Best reads of 2021 so far

The DS Books staff are thrilled about the return of the "Best Reads" series. Read on as we share our thoughts about the books, published in 2021, which made us escape into the most diverse of worlds (ones where the pandemic is a distant memory, if even that). While this list isnt exhaustive—it's simply the books that have most stayed with us this year so far—it is complete with gut wrenching tales of heartbreak and wonderful stories of triumph, which transport the reader to the outside without requiring them to step outside our humble abodes.

So, sit back, relax, get the reading lamps ready for these page-turners of the year so far, and don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

THE STARTUP WIFE

Tahmima Anam (Penguin India, 2021)

Selected by Sarah Anjum Bari

As I mentioned in my review, Tahmima Anam's The Startup Wife made me forget work, obligations, and deadlines. I was completely immersed in the protagonist, Asha's world, and the writing was so intelligent, funny and graceful. As Anam says of Asha's mother in the story, the book felt like a feminist high five.

A book that I'm engrossed in right now is a work of nonfiction, Ross King's The Bookseller of Florence (Atlantic Monthly Press, 2021). It's an invaluable read for anyone interested in book history or even history in general. King uses as his protagonist Vespasiano da Bisticci, a well connected bookseller in 15th century Florence.

Through his journey, we encounter rich, detailed retellings of how the study and making of manuscripts shaped Renaissance Florence, which was the centre of culture in Europe at the time. We get detailed accounts of how manuscripts were made, what materials were used, how they were read and circulated, and patronised. The Medicis play an important role in this story, as does everyone from Plato to Aristotle, Socrates, Cicero, Plutarch, and Turkish emperor Mehmed II (this is how far I've gotten in the book so far!). For such a heavy topic, the writing feels quite light and accessible, with short chapters, simple storytelling, and some interesting illustrations.

KLARA AND THE SUN

Kazuo Ishiguro (Faber, 2021)

Selected by Mehrul Bari

If there was a novel of the year thus far it would be Ishiguro's Klara and the Sun. Simple and exquisite, the novel tells of "Artificial Friend" Klara, who looks after terminally-ill child, Josie, in an extraordinary humanistic story of the future and the present. The way in which Klara and the Sun hooks you, without any real hooks or page-turning drama, is a feat worthy of the celebrated author. I had planned to read the book—beautifully and perfectly designed by Faber senior designer Pete Adlington—over a week or so, but I found myself, within the first turns of the page, to be wholly engrossed in a story seemingly familiar but wholly unique.

To me, though, 2021 has been the year of short story collections. So many different collections have hit the shelves, authored by writers from around the world, that have shown the breadth of the modern short story. Mariana Enríquez's compulsive The Dangers of Smoking in Bed (Hogarth Press, 2021; transl. Megan McDowell) has been its apex. Through 12 frightening, disgusting, contemplative, and navel-gazing short stories, the veteran Enríquez has staked her claim as a master of the form.

CONCRETE ROSE

Angie Thomas (Balzer + Bray, 2021)

Selected by Rasha Jameel

Concrete Rose has been a beautifully intense read for me. Angie Thomas gave her readers a really insightful look into gang politics amidst underprivileged Black neighbourhoods, through the eyes of a teen who has to embrace fatherhood while still at school. There's the social commentary related to the gang-runner code, the heartwarming exploration of the mother-son bond, and the dynamics of teen romance. It's a book everyone should read at some point, in my opinion.

THE INVISIBLE HUSBAND OF FRICK ISLAND

Colleen Oakley (Penguin, 2021)

Selected by Sameirah Nasrin Ahsan

The Invisible Husband of Frick Island brings together a diverse combination of elements to tell the story of one island's love for Piper Parrish, the widow of fisherman Tom Parrish, who had vanished at sea. The small island population rallies around Piper and allows her to think that Tom is in fact alive and is sleeping, eating, living life alongside her. When Anders Caldwell, a journalist fresh out of university arrives on the island to cover another one of the mundane topics that his boss usually assigns him, he realises that the "Frick Island delusion" could be his big break.

