Posted: 12/6/2021 | December 6th, 2021
The past year was a fantastic book-reading year (one positive side effect of being in my home due to COVID). I read many books covering a wide range of topics. There were not all successful, but the majority of them were. As we come to the end of the year (and begin to buy books for the holiday season) I’d like to highlight some of my favorites from this year.
The books took me to places where the borders were closed I was taught about history myself, and caused me to think about how I perceive the world.
With winter fast approaching it’s hard to beat snuggling up with a hot cup of tea and a good read!
So, without further ado, here are the best books I read in 2021 (in no particular order):
1. Take More Vacations by Scott Keyes
Expert on travel Scott Keyes from Scott’s Cheap Flights explains how to find cheap airfare and enhance your travel experience. The book is half practical and half concept. Keyes simplifies the whole procedure of how the pricing for airfare worksand the strategies for finding cheap flights be applicable to you no matter the location you reside in.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
2. Circe by Madeline Miller
This novel is a fictionalized story of Greek goddess Circe. It’s a captivating book that is a page-turner and spans Greek historical. The writer really conveys Circe into the present and tells an intricate tale of how you become the person you always wanted to be. I highly would recommend the book! I could not put it down after I took it home.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
3. The Expanse, by James S. A. Corey
This cult Amazon TV program is inspired by a book series. The nine-part series follows humans (fractured in humans living on Earth, Mars, and “The Belt”) in the near future, after they discover an alien portal that connects worlds around. If you like sci-fi and looking for an interesting series to read take a look at this series. It’s fantastic. The ninth and final book was released in the month of March.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
4. The Land of Love, and Drowning Land of Love and Drowning, by Tiphanie Yanique
The story is situated on the US Virgin Islands and taking place during the first half of the 20th century. The story is based on the story of the author’s own family and the island historical records to tell a tale that is full of magical real. I took two pages to get absorbed, but it was absorbed within the first 30 to 40 pages. It’s a fascinating multi-layered read, and I can see why the author won many awards for the book.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
5. Breath Breath, by James Nestor
Breath refers to how we breathe. The book suggests that healthy breathing is the key to solving the majority of our health issues. Although I believe that’s an exaggeration however, there’s a wealth of useful and informative information here about how breathing exercises can help reduce the risk of allergies (something I have trouble with) as well as boost your energy and decrease sleep apnea as well as snoring.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
6. Less to be said, by Andrew Sean Greer
The Pulitzer Prize-winning nonfiction book follows the story of writer Arthur Less on the eve of his 50th birthday. When he discovers that his partner will be getting married in the near future, Arthur agrees yes to a number of workshops and business trips which take him all over the globe. (So I’m guessing it’s a bit of a travel-themed book in that sense.) More I read through this book and more I was enthralled by it. The twist at the close? Wow! You’ll never know what’s coming!
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
7. What’s Not Killing You: A Life With Chronic Illness, written by Tessa Miller
The book — which is part personal account, and a guide for people suffering from chronic illnesses — details the author’s struggle with IBD and Crohn’s disease. It’s well written as well as informative and provides an eye-opening look into the plethora of holes and systemic failings of medical care in the US healthcare system. Three out of five Americans have a chronic illness, and this book is a great help in helping people comprehend their struggles.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
8. Deep Work, by Cal Newport
This book will help you to stay away from distractions and do more productive work. Although it is repetitive in some places however, it does contain many great suggestions for how to perform “deep work” and live more uninvolved lives. If you’re looking to enhance your efficiency, find more time for your friends as well as family members, or expand your interests This book is full of ideas and suggestions.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
9. The Way I Built This, by Guy Raz
Guy Raz is famous for his podcast, How I Built This where he interviews entrepreneurs on how they created their businesses. Raz collects the entire lessons that he’s learned from his show into a book. The book is a continuation of his “hero’s journey” arc about the process of establishing and sustaining the business. I usually don’t like business books but I really enjoyed this.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
10. Born a Crime, by Trevor Noah
As Austin’s Snowpocalypse shut down the power, I went to the book written from Trevor Noah about his life in South Africa and ended up reading the entire book in a single day. I found it interesting and instructive to read about his childhood in the days before apartheid ended. It offered me some perspective on living in South Africa and a deeper appreciation for Trevor Noah himself
.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
11. The White Tiger, by Aravind Adiga
In the beginning, I was unable to take the time to read the book. I wasn’t a fan of the style or the way the author wrote it, and I considered taking it off. But then, I realized that an entire day had gone by and I was nearly finished with the book. The novel grew over me! The protagonist, Balram, is an antihero who is a fan of his self-centered ways as his quest to be a part of the slums within India and become a powerful person.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
12. Scotland Beyond the Bagpipes, by Helen Ochyra
Ochyra has been the UK Travel writer, who recognized that in spite of numerous trips for work in Scotland to work she’d not visited Scotland in the flesh. After being suffocated by losing her monthly job her month, she gets in an automobile and sets out to explore Scotland in depth to gain an understanding about the nation. The book is entertaining and easy to read and is full of insight into Scotland (a country I adore greatly).
