The 20 best books of 2021, chosen by four Times critics - Los Angeles Times
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The 20 best books of 2021

The top books of 2021 according to Bethanne Patrick, Mark Athitakis, Jessica Ferri and Mary Ann Gwinn.
The top books of 2021 according to Bethanne Patrick, Mark Athitakis, Jessica Ferri and Mary Ann Gwinn.
(Illustration by Martina Ibáñez-Baldor / Los Angeles Times)
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We asked four regular contributors of Times book reviews to name their five favorite books of the year, and they were full of surprises. None of their choices overlapped, and their range revealed a fruitful and diverse year of sweeping novels, hidden histories, searing essays and powerful biographies. Below are the individual lists; together they showcase the best 2021 had to offer between covers.

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