7 Most Anticipated Books of 2021
Yet-to-be-released books I can’t wait to get my hands on
2020 is about to draw to a close. Like I mentioned in my article about the best books I read this year, I’ve been fortunate to discover some amazing reads. I’ve never felt as inspired and this much in love with characters in a book before.
That being said, 2021 has some pretty exciting new releases lined up and I can’t wait to dig right into these amazing reads. This article compiles seven of the most intriguing books to be released the next year. The books are listed in the order of how much I’m excited, why, and their release dates. You can pre-order them today and start reading them as soon as they are out in the world.
(All book blurbs are taken from the publisher’s press releases. Note that the links mentioned in this article are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase these books through these links, it will help me earn a small amount of money — at no extra cost to you. Thanks!)
7. How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates
Genre: Non-fiction
What it’s about
Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, shares what he has learnt in over a decade of studying climate change and investing in innovations to address climate problems. He explains how the world can work to build the tools it needs to get to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions — investing in research, inventing new technologies and deploying them quickly at a large scale. Gates is optimistic that the world can prevent the worst impacts of the climate crisis. This is a visionary and inspiring book by one of the world’s most celebrated public figures.
Why I’m excited to read it
I’m passionate about saving the planet, and Bill Gates’ efforts towards building a better future have always inspired me. Climate change is a major issue in today’s times and Gate’s relentless pursuit towards easing its impact will be a big help for us.
Publication Date: February 16, 2021
6. Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Genre: Science-fiction
What it’s about
The novel tells the story of Klara, an Artificial Friend with outstanding observational qualities, who, from her place in the store, watches carefully the behaviour of those who come in to browse, and of those who pass in the street outside. She remains hopeful a customer will soon choose her, but when the possibility emerges that her circumstances may change forever, Klara is warned not to invest too much in the promises of humans.
Why I’m excited to read it
This is the first novel by Kazuo Ishiguro since he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. The synopsis sounds super intriguing. An “Artificial Friend” who learns not to trust humans too much — it sure has the promise of a brilliant, heart-wrenching story. Anyone who’s familiar with Ishiguro’s writing knows that the author never disappoints. Needless to say, I’ve high hopes from this new book.
Also, as the publisher claims, “A thrilling feat of world-building, a novel of exquisite tenderness and impeccable restraint, Klara and the Sun is a magnificent achievement, and an international literary event.”
Publication Date: March 2, 2021
5. Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Genre: Psychological fiction
What it’s about
Malibu: August 1983. It’s the day of Nina Riva’s annual end-of-summer party, and anticipation is at a fever pitch. Everyone wants to be around the famous Rivas: Nina, the talented surfer and supermodel; brothers Jay and Hud, one a championship surfer, the other a renowned photographer; and their adored baby sister, Kit. Together the siblings are a source of fascination in Malibu and the world over — especially as the offspring of the legendary singer Mick Riva.
The only person not looking forward to the party of the year is Nina herself, who never wanted to be the centre of attention, and who has also just been very publicly abandoned by her pro tennis player husband. Oh, and maybe Hud — because it is long past time for him to confess something to the brother from whom he’s been inseparable since birth.
Jay, on the other hand, is counting the minutes until nightfall, when the girl he can’t stop thinking about promised she’ll be there.
And Kit has a couple of secrets of her own — including a guest she invited without consulting anyone.
By midnight the party will be completely out of control. By morning, the Riva mansion will have gone up in flames. But before that first spark in the early hours before dawn, the alcohol will flow, the music will play, and the loves and secrets that shaped this family’s generations will all come bubbling to the surface.
Malibu Rising is a story about one unforgettable night in the life of a family: the night they each have to choose what they will keep from the people who made them . . . and what they will leave behind.
Why I’m excited to read it
After loving Taylor Jenkins Reid’s previous books (The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones & The Six), I know one thing for sure: the author excels at bringing multiple storylines to life. As this is a period drama with a beautiful cover and an exciting bunch of characters, I’m certain this book is going to be one hell of an amazing read.
Publication Date: May 25, 2021
4. Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
Genre: Psychological fiction
What it’s about
The protagonist wavers between stasis and movement, between the need to belong and the refusal to form lasting ties.
