What a crazy, crazy year 2020 has been. Pretty much nothing looks like it did in January. But throughout the pandemic, even when we didn’t have enough concentration to read, we’ve continued to be comforted by books. Comforted, enthralled, enlightened, entertained. And we’ve had the pleasure of talking to all of you about books, lots of times over Zoom or via social media, but sometimes from just six feet away. Here’s a round up of the books we’ve enjoyed this year. Maybe they’ll help you finish off your holiday shopping, or maybe they’ll be an excuse to take an afternoon for yourself and read.
Fiction
Writers & Lovers
Lily King
Recommended by: Judy
Give this to: Writers; also fiction lovers
In March, Judy wrote: The reviews are glowing and I can’t say it any better, except to echo Lily’s own words when asked what moves her most in reading a novel, which turns out be exactly what moves me. “Small unexpected moments of human connection.” There’s not a false note or sappy sentence in this book. But there are many moments of unexpected human connection.
Read Judy’s full review and read the Q&A we did with author Lily King.
Dear Edward
Ann Napolitano
Recommended by: Judy, Lori
Give this to: Readers looking for memorable characters
The Glass Hotel
Emily St. John Mandel
Recommended by: Judy, George
Give this to: Fans of mysterious, sophisticated storytelling
Godshot
Chelsea Bieker
Recommended by: Emily
Give this to: Fans of things dark, but beautiful
Emily writes: This is my new favorite book. Some books have beautiful words. Some have inspiring characters. Some have an amazing story. This one has it all.
Network Effect : A Murderbot Novel
Martha Wells
Recommended by: Robin
Give this to: Fans of Lost in Space or Battlestar Galatica
The Only Good Indians
Stephen Graham Jones
Recommended by: Lori
Give this to: People who want to be scared
Lori writes: The best horror story I’ve read in years!
Mexican Gothic
Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Recommended by: Gianelle
Give this to: People who want a new take on the gothic, also fans of Jane Eyre
Nonfiction
Caste : The Origins of Our Discontents
Isabel Wilkerson
Recommended by: George, Lori
Give this to: People who want to know how we got where we are as a country
George writes: so smart – an eye opening book that might change the way you think about the U.S.
Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art
James Nestor
Recommended by: Gianelle
Give this to: People who want to learn how to do it better
Dancing with the Octopus : A Memoir of a Crime
Debora Harding
Recommended by: Emily
Give this to: Lovers of True Crime Memoirs
Humankind : A Hopeful History
Rutger Bregman
Recommended by: George
Give this to: People with curious minds, fans of Sapiens
In the Dream House : A Memoir
Carmen Maria Machado
Recommended by: Robin
Give this to: People who want a true story with all the art and craft of innovative fiction
Walking with the Wind : A Memoir of the Movement
John Lewis, Michael D’Orso
Recommended by: Lori
Give this to: People who want to know how to find some “good trouble.”
Fan Favorite
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret: 50th Anniversary Special Edition
Judy Blume
Recommended by: Many fans
Give this to: The young or the young-at-heart; also fans of Judy Blume
This was the most signed book this year, and you can still get a signed copy. Just include the name for personalization in the order comments online or ask the bookseller on the phone or in store.
Pingback: All the Pretty (Elk) Lists – Stephen Graham Jones
Pingback: The Only Good Indians – Stephen Graham Jones
Pingback: Virtual Book Club Pick & Spooky Season Reads | Books & Books