My Favourite 2020 Reads and Why I Read More Now Than Ever
I was a bookworm growing up; you’d always find me curled up with a book and I’d get through about 4 books in a week during the summer holidays. When I hit my twenties, adult life kind of went on fast forward in terms of my career, my relationships and of course in comes social media and distractions, distractions, distractions. It wasn’t until I turned 27 when I really stopped and thought lets pause this rollercoaster and get back to things I love; well it kind of took a mini breakdown to stop the rollercoaster but here we are. One thing that definitely took a backseat during my early twenties was my love for reading and I’m not talking about educational books or self help books, I’m talking about getting lost in novels, in fairytales and drama and adventures.
Over the last two years a huge part of my joy has come from reading. It’s one of my favourite things to do. I’m quite a romantic person, I can be quite intense, I think about life a lot, I have mini existential crises on a weekly basis and reading helps me take a break from myself if that makes sense. I guess by diving into someone’s story I feel less alone. This doesn’t mean I don’t deal with my own “stuff”; but sometimes I just want to forget about it all. But in a funny way reading fiction; helps me understand myself and the world we live in more than ever.
“Reading is breathing for the mind” - how beautiful is that quote but it does kind of feel like that doesn’t it. It’s like how they say you never regret a run or a workout; I don’t think you ever regret reading a good book. It’s good for the soul and you feel that from within.
When I read and read, and fall deeply in love with a book, when I laugh and cry and genuinely feel like I know the characters; I forget about work; about worries; about time. Slowly my head feels clearer and then I begin to relax. I begin to relax and then I truly relax. If you enjoy reading and feel like you never have time for it then make time. Literally carve out time to read, put it on your to do list, cancel other things so you have time to read. One of my top tips to read more is when you first get a book, start it on a Sunday and read 50-100 pages. We all can find 1-2 hours on a Sunday; once you’ve hit the 50-100 page mark; if it’s a good book then I promise you’ll be coming back to it Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and beyond.
So maybe start with one of my favourite reads of 2020- I hope they bring you joy and fill your 2021 with passion and exploring and fun even if we are cosy at home.
Song Of Achilles - Madeline Miller
What a masterpiece. I read Madeline Miller’s Circe last year and actually think I enjoyed Song Of Achilles more. I can’t believe it’s her debut although I do find debuts can blow me away; I think maybe it’s because it’s a fresh voice. Song Of Achilles is Greek Mythology but not as you know it. With surprises, twists and turns at every moment, it was breathtaking on every page. The story follows the great warrior Achilles and his exiled awkward friend Patroclus; they grow up together and create a deep bond but fate brings them to the Trojan War where their friendship and love for each other is tested like never before. My imagination was bought to life by this story. Even if you aren’t a fan of Greek Mythology but are a fan of romance, fantasy, action and passion then I urge you to read this book. I adored it and would read it again in a heart beat.
I just had a little research as I’m gutted that I’ve read both Madeleine Miller’s published books now but she is apparently working on her next novel- a retelling of Shakespeare’s The Tempest.
The Giver Of Stars - Jojo Moyes
The Giver of Stars was just the most perfect escapism for me. A historical drama full of romance, friendship and the empowerment of women. It made me angry and devastated and fall deeply in love. Set in the mountains of Kentucky where young Alice from England finds herself after marrying handsome American Bennett Van Cleve. The village is introducing a library and Alice volunteers to help deliver the books to the remote parts of the mountains. The 5 women who fall into working for the library create a strong bond but the town seems to be against them and corruption, tragedy and violence starts to pull them apart. A murder, a surprising new love, a flood, a baby! I really didn't know what was going to happen next or what way it was going to turn throughout; it was a perfect read for me and I gave it 5 stars on Good Reads which I rarely do.
