The time, as they say, has come. I have finished 200 books (and some extra) in 2021. You’ve already heard me shill my favorite of the first 100. This is the back half of that. I’ve always been a back half man myself. You’re gonna see a lot of repeat names in this one. Some of that is because I discovered authors I loved and wanted more. Some of that is because I dig deeper into an author I already loved, and there was so much lore than I knew. As always, these aren’t all books that came out this year, just books that I read this year. Anyway, less idle rambling, more very focused rambling. Here we go…

Best Series of Books About a Haunted Barn That Only Shows Up When Bad Things Happen and Vice Versa

Gideon Falls by Jeff Lemire

This series really took me back to the good old days of reading authors like Dan Simmons, Robert McCammon, Peter Straub and Stephen King voraciously. It’s your typical “ancient evil vs. small town with secrets” but so much more. Great mystery with focused characters and amazing art by Andrea Sorrentino.

Best Hockey and Family and Crazy Ex-Boyfriends Book

Roughneck by Jeff Lemire

My favorite Lemire stories seem to be the ones without capes or mutants or the end of the world or deer children. It was hard to narrow even that subsection down to one, but this noirish and intimate story, written and drawn by Lemire, is simply about an ex hockey goon, glory days behind him, doing what it takes to protect his estranged sister. A good pairing with Essex County.

Best The Cast of an 80s Movie That Was Never Made Living In an Orphanage on an Island Book

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

This was my first Klune book, but won’t be my last (even for this list). This book is just gorgeous. Yes, it’s young adult. Yes, it’s kinda saccharine. But the vivid characters in this story of a by-the-book auditor sent to assess the value of a school for “gifted” children run by an old eccentric is breathtaking. This is a love story at its heart and when that’s done well, I’m always a sucker for it.

Best Coming To Terms With Who You Are and What It Means to Those You Care About Book

Razor blade Tears by S.A. Cosby

You may recognize this name from last year’s list. This book was even better than last year’s fantastic Blacktop Wasteland. This is a tense and violent story of two men on opposite sides of racial tension brought together when their estranged sons, who were lovers, are murdered. Snappy, smart, realistic dialog just builds on the immersion into a story about accepting ourselves and the ones we hold dearest despite all flaws. This one is a must read.

Best Cool Ass Muthafuckas Pulling Off a Cool Ass Muthafuckin’ Heist Book

Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead

I’ve read three books by Colson Whitehead, and I’ve loved all of them. There’s a reason he’s won back to back Pulitzers. While maybe not as impactful for me as last year’s The Nickel Boys, this book checked a ton of boxes for me. Part historical fiction, part heist movie, part character study, I couldn’t get enough of the rich characters and perfect dialog. I’m a sucker for a “one last score” yarn, and this is one of the best.

Best Plans Falling Apart in the Best Possible Ways Book

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

I’ve been a huge Backman fan since reading his flawless A man Called Ove. This is now my favorite Backman book. This is no doubt my favorite book of the year. Funny, wacky, and full of charm. I don’t wanna spoil anything, but READ THIS BOOK. And no, I didn’t cry, I just read this entirely during a dust storm.

Best Letting Go Is Good Book

Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune

Another brilliant, charming, and fantastical love story from T.J. Klune, this one about an uptight blowhard stuck in the cafe that guides you between life and the afterlife. Klune does over the top odd characters better than anyone.

Best Series I Swear I Watched in Syndication as a Kid Starring Some Cool Guy From The 70s as a Cop From the 80s That Was a Spy in the 60s

Reckless by Ed Brubaker

Another graphic novel series. Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips may be the best duo making comics today. If you love kinda gritty, filthy LA detective stories from the late 70s and early 80s, jump on it. Very much in the vein of Magnum P.I, Rockford Files, and Vega$. I’m a huge fan.

Best “Oh Shit! This Funny Book Just Got Real!” Book

The Wreckage of My Presence by Casey Wilson

I loved Casey Wilson before picking this up, but I did not expect this book to be as well written and, at times, touching collection of short memoirs. Legit made me laugh and cry simultaneously. Made me love her even more.

Longest Title

The Comic Book Story of Video Games: The Incredible History of the Electronic Gaming Revolution by Johnathan Hennessey & Jack McGowan

One of the biggest surprises of the year for me. I found this through the The Comic Book Story of Professional Wrestling (which may have been better, but you gotta play to the audience). These books are surprisingly thorough histories filled with tons of little nods and references sprinkled throughout the art. Definitely a must read if you like these types of pop culture histories.

Well, that it. This is by far the most I’ve read in a year. I’m not sure I’ll match or top this in 2022, but that doesn’t mean I won’t try. As always, give yourself a goal of one more book than last year. If none of these seem like your thing, reach out. This is just a fraction of the recommendations I have just from this year. Sometimes it just takes a starting off point to reignite that love of reading. Thanks for reading with me and see you in 2022.

Burgerchamp: The Twisted Tale of the Second 100, 2021