As a book nerd, every year I set some reading goals for myself. Last year I wanted to read 100 books, and I surpassed that goal and read 106 books by the end of the year - thanks to pandemic life! Not only do I normally set a numeric goal, but I also set some more generic goals as well. In the past these goals have included reading a classic, incorporating more BIPOC authors, and re-reading a favorite book. This year I want to try and read 115 books, and I have thought of 21 books I specifically want to read in 2021. Some of these will be new 2021 releases, and some are 2020 books that I never got around to reading last year. I won’t go into too much detail on what all the books are about, but I will mention why I want to read them.

Here are the 21 books I want to read in 2021:

Adult Fiction

'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett

This one I can actually cross off my list. I read it earlier this year, and thought it was fantastic. I was on the fence about reading this one, but it won the 2020 goodreads Choice Award for Best Historical Fiction, and I can see why.

'Layla' by Colleen Hoover

Colleen Hoover is one of my must-read authors; I will read anything she writes. Layla is the author’s first paranormal romance, and I am excited to see how she tackles that genre. 

'The House In The Cerulean Sea' by T.J Klune

I have heard only fantastic things about this book, and would love to read it before his new book comes out in September.

Untitled (Crescent City #2) by Sarah J. Maas

This book is currently untitled, but it is set to release in November, and I can not wait to read it. The first book in the series became an instant favorite, and I am so excited to jump back into this urban fantasy world.

'One Last Stop' by Casey Mcquiston

Set to release this summer, this book has already made it to the top of my TBR. This is a LGBTQ+ contemporary romance that includes time travel.

'A Deadly Education' by Naomi Novik

With the second book in this series set to be released in 2021, I really want to get the first one read. I was told that this book was like a grown up version of Harry Potter, and that instantly hooked me. It also won the 2020 goodreads Choice Award for Fantasy. 

'Second First Impressions' by Sally Thorne

Last year I read The Dating Game by this author, and really enjoyed it. Second First Impressions seems like another sweet contemporary romance, that I think I will also enjoy. 

'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir

Andy Weir is another must read author for me. My favorite books of his include The Martian, Artemis, and Cheshire Crossing. This story is about another solo astronaut, this time trying to save Earth. 

Young Adult Fiction

'Grown' by Tiffany Jackson

This book seems like it will be a difficult read, but also an important one. 

'You Have A Match' by Emma Lord

This book is the winter pick for Resse Witherspoon’s book club. The author’s debut novel has such high praises, that I really need to pick this one up. Plus, a book set at summer camp is a great way to escape the cold winter. 

'An Emotion of Great Delight' by Tahereh Mafi

Tahereh Mafi has become an author that I can’t seem to get enough of. I started off reading her middle grade books, and am now looking forward to her young adult titles. This book also seems like a heavy hitter in the emotion department, but I am ready for all the feels. 

'The Project' by Courtney Summers

Two sisters, no parents, 1 cult...need I say more?

'What Big Teeth' by Rose Szabo

The cover alone makes me want to read this book. Also... knowing it is a mix between The Addams Family and Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children makes me very very interested in it.

'Lost in the Neverwood' by Aiden Thomas

A thriller, mystery that has strong Peter Pan vibes. Enough said.

'Concrete Rose' by Angie Thomas

Angie Thomas is the author of The Hate U Give. She is another must-read author for me. This book is a prequel to The Hate U Give, and I am ready to find out more about Starr’s father in this book. 

Children's Fiction

'Alone' by Megan E. Freeman

This is another one that I just crossed off my list! It is an adventure, survival middle grade novel written in verse. It has been compared to Hatchet, and Island of the Blue Dolphins. The main character has a fondness for libraries and books...and I am a sucker for characters like that. 

'The Hedgehog Of Oz' by Cory Leonardo

Hedgehogs, and The Wizard of Oz are two of my favorite things. So... mash them up in a book and I will 100% read it. 

Graphic Novels

'Something is Killing the Children: Vol. 2' by James Tynion IV

This is an adult graphic novel about a Monster Hunter. I read Vol. 1 of this series last year, and now that Vol. 2 has been released I can jump back into this series. 

'Tea Dragon Tapestry' by Katie O’Neill

Admittedly, I have already read an ARC version of this children’s graphic novel. I absolutely loved it and will re-read it when I can get my hands on a physical copy later this year. Katie O’Neill is another must-read author of mine. She also illustrates her own books. If you asked me how much I love her art… well, I got a piece of it tattooed on me last year, that’s how much I love it. 

'Delicates' by Brenna Thummler

This is a sequel to the children’s graphic novel Sheets. I really enjoyed the first book and am looking forward to this next one.

'Allergic' by Megan Wagner Lloyd

This book is about a girl who has severe allergies, and is looking for the perfect pet. As someone with no allergies, and someone who has always had pets, I find the idea of this book fascinating as this is a perspective of life I have never had. It is another children's graphic novel.

Borrow These Books

I hope you enjoyed this list of books that are on my 2021 TBR list, and maybe you even found some titles that you want to add to your own list. Because let’s be real… if you read this blog, you’re a book nerd, too! You can use this link to place holds on the books I've mentioned here.