2020 Book Review

This year due to the pandemic eliminating my commute time, I actually read books instead of listening to audiobooks. So far, this year I have read 32 books.

If you are looking for your next book to read or a holiday gift, here are 10 that stood out for me in 2020 (in no particular order):

• Know My Name by Chanel Miller | She was known as Emily Doe. I remember reading her victim impact statement in 2016. This book illuminates the bravery of sexual assault victims and the courage it takes to report and prosecute these crimes.
• If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha | A lovely story about the lives and friendships of Korean girlfriends who live in the same apartment building.
• American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins | This novel sparked some controversy, but I really enjoyed it. The story grabbed me and had me rooting for the main characters as they fled Mexico for the United States.
• A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum | A heart-breaking, yet inspiring story of the strength and resilience of three generations of Palestinian women.
• The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter by Margareta Magnusson | This appealed to the wannabe minimalist in me. Lots of practical advice on the value of decluttering now, so that others are not overwhelmed by your possessions once you’re gone. TL;DR: Be considerate and discard items that no longer have value or bring you joy.
• Normal People by Sally Rooney | A story of the intertwined lives and complicated relationship between two characters from high school to university and adulthood. A coming of age story that is honest and revealing.
• The Last Girl: My Story of Captivity, and My Fight Against the Islamic State by Nadia Murad | A moving memoir of courage in the face of oppression of an individual and the entire Yazidi community.
• Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe | Told with great detail and in a captivating way, I learned a lot about 20th century Irish history. The story of the conflict in Northern Ireland between the Catholics and Protestants during The Troubles kept me engaged from start to finish.
• Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal | A clever and fun book. An unexpected story that will remind you to pursue your passions. Don’t judge this book by its title—the characters will delight you.
• Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi | I read this book in 2016, but forgot. Truly. In 2020, I was in a better mindset to appreciate the rich story of colonialism and slavery in Ghana and America that spans generations of characters.

If you are curious about the 22 other books I read this year, check out my bookshelves on Goodreads.

What are some of yours? Please share your recommendations/favorites in the comments.

This post reflects my personal views. It is not necessarily a reflection of the official views of my employer.