My Top 10 Books of 2021

[@RickMacDonnell]

Ask me a question in the comments for my upcoming 5K video!

[@elysec8726]

How many books did you read this year (not that it’s all about quantity) and how do you pick your next reads?

[@MichaelRomeoTalksBooks]

What is your most impacting read?

[@TheBookBully]

Question: why you look so good?

[@KDbooks]

Wow, Ducks, Newburyport as #1!

[@RickMacDonnell]

Could you imagine

[@TheBookBully]

😵‍💫

[@sorenkrane]

Question: what's a book that you read as a youngster that you've since revisited and it held up or surprised you in a good way?

[@WillowTalksBooks]

The way you talk about Appleseed is truly uplifting and warming. I live for that kind of heart-on-sleeve passion. (I love you, by the way).

[@RickMacDonnell]

Maybe since *I* love this book and *JESS* loves this book you should read it some day

[@WillowTalksBooks]

@@RickMacDonnell Crossed my mind but nah

[@andiecurlybooks]

Lonesome Dove was far and away my favorite book of the year! I loved it so so much!

[@katieamarsh]

It’s SO good. I wish I’d read it sooner.

[@RickMacDonnell]

I read about a quarter of Lonesome Dove two years ago, but then covid hit and I stopped reading for a while. I never picked it up again, even though I was loving it. I should put it on the list for 2022!

[@andiecurlybooks]

@@RickMacDonnell 100% endorsement for picking it up in 2022!

[@RedzaMusic]

Here from Books and Bao! I absolutely love your videos and I can't wait to read some of these soon. I've seen a lot of BookTube content and a lot of creators talk about the same books so it's awesome to find someone who reads different stuff :) Keep it up!

[@aimee4342]

Just found you through your "A little life"-Video, which I LOOOOVED (watched it right after reading the book myself and couldn’t agree more on everything you said) and now binging all of your Videos! Keep up the great work :)

[@Shellyish]

This is me not binging your videos. You’ve sold me on Richard Russo and Matt Bell! Very excited about those titles!

[@RickMacDonnell]

I could not adore them any more than I do :) And both lovely men! Nice to see.

[@sadiesarrazin]

Congratulations on the 5,000 subscribers! You deserve it! Your content is always so thoughtful and articulate and creative. ☺️📚I have a few questions: 1) How do you catalogue your book collection and keep track of what you own, what you want to get rid of or donate, etc.? 2) Do you annotate your books or write in the margins? 3) How do you pull yourself out of a reading slump? Thank you for all you do! ☺️📚

[@MichaelRomeoTalksBooks]

I love when I encounter someone's favorites list that has mostly books i haven't previously heard of. It adds to my ever growing tbr list.

[@LG-to6gm]

Just ordered Appleseed thanks to this video. So excited!

[@hazesne]

Just found your channel - love these recs and excited to watch more vids! Have added Astra, Appleseed and The Magus to my list. Fave books of the year for me - Piranesi, Transcendent Kingdom, Harlem Shuffle, Whereabouts, and just generally anything by Rachel Cusk. Here's to a 2022 of devouring more books (especially now that my library is back open and taking reservations, small victories!).

[@RickMacDonnell]

Hi, Hazel! Welcome! Cusk is on my docket for 2022. So many of my friends adore her. What's Whereabouts? Not sure I've heard of that one ...

[@katecollins2471]

My first video from you - I really enjoy your energy/vibe! I’m subscribing :) happy new year!

[@RickMacDonnell]

Welcome, Kate! This was so nice of you, I really appreciate it 😊

[@glendaw5221]

Congrats on 5k! I enjoy your videos. I can’t think of any questions at the moment.

[@RickMacDonnell]

Thank you!

[@amandarademaker7269]

Congratulations on hitting 5K! Your enthusiasm for books is infectious. Astra and Appleseed sound really interesting. I like your sense of humour so my question is, what is your favourite joke?

[@simonthomas1672]

Love the video - and love that you have ranked them, as I always love a proper list. Particularly intrigued by Storm. The only one I've read from your list is The Little Stranger, and it is definitely brilliant.

[@troytradup]

I have Appleseed on my Kindle ... I will move it onto the 'definite' list for 2022. My favorite book this year was Leonard and Hungry Paul by Ronan Hession. I'm giving it to a whole bunch of people for Christmas ... so I guess I hope they don't watch your channel now. Happy holidays!

[@daytonadane]

Excellent Top 10, Rick. You make me want to read several of the books you highlight - especially the Descenter series. Question: What was your favorite album and favorite movie in 2021?

