Hello, everyone! It's wild to think that we are already past the first quarter of 2021. I wanted to compile a list of all the 2021 releases that I've read this year and tell you which ones you MUST read this year, the ones you can skip, and the ones I need to get to ASAP before the year is over! This list will only cover January-April 2021 releases, but I plan to create similar posts for the rest of the year as well.
THE BOOKS YOU HAVE TO READ:
After the Rain by Nnedi Okorafor Published: January 5 3.5 stars This a graphic novel adaptation by Nnedi Okorafor's short story "On the Road" (which I haven't read). I loved the art, the concept, and the world developed. Definitely one to check out!
Black ≠ Inferior by Tolu' A. Akinyemi Published: January 1 5 stars I loved this poetry collection! Sad that I haven't seen anyone read or talk about it. Definitely one you NEED to pick up!
Candy Hearts by Tommy Siegel Published: February 2 This was such a fun set of comic strips. Honestly, this brought me such joy and was just perfect at the time I read it.
A House at the Bottom of a Lake by Josh Malerman Published: January 19 5 stars I loved this one. It has some haunting moments, but it's more of a haunting story about teen love and how it ends. The house they discover at the bottom of a lake is just an added layer to the unfolding and unraveling of a summer romance that ends.
Chlorine Sky by Mahogany L. Brown Published: January 12 3 stars While this one isn't a favorite, this is a story that you need to pick up. I love reading YA contemporaries in verse and this main character offers a strong voice and perspective to being a female basketball player navigating friendships forming and ending and teen crushes.
In Love & Pajamas by Catana Chetwynd Published: February 2 3.25 stars Catana's Comics are such fun and you have probably seen them on the Internet floating around. I didn't love this one as much as Snug, but it's one you should pick up because why not!
shine your icy crown by amanda lovelace Published: January 26 3.5 stars I like lovelace's poetry quite a lot. This was a strong collection. I didn't care too much for the second part, but part 1 is AMAZING.
The Grief We're Given by William Bortz Published: February 2 4 stars This was a poetry collection that I connected with and really enjoyed. I found the majority of the poems to be strong.
American Melancholy by Joyce Carol Oates Published: February 9 4.5 stars This poetry collection was FANTASTIC. Oates is a writer that is either a hit or miss for me, but this collection worked. A Great Cloud of Witnesses: A Study of Those Who Lived by Faith (A Study of Hebrews 11) by Trillia J. Newbell Published: January 5 4 stars This is a great Bible Study on the "Hall of Fame" mentioned in Hebrews 11. I recommend this one especially if you are looking for a quick Bible study.
The Project by Courtney Summers Published: February 2 5 stars I LOVED THIS ONE! Courtney Summers is one of my favorite authors and she always blows me away. This character study of two sisters pulled into the web of a cult is a wonderful look into the hopelessness of a cult and power dynamic and manipulation tactics that are used to keep you there.
Mermaid Saga Collector's Edition Volume 2 by Rumiko Takahashi Published: February 16 4.5 stars If you haven't read Mermaid Saga yet, then you GOTTA pick this up! It's amazing and one of the best manga series I've read. The stories in the two volumes left me feeling breathless and heartbroken. AMAZING!
The Initial Insult by Mindy McGinnis Published: February 23 4.5 stars This an Edgar Allan Poe retelling that you don't want to miss. It follows the plot of "The Cask of Amontillado" and "The Cat" and the revenge that a former best friend takes out on the most popular girl in school. So good and definitely something you have to check out if you love Poe.
What Big Teeth by Rose Szabo Published: February 2 5 stars I loved this one! Dark fairy tales are my thing and this book is layered in the vibe of Angela Carter. I loved the plot, the character dynamics, and the writing. Everything just worked for me.
Feelings: A Story in Seasons by Manjit Thapp Published: March 2 5 stars This is a beautiful expression of feelings through art. It's a wonderful collection of images that meld together to show how seasons and emotions can go hand in hand.
One Summer Evening at the Falls by Peter Campion Published: March 2 4 stars This poetry collection worked well for me and I enjoyed the profound moments that certain poems evoked.
Chopping Spree by Angela Sylvaine Published: 70 4 stars This was a fun horror novella that follows kids who end up having to fight off a killer in the mall and there also happens to be a cult thrown in for fun.
Home is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo Published: March 2 4.25 stars This novel packs an emotional punch. Profound coming of age story with a speculative twist while being told in verse. Everything here worked and the themes explored were wonderful.
Goddess of Filth by V. Castro Published: March 30 4 stars This is a horror novel that explores feminist themes and Mexican-American silencing. One of the girls in a group of adult women who are preparing for college or stuck in life accidentally becomes possessed by a goddess who sucks out peoples' sin. It was fun!
Near the Bone by Christina Henry Published: April 13 5 stars This was one of my anticipated books this year and it lived up to my hopes. A woman is trapped on a mountain with her abusive husband and discovers a monster. It becomes a fight for her life when a group of cryptozoologists come to the mountain to search for the creatures and can exposed her husband's secrets. Y'all have to add this one to your TBR!
THE BOOKS YOU CAN SKIP:
I Must Belong Somewhere by Dawn Lanuza Published: January 5 3 stars There is nothing remarkable about this poetry collection, but if you love poetry then maybe you would want to pick this one up.
The Route of Ice & Salt by Jose Luis Zarate Published January 19 2 stars I am not sure I would tell you to skip this one despite my not liking it. This is one of the first horror LGBTQ+ horror novels that was published in Mexico, so it's important to check out. Plus it's a Dracula retelling. The narrative style was not for me, but it may work for you.
She Ain't Pretty by Renee Miller Published: February 25 2 stars This horror novella did not work for me at all and I have a feeling it won't be for most readers. The character development and dynamics made absolutely no sense and I didn't believe where the story progressed because I didn't buy that the characters would actually risk their life for one another. Skip this one.
The Night is Deep and Wide by Gillian Sze and Sue Todd Published: March 16 3 stars It's a simple children's book, but there is nothing in here worth checking out.
Why She Wrote: A Graphic History of the Lives, Inspiration, and Influence Behind the Pens of Classic Women Writers by Lauren Burke, Hannah K. Chapman, and Kaley Bales Published: April 20 3.25 stars This is a very niche nonfiction book and while I think some readers will enjoy it, I was unimpressed. I knew most of the information and none of the nonfiction bits were captivating. I was only interested in the comic strip pieces. I think you can skip this one.
The Incredibly Nellie Bly by Luciana Cimino & Sergio Algozzino Published: March 2 2 stars I didn't care for this graphic novel at all. The panels and font were cramped and the experience wasn't compelling or memorable. Just watch the Drunk History episode on her instead.
THE BOOKS STILL ON MY TBR:
