2021 showed how resilient we are. It was a time of change, growth, and new books to consume – where an escape from reality was sometimes needed to process what was happening in our world. Spokane Public Library staff shared some of their favorite books from the year with hopes you find them as enjoyable as they did.
The Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
This YA page turner by an Indigenous author will keep you reading late into the night, and leave you wanting to read more books with Indigenous protagonists that depict the layered complexity of modern Native American life. – Amanda
When Sorrows Come: An October Daye Novel by Seanan McGuire
It is an excellent urban fantasy series, with many many books in the series to read. – Shalen
Sunflower Sisters by Martha Hall Kelly
Each of Martha’s books are incredibly well-written and follow the stories of three different people, often times one of them being the “villian” in the story. This unique writing style helps you see things from different perspectives, even if you still don’t agree with them. This book in particular follows three individuals as they navigate life during the Civil War. The characters include a noble abolitionist nurse from New York City, a slave with gumption and guts, and a plantation owner, Confederate spy, and true baddie. – Alina
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
It has the hard science and nerdiness of the author’s previous works (The Martian, for example) but with the main protagonist gradually discovering who he is – thanks to selective amnesia – and then deciding what type of person he wants to be. The somewhat surprising secondary protagonist is quite adorable, and the ending made me go “awww!” – Dana
Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe
The story of Hades and Persephone is one of my favorites, and this is an excellent and unique retelling with great artwork. – Becky
