Before I get started, I wanted to take a moment to apologize to my readers for disappearing for about two weeks. I basically decided that the holidays were off limits for much of anything this year, but now I’m back and ready to read and write!
Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. This weeks topic is the most anticipated releases for the first half of 2021. I’m going to try and put them in chronological order based on publication dates.
The Great Gatsby
Publication date: January 5, 2021
It’s a new graphic novel interpretation of the classic novel, and it is absolutely breath-taking. I’m a pretty big comic fan already, but as a teacher, I especially love giving those students who have a harder time following the complex themes of certain novels a great visual aide. That is this book! Also, the artwork is more interpretive than literal, which fits the aesthetic of the novel perfectly. This is true art, people.
Roman and Jewel
Publication date: 5 January 2021
It’s a modern take on a musical version of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliette. I’m definitely expecting this one to be a best-seller. You can check out my full review here.
Across the Green Grass Fields
Publication date: 21 January 2021
A young girl stumbles through a door in the woods to find herself in an enchanted world where humans are believed to be heroes. It’s a short read that would be perfect for a January snow-day.
Dearest Josephine
Publication date: 2 February 2021
It’s a YA love story with time-travel that would be the perfect Valentine’s Day gift to that special someone, or to yourself. I will probably get it for myself.
The Iron Raven
Publication date: 9 February 2021
This is possibly my favorite YA novel that I’ve ever read. It’s action-packed; it’s magical; it’s romantic, and it features one of my favorite literary characters of all time–Puck!
Firekeeper’s Daughter
Publication date: 2 March 2021
This book truly surpasses anything I’ve ever read in the YA genre. It’s a hard-hitting coming of age story that deals with family, race, and community. I highly recommend this one.
Every Last Fear
Publication date: 2 March 2021
If this is not ranked as one of the best thrillers of 2021 then I will be very displeased. Honestly, it’s one of the most heart-hammering thrillers I’ve read, and I read a lot of thrillers.
The Imposter
Publication date: 9 March 2021
This one is another great thriller that I will hopefully be revealing soon. I can’t say too much without giving away the whole plot, but it is an excellent read.
The Drowning Kind
Publication date: 6 April 2021
Jennifer McMahon is one of my favorite authors of all time. Her stuff can get pretty dark, but she always manages to surprise me.
The Maidens
Publication date: 1 June 2021
This is by the author who wrote The Silent Patient, so of course it made the list!
Fire with Fire
Publication date: 8 June 2021
I haven’t read this one yet, but it is written by Destiny Soria who is one of my all-time favorite humans. You should really check out her other work.
Aaaaand…I listed 11 books. I couldn’t help myself. These are all so good!
A Couple of B's 
I like seeing what’s coming up in terms of books. It gets me excited for books and reading. Thanks for sharing! I hope you had a wonderful holiday and wish you a Happy New Year!
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Thank you so much! I hope your holiday season and New Year were just as amazing.
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Great picks! Fire Keeper’s Daughter and Roman and Jewel both sound fantastic!
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