Buy it on Amazon
13. The Signature of All Things, by Elizabeth Gilbert
This story of Alma who lived around 1800, is compelling that I could not stop reading it. It follows her journey from her birth until old age. The characters are intricate and the tale of finding one’s identity in the world comes with several plot twists and obviously, it’s well-written. I enjoyed the book.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
14. The Queen’s Gambit, by Walter Tevis
After being enthralled by this Netflix series (I watched it two times) I decided to read the book. It’s a short and simple to read. The book was followed fairly precisely, so if you saw the show, you’ll know the plot. There’s very few variations. However, if you enjoyed it on the tiny screen, you’re going to be awed by the book.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
15. The Yellow House, by Sarah Broom
The memoir chronicles the Broom family’s history within New Orleans, far from Bourbon Street, diving into the life of the city’s poor and the struggles of growing as a Black and living in an area that was defined by race. She delved into her childhood and the way Katerina transformed not just NOLA but also her family. This book has given me a lot of insight into life in the Crescent City that you don’t get as a tourist.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
16. L’Appart, by David Lebovitz
Lebovitz is famous travel writer with a prolific writing style on Paris (and I enjoyed meeting him when I was there). In this humorously writtenand thoughtful book, he utilizes his home renovations to examine different elements of French life. He’s an Parisian Bill Bryson and is capable of peeling back the layers of his life in Paris.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
17. Americanah, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The story follows Ifemelu who returns to Nigeria after having studied at America. United States. It tells the college buddy’s experiences, as they shift perspectives between them, and between the US as well as in Nigeria. It’s 600 pages of amazing prose and stories that highlight the difficulties of moving to another country, then returning home and attempting to integrate to the old routine. It’s incredible.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
18. Mad Travelers, by David Seminera
Mad Travelers is a book about perpetual nomads who want at being the greatest traveled on earth and travel to every little known place (aka “mad travelers”). The book delved into the psychology behind why people wish to travel for the rest of their lives. I thoroughly enjoyed the book which made me think about why I travel to the world so often (I have written about it here).
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
19. In Every Mirror She’s Black, by Lola Akinmade Åkerström
Travel writer, photographer and best-selling writer Lola Akinmade Akerstrom’s first novel of fiction”In Every Mirror she’s Black is a riveting book for those seeking an understanding of what it takes to be an Black woman in the modern world. The story is told through the eyes of three complex and detailed characters who navigate an unfamiliar nation, In Every Mirror is quick-paced, well-written, and easy to read.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
20. The Premonition: A Pandemic Story, by Michael Lewis
This book written by Michael Lewis is about the initial stages of the pandemic. This isn’t an indictment of Trump. It’s about the shortcomings of the CDC planning, the organization, along with the inertia of the bureaucratic. I learned a lot from the country’s previous pandemic planning and the reasons why the CDC was not taking COVID serious (when you find out why it’s going to make you deeply depressed).
