Krystle’s Top 5 Books of 2021
I managed to read 121 books this year. I think that’s a personal record! I also read more biographies than I ever have in a year (only 4, so don’t clap too loudly for me, y’all.) I thought it only fitting to end the year by highlighting five of my favorites for you. Full reviews of all of these can be found here in the Bookworm Diaries feature column.
Finlay Donovan is Killing It
Elle Cosimano
Excellent mystery, lots of dark humor, cast of lovable (and hate-able) characters. It has a sequel, but doesn’t end on a horrible cliffhanger. Also, I highly recommend the audiobook – it had a stellar narrator!
Dave Grohl Storyteller
Dave Grohl
The title is accurate, especially if you do the audiobook. It really feels like you’ve spent a few hours listening to Dave Grohl tell wild stories. Surprisingly, it’s a rock memoir that feels like a tribute to friends and family rather than outrageous and salacious antics.
Remembering Jaime
Nichole Van
The final book in the Brotherhood of the Black Tartan series, and what a journey! The series started with the lighthearted book Suffering the Scot, but ended on the emotional roller coaster that was Remembering Jaime. Whew! You might need a tissue before it’s over.
The Final Revival of Opal and Nev
Dawnie Walton
If Vh1 Behind the Music was a novel – it would be this novel. Everything about it was vibrant and chaotic. The storyline, the characters, the music. It was so well written that I was convinced Opal and Nev were real people and this couldn’t possibly be a work of fiction.
Forest of Firelight
Shari L. Tapscott
A YA Fantasy series that was A) actually appropriate for young adult readers and B) so addictive that I binged the whole series in a week. It had all the elements of a good fantasy. The classic dark vs. light battle. Princesses who are naive, but strong. Dark, broody, princes who are secretly good guys. Not to mention good banter between all the characters, and a plot line that doesn’t feel too slow or too rushed.
Krystle Goodman is a crazy cat lady, who loves to drink exorbitant amounts of coffee, and read a shocking amount of books. She lives in Benton with her husband Josh, her son Roman, and their two cats Roxanne and Abby. When she isn’t reading, you’ll find her cooking, painting, or watching true crime shows. Watch for Krystle’s book reviews every other Friday. Send fanmail to: [email protected]
See more of Krystle’s reviews at www.mysaline.com/krystle.