My Favorite Reads of 2020
It is hard to believe that another year has come and gone. Over the last 12 months, I have had the pleasure of reading some truly fantastic books (as well as the displeasure of reading some less-than-stellar books). From spellbinding fantasies to touching memoirs, my reading list has spanned the genres, and what follows is a list of my top six reads from this year.
The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker
This contemporary romance follows urbanite Calla Fletcher as she travels to a remote Alaskan town to salvage her relationship with her estranged father. While there, she meets a handsome yet infuriatingly difficult bush pilot named Jonah. Featuring a slow-burn romance and a luscious setting, The Simple Wild is the perfect escapist read.
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
From Blood and Ash left me with a monumental book hangover. It is the first book in a fantasy romance series that tells the story of Poppy, the Maiden of the Kingdom of Solis. To be chosen as the Maiden is supposed to be a great honor, but to Poppy, it has always felt more akin to a prison sentence. She is forced to live apart from everyone and must maintain the strictest propriety so that she might be found worthy by the gods upon her Ascension, a secretive ceremony undergone by select members of society. The monotony of her daily life is interrupted by the arrival of a new and handsome guard named Hawke. But as the Maiden, she can have no future with him – unless she is willing to face exile and the displeasure of the gods.
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Americanah is a masterfully written novel about race and identity that you should add to the top of your to-read list. The book follows Ifemelu from her adolescence in Nigeria to her adulthood in America and later, Nigeria. While in America, she is exposed to the racist underpinnings of American society and is forced to cope with the inequalities that accompany being Black, as well as an immigrant, in America. When she returns to Nigeria after over a decade in America, she must once again reevaluate who she is.
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
A Court of Mist and Fury is the second book in the young adult fantasy series A Court of Thorns and Roses. To avoid spoiling the first book, the only thing about the plot of A Court of Mist and Fury that I’ll mention is that it picks up right where A Court of Thorns and Roses left off. Actually, I lied. I will also note that A Court of Mist and Fury packs in even more action, suspense, and romance than its predecessor, so if you liked A Court of Thorns and Roses, you are going to love A Court of Mist and Fury.
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
I should note that A Discovery of Witches was actually a reread for me. I had previously read the book a couple of years ago, and I enjoyed it so much that I decided to reread it this year. This book has all of the ingredients for a captivating read: an intricate plot, fleshed-out characters, a forbidden love, and lush descriptions. Not to mention, the main characters are a vampire and a witch. This is the first book in the All Souls Trilogy, so if you enjoy it, there are two more books in the series to read.
Educated by Tara Westover
Educated is Tara Westover’s beautifully written and moving memoir. The book begins with her childhood in rural Idaho where she lived with her survivalist, anti-government family and was subjected to abuse and prevented from receiving an education. It then chronicles her life as she worked to receive an education – first, a bachelor’s degree and later, both a Master’s and Doctorate. It is a story of resiliency, courage, and hope that should be on everyone’s reading list.
Well, that concludes my list of favorite reads of 2020. What were your favorite books that you read this year? Let me know in the comments below!
-Julia
P.S. You can buy all of the books from this list at Bookshop.org.
Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org, and I will earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you click through and make a purchase.
