The 12 Best Books of 2021
The 12 Best Books of 2021
In partnership with our friends at Michael Kors
Our list of favorites this year is heavy on debut novels but also includes one memoir and a few books by repeat authors with big names. Because we’re currently in a gift-giving state of mind, we’ve paired each book with a companion accessory to keep you company while reading.
While you’re here: We hope you’ll join us for the last goop Book Club of the year. We’re hosting a live conversation with Pulitzer Prize–winning author Elizabeth Strout. We’ll be talking about her new book, Oh William! (on this list), and you can submit your own questions for Strout in real time. Tune in on Tuesday, December 14 at 12 p.m. PT (3 p.m. ET) on goop’s YouTube channel.
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One of the most memorable voices in contemporary fiction.
Oh William!
by Elizabeth Strout
Bookshop, $25SHOP NOW -
Pair with main-
character-energy glasses.Michael Kors
Sitka
LensCrafters, $182SHOP NOW
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Masterpiece.
Infinite Country
by Patricia Engel
Bookshop, $23SHOP NOW -
Pair with a tote and take the book with you wherever you go.
Rue de Verneuil
Tote XL
goop, $300SHOP NOW
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Prepare to fall (hard) for the protagonist.
Open Water
by Caleb Azumah Nelson
Bookshop, $15SHOP NOW -
Pair with DTF.
goop Wellness
DTF
goop, $55/$50 with
subscriptionSHOP NOW
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Unhinged in the best way.
Animal
by Lisa Taddeo
Bookshop, $26SHOP NOW -
Pair with
dark chocolate.Ritch
Array Ménage à Trois
goop, $24SHOP NOW
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A provocative snapshot of a family and the complicated, imperfect love that binds one member of it to another.
Immediate Family
by Ashley Nelson Levy
Bookshop, $24SHOP NOW -
Pair with cozy.
OFFHOURS
The Homecoat
goop, $295SHOP NOW
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Garcia’s memoir about being the son of Gabriel García Márquez and Mercedes Barcha.
A Farewell to Gabo and Mercedes
by Rodrigo Garcia
Bookshop, $22SHOP NOW -
Pair with coffee and finish the book in one sitting.
La DoubleJ
Espresso Cup, Set of 2
goop, $155SHOP NOW
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Compact, sly, and sticks with you.
Assembly
by Natasha Brown
Bookshop, $21SHOP NOW -
Pair with a mood.
Zeus + Dione
3 Graces
Candlestick Holders
goop, $205SHOP NOW
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A delightful and quirky coming-of-age-esque portrait set in New York City’s iconic ’90s Mac repair shop TekServe.
LaserWriter II
by Tamara Shopsin
Bookshop, $24SHOP NOW -
Pair with your most nostalgic playlist.
U-Turn Audio
Orbit Special Turntable with Built-In Preamp
goop, $569SHOP NOW
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Goes harder on capitalism and fame than her last two, but it’s equally observant of the disconnect between what we feel and do in relationships.
Beautiful World, Where Are You
by Sally Rooney
Bookshop, $26SHOP NOW -
Pair with resisting consumerism, and
if that fails, wine.R+D.LAB
Luisa Calice,
Set of 2
goop, $128SHOP NOW
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After her mother’s death and a break from her husband, fortysomething Anna goes on an unexpected journey to track down her father.
Sankofa
by Chibundu Onuzo
Bookshop, $24SHOP NOW -
Pair with a hot bath.
goop Beauty
“The Martini”
Emotional Detox
Bath Soak
goop, $35SHOP NOW
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A break-your-heart stunning love story about two young men who are enslaved on an antebellum plantation in Mississippi.
The Prophets
by Robert Jones Jr.
Bookshop, $25SHOP NOW -
Pair with
something living.The Sill
Fiddle-Leaf Fig
goop, $70SHOP NOW
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Twisted and exhilarating and difficult to put down until you read the last word.
The Push
by Ashley Audrain
Bookshop, $24SHOP NOW -
Pair with something to help you to bed afterward, when you feel like you must keep one eye open.
goop Wellness
Knock Me Out
goop, $55 for 60/$30 for 30SHOP NOW
We hope you enjoy the books recommended here. Our goal is to suggest only things we love and think you might, as well. We also like transparency, so, full disclosure: We may collect a share of sales or other compensation if you purchase through the external links on this page.