[@RovingReader]

Can’t wait to watch this! I’m editing mine as we speak - up later tonight!

[@Jogilusz]

Just found you channel and immediately subscribed, because even thought I probably watched 50 or more of these, I have only ever seen one book from your list before (Matrix), every other book was completely new to me. I love that. Looking forward to exploring more on your channel

[@jonathanfischer3263]

Great video as usual, Rick! I bought Storm based on your review vid (you're an influencer!) but haven't read it yet. Best cover in the history of the world. Fact. Very intrigued by Dream of a Woman so might give that a go. I loved Matrix so so much! I think I mentioned it in another comment somewhere, but thx again for the rec. Amazing! Other faves for me were Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Tokarczuk, The Master Butchers Singing Club by Erdrich, 84 Charing Cross Road by Hanff, You Will be Safe Here by Damian Barr, and King Leopold's Ghost by Hochschild. Hope you have a great holiday season and I'm looking forward to your videos in 2022! Happy reading! Best, Jonathan

[@Prairielily04]

Thanks for this. I hope you have a better 2022! ✨

[@RickMacDonnell]

Thank you! You too!

[@andrewrussell2845]

My favourite book this year has been Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison, closely followed by The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers

[@paulinelafford4773]

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, more people should read this book. A great multi-character study.

[@audreyapproved]

The only book I'd ever heard on this list was #1! Def gonna read it. Congrats on 5k! Well deserved :)

[@miriamfalk7139]

Yeah, Nobody's Fool is terrific. I recommend Straight Man by the same author. I have just borrowed Appleseed from Overdrive, based on your recommendation. Really looking forward to it.

[@RickMacDonnell]

I just read Straight Man in November 😊 Very much enjoyed it. I hope you like Appleseed!

[@mastersal4644]

Congratulations on the 5K milestone . Question- how has your reading taste shifted; over whatever period you want to talk about? So like over the pandemic ? Over the last decade - all of the above ?

[@samgriffiths4107]

Sorry to hear you’ve had a bad year. Thank you for sharing these videos with us, they certainly bring some light to my day. My two favourite books I’ve read this year are Stoner by John Williams and A place called winter by Patrick Gale. Highly recommend if you’ve not read them already. Happy holidays from across the pond in the UK.

[@RickMacDonnell]

Hey Sam! I loved Stoner, so consider me intrigued about A Place Called Winter. Just looked at it now and it has a Canadian connection, so that's fun! Man, it sounds fantastic. Adding it to the list. Right now. Thanks so much!

[@jewellparker8813]

It's a funny thing - I'm always excited when I see you have a new video, but I don't read - or have never heard of - the types of books that you describe. In this video, you have me really wanting to read Nobody's Fool and Appleseed, but I'm nervous to do so. I don't read literary fiction - maybe I'm not intelligent enough to do so, but I really think it's more that I don't give them enough time/pages to grab my interest. You seem to get more meaning from the books you read than anyone else whose reviews I watch. I bought The Dutch House after your review, but I haven't read it yet. I just wanted to let you know that I'm a huge fan of your channel, yet I don't know how to connect with your books. Thank you!

[@RickMacDonnell]

First of all, I don't think intelligence has much to do with reading literary fiction. Maybe it's patience more than anything. They just tend to be slower, in my experience. If that's the case I wouldn't suggest Appleseed for you just yet. But Nobody's Fool could have such wide appeal, I'd suggest that one first. This was such a lovely comment, though, Jewell. I really appreciate what you said here. I'm glad you think I get more meaning from the books I read. Maybe I'm just more open to talking about things. I feel like many people on youtube gloss over their deeper feelings with books, but that's the good stuff for me. Thanks so much for watching my channel, even if you don't read the books. It's quite a compliment, actually :)

[@jewellparker8813]

@@RickMacDonnell New year - new chance to challenge myself, right? I'll check out Nobody's Fool. Thank you for your comments.

[@tawnyman]

Congrats on 5k, Rick! I read the first volume of Descender earlier in the year and really enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series next year. Adding Astra and Appleseed to my tbr. Question for your q&a: Are there any books you wish you could erase from your memory, either so you can experience them again for the first time or because the experience of reading them was so awful you wish to forget.

[@sarahno899]

Q&A: Are there any books you liked when you first read them, but now that time has passed your opinion has changed? Or vice versa?

[@booksimnotreading]

Ack! OK, Nobody’s Fool has moved up on my TBR. Fascinating list and congrats on 5K subscribers!

