10 Books to Read in 2020

Fiction recommendations for those who don’t know where to start

It can be an overwhelming world out there when you’re trying to find something to read. Often, the best way to find a book is through recommendations.

As a lifelong reader and lover of fiction, I’ve read my fair share of books over the years. There are specific books I’ve read in the past and more recently, that have solidified my love of fiction and may do so for you too.

By no means have I read everything, but I consider myself quite well-read.

If you don’t know where to start with fiction — hopefully this list will help.

The Goldfinch, Donna Tartt

Literary Fiction

I’ve already mentioned this one before in a Medium post, but I couldn’t not include it here. Although it has been one of my more recent reads, it really did make me rediscover the wonders of literature after a period where I barely read any fiction.

The Goldfinch is primarily a study of the fragility of humanity, and how one life-altering event can change the course of one person’s life forever. It’s an in-depth character study, told through the perspective of Theo Decker. But it also acts as a commentary on the societal problems deeply embedded in America, as the novel tracks Theo’s experience with addiction, alcohol abuse and dysfunctional relationships.

Not only is the plot spot on, but Donna Tartt’s writing is enough alone to turn heads and is a work of art in itself.

I remember finishing the book and immediately wanted to read it again — that’s it’s true power.

Norwegian Wood, Haruki Murakami

Coming of Age, Literary Fiction

I read Norwegian Wood when I was 17 and immediately fell in love with it. Little did I know then, but this would be the beginning of my long obsession with the Japanese author.

Essentially a coming of age story, it follows Toru, a quiet student who becomes devoted to Naoko, a beautiful and intriguing young woman. United by their shared experience of tragically losing their best friend, the two are soon joined at the hip as they navigate university life.

Set in 1960s Japan during the counter-cultural movement, this is a heartbreaking and essential read, told from one of the most talented writer’s of our age. You’ll never regret reading this one.

The Great Gatsby, F Scott Fitzgerald

Classic Fiction

This is a cliche and a favourite of many but there’s a reason why. Written in 1925, against the backdrop of the Jazz Age, this novel follows the narration of Nick Carraway, neighbour to the infamous Jay Gatsby who lives in the unmissable mansion that crowns Long Island.

Although an ode to that historic moment in time, it also encapsulates a timeless message. One of hope, coupled with the dangers of wealth and the loneliness it can bring. For all the glitter and gold, the Jazz Age was one filled with deep troubles and encouraged a re-assessment of humanity. The Great Gatsby will always be relevant and its message will endure.

Short, sweet and full of beautiful writing. A product of its time, but everyone should read this.

Saturday, Ian MacEwan

Contemporary Fiction

Most known for his bestselling novel, Atonement, Ian McEwan is one of the best contemporary writers of our age. Although I loved Atonement, I’ve grown to prefer Saturday.

Told in one single Saturday, this novel follows the life of Henry Perowne, a successful neurosurgeon. One morning changes him and his life forever, as he wakes up to see an unusual sighting in the sky.

Set against the beginning of the Iraq war, this is a powerful story about fragments of time and how moments can change the course of someone’s life forever. It’s gripping, poignant and everything you could want in a story. I liked it so much I finished it in a couple of days!

Down and Out in Paris and London, George Orwell

Fictional Autobiography

If I’d let myself, I would have had half this list made up of George Orwell books, but I figured that might be a bit boring for others.

Known for 1984, George Orwell is one of the greatest political writers of the twentieth century, whose books and ideas leave a lingering presence in every aspect of our modern world. But he is also known for his stunning social and political commentary on the world around him.

Down and Out is a type of fictional memoir, drawn from Orwell’s own experience, that narrates the darker sides of poverty that encapsulate both Paris and London in the 1930s. In Paris, the narrator works in the depths of a Paris kitchen and is desperately overworked and underpaid, and in London, they experience the horrors of tramps, poverty, and trying to find some form of housing.

It’s a tale of perseverance that reveals the extent of poverty that can simmer beneath some of the world’s greatest cities. A one of a kind book.