The city she calls home, an engaging backdrop to her days acts as a confidant: the sidewalks around her house, parks, bridges, piazzas, streets, stores, coffee bars. We follow her to the pool she frequents and to the train station that sometimes leads her to her mother, mired in a desperate solitude after her father’s untimely death. In addition to colleagues at work, where she never quite feels at ease, she has girlfriends, guy friends, and “him,” a shadow who both consoles and unsettles her.
But in the arc of a year, as one season gives way to the next, transformation awaits. One day at the sea, both overwhelmed and replenished by the sun’s vital heat, her perspective will change. This is the first novel she has written in Italian and translated into English. It brims with the impulse to cross barriers. By grafting herself onto a new literary language, Lahiri has pushed herself to a new level of artistic achievement.
Why I’m excited to read it
As the blurb from the publisher claims, “exuberance and dread, attachment and estrangement: in this novel, Jhumpa Lahiri stretches her themes to the limit.” Anyone who has read Lahiri’s writing knows she’s an expert in bringing out a range of human emotions. When I start reading this book, I’ll make sure I have a box of tissues nearby for how the story threatens to tear me apart in the most wonderful ways possible. Can’t wait to read this one soon.
Publication Date: May 4th 2021
3. The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Genre: Historical fiction
What it’s about
Texas, 1934. Millions are out of work and drought has broken the Great Plains. Farmers are fighting to keep their land and their livelihoods. The crops are failing, the water is drying up, and dust threatens to bury them all.
In this uncertain and dangerous time, Elsa Martinelli — like so many of her neighbours — must make an agonizing choice: fight for the land she loves or go west, to California, in search of a better life. The Four Winds is an indelible portrait of America and the American Dream, as seen through the eyes of one indomitable woman who will discover the best in herself in the worst of times.
Why I’m excited to read it
Another historical fiction novel coming from the author of the much-acclaimed books, Nightingale, Great Alone, and Firefly Lane — this one is bound to captivate the readers and make them feel all the right emotions. I don’t expect this to be an easy journey. I expect it to shake me, break my heart, and show me the depths of strength and resilience humans are capable of.
Publication Date: February 9, 2021
2. Later by Stephen King
Genre: Horror
What it’s about
The son of a struggling single mother, Jamie Conklin just wants an ordinary childhood. But Jamie is no ordinary child. Born with an unnatural ability his mom urges him to keep secret, Jamie can see what no one else can see and learn what no one else can learn. But the cost of using this ability is higher than Jamie can imagine — as he discovers when an NYPD detective draws him into the pursuit of a killer who has threatened to strike from beyond the grave.
Why I’m excited to read it
As the blurb from the published claims: “Later is Stephen King at his finest, a terrifying and touching story of innocence lost and the trials that test our sense of right and wrong. With echoes of King’s classic novel IT, Later is a powerful, haunting, unforgettable exploration of what it takes to stand up to evil in all the faces it wears.”
Publication Date: March 2, 2021
1. Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
Genre: Contemporary fantasy
What it’s about
When a reaper comes to collect Wallace Price from his own funeral, Wallace suspects he really might be dead.
Instead of leading him directly to the afterlife, the reaper takes him to a small village. On the outskirts, off the path through the woods, tucked between mountains, is a particular tea shop, run by a man named Hugo. Hugo is the tea shop’s owner to locals and the ferryman to souls who need to cross over.
But Wallace isn’t ready to abandon the life he barely lived. With Hugo’s help he finally starts to learn about all the things he missed in life.
When the Manager, a curious and powerful being, arrives at the tea shop and gives Wallace one week to cross over, Wallace sets about living a lifetime in seven days.
By turns heartwarming and heartbreaking, this absorbing tale of grief and hope is told with TJ Klune’s signature warmth, humor, and extraordinary empathy.
Why I’m excited to read it
I discovered the author, TJ Klune, in 2020. But I loved his writing so much, he soon earned his place among my favourite authors. After reading and loving The House in the Cerulean Sea, I soon went on a Klune-binge and read ten of his books back-to-back. There’s something special in TJ Klune’s writing. He creates characters that feel more real than most authors and is adept at describing scenes that fill your heart with warmth.
I am 100 per cent sure this book won’t disappoint.
Publication Date: September 21, 2021
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