2020 was THE year for those of us who cope through reading. I was super excited to actually exceed my Goodreads goal of 50 books this year and read 52!
Reading can be a beacon of hope and a safe haven at the same time, and I feel lucky to have read some really dang good books this year.
If you know me, you know I can hardly stand to give books less than four stars if I liked them, and I don’t tend to continue reading books I don’t like! I also don’t hold back on awarding five stars to favorites. With that said, naturally I was unable to pick just five favorite titles from 2020, so I have six to recommend to you instead. These aren’t in a particular order.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
This book was the definition of a page turner- I finished it in less than 24 hours over the summer. It was a thrilling and suspenseful story navigating family, race, love, and love lost. I couldn’t recommend it more! Here’s my full review.
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This book was unlike any other I have read before! I loved the interview style of it and was completely enthralled with the characters. It made me laugh out loud and feel like I was right there in the interview room. This book rocked, literally and figuratively! Here’s my full review.
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
Backman is one of my favorite authors and this book seriously did not disappoint. The plot was hilariously ridiculous yet the connections made between the characters were heartfelt and even a bit sad. I felt myself wanting to laugh and cry at the same time throughout the book. If you’re looking for a raw display of human empathy disguised as comedy, this is absolutely the read for you. Here’s my full review.
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
This was such a fun read (lol) while also tackling important racial conversations. I especially enjoyed reading it as the main character, Emira, was a nanny just as I was this past summer. The plotline is full of outrageous, funny moments as well as lessons and real conversations. I laughed and learned throughout the book! Here’s my full review.
The Mothers by Brit Bennett
Wow, I loved this book. Bennett does it again with this marvelous novel. I never did a full review on my blog (school was kicking my butt this past semester), but this was such a touching story. The characters and setting were just so real. Just like with The Vanishing Half, I was completely enthralled in Nadia’s life. The intertwined relationships of Nadia, Luke, and Aubrey as well as the emotional roles of Nadia and Luke’s parents gave the story layers and layers. I highly recommend you pick this one up in 2021!
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
This was my last read of 2020 and I can’t imagine ending the year on a better note. This is the absolute sweetest romance book I have ever read. But it was also so much more than that! There were so many integral moments depicting coming-of-age identities and character arcs. It was a love story, but also a story of self-discovery, friendship and loyalty, redemption, and a more progressive America. I will love this book forever. Here is my full review.
I also have some honorable mentions from this year, if you will. I very much recommend The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin, Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, The Flight Portfolio by Julie Orringer, Twenty-One Truths About Love by Matthew Dicks, Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward, and Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney.
I really hope you will consider picking up some of these titles in 2021. I want everyone to experience them!!
xx, Lauren
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