[@RickMacDonnell]

Kelly it's so good. Everyone seems to give his "best" to Empire Falls but I think this is so much better.

[@booksimnotreading]

@@RickMacDonnell well, I do love Empire Falls, but I haven’t read anything else by him. But not for long! Thanks for the recommendation.

[@eddiec2711]

John Irving is my favorite author, “World According to Garp & “Until I Find You” , there’s an author who i think you might like , unfortunately he passed recently is “Memory of Running “ by Ron McLarty. My question is “If there were only 3 authors you were allowed to read. Who would they be?

[@MissDanielle]

Descender is a fantastic series! I haven't read many graphic novels, but am thankful that's one series I have read. I also agree that there should be more (original) sci-fi and fantasy graphic novels.

[@auseid1594]

Not to sound like a weird fangirl but I love your videos because I think you're one of the most passionate and articulate booktubers out there, the way you talk about books always makes them sound so interesting (unless it's Duck, Newburyport but that was hilarious) and your analyses never fail impress me. I just thought I would say it because it's nice to ne nice 😂 Anyway, congrats on reaching 5k, it's well-deserved!

[@JuanReads]

Congratulations, Rick! Disgrace is one of my all-time favorite books (and the only one I've read from your top ten list).

[@RickMacDonnell]

Thanks, Juan! Have you read (and can you recommend) another Coetzee book? I've read (and also loved) Waiting for the Barbarians.

[@JuanReads]

@@RickMacDonnell I've also read Waiting for the Barbarians and liked it a lot. If you enjoyed it, you should also read The Tartar Steppe by Dino Buzzati. As for another book by Coetzee, I would recommend Life & Times of Michael K, which I think you will love. I have also read Youth (memoir) but it was so long ago that I barely remember it.

[@RickMacDonnell]

Adding Life and Times to the list! Thanks so much, Juan 😊

[@tameracameron3224]

I totally agree that A Prayer of Owen Meany is one of the greatest books. Didn't love The World According to Garp as much, but it still stuck with me

[@mavmiyazaki3372]

Congratulations on hitting 5k! 😁🎉🎉 I just wanna ask if you have any Japanese lit recommendations/your fave ones? Thank you so much if you're gonna answer this, and congrats once again!

[@Ihearbooks]

anyone who has read and loved The Magnus is someone I will always watch. Question: When you really dislike a book do you still review it on video or do you prefer not to include it--to be kind? What books are outside your comfort zone or do you shy away from reading?

[@lindysmagpiereads]

A Dream of a Woman and Matrix were two of my top books of 2021 also. Totally agree about Casey Plett's talent.

[@BemuzedBookworm]

Had to add quite a few to my want to read since they all sound really interesting! A great reading year at least!

[@slothy_guitar6367]

question- i know this might seem odd, but how do you approach reading a book? what do you pay attention to specifically?

[@simonthomas1672]

And my qu... which book has been the most disappointing? And, to be more positive, are there any opening scenes which most stick with you?

[@rachelh5901]

Question. Favorite photo of Percy? Ok but actually: Which author that you still haven’t read do you think has the potential to become a new favorite?

[@FullyBookedMelissa]

Love a Q and A because I am a NOSY person. Favourite hobby that is not reading? Your top movies? What superhero power would you choose? Dogs or cats (you cannot say both, don't be a cop out)? A place you haven't been that you would like to visit? Most Canadian thing about you? Novel you wish you could read for the first time again?

[@FullyBookedMelissa]

PS sorry you had a shit year

[@gaylep4404]

I picked up Appleseed because of your review in an earlier video- I’m 30% through - it is fascinating! Now I will have to pick up a Richard Russo.😄

[@cindyo6298]

Ooh, I've been wanting to read Nobody's Fool!

[@RickMacDonnell]

Cindy, it's great. Absolutely loved the experience. Funny, touching, thought provoking :)

[@LittlePrairieLibrary]

Descender is so great, I'm happy to see it on your list. It's also the only thing on your list that I've read 😂

[@ReadBecca]

I had read the first two tpb volumes of descender long ago and then finally came back to re-read those and complete reading all of them this year, absolutely stunning comic. Appleseed is also top of my list for next year!

[@RickMacDonnell]

This comment gets a GOLD STAR

[@TheBookBully]

Real question: what has changed about your reading since making book videos?