The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck

Classic Fiction

I feel in love with Steinbeck at school, when Of Mice and Men pulled on my heartstrings. Later in life, I’ve read some of his other works and have been constantly struck by the power of his language and ability to portray a certain mood and feeling.

First published in 1939, The Grapes of Wrath is the penultimate American novel about the Great Depression that began in 1929. Steinbeck paints the barren landscape of California, as one family tries to migrate West in search of a better life. It symbolises the destruction that the Dust Bowl inflicted on its environment and people, as a result of the Depression.

It’s an epic novel that acts as a political commentary on the society Steinbeck stemmed from but is also a tale of human endurance, the fight against inequality and the path to justice.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Series, Steig Larsson

Thriller

I’ve cheated a bit here by including a whole series but once you read the first novel you won’t be able to stop. These books opened up my mind to good crime fiction and I remember being completely gripped by them.

Set in Stockholm, Sweden, the story is told mainly through the perspective of Mikael Blomkvist, a well known investigative journalist who is hired to look into the disappearance of Harriet Vanger, part of one of Sweden’s wealthiest families. Mikael eventually crosses paths with the infamous Lisbeth Salander to uncover the rife corruption at the heart of one of Sweden’s most influential and formidable families. But it doesn’t end there.

Gripping, shocking and a whirlwind story which is impossible to predict.

Although I loved the first three, since David Lagercrantz started continuing the series after Larsson’s death, I’ve never been able to get back into them.

Beartown, Fredrik Backman

General Fiction

I feel like Fredrik Backman has not received the credit he deserves. I’ve only read one of his books, but feel like it was some kind of a masterpiece.

Another one set in Sweden, but this time, set in a small, rural community. The story is told through a range of inhabitants and at the heart of it, is the portrayal of how unbeknown communities can be subject to corruption at every level. In defence of community spirit, many residents jump to defend the horrors of one event that has the potential to write the town off altogether.

Backman writes in an atmospheric and chilling way but reveals something far more sinister than the initial premise of a story about a rural town in Sweden. Gripping, beautifully written and a masterpiece of in-depth character studies.

Sophie’s Choice, William Styron

General Fiction

Now, this is a hard book. Hard because it’s based on the truth and not something to read if you’re looking for some gentle escapism. But, it is one of the most powerful and gut-wrenching books I have ever read.

Set in New York and told through the perspective of Stingo, a 22-year-old aspiring writer, this novel combines many things. Stingo falls in love with Sophie and soon learns that she is a Holocaust survivor. Through flashbacks, he learns about her harrowing story and experience of Auschwitz.

It’s in many ways a historical novel with its in-depth analysis of the long term effects of living through the Holocaust, but also a coming of age one, filled with the blossoming of a new relationship and the hopes of youth.

It’s one hell of a book but told with great delicacy and poignancy.

The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde

Classic Fiction

I remember exactly where I was when I read this. I was on a European inter-rail holiday with my parents, and we were just passing through the Austrian border and instead of looking at the wonderful scenery whizzing past, I was glued to the pages of Dorian Gray.

It’s a strange and mystifying story, which I still don’t quite understand. But at the heart of it is a tale about a young man and his search for eternal beauty and youthfulness. Set in the 1890s with a character obsessed to death with his own vanity, it reveals the impact of corrupting morals and obsession. It’s spooky, fraught with sexual tension and intrigue, but told in some of the most beautiful prose I have ever read.

After publication, sadly Wilde was attacked for this novel and just a few years later he was imprisoned for his suspected homosexual relationships. However, it is now regarded as one of the greatest novels — and you can see why by just reading the first page.

In every one of these recommendations is a small part of me that gradually fell in love with literature. I’ve read some of these as young as 16 and re-visited them again later in life.

Some of them I have read more recently, but each and every one pays homage to the power of literature and how important stories, words and experiences are to the human experience.

We can all learn something from literature and its importance should never be undermined.