As avid readers eagerly anticipate the release of new novels each year, 2021 has proven to be a literary feast with a plethora of exceptional books hitting the shelves. Here are the top 20 best novels that have captured readers’ hearts and minds:
1. “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett: A powerful exploration of race, identity, and family secrets.
2. “Klara and the Sun” by Kazuo Ishiguro: A haunting tale of artificial intelligence and human emotion.
3. “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir: A thrilling sci-fi adventure set in space.
4. “The Push” by Ashley Audrain: A chilling psychological thriller about motherhood and trauma.
5. “The Four Winds” by Kristin Hannah: An epic historical fiction novel set during the Great Depression.
6. “The Maidens” by Alex Michaelides: A gripping mystery about a group of female students and a charismatic professor.
7. “Malibu Rising” by Taylor Jenkins Reid: A glamorous and emotionally resonant family saga.
8. “Matrix” by Lauren Groff: A bold and immersive historical novel set in medieval Europe.
9. “The Last Thing He Told Me” by Laura Dave: A tense domestic thriller about a woman unraveling the secrets of her husband’s past.
10. “The Plot” by Jean Hanff Korelitz: A darkly humorous and twisty literary thriller about plagiarism and ambition.
11. “The Soulmate Equation” by Christina Lauren: A charming and heartwarming romance centered around a DNA matchmaker.
12. “Outlawed” by Anna North: A fresh and feminist take on the Western genre.
13. “The Rose Code” by Kate Quinn: A gripping historical fiction novel about codebreakers during World War II.
14. “The Final Girl Support Group” by Grady Hendrix: A thrilling homage to the horror genre with a unique twist.
15. “The Sanatorium” by Sarah Pearse: A chilling and atmospheric mystery set in a remote hotel in the Swiss Alps.
16. “The Guncle” by Steven Rowley: A heartwarming and humorous novel about family and redemption.
17. “The Damage” by Caitlin Wahrer: A gripping and thought-provoking debut thriller about the aftermath of a violent crime.
18. “The Other Black Girl” by Zakiya Dalila Harris: A sharp and engrossing exploration of race and workplace dynamics.
19. “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig: A poignant and uplifting novel about second chances and the choices we make in life.
20. “Detransition, Baby” by Torrey Peters: A bold and insightful exploration of gender, motherhood, and relationships in contemporary society.
With such a diverse and compelling selection of novels to choose from, 2021 has undeniably been a standout year for literature. Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction, thrillers, romance, or sci-fi, there’s something for everyone in this list of the top 20 best novels of the year. So grab a copy, cozy up with a cup of tea, and lose yourself in the world of these captivating stories.