Top Books 2021: The Most Highly Ranked and Widely Read Books on Goodreads This Year

(4.34 stars average; 234,844 ratings)

Prolific historical fiction writer Hannah has another hit with this story set in Texas in 1934. Despite the dire circumstances of the dreariest era of the Great Depression, protagonist Elsa Martinella’s narrative is both an epic love story and an empowering tale of heroism as she makes her way in a dangerous, dark time with courage and heart.

(4.25 stars average; 29,170 ratings)

The third book in Hibbert’s contemporary romance series about the Brown sisters, this novel stars the youngest sister, Eve, a “certified hot mess” who has never managed to stick to any of the careers she has tried. Enter Jacob, a by-the-books autistic B&B owner who needs a cook. When Eve impulsively interviews for the job — and then accidentally hits Jacob with her car — neither one is expecting that they will fall in love as they are thrown into working (and living) together.

(4.36 stars average; 10,350 ratings)

This biography traces the life of scientist Jennifer Doudna, who grew up in an era when women weren’t supposed to become scientists. She eventually invented an easy-to-use tool that can edit DNA, called CRISPR. This discovery opens up a host of scientific, medical, and ethical questions: from uses for creating coronavirus vaccines to the possibility of parents being able to enhance their children’s IQs before birth.

(4.44 stars average; 18,420 ratings)

Jaouad’s unique memoir is about long-term illness, recovery, and self-discovery. In her early 20s, on the precipice of starting her adult life, she was diagnosed with leukemia with a 35% chance of survival. She spends the next four years in the hospital with her only goal of survival. But after having been declared “cured,” she finds out that she has no idea what to do next.

(4.27 stars average; 20,761 ratings)

The third book in Jimenez’s Friend Zone contemporary romance series features an opposites attract couple. Vanessa is a determined global traveler who doesn’t want to be tied down; after all, neither her mother or sister made it past the age of 30 so she has to make the most of her life while she can. Then her half sister suddenly leaves Vanessa in charge of an infant and Vanessa receives unexpected help from her lawyer neighbor, who she might just be falling in love with.

 (4.35 stars average; 12,864 ratings)

This powerful historical novel follows the story of Pheby Brown, an enslaved woman who was promised freedom on her 18^th birthday. Instead, however, she finds herself in the harrowing situation of trying to survive in Virginia’s most infamous slave jail. She must find a way to free herself while being forced to become the mistress of the jail’s brutal owner.

(4.6 stars average; 11,335 ratings)

This biography focuses on three generations of the Sackler family, famous for being one of the richest families in the world. They are also well known for extravagant donations to the arts and humanities, with their names adorning the walls of some of the world’s most well-known museums, galleries, and universities. The mysterious source of their wealth? Making and marketing OxyContin, the catalyst for the opioid crisis.

(4.39 stars average; 160,933 ratings)

The fourth book in Maas’s supremely popular A Court of Roses and Thorns fantasy series is not an unexpected find on this top books 2021 list. In the latest installment, Nesta Archeron is struggling in her new position as High Fae. She and her love interest, Cassian, will have to battle literal and figurative monsters, within and without, if they are to keep the fragile peace their world has achieved post-war.

(4.7 stars average; 30,459 ratings)

The fourth volume in Oseman’s exceedingly popular young adult queer romance comic series has the highest average rating on this list. Go queers! Everyone’s beloved couple, Charlie and Nick, are dealing with some very heavy stuff in this volume, like disordered eating and self-harm. But the story doesn’t end here; look forward to the last and fifth volume, as promised by Oseman.

(4.49 stars average; 50,236 ratings)

Quinn, well-known for her historical fiction, has another winner with this story set in 1940 amidst WWII and afterwards in 1947. The novel follows three women as they arrive at Bletchley Park to work as code breakers. After the war, the three friends-turned-enemies are reunited to crack one last code, which holds the secret of their true enemy at its heart.

(4.29 stars average; 14,255 ratings)

The third YA fantasy book in Rowell’s Simon Snow series (which is inspired by/is Harry Potter fan fiction) shows its main characters deciding how to move forward with life. Does Simon still want to be part of the World of Mages? Can Baz extricate himself from between two family crises? Penelope has smuggled an American Normal into London and doesn’t know what to do with him. Agatha…is over it all.

(4.33 stars average; 11,861 ratings)

Rowley’s latest book is a heartwarming and funny novel about a gay former sitcom star, Patrick, who finds himself looking after his niece and nephew for the summer after a family tragedy. Although he has always loved being an uncle, he finds himself quite out of his depth as he is unexpectedly put into the role of primary caregiver.

(4.48 stars average; 23,625 ratings)

This story of Depression-era America is told from the retrospective of Woodrow Nickel, age 105. He recounts the few true friends he has had over his lifetime; two of them are giraffes. These giraffes miraculously survived a hurricane and Woodrow, along with a cast of memorable characters, become a part of their lives as they transport the giraffes to the San Diego Zoo.

(4.38 stars average; 26,128 ratings)

Number four in the Ember in the Ashes YA fantasy series, this novel concludes the story and answers the question: who will survive the storm? The Nightbringer and Commandant Keris Veturia work together on the side of the attacking jinn. Laia of Serra and the Soul Catcher oppose them, each with their own powers and reasons for taking on that mission.

(4.45 stars average; 32,207 ratings)

It’s not surprising this prequel to Thomas’s acclaimed first novel The Hate U Give is one of the top books of 2021. She revisits the setting of Garden Heights 17 years before the events readers are familiar with. When Maverick Carter finds out he is a father at 17, he struggles to balance finishing school, raising a kid, and slinging dope to support his family. Then, he’s given the chance to go straight. But how easy will it be to walk away?

(4.38 stars average; 19,199 ratings)

Vanderah’s most recent mystery/thriller brings together one older and one younger woman on their unique journeys. Ellis has spiraled out of control after the abduction of her infant daughter, leaving her marriage and other children and heading into the wilderness. Raven, a girl living in isolation in remote Washington, is keeping her parents’ dark secrets. When they meet, they both begin on an unexpected path to a brighter future.

(4.55 stars average; 91,297 ratings)

Building on the huge success of The Martian, Weir’s most recent science fiction tale also follows a protagonist surviving alone in space. The story begins with Ryland Grace awakening alone on a spaceship. He doesn’t remember who he is; he doesn’t know what his mission is; he doesn’t know where in the universe he is. But he is, in fact, humanity and planet Earth’s last chance at survival.

(4.42 stars average; 18,657 ratings)

In this slow-burn contemporary romance, Aurora De La Torre has taken her grief and broken heart to a small town in the mountains, hoping to heal. It is a place that was once home, where she hopes to start a brand new life. Part of starting over just might include her landlord, who lives across the street from her.

(4.4 stars average; 29,957 ratings)  

This memoir of growing up Korean American focuses on food, family, grief, and perseverance. Zauner, a musician known for her work in the group Japanese Breakfast, recounts her mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis when Zauner was just 25. It is this tragedy that brings her back towards her Korean identity and leads her to reclaim the gifts of language, food, and family history that came from her mother.