[@ClaireReadsBooks]

I went right out and got Storm from the library when you said “Middlemarch if it was a weather system” 😅

[@RickMacDonnell]

Oh, I hope you like it! Save it for a rainy day. Literally. It's so cool reading it with shoddy weather outside LOL

[@literaryiggy]

Omg you got me so hyped to read Astra, Rick!! 🤩

[@RickMacDonnell]

Yes yes yes yes let's gooooooooooo

[@BookwormAdventureGirl]

Love when books are a surprise like Storm. A Dream of a Woman is definitely on my radar. Same as Astra. L❤️VE John Irving and still need to read more of his novels. Love how you describe Richard Russo’s book. Still need to read it. Great list!! 😊💙

[@RickMacDonnell]

Thanks so much for watching! Highly recommend all of these for you.

[@BrandonsBookshelf]

Question - What is the number one book you want to read in 2022? Or Question - Whats your biggest booktube takeaway thusfar?! Asking for the small/new booktubers like me. PS adding Storm right now!

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

My ten best books of 2021 1. Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr & Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead have joint first place as I can’t decide which one I loved more. 2. Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. It won best short book in the Irish Post book awards. I read it in November but I’m now listening to it again on BBC Radio4 as it’s book of the week. 3. A Ghost in the Throat 4. The Power of the Dog by Thomas Savage 5. Standard Deviation 6. Shelter by Jin Jung 7. Writers and Lovers 8. Unsettled Ground by Claire Fuller 9. The Glorious Heresies 10. Memorial by Bryan Washington Other memorable mentions The Promise by Damon Galgut Valentine We Begin At The End Luster My Policeman The Vanishing Half The Prettiest Star The Intoxicating Mr Lavelle Swimming in the Dark My Dark Vanessa Seating Arrangements Empire of Pain ☕️📚👓📕🫖📖☘️👋🍀

[@RickMacDonnell]

1 and 8 are high in my list of reads for 2022 😊 really intrigued by #2 now…

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Congrats on 5K! My question: Is there a book you and your wife have disagreed on (argued furiously about)? Great to hear you discuss all these books. You make me want to read John Irving again. I've only read one Russo but I should probably follow your quest to read them all. And I'm really keen to read Astra. Hope 2022 is a better year for you! 📚

[@RickMacDonnell]

I'm going to have to think about that disagreement question for a while. One book comes to mind, but I'm wondering if there are others...hmmmm

[@anotherbibliophilereads]

I’ve got Storm on my TRB; Earth Abides by Stewart is in my top 10 science fiction novels. The Magus is great. I need to reread Disgrace.

[@RickMacDonnell]

Earth Abides sounds incredible. But would now be the right time to read it? "The novel tells the story of the fall of civilization from deadly disease." LOL

[@msrichardsreads]

Congrats on 5K! 1. What is something on your bucket list that you are most looking forward to? 2. Top 5 musicians/bands? 3. If you could be any Golden Girl, which would you be and why? 4. If you could recommend one book that you want everyone to read, what would it be and why? (We all know it will be Ducks, Newburyport 😂)

[@msrichardsreads]

Also, The Mountains Sing by Nguyen Phan Que Mai was one of my top books this year, so much so that I read it two times in a row.

[@RickMacDonnell]

WHOA

[@johnpetermarmot7519]

Congrats. I just bumped into your channel, thanks to the Almighty Algorithm. I really admire your inisights into and description of these books. I'll certainly follow you this 2022 for good reccomendations.

[@uptown3636]

First time seeing this channel, and I've already found a book recommendation I've been waiting for in Storm by George P. Stewart. I've been searching the interwebs for outstanding prose about storms for years. Willa Cather is the best I've found thus far, and I'm excited to continue the search. Question for your Q&A: What is the best sandwich?

[@RickMacDonnell]

If you're looking for prose about storms, then you've hit the jackpot with Storm. You will love it. Thanks for watching! Welcome :)

[@callum_mclaughlin]

I tried the first couple of issues of Descender a few years ago and wasn't grabbed by it, but you've convinced me I should give it another go! And I *must* get hold of A Dream of a Woman in the new year - it sounds amazing. Regular question: Is there an author you haven't read yet but you're convinced you'll love? Drunk question: Will you now be looking to secure bookings as a Buzz Lightyear lookalike? (I would hire you.) xoxo

[@RickMacDonnell]

I definitely would say that Descender gets better as it goes along. But if it doesn't jive with you, that's fair. You're just wrong, but it's FAIR I GUESS.

[@humanfirst11]

*Q&A* : Hi Rick, what's your 3 most favorite "Big Books" that you have read ( or TBR)?

[@carlomontesa2002]

Question: What is your favorite encounter with an author?

