The Best & Surprising Books of 2021 📚♥️

[@RosLanta]

This might be personal to me rather than advice, but I find that the best way to find adult and YA books I love is to largely ignore what is popular or frequently recommended and just seek out stories that sound interesting. Whereas most popular or highly recommended middle grades are ones I enjoy too (Nevermoor, Percy Jackson, Amari etc etc are all favourites), a lot of my favourite adult and YA books are ones I found for myself, some of which I've never heard anyone else talk about.

[@darkroseguild4685]

I agree! YA and adult are more of what you like makes the books better! My top three fav YA books are ones I barely see talked about.

[@shadowcreature7598]

@@darkroseguild4685 which ones?

[@JesseOnYoutube]

“It was such a hopeless and desolate situation” I didn’t ask you to come for my love life but ok

[@shannonquinn]

No gatekeeping allowed. It doesn't matter whether you're new to a genre or age range or not. Read what you want and enjoy what you enjoy. Don't let anyone tell you differently. If you really enjoy a book, that's awesome! ❤️

[@knightsrachel]

“do i want to cry in 2022? something inside of me tells me that i do.” 😂 same i also feel like i say the same things over and over about my favorite books but that’s how you know they’re your favorites, when you just can’t quite put it into words.

[@skyofdiamonds3058]

Mexican Gothic was in my top 5 favorite books of 2020. I don’t see many people rate it that highly, but I’m so happy you did too!

[@Melanie-wj8fr]

I loved Mexican gothic so much too! It was the first proper gothic book I’ve read and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. I also found Francis as the main male character very refreshing as they’re not usually shy and reserved like him

[@astarreads4214]

Ok…I need to put Ice Planet Barbarians on my TBR, I’ve been surprised at how much love this series has been getting. Noooooo The Perfect Poo??? Really? I haven’t watched your vlog of reading that one yet…but I need to know…but I also don’t want to know…. I definitely have books where in hind sight I would have rated them higher…or lower. My own mood or situation at the time has an effect on my reading.

[@JanAgaton]

forgetting character names from every book you've ever read, ESPECIALLY Emma, is v relatable tbh 😅

[@Kailey-GLS]

I can’t even put into words how much I love Robin Hobb‘s works. She’s a freaking genius. I hope you enjoy her other books - but yes potentially get the tissues ready.

[@reenelim]

when you said ‘ classics feel like nothing’s happening’ made me cackle 😂😂😂 because i can completely see why!!

[@jcoff85]

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue was probably my favorite book of the year. It's the first book I've read by V.E. Schwab and absolutely need to read more in 2022! Also, congrats on 25k subscribers 🎉

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Aw thanks so much Jessica, and I NEED to read Addie LaRue!

[@twistytrombone2453]

Same! I loved Addie LaRue, definitely my fave of the year, Amari second, of course.

[@hollylynnreads]

I can't remember if I've seen you talk about Project Hail Mary or not in any past videos... if you haven't read that one yet, I would definitely recommend it.... if you liked The Martian you'll probably really like Project Hail Mary

[@micheledion2000]

Agree.

[@Bookchara]

Emma is a favorite of mine so I'm so glad to hear you were pleasantly surprised by it! I read Assassin's Apprentice this year as well and loved Fitz so much I named my cat after him 🥰 I haven't made it official yet but some of my favorites this year were The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise and Louisiana's Way Home (both middle grade) and then...Assassin's Apprentice, The City of Brass, and The Bear and the Nightingale.

[@leaissinging3124]

I really loved mexican gothic as well. I guess I'm just vibing with atmospheric books.... :D The book that left the biggest impression on me this year was probably monday's not coming

[@KellieatLarge]

I can't wait for you to carry on with Robin Hobb, specifically the Farseer books so you can fall in love with the Fool as well as Fitz. Despite the tears, it will be the best reading decision you make.

[@JesseOnYoutube]

The Martian is so funny Omgggg

[@megs_bookrack]

I have to tell you, I have been so stressed lately with work and the holidays, etc., etc. I totally binged your videos all weekend. Just put them on 'play all'. You're drinking wine, I'm drinking wine, we had a good time!! lol Thank you for destressing me! xx

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Yyyaaassss drinking wine with you sounds like a perfect night so cheers to us 🥂 but also I hope work gets better for you and you’re less stressed, take it a day at a time ❤️

[@megs_bookrack]

@@GavinReadsItAll Thank you so much! I'm actually preparing to go on a Christmas Holiday trip, so two more days of crunch time at work, then some time off ((to binge more videos and drink wine)). 😁 I hope you have a wonderful holiday!!

