The year I discovered reading. Truly. I wrote this post on how I started reading more and it really helped me get through more books. I can’t believe I read 12 books, and also listened to five audiobooks. It was a great year of reading and I’m super proud of myself. Nearly every book I read I truly enjoyed. There’s just a couple that I wouldn’t recommend but didn’t hate either. I’m also a firm believer in not reading something if you realize you don’t like it. Give it 10% of the book and if you hate it, stop reading.
Reading is definitely something I need to try to do but I say that because once I start doing it, I really do enjoy it. And seeing how fast I can get through a book (easily in a weekend) I have no excuse not to get through lots more books. Looking back on 2020, this is what I read (and listened to).
Photo by LCS Studio
All The Books I Read In 2020
Verity by Colleen Hoover
The #1 book of the year (I’d say Jessica Simpson was a close second) and I am now constantly seeking out books just like Verity. From what I hear, nothing is as good as it. I’d say it’s similar to Gone Girl in the way it was written and in the suspense, page-turner sense. I finished this in 2 days at the beginning of the year and have been talking about it ever since it seems like. It’s a unique story about an author hired to finish out a book series as a ghostwriter and ends up discovering some serious family secrets.
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
Colleen Hoover became an author I learned to really like her writing this year after reading Verity and then this. I finished and realized “wow, I like her writing!”. I was expecting It Ends With Us to be more like Verity in the thriller sense. And although it wasn’t, it definitely kept me reading and eager to see what unfolded with this love story.
Open Book by Jessica Simpson
As a big Jessica Simpson fan, and someone who just grew up in that generation of pop music, this was like a peek into the world I envied as a tween. Jessica wrote a raw autobiography about her upbringing but also what it was like to be in the limelight. I hear this is AMAZING on audiobook too.
American Royals Katharine McGee
I was unsure about this one since it’s technically young adult. But since I LOVE all things royal, this was a fun read. Imaging the US as a monarchy with young princesses was kind of fun. It had some great drama too. I also read the sequel this year and can tell you it’s good as well! Highly recommend getting both if you order.
Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Okay there were two books I didn’t really love. This had so much hype around it that I kept reading waiting for something amazing. It just never happened for me. It was an okay read but would not really recommend.
The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson
A top book of the year. This was a suspenseful book of murder, lies and more. I loved every second of it and also liked that it all unfolded quickly. I hate waiting until half way through a book for the shock to come. This was suspenseful from the beginning and that’s my kind of book.
The Idea Of You by Robinne Lee
A steamy romance with a boy band member, what more could a millennial who loved the Backstreet Boys ask for? This was a fantastic read and made me wish jet-setting with a boy band all over the world.
Conviction by Denise Mina
I attempted to join a book club at the beginning of 2020 and this was the book of the month. I was proud of myself for actually reading it by the deadline. But honestly, I didn’t really like it. I’d skip this one. It was a weird thriller suspense that just felt like it was lacking in character development and plot.
Head Over Heels by Hannah Orenstein
The one book I really didn’t love, but still read. This was very young adult and I just realized I don’t really like that kind of content. But since it was based around gymnastics and the Olympics, that storyline kept me reading. My sister was a competitive gymnast so this was a bit nostalgic too.
The Books I Listened To
A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost
Writer and Weekend Update co-anchor, Colin Jost is a hysterical human and his book is just as funny. He sounds like a guy I would have loved to hang out with back in my party days. But the most fun was hearing the behind the scenes stories of Saturday Night Live. It sounds like such a fascinating place to be a creative at.
Talking To Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
I listened to this on audio and it felt like a good podcast talking about different studies, legal battles and more. It was interesting to hear about how strangers get perceived. I’m indifferent to this book, if I was reading it, I would’ve put it down. But listening to it on a walk seemed fine.
Born A Crime by Trevor Noah
A top 3 book that I read in 2020. Trevor Noah’s book about his upbringing was mind-blowing and beyond funny. I listened to this one and would recommend doing that as well. His story telling was so fun and entertaining.
Quiet by Susan Cain
I listened to this after trying to read it and found it just too hard to get through. It’s a very informative book on being an introvert. So many studies, cases, and more. It was very interesting to read this as an introvert and highly recommend anyone read it who is one, or is maybe related or in a relationship with one. It’s a great way to understand why we’re wired the way we are.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
I read this during the height of the summer BLM protests and racist rhetoric our President was spewing so this became an emotional read for me for sure. Reading how decent and kind this family is made me so sad for our country. I loved listening to Michelle speak and that’s one of the things I love about an audiobook. She narrates her childhood through her relationship with Obama. Then what it’s like to be in the White House. It was an incredible book and inside look to her life.
