Key Takeaways
- One of the things I did a lot of this past year was read. (I mean for a while there wasn’t much to do anyway). When I finally hit the road, I read jus
- Since it’s been a while since I last give a list of some of my favorite books, I’d thought I’d share what I’ve read this year that I really loved.
- While the pandemic has been incredibly stressful and challenging for many of us, one of the few silver linings for me is that I’ve been able to read a
One of the things I did a lot this past year was read. (For a while, there wasn’t much else to do.) And even after returning to the road, reading remained a constant — whether on buses, ferries, trains, or during happy hour at a local bar in an unfamiliar city. Give me a glass of wine and a good book, and I’m perfectly content.
Since it’s been a while since we last shared a curated list of standout reads, here are 19 books I’ve recently finished — each one insightful, engaging, or deeply resonant — and highly worth your time.
1. Take More Vacations, by Scott Keyes
In this practical and inspiring guide, travel expert Scott Keyes — founder of the flight deal platform Scott’s Cheap Flights — reveals how to book affordable airfare and design more meaningful trips. Blending actionable advice with thoughtful travel philosophy, Keyes demystifies airline pricing models and offers globally applicable strategies. Whether you’re based in Europe, Asia, or the Americas, this book equips you with smarter, more confident ways to fly — and save.
2. Circe, by Madeline Miller
This lyrical reimagining follows Circe, the mythic Greek goddess of sorcery, across centuries of divine and mortal encounters. Far from the one-dimensional enchantress of Homer’s *Odyssey*, Miller crafts a rich, empathetic portrait of self-discovery, power, and resilience. With elegant prose and immersive world-building, *Circe* transforms ancient myth into a timeless story about identity and agency — a true page-turner you’ll want to savor.
3. The Expanse, by James S. A. Corey
Originally a bestselling nine-book science fiction series, *The Expanse* imagines humanity’s future across Earth, Mars, and the asteroid belt — and beyond, following the discovery of alien gateways. Known for its political nuance, scientific plausibility, and tightly paced storytelling, the series delivers epic scope without sacrificing character depth. With the final installment released recently, it’s the ideal moment to dive in — all at once, no waiting.
4. Land of Love and Drowning, by Tiphanie Yanique
Set against the vivid backdrop of the US Virgin Islands across the 20th century, this lyrical novel weaves family saga, colonial history, and magical realism. Drawing on her own heritage, Yanique crafts a multigenerational story pulsing with voice, mystery, and cultural specificity. Though it begins deliberately, the narrative deepens quickly — rewarding patience with lush imagery, emotional resonance, and well-earned acclaim.
5. Breath, by James Nestor
Don’t let the title fool you — *Breath* is anything but dry. Journalist James Nestor investigates the overlooked science and ancient wisdom behind human respiration, revealing how modern breathing habits undermine health. From sleep apnea and allergies to anxiety and fatigue, he shows how intentional breathwork can yield measurable improvements. Grounded in research yet accessible and compelling, it’s a revelatory read for anyone seeking holistic wellness — especially frequent travelers adjusting to new time zones and altitudes.
6. Less, by Andrew Sean Greer
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, *Less* follows Arthur Less — a witty, self-deprecating novelist — as he embarks on a whirlwind global tour to avoid attending his ex-boyfriend’s wedding. What unfolds is both a tender comedy of errors and a quietly profound meditation on aging, love, and belonging. Greer balances satire with sincerity, crafting a story that’s as emotionally intelligent as it is laugh-out-loud funny — with a finale that lingers long after the final page.
