At the end of 2019, I realized that the list of books I wanted to read was growing exponentially faster than I was reading, so I set a personal reading goal for myself in 2020. Four books a month might not sound too lofty. But considering how dedicated I am to my Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video subscriptions, I felt like 4 books a month was a reach that also felt attainable. 😉 Most months I hit my goal pretty easily, and the few times I didn’t, I added on to the next month’s goal. Out of the 48 books I read last year, these are my top 5 favorites!
1. Know My Name – Chanel Miller
After having followed the Brock Turner sexual assault case and being absolutely moved by Chanel Miller’s powerful letter, I opened this memoir expecting to learn more about her story and this case. But what I found in these pages was so much more than a victim’s account. Chanel Miller is an incredibly beautiful writer and a true artist. She’s a survivor and a fighter. Brave and honest, her powerful words weave pain and sorrow with resilience and hope. And this memoir is a masterpiece.
2. The Book of Longings – Sue Monk Kidd
This fictional story of Jesus’ wife is just so beautifully written, completely inspired, and totally unforgettable. Fiction yet it felt so real. This was the September pick for my Instagram book club @4readingwomen, and all four of us gave it 5 stars!
3. My Dark Vanessa – Kate Elizabeth Russell
This novel is dark and deeply disturbing, but many months after reading it I still find myself thinking about this story and the main character, Vanessa. (Please be warned that this book could be very triggering.) As the story flips back and forth between 2000 and 2017 it centers on the sexually abusive relationship between Vanessa and her high school English teacher. And reading from Vanessa’s viewpoint, starting from naive, anxious, insecure 15-year-old to emotionally distraught 32-year-old was so thought-provoking. I found this exploration into the psychological complexities and emotional repercussions of sexual abuse intensely troubling yet so powerful.
It sounds so strange, but I’ve recommended this book to so many of my friends. While it is very disturbing and at times difficult to read, it brings up so many important questions. The main character’s perspective leaves such an impact on you as a reader that you want all your friends to read it just so you can talk about all the things this book brings to light. And this is why I had to include it on my top 5 favorites list. The mark of good fiction is when long after you’ve finished reading, the story lingers in your mind and heart, right?
4. The Silent Patient – Alex Michaelides
Hands down, this was the best psychological thriller I’ve read in years! I mean, this story was just so expertly crafted. It keeps you guessing right until the very end. More than a page turner, it keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The suspense is so tangible that even though you’re reading words, you can almost hear the suspense-filled background music as if you’re watching a movie. Seriously! It’s that good.
This was another book club pick. And to be honest, as much as I love a good thriller, it wasn’t on my reading wish list. That’s what I love most about being in a book club. It’s just so fun to discover great books and authors that weren’t even on your radar!
5. Always and Forever, Lara Jean – Jenny Hann
The third and final book in this young adult high school romance series (DON’T JUDGE ME ;)) was just what my heart needed in 2020. I haven’t loved a fictional character this much since Louisa Clark (Me Before You). So I was overjoyed to find that Jenny Hann crafted the perfect ending for my sweet Lara Jean!
Truth be told, this series has a special place in my heart. Growing up in the 80s and 90s I didn’t see myself represented well or accurately in pop culture. Asian girls weren’t cast as the lead. Mixed families pretty much didn’t exist on screen. And so when this book series was brought to life on Netflix I was beyond happy.
Not only is this series sweet and fun with a John Hughes-esque vibe that makes this 42-year-old momma smile, but it brings me so much joy to see an Asian girl at the center of a teen romance story in today’s pop culture.
My teenage daughter and I are anxiously awaiting the third movie (based on this final book) that will be coming to Netflix on February 12th!
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So those are my top 5! How’s that for a wide variety?! Ha! My reading taste is as varied as my appetite for different foods. I’ll have a little of everything, thanks! 😉
Tell me, what books made your top 5 last year? What books are you still thinking about months after finishing? What’s on your 2021 reading list?
Fantastic Blog! Thank you so much for the article. I really enjoyed the reading.