Looking back on 2021, my general thought is: Well, that happened. I had the worst reading slump I’ve had in years and every time I think I’m coming out of it, I fall right back in. My writing went much the same way. Fingers crossed that 2022 brings me back into a more regular routine. Despite all this, I do have a few best books of 2021.

Top 3 Best Books of 2021

I managed to read more books than I realized, but very few stood out above the rest. I can’t tell if I just had a year of average books, or if it was my mood. Pushing through a reading slump doesn’t usually make for a great reading experience. That being said, there were a few that stuck with me. I’m keeping it limited to my top 3, but want to give an honourable mention to King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender and The Wicker King by K. Ancrum.

1. The Song of Achilles by Madeleine Miller, for being the only book I devoured in a single sitting
2. On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong, for being the most beautifully written book I read all year
3. The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin, for being the most original book I read all year and delivering a story I never knew I always wanted

The 2021 StoryGraph Goal

Last year I set my goal at 50 books and managed to read 65, so this year my goal was 60. Against all odds, I’m currently sitting at 49 books read. Thank heavens for short books. I currently have 3 books on the go, and a few more short ones (less than 200 pages each) that I’d like to get to, so we’ll see. I doubt I’ll hit 60, but I might manage to get close.

Writing in 2021

One definitively good thing that happened in 2021 was earning a certificate in Creative Writing from Humber College. I now have a writing mentor who I’ve continued to work with, most of a manuscript completed, and the bones of the last act ready to be written. My original goal was to have the first draft finished by the end of 2021, but I underestimated the chaos of December, so my adjusted goal is the end of January. By far my greatest takeaway about writing this year has been learning that I am actually capable of maintaining a writing routine if I let myself be flexible with it.

Looking Back at 2021 

I’ll be real with you — 2021 has been a slog. It felt a lot like a one step forward, two steps back kind of year. But, here are a few good things:

• Completing the writing program at Humber and receiving a letter of distinction
• Finally reorganizing my bookshelves
• Getting back into acting
• Diving into the world of perfume and starting to blend my own scents

I have tentative hopes for 2022. Despite the ups and downs, and the shaky ground I’ve been on for most of this past year, it also feels like it’s been a year of laying the groundwork for something better. I’m expanding my creative horizons and that feels promising. Next year: screenplays. See you all in 2022!