[@MarjanaBosnjak]

The Martian was amazing. The main character was not only brilliant, but he was so funny too!

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Yesss his humour was so good, I’d have been crying but he was up there cracking jokes. Loved him!

[@micheledion2000]

You might also try Project Hail Mary. Terrific book by Andy Weir.

[@sharonfowell6043]

I really enjoyed Mexican Gothic as well and Heartstopper 😊 read them both in 2021

[@LG-to6gm]

A great adult fiction book is Colson Whitehead's The Intuitionist (his debut novel and so under the radar compared to his others). Think alternate history meets speculative fiction meets mystery. The government has a Department of Elevator Inspectors, and Lila Mae Watson, the first black female elevator inspector in the history of the department, is at the center of a huge mystery when one of her elevators goes into freefall and she has been made to take the fall. SO GOOD. So much suspense, action and actually dark humor!

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Ooo that sounds brilliant!

[@LG-to6gm]

@@GavinReadsItAll It really is brilliant! I raved about it so much that my friend bought it and then read it in a day. I can't imagine it not captivating anyone. And only maybe 250 pages! I hope you pick it up eventually ^_^

[@Nina_chitchat]

my favorite adult books this year was The Faithful and the Fallen series by John Gwynne - absolute best in my humble opinion. and then there were sooooo many middlegrades I dearly loved that I don't want to compare them to the adults. thanks to you I found soooo many amazing books - amazing! 🥳💛💚💙💜

[@happylittle426]

Come Closer was such a good book. I’ve heard some mixed reviews mainly because it’s such a slow burn…but for me that slow burn was absolutely necessary.

[@shayladiana]

I always feel like I’m the only one that loves Nesta’s character. In a weird twisted way, I relate to her so much and I loved the growth she had in that book.

[@mockingjayreads414]

I love her too! I really relate to her as well as someone with depression

[@katekc100]

You’ve definitely become one of my favorite people this year. I found your channel a couple months ago and so so happy I did , you always have me laughing and happy watching your videos ! I can’t wait to see more of your videos in the new year !

[@thewildSasha]

I am really intrigued by House of Leaves! Wait you're serious about the perfect Poo? xD Oh my I thought it was a joke hahaha I love it Name on the Wind is on my TBR! I need to get to it like right now if I want it to be read by 2022 haha The Martian is amazing! I laughed all the time! I am currently in the middle of Assassin's Apprentice and I still don't know how I feel about it Midnight in Everwood will be read next week haha Loved the video!!

[@andatodica]

I have many favorite books this year, but if I had to pick just one, I would go for The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

[@dinahwelch1482]

I think my goal will be to read more middle grade in 2022. I love reading them but I haven't read too many this year. So basically your goal but switched😂

[@OliviasCatastrophe]

Yay! Emma is wonderful and I'm glad you enjoyed it too. So light hearted and lovely. I actually have ice planet barbarians on my kindle because I want to try at least ONE monster/alien romance :P Yess loved the martian so much! And glad you did like the name of the wind. I've been tempted to unhaul it unread but I shall give it a shot. So happy I have a copy of ace of spades coming my way :) Looking forward to seeing about this hype! I got assassin's apprentice for Christmas and really am so excited for it. I have heard really good things about midnight in everwood and everyone seems to be loving it. That edition has beautiful sprayed edges. Ahh mexican gothic is waiting for me on my shelf and I am so excited!! Heartstopper is amazing

[@hildejan79]

Loved this video! Definitely need to start the Bone Season😍 My best reads were Addie LaRue and The island of the missing trees by Elif Shafak.

[@MarjanaBosnjak]

the perfect poo hahaha the way I knew you'd put this in

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Book of the Year IMO

[@dragnfly138]

Such a lovely change to the ladies (yeah, I said it). Thanks Gavin! Happy New Year !🐲

[@myfirstnovel]

My 2021 faves: audiobook of Furiously Happy about mental health (hilarious, I swear), same goes for Tom Hanks reading The Dutch House (which I couldn't in print, because literary fiction and my ADD are sworn enemies), the Winternight Trilogy, everything Sanderson (Stormlight, Skyward, Rithmatist which is middle grade), a lot of other "good books" but no sure bets though... I've started The Wheel of time and expected to find it underwhelming because hype but it's actually good. 14 books though.

