2020 Books in Review

For those of you that know me, you know that I am a bit book obsessed. I'm very committed to my Goodreads account and constantly post updates, stalk friends' reading trends and add hundreds of novels to my "to read" list full well knowing I will NEVER get to everything. I wish I could read multiple books at the same time (my friend Sarah is a PRO at this) so that I could read even more, but I'm a traditionalist: a one-book-at-a-time girl.

That being said, I'm proud to say that I read over 70 books this year and far surpassed my Goodreads reading challenge! Below are some speed reviews (limited to three sentences max) about my favorite books of 2020.

Here's to another fantastic year of getting lost in a good story!

An American Marriage By Tayari Jones

I know it’s a good book when I feel a lump in my throat and tightness in my chest. This is a book that makes you feel all the emotions and is so beautifully written.

Beach Read By Emily Henry

The title says it all. This is a very cute and sweet romance that took me away from the dreariness of quarantine.

City of Girls By Elizabeth Gilbert

I recommend listening to this as an audiobook because the narrator is fantastic. Very different from Eat, Pray, Love, this book was captivating and I found the characters so dynamic and complex.

Dear Edward By Ann Napolitano

A plane en route from Newark to Los Angeles crashes, killing everyone on board except for 12 year old Edward Adler. This was quite a heavy book but was also a stunning piece of storytelling.

The Friend Zone (Book 1) & The Happy Ever After Playlist (Book 2) By Abby Jimenez

I'm completely obsessed with this romance series. Your emotions will be up and down with these books but I love when you care deeply for the characters and worry for their happiness. This was also a very sexy book series if your're into that :)

One to Watch By Kate Stayman-London

Amazing read for fans of the Bachelorette. It centers on how a plus size woman would navigate a reality TV series that is highly focused on looks. It's charming and laugh out loud funny at times.

My Dark Vanessa By Kate Elizabeth Russell

This book BLEW. ME. AWAY. I was thinking about it for days after which is typically the sign of a good read for me. Be warned, there is a lot of upsetting content in here as the novel tackles sexual assault and raises vital questions about consent, complicity, and victimhood.

Ready Player Two (Book 2) By Ernest Cline

The second book in Cline's series is just as fun as the first! I wouldn't say that it is vastly different from Ready Player One (it's a bit redundant) but I loved being back with Wade and his friends, and the world of The Oasis.

The Royal We (Book 1) & The Heir Affair (Book 2) By Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

If you're into The Crown and all things royal, I highly recommend this series. It's mostly fluff but I could not put this series down. I had to get my hands on The Heir Affair immediately after finishing The Royal We!

Things You Save in a Fire By Katherine Center

I'm a huge fan of Katherine Center's books, but this one is my favorite. I love that it focused on a female firefighter, which you hardly ever see. It felt like a realistic depiction of what it would be like for a woman in this male-dominated profession--with a romantic flare to it, of course!

What were your favorite reads of 2020? Did any of mine make it on your list? Comment below to share your thoughts!