BOOKS I READ IN 2021

I have started doing a few book reviews this year and that's because, to be honest, I have only really started regularly reading as a hobby this year.

When I was at uni I had to read for my course so I didn't really want to do it in my free time, but I've actually been enjoying it since leaving. Does that mean I'm a real-life adult now?

So, I thought I would share my favourite books I have read this year with you.

My best reads of 2021

1. Women Don't Owe You Pretty by Florence Given

This is definitely one of my favourite books I have read, ever. It's so important and covers so many different themes of feminism. I actually did a review on this one so if you want to hear my full thoughts then read my review of Women Don't Owe You Pretty.

Incidentally, I actually saw Florence Given (the author) in real life when I was walking through Shoreditch the other day. If you don't know who she is yet, I would recommend following her on socials she is COOL.

2. Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman

Humankind is another non-fiction book and it unpacks all kinds of anthropological themes. Basically, it talks a lot about human history and the main question asked is are humans really selfish by nature? If you are interested in social sciences or just history in general I would recommend this book.

I am aware I am not explaining it too well, there is just so much covered and I feel like I'd need to read it again to remember it all. If you read it, you will understand what I mean.

3. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

I had literally started reading this book in 2019 but I finished it in 2021 so I have included it in this list anyway. Despite the length of time it took me to read (just me being on and off with it, nothing to do with the book) I really enjoyed this. I know I'm a bit late to the party with this but got there in the end!

4. Good Vibes, Good Life: How Self-Love Is the Key to Unlocking Your Greatness by Vex King

Another non-fiction book - can you tell which I prefer? I feel like this book unlocked something in my brain. The theme is basically good vibes only and tips of getting away from negativity and it all just makes so much sense. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. Who doesn't want to have good vibes and live a good life?

Also, I will be reading Vex's new book Healing is the New High very soon.

5. His Other Woman by Louise Voss

This book is actually written by a lady who is local to Salisbury (near where I live) which made me interested in reading it. It is a fictional book about a couple in Salisbury. The husband goes abroad by himself and is involved in an accident where he loses his memory. I will leave you with that description and the name of the title for you to work out the rest of the storyline. Very good, would recommend reading.

6. Drag Queen of Scots: The Dos and Don'ts of a Drag Superstar by Lawrence Chaney

Lawrence Chaney of one of my favourite drag queens to ever set foot on the main stage of RuPaul's Drag Race. They are also the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK Season 2. If you know me, you will know how much of a fan of the show I am and at every opportunity I tell people I did my dissertation on it (there we go, just mentioned it for the 497th time).

For this reason, I loved hearing about Lawrence's experiences before the show, during and after. I also wrote a review of this one too so if you'd like to hear more about what I thought, read my review of Lawrence Chaney's book.

7. Release the Beast: A Drag Queen's Guide to Life by Bimini Bon Boulash

Similar to number 6, this was written by Drag Queen, Bimini Bon Boulash from Season 2 of RuPaul's Drag Race UK. I loved reading this book, it was a mixture of biographical content and advice, life lessons, etc. There is a lot to be learnt from this book. 

Bimini covers a range of sociological concepts meanwhile their drag persona is branded as a 'bimbo'. Spoiler alert: the term 'bimbo' is unpacked in this book. Bimini also identifies as non-binary and seeing the world through their eyes definitely teaches you a lot about how gender-reliant the world we live in is.

Basically, Bimini can do it all by teaching you stuff, talking about their life and drag while generally just being iconic. There are also cool illustrations.

8. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

OK so I am a fan of the TV show so I thought why not try the books and see what they're like? I have to say, I am a bit obsessed at the moment. Pretty Little Liars is one of my comfort TV shows that I watched as a teenager and will watch over and over again now, so I find it really interesting to see what is different/the same in the books. I have read book 1 and 2 so far but there are so many, it depends if I can be bothered to read all of them,

When I asked earlier if I'm a real adult? The answer is no.

And there we have all of my favourite books that I've read this year. I'd love to hear your thoughts on book content as I'm quite new to it so please let me know if you like seeing it.