Book recommendations from everyone's 2021 reading list.

rainn

Do share any memorable books you’ve read this year, or perhaps recommend a friend’s suggestion that’s made an impact. It’s been a cozy year to delve into novels, biographies, self-help or other genres, alongside sipping a hot beverage, nestled under a blanket.

Can be anything from a bestseller that lived up to its hype - or maybe it didn’t! Any underrated author or indie publisher we need to know about? It’s fascinating to see the stories that resonate with us at different times.

Who knows, we might compile a fantastic 2022 reading list out of this discussion. So what’s been on your reading list this year? Let’s exchange stories through books!

kath77

This year I finally got around to reading “Educated” by Tara Westover. It’s a harrowing memoir about a woman who grows up in an extreme survivalist family in Idaho, but manages to educate herself and eventually earn a doctorate from Cambridge University. It’s an intense, but inspiring read. Another one I enjoyed is “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles. Set in post-revolutionary Russia, it’s a beautifully written story about a man who’s ordered to spend the rest of his life inside a luxury hotel. Would highly recommend both for the 2022 reading list.

she58

Totally agree with you on “Educated.” Westover’s memoir is indeed intense, and it really showcases the power of education in changing one’s life trajectory. If you enjoyed “A Gentleman in Moscow”, you might also like “Rules of Civility” by the same author, Amor Towles. It’s set in New York in the late 1930s and it’s every bit as absorbing.

As for my 2021 reading list, I’d recommend “The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptography” by Simon Singh. I found it to be a fascinating exploration of the history and science of cryptography. Another one is Kazuo Ishiguro’s “Klara and the Sun,” a poignant story of an Artificial Friend observing the humans around her. Both made for great reads last year.

techbloke

I can vouch for “The Code Book” too, Simon Singh indeed presents a riveting journey through cryptography. Since you enjoyed that, I believe you might also like “Cryptonomicon” by Neal Stephenson. It’s a techno-thriller with lots of cryptographic puzzles thrown in.

For Kazuo Ishiguro fans, you may want to explore “The Remains of the Day”, a brilliant and thought-provoking novel about the life of a dutiful butler. Thanks for your recommendations, my reading list just got a bit longer!

kath77

I’m glad to see another “The Code Book” enthusiast here! Your recommendation of “Cryptonomicon” has certainly piqued my interest - I always enjoy a good technothriller. I’d like to add “Snow Crash”, also by Neal Stephenson, to the list. It’s a fantastic blend of science fiction, cyberpunk and ancient history. And for those who enjoy Kazuo Ishiguro’s work, you might want to check out his Nobel Prize-winning book “Never Let Me Go”. This novel combines elements of dystopian science fiction, suspense, and deep human connection in a truly compelling way. Happy reading, everyone!