Some of my favorite books and movies from 2021.
This is the last day of 2021, so as a send-off I thought we’d take a look back at all the great entertainment I consumed this year in the form of books and movies. Perhaps you’ll find something of interest that you might also enjoy.
And just in case you missed it check out my favorite photographs created in 2021.
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Favorite Non-fiction Books
Pale Blue Dot by Carl Sagan
A book in which Carl Sagan debates with himself our future on this planet, and whether we should extend that to a future beyond the confines of this world. I love how he approaches the topics, debating various perspectives, and then slowly coming around to his own. In doing it this way it provides far more weight as you can see he isn’t just spouting meaningless propaganda, but actually researching the issues before coming to any conclusions. I miss Carl Sagan.
Saved by a Song: The Art and Healing Power of Songwriting by Mary Gauthier
I won a copy of this book through a goodreads giveaway. Music is a powerful medium, capable of moving us in profound ways and of helping to heal. In this book, Mary Gauthier tells the stories of how music helped her and how it then enabled her to help others. A wonderful book about the redemptive qualities of music, using Mary’s life and experiences as an example.
Favorite Fiction Books
Neuromancer by William Gibson
I loved this book when I first read it long ago. And I loved it again when I reread it this year. This was likely the first cyberpunk book I read and being a young kid very into computers it was right up my alley. This one has become a classic of the genre.
The Pariah (The Covenant of Steel #1) by Anthony Ryan
I won a copy of this book through a goodreads giveaway. My first book by Anthony Ryan but certainly not my last. This first book of a series tells the story of Alwyn and how he went from being a member of an outlaw band hiding out in the forests to a soldier fighting in an army led by a noblewoman on what appears to be a crusade against the terrible future she sees in her visions. A fantastic set of characters in an interesting world with lots of foreshadowing of what may come.
The Poison Prince (Hostage of Empire #2) by S.C. Emmett
This is the second book in this series and actually follows a very similar pattern to the first, with lots of court politics, conniving and back-stabbing in a secondary world fantasy setting. It begins somewhat slowly but by the end is moving much more quickly. I love the characters in this series and I very much look forward to reading the next book.
Network Effect (The Murderbot Diaries #5) by Martha Wells
Murderbot. Enough said! I love Murderbot, every single story. This is the first actual novel length story, the rest having been novellas, and I’d recommend starting at the beginning if possible as they each build on those that came before, with Murderbot slowly learning and evolving, developing new relationships and struggling to understand them. A fantastic series!
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
This was not only a beautiful story, but a beautifully told story. It tells the tale of Addie LaRue, someone who makes the proverbial deal with the devil, letting her live forever but being quickly forgotten by everyone she meets. And yet, what an unforgettable character she turns out to be, leading so many different lives, being so many different people, and all through her life having periodic interactions with the being she made the deal with. A very beautiful and unforgettable story.
The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings 1) by J.R.R. Tolkien
Any year I do a reread of any part of The Lord of the Rings it will end up a favorite of that year. I just love this story and always have. This time around I read the book on paper while also listening to Andy Serkis, who played Gollum in the movies, narrating the audiobook. It was such a fantastic way to re-experience this wonderful tale.
Favorite Graphic Novels & Comics
Critical Role Vox Machina: Origins (Library Edition: Series I & II Collection)
I’ve been a fan of Critical Role for a while, which is a group of friends who get together to play Dungeons & Dragons and stream it for anyone to watch. Brings back memories of times I used to play. So I was very pleased to find this comic book version of their origin story. So much fun to read, perhaps even for those who aren’t already fans.
The Electric State by Simon Stålenhag
This felt like a very unusual book but I really enjoyed it. It was part art book, full of these amazing realistic images, but also part narrative story of someone heading for the coast in a post-apocalyptic world where technology had changed everything. I felt the art and the story worked so well together.
Favorite Movies
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
I probably shouldn’t put rewatches down as my favorites of the year, but nothing else could really come close to my enjoyment of them. The Lord of the Rings is one of my favorite books and also happens to be some of my favorite movies. Peter Jackson and his crew did such a fantastic job translating Tolkien’s prose to visually stunning movies. I absolutely prefer the books, but I also completely love the movies.
A Knight’s Tale
Another rewatch. This was a refreshing take on this story, mixing history with modern flourishes, creating something that perhaps isn’t at all accurate, but that captures something special just the same. Just a fun and entertaining story.
Favorite Anime & Animated Movies
Tokyo Godfathers
A beautifully told story of a ragtag group of homeless friends in Tokyo on Christmas Eve who happen to find an abandoned baby while rifling through trash for anything useful. This then leads to a wild and emotional journey as they debate what to do about it and eventually go searching for the mother. By Satoshi Kon, one of my favorite anime creators.
Have you read any of these books or watched any of the movies? What were some of your favorites this year. Let me know in the comments below.
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