My 2020 In Books

This was a record year for my reading, with over 200 books on my GoodReads challenge. Instead of doing a careful countdown list with some kind of methodical reasoning, here are my top books for personal and aesthetic reasons, the books I expect to remember.

In addition to being a solid supernatural mystery, Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff was a really special reading experience. I found this after watching the HBO show, which was a little too gory for me, but I liked the concept enough to read the book. Guys, the book had more character development and none of the excessive blood and boobs. It was like reading my dream fanfic of the show.

The Secret History, by Donna Tartt, came out in 1992, so  I don’t know how I missed this amazing blend of classics, suspense,  academic drama and classism.  It was everything I like in one book. It helped that I read this one while in isolation in Vermont, too. I don’t have a lot of good memories of this year, but definitely go for a hike beside the Battenkill while reading this one. I mean, not literally while reading, wouldn’t want to slip and fall… 

The Four Winds, by Kristin Hannah, is an emotional historical novel, all about one family’s struggle through the Dust Bowl. It’s a good family story at any time, but watching Elsa cope with endless disasters is an extra good 2020 read. I read this while car-camping, again in Vermont, this time in a storm.

Year of Wonders, by Gwendolyn Brooks, is a novel about the plague. The old plague, I mean, not the current one.  In the face of the Black Death, one village realizes they can protect the surrounding area if they quarantine themselves and have no contact with the outside world until the illness has passed. Going in, I was a bit worried that the title meant it was gonna be too much bright-siding in the face of disaster, but spoiler, no. Recommended for anyone who feels like they’re the only household still in isolation.

Company of Liars also has a plague theme, but I recommend this for the dark mystery, like the Canterbury Tales with mysterious deaths.

Last Tang Standing, by Lauran Ho, was recommended to me by a few different friends, who all said if you like Crazy Rich Asians, you have to try this one. With nosy Chinese-Singaporean aunties, plenty of brand-name dropping and lots of food, I absolutely see the connection. Extra recommended if you miss messy nights out and big family gatherings.

It’s difficult for a novel to be both compulsively readable and a statement book, but If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha succeeds are both. If I Had Your Face uses believable, complex characters with unique personal goals and sets them in stylish Seoul, where a women’s appearance can determines her life path. I recommend reading this in connection with Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 for more on Korean gender roles.

And finally, The Two-Family House.  No plague or personal connection this time, just an engaging story. You all know I love a good family drama, and this all about how parents affect their children. In the very beginning, the plot hinges on something so wild, but just go with it (like the family does) for a layered, complicated family saga.

Honorable mentions: All The Beautiful Lies, because it led me to bookseller Bill’s list of top campus crime novels, and I’ve really enjoyed discovering these retro mysteries.

Recently when someone asks me what they should read, I’ve been recommending The Lions of Fifth Avenue, for an accessible, historical novel set in the fascinating restricted areas of the New York Public Library.