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Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl invited us to share ten “New-to-Me Authors I Read in 2021.” I tend to bounce around a lot of new authors (I am terrible at finishing a book series!) so I “discovered” a lot of new ones last year. In fact, I just checked my Top Ten Books of 2021 to confirm what I suspected–they’re all new-to-me authors! I’ll share some other authors that I found and enjoyed last year but whom I didn’t mention as often.
Madeline Miller (Circe) I know I’m late to the party but I’m happy to be part of the fan club now!
Ellen Forney (Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, & Me) I admire Ms. Forney’s honesty about her bipolar diagnosis.
Liza Mundy (Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers Who Helped Win World War II) I admire Ms. Mundy for bringing this untold story to light and giving these heroes the attention they deserve
Jennifer Niven (Ada Blackjack: A True Story of Survival in the Arctic) This book was so well-written, I also felt like I met Ada herself.
Helen Scales (Spirals in Time: The Secret Life and Curious Afterlife of Seashells) I don’t think this book was quite as funny as Mary Roach’s books, but I would definitely mention Scales if someone asked me who writes engaging, quirky science books.
Indu Sundaresan (The Twentieth Wife) This book not only introduced me to Ms. Sundaresan, but also to the fabulous narrator Sneha Mathan. Bonus!
Mary Sharratt (Illuminations: A Novel of Hildegard von Bingen) Hildegard was born in the 11th century. I imagine it’s not easy to research and write fiction about a time so far in the past but Sharratt pulled it off admirably.
Martha Wells (All Systems Red) I’m late to this fan club too but I loved the intro to this series.
T. Kingfisher AKA Ursula Vernon (The Hollow Places) Last year, I actually read books by Vernon and Kingfisher (her pen name for her adult titles) for the first time. Harriet the Invincible was cute but I sensed that a kindred spirit penned The Hollow Places.
Kevin Wilson (Nothing to See Here) This quirky book about found family pushed all the right buttons for me.
That’s my list! Have you read any of these? Which authors did you discover in 2021? Link up every Tuesday at That Artsy Reader Girl!
I still haven’t read Circe myself! Really must get to that one 🙂
Ooh, you do need to read Circe. I really think you’ll love it.
I loved Circe and have Song of Achilles in my TBR stack. I’m also interested in the Martha Wells’ books. Her Murderbot series is showing up on blogs everywhere right now! I also need to read more of Kevin Wilson’s books. I’ve only read (listened to) Nothing To See Here.
I’ve only listened to Nothing to See Here as well but I’m definitely interested in reading more of Wilson’s work.
I’ve only read the first novella in the Murderbot series but it was a lot of fun. It didn’t waste time with unnecessary details; it got straight into the action.
None of your new authors have yet made it onto my reading list. I’m leaning towards Circe, though.
best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Circe was so good! I hope you like it if you decide to read it.
I love finding new authors, and you’ve added a few to my list to explore. Thanks.
I’m glad you found some authors of interest!
The author that comes to mind for me is Kate Quinn, but I know that there are a ton more from 2021.
Kate Quinn seemed to be everywhere last year with The Rose Code but I haven’t read any of her work. I need to check her out.
I read Nothing to See Here last year, and honestly I’m still not sure how I feel about it.
Pam @ Read! Bake! Create!
https://readbakecreate.com/10-authors-i-discovered-in-2021/
I wasn’t sure about it at first either but I really liked the found family aspect.
I definitely plan to read Helen Scales this year. I have Spirals on my shelf, and I’d love to look for and read the other book you read, too.
And Madeline Miller!
You haven’t read Madeline Miller yet? You’re in for a treat!
I read a ton of new authors this past year as well. https://cindysbookcorner.blogspot.com/2022/01/top-ten-tuesday-helpbookish-questions.html
It’s fun to find new talent!
Martha Wells and T. Kingfisher both top my favorite authors list, so I’m glad to see you enjoyed their work! And that’s awesome that your top ten books of 2021 were all new-to-you authors.
My TTT: https://bookwyrmknits.com/2022/01/25/top-ten-tuesday-new-to-me-authors-i-discovered-in-2021/
I thought those two authors would catch your eye 🙂
LOL! 😀
I like both Liza Mundy and Kevin Wilson, too… now if I can only get to Madeline Miller. Great list!
Circe was so good. I hope you enjoy Madeline Miller when you read one of her books! I still need to read Song of Troy.
I read a ton of new authors every year, too. It’s always fun to find a new one to love 🙂
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
It is fun to find new authors except that I rarely follow through on reading more of their books for some reason!