The best books I read in 2021
2021 was a good year for books.
I read 25 books in total- I know this might sound a little too lesser for someone that reads over 50 books every year- but well, that’s me. Anyway, out of those 25 books, here is a list of my top 5 books of the year 2021.
- Human Acts, Han Kang
Published in: 2014
Genre: Historical fiction & Political fiction
Synopsis: The book talks about the democratization uprising of 1980 in Gwangju, South Korea. It revolves around one boy and creates a multi-dimensional scenario over several years after the Gwangju Uprising.
My thoughts: This was the second Han Kang book I read, and I was truly mesmerised. The writing, the characters, the traumatic incidents- they felt a little too real to imagine. In all honesty, I am aware of the Gwangju uprising- I have watched a Korean drama and read a lot about it. But, reading this book gave me a lot of pain, but it also made me think- a lot. Human Acts is the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve read the book. It is the kind of book you will re-read every May, the kind that’ll come back to you during a busy afternoon.
2. The Vegetarian, Han Kang
Published in: 2007
Genre: Psychological fiction
Synopsis: A three-part novel that revolves around a woman called Yeong Hye. It talks about how she suddenly decided to adhere to vegetarianism.
My thoughts: The Vegetarian was the first Han Kang novel I read, and it was utterly beautiful. The Vegetarian is uncomfortable. It is weirdly chaotic yet quiet at the same time. Han Kang’s writing is other-worldly and yet calm. It is eccentric and yet beautiful. I have always loved Korean culture, and to read Han Kang- one of the best contemporary writers- The Vegetarian was fulfilling. The book is phenomenally written; it is dark, deep and scary at the same time. But I think that’s just the way Han Kang writes- so personal, yet detachable.
3. Kim Jiyoung, born 1982- Cho Nam Joo
Published in: 2016
Genre: Feminist literature
Synopsis: Kim Jiyoung, born 1982, is about a woman named Kim Jiyoung and her life including her early childhood to her marriage and motherhood. It talks about South Korea and patriarchy in the country.
My thoughts: Kim Jiyoung, born 1982 is a feminist masterpiece. It is one of the best feminist literature books I have read until now. The book is haunting, personal, empathising and factual. Kim Jiyoung, born 1982 is a tight slap on patriarchy and its aftermath on women that are continuously forced to live under it. The book is a beautiful catastrophe; it is heart-wrenchingly beautiful because- I am Kim Jiyoung, Kim Jiyoung is me and literally every other woman in the world.
4. It Ends With Us, Colleen Hoover
Published in: 2016
Genre: Contemporary romance & contemporary fiction (trigger warning)
Synopsis: It ends with us- is a book about life’s truths and the devastations of domestic abuse. It revolved around a florist Lily Bloom and a neurosurgeon, Ryle Kincaid.
My thoughts: TW. When I started reading It ends with us, I had no idea the emotional rollercoaster that I was supposed to endure throughout the book. I wasn’t aware of the book being edged towards domestic abuse rather than romance. Reading the book was difficult, yes, but it was pivotal. The book breaks your heart, but it is also healing at the same time. I don’t think I will ever forget this book- it is etched deeply in my heart.
5. Final Girls, Riley Sager
Published in: 2017
Genre: Thriller, Suspense & Mystery
Synopsis: Final girls revolves around the life of Quincy Carpenter, a massacre survivor and how she became one of the three Final Girls. 10 years after the incident, Quincy has almost let go of her fear of being the sole survivor until Lisa, one of the Final Girls dies.
My thoughts: If you want a good mystery with a little bit of gore and an amazing twist, Final girls is the one you need to read. The book is fast-paced, concise and chilling. I wanted to read a macabre book when Buzzfeed suggested this, and I am in awe of this book. I love a chilling, with a little bit of gore, read- and this checked all the boxes. The author- Riley Sager- managed to grip audiences’ attention until the end. My nerdy self usually decodes the mystery, but this was a surprise, and thus- this is my fifth and the last best read of 2021.
To conclude, this year, I read a lot of Korean literature, and I am so glad to have read Han Kang and Colleen Hoover. I was utterly mesmerised by all these writers and how they weaved their characters into beautiful yet flawed selves.
An in-depth review of these books is on my Bookstagram account, namely: conversationswithareader_
