A few years ago I started keeping a record of the books I read. I include ones I don’t finish, as long as I’ve read a significant proportion, and make a note if I simply leave them unfinished, or if I skim-read to the end. Looking back at my lists is satisfying; it reminds me of what I’ve most enjoyed, and also what I haven’t. It also means I can look to see if there are patterns; for example, how diverse, or not, is the list?
When I started this blog I knew I wanted it to be about reading books as well as writing them, so here are my six favourite books from those I read in 2021, in no particular order. And why six? Simply that these stood out from the others.
Looking back at my lists is satisfying; it reminds me of what I’ve most enjoyed, and also what I haven’t
‘Reservoir 13’ by Jon McGregor. I’d had this on my to-read pile since I’d bought it secondhand a couple of years ago. It’s an extraordinary novel that straddles genres – part murder mystery, part village drama, part study in grief. I was as gripped by how the story was being told as by the storyline itself. And it was hugely satisfying by the end, and I greatly admire it.
‘First you write a sentence.’ by Joe Moran – one of two non-fiction books on my list. I feel I arrived late to this book, having read articles on and extracts from it since it was published. It’s densely written, and so scholarly and widely-researched. The section explaining why singers like Frank Sinatra were exceptional in their phrasing, and what we can learn as writers from this, is an example of the width and the depth of the scholarship, and of how entertaining it is.
‘Unsettled ground’ by Claire Fuller. Since I started writing this blog, Claire’s book has won the Costa Novel award, which pleases me beyond the fact that I liked it so much. A book like this about rural poverty is rare, and to explore the family relationships at the core of the story in that context made it unforgettable. Reminded me of Bruce Chatwin’s ‘On the Black Hill’. I follow Claire’s blog, and usually get some titles for my to-read list from the list she compiles of her favourite books each year.
‘My garden world’ by Monty Don. A year in the life of Monty’s garden and his farm, divided into months, and then further into short essays on the wildlife he observes. Each one is a short story, in effect. Lyrical and informative, this was a soothing and easy read – a perfect bedtime book for me.
‘Transcription’ by Kate Atkinson. I think I’ve read every one of Kate’s books, and usually very soon after publication. This one had got past me until now. I loved the how and the what – the writing and the story, and it has a perfect title of multiple meanings. The way in which the main character becomes known gradually to the reader is so clever.
All these books I admire as much as I have enjoyed them. Which brings me to my favourite book, a novel, of the year’s reading. It is…
‘Where the crawdads sing’ by Delia Owens. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a book as acclaimed as this one has been by people I know, and this includes some who told me they rarely read fiction. It’s been universally and enthusiastically liked. I’ve given it as a present since reading it myself, so am glad to have added about four copies to its sales. Who couldn’t love Kya, and who couldn’t be fascinated by the world Delia creates in this remarkable story? I loved the scientific theme, and the educational element. Much about this story’s themes felt close to my life, and then there is the racism, the misogyny, and the cruelty… It’s a beautiful story, exceptionally told. A perfect YA read, too.
Jane Allsopp Writer 