Ask HN: What's the best book you read in 2021?

Article summary

The article is a yearly thread asking readers to share the best book they read in 2021, regardless of the book's publication year. The thread aims to collect book recommendations from the community. Readers are encouraged to share their favorite books and why they enjoyed them. The discussion is open to all types of books, including fiction and non-fiction.

Main themes

• book recommendations
• science fiction
• non-fiction
• classic literature
• translation quality
• reading preferences

What commenters say

• Some readers highly recommend science fiction series like Asimov's Foundation and Le Guin's The Dispossessed for their nuanced politics and engaging storylines.
• Others found classic science fiction series, such as Asimov's, to be dated and lacking in character development.
• The quality of translation is crucial when reading classic works like Homer's The Odyssey.
• Non-fiction books like 'A Cultural History of Physics' and 'Surveillance Valley' are also highly recommended for their unique perspectives and insights.
• Some readers appreciate books that explore the intersection of culture, history, and science, such as 'The Comanche Empire' and '1491'.
• The discussion highlights the diversity of reading tastes and preferences within the community, with some readers enjoying dense, academic books and others preferring more accessible and engaging stories.