Small Pleasures - Clare Chambers
This was a surprising one for me, I wasn’t expecting to be blown away but it reminding me a bit of the feeling that Olive by Elizabeth Strout gave me. A comfy delight with just the right amount of unpredictability. I just couldn’t put it down- you know when you feel like you could just live in a book forever. Set in South East London and Kent which is where I am from so was fun to hear about familiar places. It’s set back in 1957 so lots of it reminded me so much of little things my grandparents used to do and how they lived their lives like how thrifty they were and how you would never ring someone during a lunch hour. Oh how we have lost that. The story follows the writer of a local paper, 40 year old Jean who’s life is not what she hoped. But things are about to get much more interesting for Jean as a lady contacts the paper about a virgin birth, a miracle she believes happened to her. Jean’s life becomes fuelled by investigating this claim and subsequently she finds love and hope. I found it surprising, warming but also quite dark as revelations unfold.
The Most Fun We Ever Had - Claire Lombardo
The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo felt like being wrapped in a family hug and delivered the most perfect slow Summer read for me this year. The novel follows the idealistic and intoxicatingly in husband and wife, David and Marilyn, who have 4 beautifully unique daughters. I don’t have a sister so this was such an enriching insight into what it might feel like to have one. The novel goes back and forth in time from when the girls are born to them in their 30s with their own families, imperfections, insecurities and heartache. Some parts of the story were heartbreaking to read especially the oldest sister Wendy’s storyline and I even skipped a page as I’m an emotional wreck; it was just too much for me. But through the darkness their is always light. One of the middle sisters has a son and his personality adds such a refreshing and humorous tone to the story. Overall this book reminded me that no one and no one’s family is perfect; everyone is fighting a battle you might not know anything about and above all, friendship, family, compassion and understanding is everything.
Where the Crawdads Sing - Delia Owens
I included Where the Crawdads Sing was in my previous book round up in August but I couldn’t not mention it in my favourites of 2020. I read it at the start of the year and it still stays with me. I was SO happy to discover it is being made into a movie and that Daisy Edgar Jones will play the main character, Marsh Girl, Kya. I know that lots of you have probably read this one but if you haven’t then I urge you to before the film comes out. There’s nothing like your imagination and this really book makes it come to life. I loved every moment of reading the story of Kya, her coming of age, her strength and her innocence. Perhaps not just a favourite book of 2020 but a favourite book ever.
The Goldfinch - Donna Tartt
The Goldfinch was one I’d wanted to read for ages, you know when the cover of a book keeps drawing you in but it never feels like the right time. This year I was fully committed to reading The Goldfinch and I am so glad I did. What a story. I was captivated from the first few pages and was fully invested in Theo’s journey, yet holding my breath throughout. Theo loses his mother in a devastating way at the start of the book and we then follow him as he grows up and hides a huge secret which ends up putting him in grave danger. An epic must read!
Such a Fun Age - Kiley Reid
I found Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid a breezy read but an important read. Similarly to Americanah; it helped me understand the barriers that race can create more. This is also a story of love, class, motherhood and surprising bonds . Alix is a successful married white woman and hires Emira, 20 something African American who just doesn’t feel like she has her life together. Emira meets a cool love interest Kelley but as it unfolds we discover Kelley was also in Alix’s past, a whole new dynamic is created. A quick read with a strong message.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - Taylor Jenkins Reid
Oh I adored this; I really don’t know why I haven’t read more of Taylor Jenkins Reid. I’m going to put a few more of hers on my 2021 list. I didn’t think anything could live up to her more recent novel Daisy Jones and The Six which was just the best but again The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was just fabulous!! It throws you into the glamorous world of Hollywood and we hear the story of movie star Evelyn Hugo and her seven husbands. Evelyn is now at the end of her life and ready to tell the TRUTH to an unknown magazine reporter, Monique. But why her? You won’t regret reading this. In fact, I’m going to read this again.
I’m currently reading Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend.
I’ve linked the books above to purchase through bookshop.org, these are not affiliate links but I encourage you to buy through sites like bookshop.org, hive.co.uk or your local bookstores.