5 Books That Surprised me in 2020
Because it is always good to read beyond your comfort zone
Reading has been a pretty big part of my year. As for most of it, I have been furloughed from my day job and lived each month wondering when I would go back to work.
In between these anxious moments and empty days, like many people, I turned to reading. You could say that books became my lifeline. I wasn’t only reading them, but writing about them and building my online portfolio here on Medium. As a result, this year, I got through my fair share of books — in fact — 53.
I have read all sorts — from classics to poetry anthologies and autobiographies. But what were 5 books that surprised me?
The Stone in My Pocket by Matthew Keeley
Personally, this has been a big year for reviewing advanced reader copies. I was kindly sent a copy of this in exchange for a review. At first, I didn’t know whether it would be my kind of read — I certainly wouldn’t have picked it for myself. But I ended up really enjoying it.
The Stone in My Pocket follows the life of Nathan, a teenage boy who becomes involved in a spiritual circle. One evening, Nathan hears a voice in his garden in the middle of the night and suddenly finds himself seeking answers from all sorts of directions. He starts working at a local bookshop, where its owner, Iris, leads a weekly medium group. Clearly impressionable, Nathan starts to believe his deceased Grandfather is trying to give him and his family a message.
But he can’t reveal any of this to his Mum — who is a devout Catholic. Amidst family problems, a difficult time at school and straining friendships — Nathan muddles himself through a difficult patch in his life. But will the message from his Grandfather ever prove to be true?
Why You Should Read It
Set in a small community in Scotland, this novel is very atmospheric — there’s a certain eerieness to it which sparks curiosity, and is carried throughout the novel. The element of strangeness is intertwined right the way through — which provides a hook from start to finish.
Nathan is a very endearing young protagonist and as a reader, we naturally empathise with his personal struggles and coming to terms with these strange events in his life. Additionally, the story itself is very well written, suspenseful and original.
Togwotee Passage by L.G Cullens
Another book that was gifted to me — but it took my breath away. Again, this was never a read I would have picked out for myself, but one that I immensely enjoyed. It follows the life of Calan, who grows up in Wyoming. Calan and his best friend, Derek, share an appreciation of nature and often go out for long walks in the surrounding area — and have deep, philosophical conversations about the issues facing their times.
Most notably about climate change, human greed and exploitation, and this conversation is cleverly interwoven throughout a novel that depicts the beauty of the Wyoming landscape and the fragility of human life. It is a character-driven story with beautiful descriptions with a solid, imperative message that we can all learn from.
Why You Should Read It
Reading this is like a breath of fresh air, but it also challenges you in many ways. It puts a magnifying glass up to the many problems within our society — despite being set in the middle of the twentieth century. It lays bare the problems that underpin materialism and it’s environmental effects. It has power in its message and words and teaches us many life lessons — and is a brilliant example of how fiction can be an educational tool.
Moreover — it is a character-driven story. And by reading it, the reader gets to know Calan on a personal basis as the novel tracks his life from start to finish. The plot may be simple, but its message and delivery are long-lasting and unique.
The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick
I picked this up on a whim and had no idea what to expect — but it ended up being a charming story that stayed with me. Told through the perspective of a Librarian, Martha Storm, it tells the story of her quiet life, which is suddenly struck by change.
One day after work, Martha finds a mysterious book left on her doorstep which manages to change her life forever. Inside this mysterious book is a note from her Grandmother, who passed away many years ago.
An innocent book left on a doorstep one day — in fact — changes the course of Martha’s life. After this, Martha has to delve deep into her family’s past and along the way, she uncovers many secrets. These result in a greater understanding of herself, and her family. It’s a charming story of love, the appreciation of stories and the meaning of family.
Why You Should Read It
Everything about this book oozes warmth. It’s the type of book you can read cosied up with a blanket in one sitting with a hot cup of cocoa. Martha is a relatable protagonist, who works hard and does everything to make everyone else's lives easier — but often forgets the needs of herself.
The story is simple but effective and definitely keeps you hooked. What could be more enticing than a mysterious package showing up on your doorstep?
The reader is fully immersed in Martha’s world and the mystery of her family that is being unravelled. It is an uplifting, heartwarming read that ticks all the boxes.
The Flat Share by Beth O’Leary
A book that is laugh out loud from start to finish — and is so evocative of a twentysomething trying to find their feet in London. Tiffy, after just coming out of a long term relationship, suddenly finds herself without a place to live and seriously strapped for cash. What’s the solution? A flatshare! But this flatshare arrangement isn’t your typical situation.
Tiffy agrees to share a flat with a man (in theory) she should never meet. Her flatmate, Leon, works nights, whilst Tiffy is working during the day —they never cross paths. But they sleep in the same bed and communicate with each other through various post-it notes, left dotted around the flat. It’s a convenient setup — until one day their worlds collide and the arrangement is ruined.
Why You Should Read It
If you’re looking for something that will cheer you up and have you laughing out loud — you’re in the right place. Tiffy is a down to earth and comical character who has a lot going on in her chaotic life. As a reader, you get to be a fly on the wall throughout this as she navigates this unique living arrangement.
It is a heartwarming read that will bring a smile to your face during the long, winter nights. Not only was it a relaxing and easy read, but a unique story full of wonderful characters.
Out of the books I read this year, these are the reads that surprised me the most. I went into reading them with no expectations, however, they all pleasantly surprised me and left a definitive impact. Sometimes it pays to read beyond what’s popular or those that you know you will enjoy reading.
Two of them forced me to go out of my ‘genre comfort zone’ and made me realise I should pick up more books I’m not too sure of —or immediately drawn to — because I may end up loving them.
I hope that in 2021 I continue to read books that will surprise me.