Let’s Talk: My Favourite Reads of 2021 (So Far)

A few months ago, I did a very similar post outlining my favourite books of 2020 so far. In that post, I outlined 5 of my favourite books (some of which still remain as favourites today!), and I thought what better way to celebrate the colder weather coming in than talking about some of my favourite books of the year so far. Keeping in mind it’s only April, and I’ve only read a total of 25 books so far, but I thought it would be a fun reflection and mini-review of some of the books I loved. Let’s get on with the list! 

1. One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston. 

I bet none of our readers are surprised to see this on the list! I was very lucky to be granted an eGalley of Casey McQuiston’s highly anticipated second book, and it didn’t disappoint. Their writing has only gotten better since their triumphant debut, Red, White and Royal Blue. It’s filled with a wonderful array of characters, all of whom you fall in love with the instant you meet them. McQuiston has a beautiful way of writing locations, and One Last Stop was no different. Their writing of New York City left me yearning to visit the city that never sleeps, and it made it feel as if the city was stepping off of the pages. Honestly, this book is not going to disappoint fans waiting for its release. I cannot wait to buy my own physical copy in June, and revisit August and Jane and the subway where it all happens. If you want a longer, more in-depth review, Cossette wrote an absolutely beautiful post about it which you can find here.

Links for One Last Stop: Goodreads | TheStorygraph | Bookshop | Indie Bound 

2. A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey

Oh, this book. This book was our February pick for teatimereads, and I’m so thankful the tea party chose it for us to read. This book is full of so many tropes and aspects of YA that I love, so it was no disappointment. A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow is a wonderful book filled with love, family, and finding where your heart belongs – add in some tea, baked treats, and a gorgeous English countryside as well as some beautiful Miami beaches and you’ve sold me! Lila is a lovely protagonist, and you really empathise with her and her struggles to find a home in a new place. In my opinion, Laura Taylor Namey deals with grief so wonderfully in this book, and it was a beautiful aspect to it which made me love it more. As someone who has family from Winchester, I absolutely adored reading about the place I have spent so much of my life, and it made me yearning to be able to go back. A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow is not one to miss, and you should definitely pick it up! If you’re in a reading slump, this novel would be perfect to read to get you out of it. I wrote a full review for the teatimereads wrap up, which you can find here, should you be interested in learning some more about the book! 

Links for A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow:  Goodreads | TheStorygraph | Bookshop | Indie Bound

3. Down Comes The Night by Allison Saft

Okay, I don’t think anyone is surprised to see this book on this list. Down Comes The Night was one of my most anticipated books of the year, and it didn’t disappoint. Allison Saft writes gothic fantasy so beautifully, and it is leaving me anxiously anticipating her next book. There’s something so lifelike in the way she writes, and it almost felt like I was stepping through the halls of Colwick Hall with every turn of the page. Down Comes The Night treated us to so many wonderful and much loved tropes ( !! and there was only one bed !! ), yet it still felt so original and fascinating. Allison Saft has already proven that she is a master of fantasy, creating a wonderfully creative and interesting world for readers to get lost in. I am such a big fan of this book, and I know fellow readers will be too! Perfect for fans of any YA fantasy, especially if you have an interest in gothic fantasy. Cossette wrote a nice review of it here, which I highly recommend you go and read! 

Links for Down Comes the Night: Goodreads | TheStorygraph | Bookshop | Indie Bound

4. Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

Another teatimereads pick (seriously, if you’re not a part of the book club, you’re missing out)! This book was a wonderful tale of finding yourself and falling in love, all set on the backdrop of 1954 San Francisco. Our protagonist is Lily, a Chinese-American girl who is learning who she is in the world, all while coming to terms with the fact that she’s a lesbian. With the help of Kath, Lily becomes more and more comfortable with her identity, while falling in love with Kath along the way. This book is very lovely, written with beautiful language and a wonderful sense of story. Malinda Lo is an expert storyteller, and I know readers will be entranced with the story she has created. Despite not being very satisfied with the ending, this book was truly a gem that I didn’t expect to like as much as I did. You can read my full review of it here, but I definitely recommend picking it up!

Links for Last Night at the Telegraph Club: Goodreads | TheStorygraph | Bookshop | Indiebound

5. The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody

This book was such a surprise to me! I was lucky enough to be chosen for the blog tour, and I absolutely adored every moment of it. Despite being a middle-grade, this novel was full of serious conversations and topics, all while giving readers a fun adventure plot and cute animal sidekicks. Barclay is a wonderful protagonist, one I know kids will love reading about, who is stubborn and funny and just trying his best. I’ve been a fan of Amanda Foody’s young adult work for a while, so I went into this book with high expectations, and it didn’t disappoint! Adults and children alike will find something to enjoy about this book, and I can’t wait to see how the series grows and develops. It truly was a joy to read, and would be perfect for anyone stuck in a reading slump. You can read my full review of it here. 

Links for The Accidental Apprentice: Goodreads | TheStorygraph | Bookshop | Indie Bound

And there we have it, five of my favourite books of 2021 so far! Be sure to leave in the comments below your favourite books of the year so far too, and I look forward to checking them out! Happy reading!