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
21. Beyond Guilt Trips, by Dr. Anu Taranath
Travelling abroad can offer a new perspectives. However, travel can become stressful and complicated. It can be uncomfortable or awkward to discuss the cultural and racial differences that exist even though these differences could have been the reason behind an interest in traveling in the first in the first. Anu Taranath can help us shed our baggage of what we’re about to make us more effective travelers.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
22. How to Avoid Climate Disaster, by Bill Gates
The book is about the complexity of transitioning towards a carbon neutral world. The solution he proposes isn’t revolutionary (“we require to have the will of our politicians!”) but what I appreciated was his in-depth explanation of how carbon is interwoven into every aspect of our lives. We tend to focus on the impact of air travel and automobiles but these aren’t the biggest issues facing us. The entire book was extremely fascinating.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
23. American War, by Omar El Akkad
The story is set at the close at the end of 21st Century the book explores a future in which it is the United States, overwhelmed by climate change, is facing another civil war as the South divides once more. It’s a fascinating engaging story that follows the protagonist from childhood to adulthood. The book is gripping and all about how hatred and revenge harm not only our own lives but the people who are around us as well.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
24. Between Two Kingdoms, by Suleika Jaouad
Suleika Jaouad is your typical college student living in Paris (jealous) at the time her health began to decrease. Returning to the States and learning that she is suffering from a fatal bone Marrow Cancer. The memoir describes the treatment she received, her diagnosis and her recovery. It’s an emotional book that explores grief, sadness, anger and acceptance. It was among the most powerful books that I had the pleasure of reading throughout the year.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
25. Think Again, by Adam Grant
The new book written from Adam Grant is about how to review your beliefsand how to communicate with people who do not agree with your views. I thought it was extremely relevant given the state of society nowadays. In a time when people fight via social networks, the book inspired me to consider how I come to my conclusions and change my mind and interact with others.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
26. The Black Count: Glory, Betrayal, Revolution, and the real the Count from Monte Cristo, by Tom Reiss
This is the story about Alex Dumas, the father of famous author Alexandre Dumas. Alex Dumas was the son of an French nobleman and slave on the island of Haiti. When he was just a teenager his father took the young man to France to experience the lifestyle as a nobleman. As the Revolution was upon us, he swiftly became famous for his numerous military victories. It was fascinating to know about the race equality that occurred during the revolution in France and the way Napoleon overturned it. Purchase it on Amazon Buy it on Bookshop
27. Ghana Must Go, by Taiye Selasi
I picked up this book believing it was a travel book, but it’s actually a fictional book about the story of a Ghanese family in the US confronting the loss of a father who left the family. The story is beautifully written and examines the questions of family abandonment, forgiveness, and love. The engaging prose will draw you in from the very first line. It’s an absolute masterpiece of a book , and one of the best written books I’ve read in the past year.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
28. Over the Edge of the World: Magellan’s harrowing circumnavigation of the Globe, by Laurence Bergreen
The book is an extensive and informative background of Magellan’s globe journey and the real risks and adventure of it, but also an overview of the world of 1519. There’s lots of information in this book on sailing and social hierarchy, colonialism and politics. If you’re a fan of history will love this book. The author provides many details but the pace is quick.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
29. Black Privilege: Opportunities Come to the People who Create It, by Charlamagne Tha God
Charlemagne the God is a DJ/TV host I’ve heard of him throughout many years. This is his autobiography about his life living in rural South Carolina and what he’s learned from being a drug dealer as a child to becoming a household name in his adulthood. I particularly like his belief that there is no failure that aren’t lessons to be learned and his focus on working hard for success if you wish to achieve it.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
30. BONUS: Ten Years a Nomad, by me
Of course, I’m gonna add my book! My memoir is about my 10 years of backpacking around across the globe and also a book about my travel philosophy. The book follows the emotional journey of traveling around the world , from planning to getting on the road in the very first place and then making friends, feeling of coming home and all between. I discuss the realities of long-term travel as well as the lessons learned from that way of life.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
31. BONUS #2: How to Travel the World on $50 A Day, by me
My book also contains my top tips in an easy-to-follow format is ideal to carry on your next trip. It will guide you to become a master traveler , and help you explore through the world. It’s similar to this blog, but much more thorough and covers everything you need to know in order to prepare for a trip and navigate around the globe with confidence.
Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Bookshop
***
Reading was especially crucial this year when the borders of many countries were shut and the virus continued to infect the world. In this difficult time I was able to escape through books from stress and anxiety in a chaotic world and grow my business and improve my personal growth as well.
Although the year certainly was not without its downs and ups however, it was a great year to read. There’s a silver lining if it’s what you’re asking me. Take a look at the books listed above and allow them to inspire you in the same way as they did me.
P.S. – If you’re looking for recommended reading, make sure to go through my favorite books on Bookshop. It’s not as inexpensive as Amazon but it does help small independent bookstores more than Amazon. If you’re located in either the US and UK and want to buy from them, do so! (If you’re only using Kindle for reading, this is the Amazon URL.)
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Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Take Your Booking
Find an affordable flight making use of Skyscanner as well as Momondo. These are two of my favorite search engines since they scan sites and airlines across the world, so you are sure that no stone will be left to be left.
Make Your Reservation
You can reserve your hostel through Hostelworld. If you’re looking to stay outside of an hostel, try Booking.com because they always provide the lowest rates for guesthouses as well as cheap hotels.
Beware of Forget Your Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can protect you from injury, illness and theft, as well as cancellations. It’s an all-encompassing protection in case everything happens to you. I’ve never taken an excursion without it because I’ve used it several occasions in recent. My top companies that provide the highest quality service and value are:
SecurityWing (best option for everyone)Insure My Trip (for those who are over 70)
Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
Are you ready to book your Trip?
Check out my guide to the top firms to work with while traveling. I have listed all the companies I use for travel. They’re top of the line class, and you will not be wrong when you use them for your next trip.
The article The Best Books I Read in 2021 was first published on the Nomadic Matt Travel Site.
