Favorite Books of 2020

books2020 has been a weird year, and my reading has definitely reflected that.

Early on in the pandemic, I had trouble concentrating. On pretty much anything. Then in the months that followed, I was extra persnickety, gravitating toward books that fit my mood.

Maybe more than ever before, I’ve leaned on books and stories–as a way to vicariously travel, seek comfort, find humor. All told, I read 35 new books this year, well below my usual yearly average, which I attribute to the sheer amount of rereading I did and, ya know, editing and revising 2 books of my own.

Yet, there are some seriously stellar books that I want to highlight! Here are a few of my fave reads from the year:

How the Light Gets In (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #9) by Louise Penny: I’ve slowly been working my way through these mysteries and this installment is my favorite so far. Three Pines is a quaint town full of quirky characters, brioche, and, yes, murder, but that doesn’t keep it from being extremely comforting!

favbooksTweet Cute by Emma Lord: This YA book is completely adorable, funny, and so well written. In fact, I’ve already reread it—it was that good. What starts as a viral Twitter feud over grilled cheese becomes something more for Pepper and Jack.

Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh: This comic/memoir had me laughing so hard I was in tears! Then on the next page, there would be something so brutally honest and heartbreaking, I’d be teary for an entirely different reason. And the artwork is as entertaining as the personal anecdotes.

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman: This book was like balm for my soul. It was silly, moving, and poignant, about a group of people who inadvertently end up hostages after a botched bank robbery, and a bank robber who was having a very bad day.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig: There’s a reason this book won the Goodreads Choice Awards for Fiction! This story has an almost fable-like quality and follows a woman who gets to try on multiple lives at a mystical library.

Now, one of the major perks of being a debut author has been getting to connect with and celebrate fellow writers! Here are just a few brilliant debut novels to add to your TBR list:

Secret Lives of Mothers & Daughters by Anita Kushwaha: A multi-generational story about the relationships and secrets between three women, this story was beautifully written and both heart-wrenching and hopeful. It would make an excellent book club pick, just sayin’!

debutpicMimi Lee Gets a Clue by Jennifer Chow: If you’re in the market for a lighthearted cozy mystery, look no further! This book is fabulous with a unique LA setting and sarcastic talking cat named Marshmallow. Bonus, the sequel is already out!

Her Perfect Life by Rebecca Taylor: A wonderfully twisty read by a fellow Denverite! Told in dual-timelines and following sisters Eileen and Clare, this story is an intersection of women’s fiction and mystery, centering around the truth behind an accident that irrevocably changes famed-author Clare’s life.

Meet You in the Middle by Devon Daniels: If you enjoy haters-to-lovers romcoms à la The Hating Game, this book is for you! Swoony to the max and with witty dialogue and compelling characters, look for it February 2, 2021!

The Tiger Mom’s Tale by Lyn Liao Butler: The downside is that this one doesn’t come out until July… but I promise it’s absolutely worth the wait! I was swept away in Lexa’s story about how she comes to terms with both her American and Taiwanese heritage.

What were your favorite books this year??