[@eireann9239]

I'm a new viewer, this is like... the fifth video of yours I have watched and I just love you 😂 you are so entertaining and interesting and relatable. And I love your accent. Your very nice to listen to🖤🖤🖤

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Aw thanks Eireann, your comment just made my day 🥰

[@Amyduckie]

Welcome! You'll have fun here, for sure. :D

[@MarjanaBosnjak]

yess gavin finally I've been waiting for this video since you mentioned it's coming in the sprintathon haha

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Wooo hope it lived up to expectations

[@noelle7pages]

Some of my best reads this year would be Middlegame, Amari, and Evelyn Hugo 🤠

[@noelle7pages]

GOSH okay I gotta get to Samantha Shannon next year

[@noelle7pages]

Also a really funny adult read this year would be the Atmospherians, it's a satire about influencers who form a cult to reform problematic men and it was a HOOT

[@GavinReadsItAll]

@@noelle7pages okay the Atmospherians sounds awesome, hello!!

[@Lorie336]

My favorite book of the year is Amari and the Night Brothers. I don't know if you have read this yet, but I would suggest the Daevabad trilogy which is an epic adult fantasy by S.A. Chakraborty, it starts with City of Brass then Kingdom of Copper and finishes with Empire of Gold. It in my opinion is fantastic. Graphic novels, definitely I Hate Fairyland by Skottie Young, hilarious, sarcastic, and a bit bloody. I love Gertrude and her attitude, too much fun.

[@michelleneal2023]

Hey, Gavin!!! Congratulations on hitting 25k. You deserve it!!! You keep me laughing. Great video!!!😊😊😊

[@Loonadance1212]

Cant wait to see your thoughts on Throne of glass once you try it ! ^^

[@SNinaRose]

My favourite books of the year are definitely Oathbringer and The Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson! I'm really Midnight in Everwood now and I'm really excited!

[@blackraven7774]

25K subscribers!!! 💕😄🍾🎂Congrats Gav!!! Still love and adore your videos. You've grown so much 🤗🎄🎉🌞 Thank you for always making my day with your videos. Hope you a lovely holiday. The book or series that surprised me was the winternight trilogy by Katherine Arden. Beautifully written and such engaging characters. Wove history and fantasy together masterfully.

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Thank you so much 🥰 and I need to read the winternight trilogy stat!!

[@bookborrower]

Jay Kristoff is my author boyfriend and I couldn't get into the Empire of the Vampire and it made me sad. Lots of new to me books in this list. Interesting to see your favorites.

[@katrinamuritala3207]

You always make me laugh even when things are shit xx

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Sending love xx

[@ashsbookadventures]

Yes! I loved the mask falling 😍 It's definitely one of my top 3 books this year ❤

[@StudioLindsay]

I can’t wait to read Midnight in Everwood!

[@Amyduckie]

This year: Tradition, Truth and Tomorrow by Galarrwuy Yunupingu, The Radium Girls by Kate Moore (this one is probably my absolute fave this year) and Beneath the Sugar Skies by Seanan McGuire. Ever: Autoboyography by Christina Lauren

[@cakt1991]

I’ve also been reading a few romances that are a bit outside my normal taste, and found myself surprised by them. Never Getting Ogre You by ML Eliza (who also writes as Marie Lipscomb) is a sweet and steamy ogre romance. She also wrote a sexy Santa book, and I loved that too.

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Never Getting Ogre You is such a fantastic title as well omg!

[@suzannewdowik]

I'm also trying to read more adult books this year 😅 I've been reading mostly middle grade, so I need to find some adult books that I like that are ace/aro-friendly (I find that most genre adult books I know of are too romance-heavy for my taste, and most literary adult books I know of are too...depressing?)

