WHAT I READ & LOVED IN 2020
Last year I decided to make 2020 the year of the books & set a goal to read 50 books. I didn’t set that goal because I thought I could read 50 books I set that goal because I thought I couldn’t, so I wanted to push myself & surprise myself. I have always loved reading & there have been various points in my life where reading took a backseat, my transition to motherhood being one of them. But with as much as I enjoyed reading & knew about the benefits of reading for my children & in front of my children along with a pretty extensive list of books I wanted to read I decided to finally prioritize books in my life. There were a ton of things that I learned along the way (which will need to be its own blog post soon) but in short what I found was that if I wanted to make time for books, I could. I may have pulled it off at the 11th hour on New Year’s Eve (quite literally!!!) but y’all, I DID IT. I read 50 books in 2020 so here is what I LOVED most (though every book I read this year was thoroughly enjoyed). Tell me if we have some common favorites or what your favorite reads from the year were too, I’d love to hear.
(If you want to purchase any of these books I encourage you to contact your local independent bookseller or you can find them all linked on this list I created through bookshop.org which helps support independent booksellers through its sales).
We Are the Weather by Jonathan Safran Foer — This was the first book I kicked-off 2020 with & I haven’t stopped thinking about it or talking about it since, I would argue this is a must-read for all. It’s also a fast read, I finished it in about a day & a half.
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson — Bryan is not only an incredible advocate for the condemned but also an exceptional storyteller. I’ve gushed about Bryan & his work for years, the world needs more Bryan Setevnsons. This book is also one I’d consider a must-read for all. Just Mercy is non-fiction (sadly) that reads like fiction, there is a movie based on it as well.
The Sundown Motel by Simone St. James — A murder-mystery with a dash of paranormal hauntings that you really don’t want to put down.
How Not To Die by Michael Greger MD — I listened to this beast of a book on audio & was enthralled by it. I’ve always chosen my vegan lifestyle for compassion for animals but this book gave me so much more insight into the health benefits & how to be more healthful in my daily choices, as a mother responsible for the nourishment of my children this information was invaluable to me.
Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne — A great non-fiction read for parents, simple ways to, well, make things simpler & ultimately better for your children.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery — This was my first time ever reading Anne of Green Gables & now I want to read it every spring, it was soooooo good. I read this as COVID picked up pace & it felt like a hug to my soul, just what I needed. Anne Shirley will forever be one of my favorite literary characters of all time.
Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore — This is a book I still think about from time-to-time so for that reason, I’ve included it here.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle — Oh Glennon. In her latest book, Untamed, Glennon serves up the goodness, lots of bite-sized things to chew on & contemplate. This would be a great gift or a great read to enjoy slowly.
All Adults Here by Emma Straub — One of my favorite books of the year, I loved the charming fictional town & the interworkings of the family. I also think the fact that I read this right before we had our 3rd baby & when we were dreaming & scheming of our move to the northeast made it even sweeter.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett — This was absolutely my favorite fictional book of the year! I also finished this one minutes before our 3rd baby was born (like closed the book & started pushing!) so for that reason alone it will always hold a sentimental place in my heart.
The Book of Delights by Ross Gay — Short essays to enjoy & wonderful perspectives to indulge in. I love Gay’s writing & loved reading this one over the course of many months, little-by-little.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley — Oh my what a ride, even just the thought of this book transports me right back to the woefully eerie island happenings. Such a great thriller!!
Beach Read by Emily Henry — I had my doubts about this one frankly but I wanted something that felt summery so I dove in & WOW am I glad I did!! This book goes much deeper than a generic ole romance & I loved it for that! Henry’s witty banter was also a joy to read.
The Girl With the Louding Voice by Abi Dare — A heartbreakingly beautiful story! The writing style is authentic to the story & catches you off-guard initially but you ease right into it in no time. One of my other top fictional favorites of the year!
The Lies that Bind by Emily Giffin — As a long-time fan of Giffin’s writing her newest book did not disappoint.
The Book of Simple Living by Ruskin Bond — Oh how I loved this book, I will also be re-reading this one in the future. I still think of Bond’s words & approach to life often.
The Broken Girls by Simone St. James — I just love the way Simone St. James tells a story & this one was so good plus it takes place in Vermont.
A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote — This may be short but it is a worthy story that gave me all the warm fuzzies, absolutely stunning. Another book I’d love to re-read, specifically around the holidays.
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume — Yes I read this in middle school like most & yes it was such a wonderfully nostalgic read to revisit as an adult. It also made me realize how different life is for pre-teens now versus the pre-social media days. I am so glad I read this & made it my last book of 2020, a fun note to end on.