories
To make it easier for you to find a book that you'll love, we've divided our list of the best books of 2021 into categories. These categories include:
- Fiction: This category includes novels, short stories, and other works of fiction.
- Nonfiction: This category includes memoirs, biographies, essays, and other works of nonfiction.
- Poetry: This category includes collections of poetry and verse.
- Graphic novels: This category includes graphic novels and other illustrated books.
- Young adult fiction: This category includes books that are specifically written for young adults.
- Middle grade fiction: This category includes books that are specifically written for middle school students.
- Picture books: This category includes books that are specifically written for young children.
Each category has its own unique set of books that are sure to appeal to a wide range of readers. So whether you're looking for a new novel to read, a thought-provoking essay, or a beautiful collection of poetry, you're sure to find something you'll love on our list.
We've also included a category for favorites from each category. These are the books that our critics couldn't put down. They're the books that we think everyone should read.
So browse our list of the best books of 2021 and find a book that you'll love. We guarantee that you won't be disappointed.