In part one of our 2021 end-of-year special episode we look back over the books we’ve covered for book club. Which ones have stayed with us? Which were our stand outs? And which are we going to crown our book club book of the year. Whether you're looking for your next book club read or just a great book for your personal reading pile, don't miss it. We also look forward to new book club plans and projects for the coming year.

For our best books of 2021 (from our own personal reading piles) go to Part 2, available in your podcast feed now.

Booklist

Writers and Lovers, Lily King

Early Work, Andrew Martin

Euphoria, Lily King

Shuggie Bain, Douglas Stuart

The Mermaid of Black Conch, Monique Roffey

Mrs Death Misses Death by Salena Godden

A Lonely Man, Chris Power (recommended by Gary)

The Remains of the Day, Kazuo Ishiguro

Like a Sword Wound by Ahmet Altan

I Will Never See the World Again by Ahmet Altan

How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue, As Meat Loves Salt by Maria McCann and The Barsetshire Chronicles by Anthony Trollope (Phil's recommendations)

Second Place by Rachel Cusk

Matrix by Lauren Groff

Full shownotes are on our website thebookclubreview.co.uk, where you can browse our full episode archive and sign up for our bi-weekly-ish newsletter, full of recommendations and bookish links. Keep up with us between episodes on Instagram and Facebook @bookclubreviewpodcast, on Twitter @bookclubrvwpod or email thebookclubreview@gmail.com. We always love to hear from you.

Best books of 2021 Part 1: best book club books