The 10 best books I've read so far in 2020
If you’ve read this blog or followed me for any length of time, you’ll know that I’m a huge fan of reading. It’s something I’ve always loved (I was that kid who spent most of the school holidays in the library), and I’ll always take a good book over a Netflix binge.
This year I set myself a target of reading 100 books, and whilst I’m a little bit behind where I should be in order to hit that target, I’ve managed to read 43 books so far in 2020! So today I thought I’d share my favourites with you - here are the 10 best books I’ve read so far this year...
The Mothers - Brit Bennett
This was a recent read but it immediately went straight to the top of my 2020 list! If you love your fiction to have well drawn characters, a pacy plot, and some important themes explored, you’ll absolutely love this. It reminded me a little bit of Jodi Picoult’s books, but felt fresher and more real.
Untamed - Glennon Doyle
You might have already seen me shouting about this over on Instagram (along with the rest of the world), but I had to include it here too. I read this at the start of lockdown and it was such a game changer - a big fat permission slip to tear up the rule book and live life in a way that actually feels good.
Where the Crawdads Sing - Delia Owens
I was a little late coming to this book as I know it received a lot of hype last year, but I’m so glad I finally got round to picking it up. It’s at once a beautiful ode to nature and a gripping murder mystery, and it’s a book I know will stay with me for a very long time.
No One Tells You This - Glynnis MacNicol
I love a good memoir, and this one by Glynnis MacNicol felt really special. She writes so eloquently about what it means to be a woman, the roles we’re taught to play, and how it feels to reach 40 without the coveted prizes of a husband and a child. I found this to be such an empowering read, and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who wants to reject the stereotypes and live life a little differently.
Such a Fun Age - Kiley Reid
This was one of our book club reads this year and it was great! It’s a really compelling story, the characters feel interesting and complex, and the book deals with lots of important topics, from race and class, to Instagram and the pressure to appear successful.
I Am Not Your Baby Mother - Candice Brathwaite
Another memoir and one I absolutely devoured! I Am Not Your Baby Mother is an important look at what it’s like to be a black British mother, covering everything from pregnancy and birth, to the fear that comes with raising a black son in London. I found this to be equal parts moving, insightful and urgent, but also full of personality and warmth.
Period Power - Maisie Hill
Wow - I can’t tell you how much I wish this book had been around when I was teenager! Packed with just about everything you could ever want to know about periods - from the physical and emotional symptoms we experience throughout our cycles, to fertility, the menopause, and so much more. This was such an informative read and I’ve been recommending it to all of my friends.
Adults - Emma Jane Unsworth
I loved Emma’s first novel, Animals, and this one didn’t disappoint either! An honest, witty, raw and funny look at what it’s like to be a 30 something woman in our modern times, exploring everything from mother-daughter relationships, the impact of social media, and class dynamics.
Atomic Habits - James Clear
If you’re struggling to implement new habits or get rid of ones that are no longer serving you, this is the book for you. It’s at one straight-forward and to the point and completely revolutionary - I learnt so much about how we’re motivated as humans and how we can best set ourselves up for success.
The Outrun - Amy Liptrot
One final memoir to round off the list, and what a beautiful memoir it was. The Outrun documents Amy’s battle with addiction, her love of and connection with Orkney where she grew up, and the role that nature played in the rebuilding of her life. This book felt hopeful, wild and so, so inspiring.
What have you been reading this year?
