Happy early Thanksgiving to all of my American friends. Thanksgiving has come and gone here in Canada, but I still wanting to talk about a few books that I am thankful for. The books in this list may not be my favourite books of the year (though a couple are!), but they are all books that helped me get through all that 2020 brought with it.
Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson
I discovered that Tiffany D. Jackson’s novels this year and she quickly became one of my favourite authors. Let Me Hear a Rhyme was the first book of hers that I read and the one that started me on my journey. It is impossible to choose my favourite of her books, but this is the one I will always have a soft spot for.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
If I were to universally recommend one book on this list it would be The Midnight Library. It tackles some difficult themes, but it is ultimately hopeful, thoughtful, and charming. I truly think that this is the book that every needs in 2020- I know that I did!
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
I cannot believe that I finally read Jane Eyre this year, and I absolutely loved it. It felt good to finally knock this classic off my TBR and to enjoy it. It reminded me that classics can be accessible, and I am thankful for that reminder. I am hoping to remember that in 2021 and to read a few more classics that have been on my shelves for ages!
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown
I really embraced YA fantasy this year, and I think that I have A Song of Wraiths and Ruin for that. It showed me just how unique and powerful the genre can be, and it lead me to finding some other really stellar YA fantasy novels this year, including Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko and Skyhunter by Marie Lu.
You Had Me At Hola by Alexis Daria
I was in a reading slump this summer, and You Had Me At Hola was the book that pulled me out of it. It is one of those books that reads like a movie or a TV series, so I could picture it all perfectly in my mind. Such a fun and sweet book!
Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
I finally finished The Illuminae Files this year! I read Illuminae years ago and loved it, so I cannot believe that it took me this long to complete the series. It reminded me why I loved SciFi so much, especially if it is told through mixed media.
The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez
I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up The Happy Ever After Playlist in March, but I knew that I needed a distraction. This ended up being the perfect book at the perfect time. I could not put it down and it had everything that I loved in a romance. The characters were so respectful and their chemistry is off that charts!
Be Not Far From Me by Mindy McGinnis
Be Not Far From Me was actually the book that I was reading when the lockdown happened in March, and some of the themes were perfect for getting me in the right mindset. It was also an extremely fast-paced book and confirmed what I already suspected- Mindy McGinnis is one of my favourite authors and I will read anything she writes.
Still Life by Louise Penny
Still Life introduced me to cozy mysteries and now I want to read them all! I have seen so many people embracing the genre this year, which makes so much sense. I feel as though this series makes for perfect winter reading, so I am hoping to continue on with it in December.
Emergency Skin by N.K. Jemisin
I had been wanting to read something by N.K. Jemisin for years, and I though that reading this short story would be a good way to get a sense of her writing style. I am so glad that I did because I loved it and have since read The Fifth Season, a new favourite, and I am currently reading The City We Became.
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The Happy Ever After Playlist looks so cute!!!!!! I want to read it soon!
It’s so adorable!!
Nice list! I love JANE EYRE and STILL LIFE and I really liked BE NOT FAR FROM ME. I bought THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY a month ago, but I still haven’t read it. It sounds excellent. I don’t think I’ll get to it before 2020 ends, but hopefully I can read it in January.
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
Ohhh The Midnight Library is a perfect book to read at the start of a new year!
I’ve got quite a few of these on my TBR and all of them sound wonderful! I loved Gemina (and the whole Illuminae Files series) 😍 Happy to hear that all of these were able to help you deal with 2020!
The Illuminae series was amazing! So original.
Let Met Hear a Rhythm sure sounds like a good read!
My post.
It’s fantastic!!
Someday I should read Still Life.
Here is our Top Ten Tuesday.
It’s worth it!
I’m so glad you felt that way about You Had Me at Hola! It’s one of my fav 2020 reads 💕
I absolutely adored it!!
I really need to read The Midnight Library and Be Not Far From Me as well!
Great list!
(www.evelynreads.com)
Both amazing. Thank you!
I’m thrilled you’ve arrived in Three Pines! I’m eager for you to get to my favs! 🌲🌲🌲
So happy I finally took the plunge!!
You have some good reading ahead! 🙌😍
Gemina was so good wasn’t it! Nik is my hero!!
Definitely my favourite in the series!
Yes!
The only one I’ve read in Be Not Far From Me, and I really liked it! It was so different than the other books I’ve read. I love Mindy McGinnis’s writing and concepts.
I also really want to get to Tiffany D. Jackson. All her books so important and fascinating. They are definitely very high on my personal tbr.
I’m normally not a fan of survival stories, but I loved what Mindy McGinnis did with it.
You are in for a journey with Tiffany D. Jackson. Everything she writes is incredible and haunting!
I’ll have to add these to my list! Thanks for the suggestions
– Brittanyhttp://www.mindbeautysimplicity.wordpress.com
I’m almost done with A Song of Wraiths and Ruin, such a great book!
My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2020/11/24/top-ten-tuesday-291/
Loved it so much. Can’t wait for the sequel!
Me either!
Great list! I love Tiffany D. Jackson’s work, and A Song of Wraiths and Ruin and Be Not Far From Me are two I’d really like to check out.
She’s amazing!
Both are really original books. Would love to hear your thoughts on them!
I loved You Had Me At Hola! I did a lot of comfort reading this year and that one was perfect. For some reason Playlist didn’t work for me at all but I know most people loved it.
It really was the perfect comfort read!
I have heard so many mixed things about the first book, so I was reluctant to read Playlist but it just had so many elements I love!
Yes!! I have a couple of these on my TBR and I’ve heard such great things about them. I didn’t enjoy Jane Eyre as much as a lot of people have (more of a Liz and Darcy than Jane and Rochester kind of person haha) it was really interesting to read “Wide Sargasso Sea”, which basically covers the origin story of Bertha Mason (though not written by Bronte) right after reading Jane Eyre. It provides a different, more modern perspective to the imperialist themes in the book and I highly suggest that you check it out if you liked Jane Eyre!!
Liz and Darcy all the way! I really liked Jane Eyre but definitely not for the romance.
That sounds so interesting. I will have to look into that. Thank you!
I have the Midnight Library on TBR shelf, I just purchased it. I can’t wait to read it. I’m glad you enjoyed it and makes me more excited to read it!
It’s so incredible!!
So glad you enjoyed Jane Eyre! I really need to get my hands on The Midnight Library soon.
The Midnight Library was what my heart needed!
Great reviews. Authors love readers who take time to read and review their hard work. Thank you. ❤️