[@insertbookpunhere]

Such a cool and unique list. Hope you're doing okay!!! (Maybe how are you is a question?) Anyway I'm glad you made it through 2021 💛

[@RickMacDonnell]

Oh, I'm doing fine. Relatively. But that's all of us, at best LOL. Thanks for this :)

[@loisbridger7170]

Hey Rick, I have been following your channel for around a year now and it is my go to place for nerding out on reading. I always enjoy your take on literature and so it follows on life as well. It is a huge added bonus that you are so damn funny sometimes. I have taken many of your recommendations to heart as well as to the library and the book store. Keep up the great work. Two questions. Have you read Greenwood by Michael Christie? He is married to Cedar Bowers and this book echoes Appleseed which I will be sure to try on your strong recommendation. Also, do you write yourself?

[@stationery-and-stories]

I always like to ask “what’s your favorite get-to-know-you question” and then have the person answer it! Also, how did you get into reading, or what’s a classic comfort read for you?

[@beee1230]

I really want to read Astra!

[@RickMacDonnell]

Highly highly highly recommended :)

[@andiecurlybooks]

Question: what book are you most excited to read in the new year? Any new releases that really spark your interest?

[@ejazhusseini1888]

Q: on top of ur head, 5 books you'd recommend to readers in general?

[@evanclark2557]

Any advice for a young guy just getting into reading in the past year or two and still trying to find his taste? I want to be intentional with what I read, but I also don't want to write off 'dude bro lit' entirely. It seems that you read widely and openly, but you may be in the minority of men with that trait. On booktube and generally, there are a ton of guys who mostly read McCarthy, Hemmingway, Pynchon, Wallace, Bukowski, etc. What do you think about that trend generally, and how has your reading taste developed, intentionally or otherwise?

[@taylorbush8713]

Question: do you have another job other than YT? And how fast do you read?

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

What books are you looking forward to in 2022?

[@frannook]

Okay uhm well, my tbr as always has grown considerably after watching your video, so.. both thank you and damn it 😂 But I did want to say that I loved your thoughts on Astra. What you said it’s so true, it’s so scary that other people have an idea of us based mostly on their thoughts and ideas or states of mind and not just on “us” and not being able to control it or do (mostly) nothing to change that is truly terrifying 😓 Congrats in the 5k! 🥳🥳🥳 What is one book that you would recommend to ANY reader (no matter the genre they prefer, age, anything) and why?

[@RickMacDonnell]

I'm glad someone else understands this anxious state :P (thanks for the great Q, Fran!)

[@assiakessai]

The books that impacted you soo deeply

[@RickMacDonnell]

They sure did. I'm a soft boi. LOL.

[@pagesofcarolyn]

My first ‘favorites’ video watch of the year! The Matrix is a priority for me in 2022.

[@RickMacDonnell]

Thanks so much for watching, Carolyn. I'm honoured! Matrix is v v good. I highly recommend it (obviously). Are you making a top books of the year video?

[@pagesofcarolyn]

@@RickMacDonnell absolutely! Trying to get through the last week of work, then Christmas, then filming :)

[@RickMacDonnell]

@@pagesofcarolyn Can’t wait 😊

[@nialittleworldmomvlog4128]

Nice 👍

[@ameliareads589]

Why did you move lately? And do you miss your old place? Just saw I'm too late to the party, the q&a video is already out...

[@qinlkpah]

Q&A for 5k: what are your 5,000 favourite books?

[@mame-musing]

Have you read any more of the books on your list of 125 “great” books? Have you made a conscious decision that there are certain books on that list that you won’t be reading?

[@RickMacDonnell]

Good question. I'm not sure what to do with that list anymore. It's not the list I thought it was going to be. With each book I read it seems like these "best books" lists I've pulled from are more "most influential books" and that's not really what I was going for. I want quality, not that they changed the writing landscape in 1712 LOL. So I'm not sure what to do. Might be time for a new list project. Not sure!

[@kelliereviews5341]

Knowing that you're at 5000 subscribers what advice would you tell yourself at the beginning of your journey 1 subscriber to 1000?

[@LarryHasOpinions]

not the easiest to get in the uk but i have added appleseed to my list :-)

[@RickMacDonnell]

Yes! It might take you a little bit to get "into" it, but once you start seeing the pieces connecting it's so good.

[@jf8559]

Read Astra on your reco and I really loved it. Recommended it to a bunch of people. Looking forward to reading her next book! My questions: what Nova Scotia writer would you recommend and why? If you could travel to any city, where would you go and what bookish thing would you do there?

[@RickMacDonnell]

I love every mention of someone reading Astra :) Thanks for watching!