2021 in Reading

— Y E A R I N R E V I E W —

Well, here we are. 2021: the year I discovered booktok, BBQ ranch dressing and Below Deck. On to the books:

Classic and Lovely: Something Wicked This Way Comes
Subtle, Scary, Satisfying: The Book of Accidents
The Main Character did WHAT: American Psycho
Plot Twist Party: The Survivors
Stranger Than Fiction: The Cold Vanish
Fuck Yeah Feminism: Matrix for real soothed my soul
Biggest Disappointment: Empire of the Vampire
Best Discovery: A Dead Djinn in Cairo
Biggest Mindfuck: The Death of Jane Lawrence
Most Satisfying Reread: The City of Brass
Tried Too Hard: Plain Bad Heroines
Quintessentially Kelly: Dark Histories
No Regrets: Pet Semetary

TOP 5:

5) All Things Cease to Appear by Elizabeth Brundage is in fifth place because it’s not something I’d typically read, but I picked it up in anticipation of the adaptation (which was barf). And it REALLY surprised me in a good way. It’s human and sad and thrilling.

4) The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones… oof. The year I discovered SGJ. I immediately bought this so my husband could enjoy it as well. You’re not hardcore unless you live hardcore and read this incredible piece of rock and roll horror with a bite and a sting.

3) The North Water by Ian McGuire could’ve won the Quintessentially Kelly award, because it’s so up my fucked up little alley: cold weather, man vs beast, man vs man. Loved it, loved the TV show.

2) Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby is a great, thought-provoking book that I had to include because I was so electrified, and so in awe. From my review: “It is written with deep understanding, sensitivity and respect for circumstances and context and for multifaceted characters who simmer with contradiction and hypocrisy, even sometimes with self-awareness. And with the capacity for growth.”

1) The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward. WHAT ON EARTH, more horror like this please. My heart was in my fucking throat. There’s something about the combo of … darkly disturbing and hilarious that gets me every time. Team Olivia.

READING CHALLENGE:

Nope, didn’t do it. I’m gonna go easy on myself, but I’ve got big plans for 2022.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, or whatever the hell we’re saying this time.