As he gets to spend more and more time with the colourful personalities that make up Frick Island, Anders is no longer sure that he has it in him to uncover Piper's reality because in truth,  he finds himself falling in love with her.

This book is whimsical, fascinating and hopeful. It is an unconventional love story that explores the nature of mourning and the need for compassion and love in a merciless world.

THE LOST APOTHECARY

Sarah Penner (Legend Press, 2021)

Selected by Maisha Islam Monamee

What I loved most about The Lost Apothecary was the dual narration and intertwined lives of three women, who have all been wronged by men. It is a captivating story with a tint of mystery and magic!

TWICE SHY

Sarah Hogle (GP Putnam's Sons, 2021)

Selected by Towrin Zaman

I'll have to go with Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle. I went in expecting it to be a light meaningless romance read. It even started off that way. But it turned in its head and gave me the biggest surprise with the depth of the characters and the issues they deal with. It's set my expectations way too high for the romance books of 2021, and I've only been disappointed ever since.

THE SECRET TO SUPERHUMAN STRENGTH

Alison Bechdel (Mariner Books, 2021)

Selected by Israr Hasan

The Secret to Superhuman Strength by Alison Bechdel is an extremely relaxing read about the author's quest on reinventing herself through exercise of the body and mind. Bechdel, an iconic graphic artist, pours bursts of creative synergy into her new graphic novel, illustrating her life and the effects of exercise which have continued to impact her at her current age . As the pandemic rages on, this book with its light hearted imagery is a wonderful insight into the annals of self-care and self-love. Nurturing oneself from within is just as important as receiving love from outside. A delightful read which acts alternately as a graphic self-help book and a generous read, this novel is a gateway to self-discovery.

UNDER A WHITE SKY: THE NATURE OF THE FUTURE

Elizabeth Kolbert (Crown Publishing Group, 2021)

Selected by Labib Mahmud

"A book about people trying to solve problems caused by people trying to solve problems"—writes Elizabeth Kolbert, at the end of her book Under a White Sky: The Nature of the Future. Our planet is warming, and climate change is undoubtedly an accepted threat of the contemporary world. In this book, Kolbert explores climate change, modern man's intervention in nature, and the concept of gene drive, and introduces us to people working in the field of geoengineering. She does so with a very lucid yet bleak narrative, which in my opinion is deliberate in order to mirror the hopelessness that we as a generation possess and assimilate due to the uncertainty surrounding the sustainability of nature. Regardless, this book is an interesting read, not comprised of overwhelming data, but serving as a wake-up call towards a more sustainable living. Under a White Sky will definitely intimidate the reader, and instinctively raise awareness, making it a top read for 2021.

THE SON OF THE HOUSE

 Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia (Europa Editions, 2021)

Selected by Shah Tazrian Ashrafi

In this novel set in Enugu, a Nigerian city, we follow the lives of two different women—Julie, a modern, upper class woman, and Nwabulu, a housemaid, from a very early age. A kidnapping brings these women together as they languish in captivity, sharing their stories. Another thread—light yet vital—also connects these two characters. Told through a witty and lyrical perspective and language, the novel examines how class and inequality leave permanent imprints on people's lives. The book throbs with a kind of intensity and suspense that is bound to keep the reader invested in these characters' lives till the very end.

THE COMPLETE LIST OF JERICHO

Chris Jericho (Scribe Store, 2021)

Selected by Mir Zariful Karim

While some may question the meritocracy of a book written by a "wrassler" (slang-term for wrestler) about his professional wrestling career being included in a list along with such celebrated titles from respected authors, I beg to differ. The Complete List of Jericho belongs here on the basis of the fact that there simply is no other book like it in the world (in 2021 or any other year before or after), one which chronicles the author-wrestler's 30 year entertainment career with detailed diatribes and analysis of every single pseudo-competitive contest the wrestler took part in during his time in the squared circle (which is still ongoing). The writing is excellent with humorous quips and anecdotes aplenty throughout the 2,722 matches documented. But if you still think that this book does not belong here, lighten up a little and bear with me. How can you not find some joy in the novelty of ending a list with a book which has list in its title?