Reading has always been my passion. When I was much younger, whenever I was asked what my hobbies were, there is no way reading would not make the list. There’s an indescribable feeling I get when I’m engrossed in a book. This is why we all need books. It gives us a semblance of escape from how crazy the world tends to be at times. It is one of the several reasons I appreciate a well-written book. Funny enough, I am not restricted to a particular genre of book. As long as the book is well written with no grammar errors, I will definitely enjoy it. We are already in the second half of the year and in case Covid-19 spoilt your plans, now is the best time to give them another shot. You can start by reading. Here are 20 books to read in 2021 before the year ends.
20 Books To Read In 2021: I promise they are all Worth Reading.
As we have reached half of the year, why not read a couple more books before the end of 2021. I know it can be hard selecting the perfect book to read with the several amazing authors at are being published every day. That’s why I created this post, so you can have a list to choose from.
Here are my Twenty favorite books that I have read several times and I think you should definitely read before the end of 2021 if you haven’t. A few legendary authors made it to my list (Chimamanda Adichie, Lola Shoneyin, and Khaled Hosseini). And debut novels like Sandra Uwiringiyimana’s book made my list which will find their way to your favourite reads before you even know it.
[Pipdig_code_1]1. Becoming by Michelle Obama
The author’s name should be enough selling point for you to purchase Becoming. Former United States First Lady, Michelle Obama wrote her memoir “Becoming” to detail her life from childhood to life after the White House. Reading this book sparked a desire in me to evolve my mindset and to proudly own my story.
For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn’t end.
Michelle Obama, Becoming
2. The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
I can’t compile a book list without including the legendary Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie — the woman whose books has shaped my ideas on what Nigerian literature should look like. For first-time readers of Adichie, I highly recommend The Thing Around Your Neck. The book is a collection of different stories that explore Nigeria and the United States.
3. Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Adichie weaved magic with this one. It was the first book of C.N.A I read and till date, I still have a crush on Father Amadi, and so do a slew of women.
You will enjoy adding Purple Hibiscus to your list of books to read in 2021.
4. The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin
If you haven’t yet read The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives in 2021, I will assume that you have a bad taste in books. The fact that it is becoming a Netflix adaptation movie, should let you know how awesome the book is.
The book follows the life of a polygamist, Baba Segi, his wife, children and their very patriarchal home. It is a perfect balance of societal issues and the reality of Nigerians in a humorous way.
Related: 10 Interesting Books To Read While Practising Social Distancing
5. How Dare The Sun Rise by Sandra Uwiringiyimana
Prior to reading How Dare The Sun Rise, I knew close to nothing about African refugees. This book did a good job of educating me. One thing that I kept asking myself while reading this book is the logic behind all these senseless wars in African countries and how these stories never made headline news. It was a really touching and informative book which I am certain you would enjoy.
6. Season of Crimson Blossoms by Abubakar Adam Ibrahim
In his book, Abubakar Ibrahim wrote of the affair between an older Muslim widow and a younger drug dealer and local gang leader. With Season of Crimson being set in Northern Nigeria, the novel reveals several hidden things that Nigerians pretend doesn’t exist and are therefore regularly not spoken about.
This novel was the first book I have read that is set in Northern Nigeria and it gave me a very unique perspective on their culture.
7. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
We are almost in 2022 and you haven’t read Adichie’s Americanah (*looks at you with side eyes🌚).
Her third novel, Americanah has since won several awards. It tells the story of a young Nigerian woman who immigrates to the United States and her lover, Obinze. Americanah is a complex book that straddles themes of love, race and identity.
8. What The Day Owes The Night by Yasmina Khadra
When I was done with this book, I was so enthralled that I had to google the author.
Yasmina Khadra is actually a pen name for Mohammed Moulessehoul, an Algerian army officer who used the nom de plume to avoid military censorship. The writing of the What The Day Owes is so powerful that I can not put it into words. The writer’s poetic words were what sustained me when I felt the book was dragging at a point.
This is a book to be experienced. It is a book about the various aspects and stages in life – survival, friendship, love, betrayal, war and discrimination. It has a movie adaptation too.
