Mark’s 2021 End of Year Lists

While I have an all-time favorite list, some things just won’t make that list. I figured I’d share some of my favorite things from this year. If you’re subscribed to the newsletter, you may have gotten a sneak peek at what I’m consuming.

So let’s get to it!

Favorite Books of 2021

These are books I’ve rated as 5-out-of-5. You can view all the books I’ve read in 2021 via my bookshelf. Here is the list in no particular order:

  1. The Fated Sky by Mary Robinette Kowal—Science Fiction & Historical
  2. Sula by Toni Morrison—Race, Historical, Literary
  3. Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison—Race, Historical
  4. Found Friends and Questionable Newcomers by Eric Keegan—Lyric
  5. The 64-Bit Build by Eric Keegan-Lyric
  6. Mixtape VOL. 1 by Mark D. Askew—Lyric (A bit biased here as this is mine.)
  7. The Ultimate Guide To Book Marketing by Nicholas Erik—Marketing
  8. The Copyeditor’s Handbook by Amy Einsohn, Marilyn Schwartz—Craft
  9. Waited by Mark D. Askew—Short Story, Literary (A bit biased here as this is mine.)
  10. The Democracy Project by David Graeber—Politics
  11. Deep Work by Cal Newport—Productivity Self-Help

*Book links are affiliate links.

Favorite Movies of 2021

  1. Spiderman: No Way Home
  2. Justice League: Snyder Cut
  3. Dune
  4. Eternals
  5. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
  6. The Green Knight
  7. Army of the Dead
  8. Last Night in Soho
  9. Malignant

Favorite Shows of 2021

  1. Invincible
  2. The Falcon and The Winter Soldier
  3. WandaVision
  4. What If…
  5. Loki
  6. Hawkeye
  7. Arcane
  8. Foundation
  9. Shadow and Bone
  10. Squid Game

Honorable Mentions (Shows I have not finished)

  1. The Witcher
  2. The Expanse
  3. The Wheel of Time

Favorite Podcasts of 2021

I love my podcasts; however, this year saw a sharp decline in consuming new podcasts. I hope that I can change this in 2022.

  1. The History of Literature
  2. Deep Questions
  3. Hardcore History
  4. The Truth

Honorable Mention: AniMonday—I discovered they were back with new episodes a little later in the year.

Favorite Music of 2021

Music is a difficult list to make because I mostly stick to older music or soundtracks and loft for background noise. However, I still wanted to include a mixture of music that captured me this year. Some are compilations, re-releases, and new releases for the year.

  1. My Analog Journal (YouTube, Twitch Streamer)
  2. 70s Japanese Jazz Mix (YouTube)
  3. Aaliyah (celebrating her music re-release)
  4. Bad Example – Takayan
  5. Worst (I Assume) – JoJo
  6. Industry Baby – Lil Has X & Jack Harlow
  7. Somewhat Loved – Jam & Lewis feat. Mariah Carey
  8. Fall in Love at Christmas – Mariah Carey feat. Khalid & Kirk Franklin
  9. Lost – Otis Kane
  10. Nobody – Nas ft. Ms. Lauryn Hill (she killed her verse)