You can definitely say 2020 was a year. Although we are definitely eager to forget the chaos and the mayhem that this crazy year has brought us, 2020 is a year that has introduced me to great reads that has brought me so much joy and and really got me through these troubled times.
So from heartbreaking, compelling novels in verse to pirate adventures on the high sea, here are the books that made the best of this crazy year:
Fiction
- Follow Me to Ground by Sue Rainsford
- Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo
- The Switch by Beth O’Leary
- The Lost Lights of St. Kilda by Elizabeth Gifford
Our Fathers by Rebecca Wait
Both haunting and depressing, Our Fathers is a great work of literary fiction that provides thought-provoking insight into an issue that I feel it does not get discussed widely enough
Summerwater by Sarah Moss
Moss creates an eclectic and thought-provoking narrative that will cause readers to find a connection with their own lives.
Here is the Beehive by Sarah Crossan
This was the third novel I read of Crossan and fourth overall and it will definitely will not be the last. In this adult fiction debut, Crossan has told a heartbreaking and breathtaking narrative that puts an unsympathetic character in a sympathetic light.
The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner
This was a nice treat to read, especially when you are snuggled up in bed with a cup of tea. In a time where we have to be social distancing, this debut transports readers to another time and place, something we all need this year.
Mystery & Thrillers
- The Kensington Kidnap by Katie Gayle
- Midwinter Murder by Agatha Christie
- Bone China by Laura Purcell (US title: The House of Whispers)
After the Silence by Louise O’Neill
O’Neill has written a captivating tale full of puzzles and complexities of the human mind that dives into the question: how far will you go to protect the ones you love?
The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton
If you thought that Stuart Turton could not gift his audience with another captivating and engrossing mystery, then think again. This book had me blown away this year with it’s creepy and mysetrious storytelling.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
Foley takes you on a haunting and thrilling journey that will have you on the edge of your seat and not wanting you to put this book down. I figuratively felt my heart leap out of chest from every turned page and every mystery uncovered. Foley had me guessing until the very end and I loved every minute of it.
Teenage and Young Adult Fiction
- The Last Witness by Claire McFall
- Somebody Give This Heart a Pen by Sophia Thakur
- The Good Hawk by Joseph Elliott
- Toffee by Sarah Crossan (US title: Being Toffee)
The Girl and the Goddess by Nikita Gill
After months of reading it, I am still enthralled and empowered by reading this treasure. The poetry and stories that were told here were words that everyone needs to read.
Blood Moon by Lucy Cuthew
I loved how Cuthew how judgement and and stereotyping can come from both sides of the gender , really revealing the real provocative truths that people have internally about something that is completely normal. I just loved every minute of this book!
Run Rebel by Manjeet Mann
This must the year of reading amazing novel in verse because every one I picked I was blown away by them and this one is no different. Like another favorite author mine said about this book, it deserves all the love and accolades in the world.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
One of the best innovative and compelling YA thrillers I have read in a long time. If you are a fan of mystery genre but wary of YA, this is book that definitely makes the exception.
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
I absolutely loved this one! It was more than a book a teen coming in terms with his sexuality. It is a book about coming to terms about yourself, how you see yourself as a person.
SLAM! You’re Gonna Wanna Hear This by Nikita Gill
This was an incredible collection of poetry with a diverse collection of voices that are both inspiring and intriguing. Nikita Gill has curated a collection of voices that are unique in their own way and provides insight their lives and experiences.
Nonfiction
She is Fierce edited by Ana Sampson
Such an empowering and inspiring collection of poetry! I read some old favorites and discovered some new ones. I needed to read this. The words from this diverse collection of poets really uplifted me!
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
This is such a powerful and revealing memoir that I don’t think I have the right words to do this remarkable book justice. The words that are written here are so empowering and soulful that you cannot help yourself and underline the moving sentences and words so they can stay with you always.
It’s Not OK to Feel Blue (and other lies)
An amazing collection of honest writings about mental health. This is a book I wished I had when I was younger.
She Will Soar: Bright, Brave Poems About Freedom by Women by Ana Sampson
Here is another great curated collection by Ana Sampson that includes poetry from innovative and modern voices that speak on the independence and freedom of women.
Honorable Mentions
Here are some other books that I read this year that either were good but didn’t make the cut or just were not published in 2020, however, they deserve to get the attention and recognition they deserve.
- Deleted by Sylvia Hehir
- One by Sarah Crossan
- Delivered by Sylvia Hehir
- Beautiful Broken Things by Sara Barnard
- Gentleman Jim by Mimi Matthews
- Grimoire: New Scottish Folk Tales by Robin Robertson
Discover more from cup of tea with that book, please
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