Our 21 Favorite Books of 2021
Newsweek|December 31, 2021
Luckily, 2021 provided a plethora of intriguing options to pique any interest from thrillers on this planet and in space to a Dustbowl family saga,
By Juliana Pignantaro
Our 21 Favorite Books of 2021

THE YEAR STARTED OFF WITH THE PROMISE OF VACCINES, THE WORLD REOPENING AND socializing in person once again, but the resurgence of COVID-19 with Delta, and now Omicron, variants makes the comfort of losing yourself in the pages of a book all the more appealing. Luckily, 2021 provided a plethora of intriguing options to pique any interest from thrillers on this planet and in space to a Dustbowl family saga, or from the real-life promise of artificial intelligence to the heartbreak wrought by addiction and gun violence. Here are Newsweek's picks for the best books of 2021, fiction and non-fiction treasures that helped us get through another challenging year. - Juliana Pignantaro

Fiction

The Four Winds

By Kristin Hannah | ST. MARTIN’S

PRESS $28.99

Hannah’s brutally beautiful latest novel unfolds in 1930s Texas, where the Martinelli family must choose between the blighted dust of the land they love dearly, or face the unknown country to the west.

Project Hail Mary

By Andy Weir | BALLANTINE

BOOKS $28.99

From the author of The Martian and Artemis comes another interstellar story, in which the sole survivor of a mission has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Weir spins a space yarn in a way only he can. Fans of his earlier works won’t be disappointed.

Bath Haus

By P.J. Vernon | DOUBLEDAY | $26.95

This story is from the December 31, 2021 edition of Newsweek.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 31, 2021 edition of Newsweek.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEWSWEEKView All
John David Washington
Newsweek US

John David Washington

FOR JOHN DAVID WASHINGTON, BRINGING NETFLIX'S THE PIANO LESSON (November 22) from stage to screen was a family affair.

time-read
1 min  |
December 06-13, 2024
A Walk in the Parks
Newsweek US

A Walk in the Parks

Jim O'Heir shares his memories of the hit NBC mockumentary and its cast's hopes of a reunion

time-read
4 mins  |
December 06-13, 2024
Philomena Cunk
Newsweek US

Philomena Cunk

PHILOMENA CUNK IS JUST AS SURPRISED AS anyone else at her own popularity.

time-read
1 min  |
December 06-13, 2024
SOLVING THE PLASTIC PROBLEM
Newsweek US

SOLVING THE PLASTIC PROBLEM

PLASTIC WASTE IS HARMING ANIMALS AND OUR PLANET. CAN THE DAMAGE BE UNDONE?

time-read
10 mins  |
December 06-13, 2024
'I Was Struck by How Humbled and Insignificant I Felt'
Newsweek US

'I Was Struck by How Humbled and Insignificant I Felt'

An explorer says coming face-to-face in the wild with a grizzly and her cubs changed his perspective on life

time-read
4 mins  |
December 06-13, 2024
Has AI Turned On Health Care?
Newsweek US

Has AI Turned On Health Care?

Hospitals hoped artificial intelligence would lighten their staff's workload, but the same tech could be to blame as insurance firms increasingly deny Medicare Advantage claims

time-read
7 mins  |
December 06-13, 2024
The Next Phase of War
Newsweek US

The Next Phase of War

After thousands of elite soldiers from North Korea joined Vladimir Putin’s forces against Ukraine, how has this latest move affected the conflict?

time-read
6 mins  |
November 29, 2024
Saying No to Trump and Men
Newsweek US

Saying No to Trump and Men

The election has led some women to boycott relationships and sex

time-read
7 mins  |
November 29, 2024
My Fight for Equality and Justice
Newsweek US

My Fight for Equality and Justice

It will take more than just science to end AIDS. Inclusion, empathy and compassion are essential, too

time-read
3 mins  |
November 29, 2024
NEW WORLD ORDER
Newsweek US

NEW WORLD ORDER

HOW LEADERS ACROSS THE GLOBE ARE REACTING TO DONALD TRUMP'S REELECTION AS U.S. PRESIDENT

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 29, 2024