[@JesseOnYoutube]

Ugh can u plssss add map to the sun to ur graphic novel TBR THANKU

[@alyssacascos8665]

My #1 book of 2021: On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong It is so amazing!!!❤❤❤📚

[@JayGTheAwkwardBookworm]

I need to read ice planet barbarians 👀 I’ve heard such mixed things

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Honestly it was just what I needed at the time

[@judithcakelover]

The Faithfull and the Fallen serie by John Gwynne were all 4 my favourite books of 2021😁❤ I rally lobed them so much❤🐺

[@angelaholmes8888]

Here's my list of surprising books in 2021 crescent city loved it Blood meridian I thought I would have a difficult time reading it but I didn't The kiss quotient loved it Children of dune The liveship trader series Sense and sensibility

[@louisamaren2899]

I love that you have tp drink so you can go through your worst books🤣🤤

[@louisamaren2899]

Also at the beginning of the video I wanted to ask where your Heartstopper 4 is and I have been asking myself for the entire video, but I have not put two and two together to know ut was going to bei in this video😅🤦‍♀️

[@GavinReadsItAll]

@@louisamaren2899 haha I love that you noticed it wasn’t there! Did you think maybe I’d unhauled it, gosh could you imagine?! But also yep I needed to be at least slightly tipsy for the worst books video haha

[@louisamaren2899]

@@GavinReadsItAll Could you imagine keeping all the Heartstoppers and just unhauling the 4th😂 It would completly ruin the colors. No I probably just thought you were rereading it or something. But of course love that it ended up in the best books of the year. If i made a list it would be on mine too🥰

[@angelaholmes8888]

Here's my picks of best books of 2021 Crescent city The prison healer In the ravenous dark by a.m Strickland you definitely should give it a try Sunshine girl by julianna margolis memoir Supernatural cold fire The wastelands by Stephen king book 3 in the dark tower series Wizard and glass by Stephen king book 4 in the dark tower series The comeback by ella berman Everything after Ties that tether The kiss quotient by helen Hoang Lore Cinderella is dead Circe Legendborn From blood and ash

[@paperbacksandponytails]

You're reading more adult books in 2022.... And I kind of want to read more middle grade books.😊

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Aayyyy we got this 💪🏼

[@paperbacksandponytails]

@@GavinReadsItAll yes we do!

[@spellbound_bj]

I was also harsh on Stalking Jack the Ripper when I first read it -- but after a while, I realized I actually really enjoyed the book (and the entire series!) I just didn't love the protagonist. She was a little #notlikeothergirls for me. But I thought the entire series was pretty well written and well-researched.

[@jennifergeiger6339]

I also need to work on reading more adult books could use some recommendations

[@jadeclifton8806]

Hi could I ask everyone’s opinion on heartstoppers. My 14 year old has just read vol 1 and loved it so I’ve got the other 3 volumes for them but should I also get the novella?

[@Amyduckie]

They are SO GOOD. I've read one of the novellas, they're a bit more angsty than the comics, but still good.

[@jadeclifton8806]

@@Amyduckie great thanks for letting me know. Sorry to sound stupid but you said they are there more than one?

[@Amyduckie]

@@jadeclifton8806 there are two, I believe. Nick and Charlie also feature in Solitaire, one of Alice’s full-length novels.

[@treweis1141]

You need to try the skulduggery pleasant series it's really funny and great writing

[@GavinReadsItAll]

I may try the first book next year, it keeps calling to me

[@treweis1141]

@@GavinReadsItAll it's good trust me

[@melanieheath9829]

@@GavinReadsItAll I have that book and haven't read it yet! If you do read it, maybe could you do a live so that people could join you? That sounds like it could be fun!

[@treweis1141]

Thanks guys

[@natiibooks]

My Favorite Book of 2021 is Malice by John Gwynne :)

[@Pris247]

Hi new subscriber 😊

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

Ice Planet Barbarians is pornography. Your viewers need to know that. I picked it up, at the bookstore; was browsing through it, and when I read that first scene, I put the book back on the shelf; glancing surreptitiously over my shoulder to see if anyone saw me with it. Robin Hobb's stories are wonderful. If I'd had a son, I'd name him Chivalry..Empire Of The Vampire is super fantastic; masterful storytelling.

[@anesreadingcorner]

❤️❤️❤️

[@GavinReadsItAll]

💙💙

[@Juless132]

Gavin’s not drinking Prosecco?? Gav…. The Perfect Poo! 👎👎 I will admit it is kinda funny it a weird sorta way

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Look, The Perfect Poo brought us joy. Weird joy, but joy nonetheless 😂

[@dianacruz4579]

Who is the author?