9. Say You’re One of Them by Uwem Akpan
Say You’re One of Them is a collection of short stories told by the author through the eyes of African children. With each story, I understood the deafening cloud of oppression and the persistent struggle that weaves its way through every narrative. Although I have my personal infatuation with short stories by Nigerian authors, this book is different! It is perfectly written and you will find it hard to put it down till you are done.
10. This Is How We Disappear by Titilope Sonuga
This Is How We Disappear is a compilation of poems. The poems highlights how women survive and thrive despite the obstacles often stacked against them. The collection of poems explore both the physical and emotional disappearance of women, and how we are the architects of our own joy even in the face of death.
The Best Books To Read in 2021: It’s not too late to start on your 2021 reading goals.
11. The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A Fuck By Mark Manson
Mark Manson in his book the subtle art of not giving a fuck, teaches you about finding what’s important and letting everything else go. Just like its name says, this book teaches you the art of not giving a f*ck.
The most important lesson I learnt from this book is mindfulness. I find that sometimes I am overwhelmed not because I have so much to do but because I cloud my mind with irrelevant distractions. I learnt how to be mindful and to avoid meaningless distractions from social media and focus on what’s important.
12. The Smart Money Woman by Arese Ugwu
This is a definite financial book for you to read. I liked how the author used fiction to teach financial literacy. I have read this book more than twice and I always say a word of blessing for the author because of the financial knowledge I gained from the book. In other words, it’s good — read it.
13. Smart Money Tribe by Arese Ugwu
Follow up with Arese’s Sequel to Smart Money Woman. In this new book, we see the ladies face new challenges and also try to put the money habits learnt to work.
Related: 5 Inspirational Books That Completely Changed Me + Why You Should Read Them.
14. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The Kite Runner is a 21st-century classic. If you haven’t read this brilliant book, it should be on your list of books to read in 2020. I got several quotes and life changing lessons from this book which I will share below.
When you tell a lie, you steal someones right to the truth.
Khaled Hosseini, The Kite Runner
It may be unfair, but what happens in a few days, sometimes even a single day, can change the course of a whole lifetime…
Khaled Hosseini, The Kite Runner
[Pipdig_code_1]When you kill a man, you steal a life. You steal his wife’s right to a husband, rob his children of a father. When you tell a lie, you steal someone’s right to the truth. When you cheat, you steal the right to fairness.
Khaled Hosseini, The Kite Runner
15. Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi
Freshwater explores the surreal experience of being different. The plot of the book focuses on the coming-of-age story of a young woman, Ada who had multiple personalities and how they interact within her self.
This novel illuminated me on Igbo traditions and it will definitely send chills down your spine as you are reading. It is among the category of books that I read more than once because of the mystery.
Think lines, think rhymes, think depth, think Rupi Kaur. This poet has a way with words, it’s no wonder she’s one of the most celebrated poets in the world.
17. Things That Start Small but Sweet by Bibi Ukonu
Things that Start Small but Sweet is a collection of twelve stories about the lives of many genuine characters, faced with numerous challenges and their desires to be heard. It is a book about expands on the ‘Suffering while smiling’ narrative.
18. Tomorrow Died Yesterday by Chimeka Garricks
From kidnapping, Niger Delta Crisis, environmental issues, corruption, tribalism, spirituality and all the things that make up “The Nigerian Problem”, Tomorrow Died Yesterday is a unique book that really gave a representation of various people in the society.
There were so many reasons why I love this book. Not only was each chapter beautifully narrated by different characters, but the author also made each character unique and imperfect which made the reading of the book enjoyable.
19. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
Just thought to throw in a classic. If you haven’t read the complete works of Williams Shakespeare, don’t let 2020 end without you doing so.
20. An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
An American Marriage made me ask questions.
Do we really love who we say we love?
Will you be able to persevere with your love when adversaries seeps in?
How true is your love?
Tayari Jones explored the intricacies of love and life in this book. I liked how different chapters were narrated by the main characters in the book. It gave me a change of perspective. This made it really hard for me to have a favourite character.
Because I really enjoyed this book, I’m anticipating her next work, Silver sparrow, which I hope it will be as good as this one.
Have you read any of these books? Let us know in the comments below. Don’t forget to share!
Share this:
Rachael Ebuh otherwise known as #pinchofchel is a Food and Lifestyle blogger. Passionate about food, spirituality, wild life conservation and human connection.
