My Favorite Books of 2020

I was off my reading-game all year because, well...

Personally, my life took a bad turn in the 3rd quarter but is now on the mend. Globally? What the fuck? And professionally? I was running an independent business through all of this. My book-a-week goal turned into maybe 2 books a month? 1? But with that said, I read some great titles in 2020. I’m also so grateful for the books I did get to read — they provided extra light during a dark part of our history.

So here are my favorite reads of the year. Most of these titles were published in 2020 but a couple are from previous years — hence my “favorite reads” rather than “best.” Enjoy the list and buy from your local bookstore!

Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell

David Mitchell is without a doubt my favorite contemporary writer. I just love every damn thing he writes and obsess over his craft. Utopia Avenue is his most commercial book to date, I feel. It’s rather straightforward — a rise and fall of a 60s rock band. There are Mitchell-verse things that happen but it’s pretty vanilla for Mitchell. That’s not a bad thing, though. Once again, his characters and sentence structure wrap you around his finger and pull you into London during the 60s. A lovely nod to music at that time and obviously a fun project for Mitchell to dive into.

Intimations by Zadie Smith

I love Zadie. Her tiny collection of “lockdown essays” tackle our every day life without pulling in the big picture “stuff.” While the pandemic and the BLM movements is/are happening in the background, Zadie looks at people right in front of her. I love Zadie’s writing but find that some of her more recent novels wobble a bit — she is in her best form here hammering away at emotions in a small, 6 essay book.

Long Bright River by Liz Moore

What a page-turner! I read this in about 2 days? I devoured Moore’s literary crime novel because I just loved the characters so damn much. Very similar to Dennis Lehane and Laura Lippman, Moore has crafted a smart urban thriller about 2 sisters in Philadelphia. One is a cop, the other is a sex worker — the troubled one disappears and the cop-sister sets out to find her. Yes, not exciting to lay out but IT IS. The book doesn’t play out exactly the way you think it will either.

In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado

Y’all ever been in a toxic relationship? *raises hand* This is the book for you! Told in broken up sections highlighting different settings for the narrative, Machado details her dark coupling with a manic force. The important part of Machado’s book is her openness about abusive relationships in the Lesbian Community. Not often talked about for fear of criticism from conservatives or exile from Sisterhood, Machado bravely sets out to cross borders with the conversation. Within that, too, is a book for all who have been there and never knew if they could get out.

Dune Books 1–3 by Frank Herbert

The Dune books were a joy to read in the last 3 months of this fucking train-wreck of a year. What started as a fun task to re-read the first book before the movie’s release (which was pushed) became an obsession. I already wrote about the first book and now I’m about to crack open the 4th one. My brain has been turned by the spice and I can’t wait to read 5 and 6!

Consider This by Chuck Palahniuk

Chuck has never opened up about his personal life to the public or, at least, written a book about his personal life. Consider This is no tell-all but gives us a glimpse at WHO Chuck is via tales from the road or his own personal thoughts about writing. It’s only a snapshot of this bizarre man but worth the price of admission if have enjoyed his work over the years. It’s my favorite thing he has done in a long time and I hope he drips his toes in again.

Tightrope by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn

What book for an election year. Tightrope is depressing. I can’t deny it and I had a hard time selling this one to people. It focuses on a small town in Oregon and its fall into poverty, alcoholism, drugs, and decay. This small town is the jumping off point for the writers to tackle every damn issue this country has right now facing the regular people. It’s bleak but I felt important.

Snapdragon by Kat Leyh

Oh, how much I loved this graphic novel. While for the “middle-grade” crowd, I feel like any person can fall in love with the heartwarming story and beautiful illustrations. Featuring non-binary characters and moving away from traditional story telling, Snapdragon is one to get into the kids’ hands.

House of Fripp Island by Rebecca Kaufman

Ever since The Gunners, I have fallen in love with Ms. Kaufman. As with most books I adore, Kaufman focuses on the characters and dialogue rather than any intricate or detailed plot. Her latest does that again with 2 families on vacation and well, things get dark. A perfect, little novel to digest and if you like this, check out her last 2 books.

Sasha Masha by Agnes Borinsky

What an important coming-of-age and coming-into-body book. Written by a transgender person, Sasha Masha is about Alex who tries to be a normal boy but always had that piece missing. Beautifully written and important to read. Support work by trans folx about trans folx. So much love for this book ❤.

The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel

What special book this is. I’m sure Mandel had so much anxiety following up Station 11 with such a more grounded book but she pulled off a smooth landing. Ultimately a story about siblings and their trajectories in life and the haunting memories of a hotel that was in their area growing up. I fell madly in love with Vincent and I hope you do too.