I ready more in 2020 than I had in a really long time, and I read some really great books!
A few things before we dive in:
I try to keep a diverse bookshelf , because who needs to read another story by/about a wealthy straight white man, amirite? I recommend you do the same when building out your bookshelf! All the links go to One More Page Books , a local-to-me bookshop that is just the best. It’s the kind of bookstore that makes me misty-eyed whenever I enter, just because it’s the perfect place. I dream of owning a bookstore one day, and I want it to be like OMP. They offer curbside pickup, delivery, and shipping options, and they’re just the best people around. While Amazon can be necessary for independent publishers to get their books seen, it’s NOT the best place to buy books (read this or this ). Support a local-to-you or black-owned bookstore instead! These books are in the order I read them, not ranked in any way!
Alright, let’s do it!
Author of Pachinko, another book I adore that you should definitely read
Nice hefty book, beautifully written
Good if you want to be sucked into a story with multiple perspectives in one
Unlocking the key to your birth chart
Chani is an astrologer I have learned a lot from (she has an app now that’s amazing)
Great for personal discovery and as an astrological reference book
Parts are written in screenplay style, which is so fun (I love books that play with style)
Tells the minority experience in a really beautiful way, this book will stick with you even after you’ve finished it
Not too long, but also a book meant to be savored
Such a powerful memoir, written by a man who is an incredible storyteller
You should read this and then watch Son of Patricia
TW: brief mentions of apartheid racism
The author is the creator of Bojack Horseman!
These short stories are wild and great. I don’t know what else to say about them, that pretty much sums it up
If you didn’t like Bojack, this might not be the book for you
A Pakistani reimagining of Pride & Prejudice
It’s like reading Jane Austen but better!
A nice length, a good book to power through when you want a nice distraction
I am already itching to read this book again!
Lyrical, beautiful language, with some beautiful magical realism
It’s just…*chef’s kiss,* there’s a depth and beauty that’s hard to describe
Spanglish! You love to see it
Queer love in a super-christian community, + the immigrant experience
You just feel like you’re talking to a friend while reading this book
Who knew physics interspersed with fiction could be so beautiful?
The story is not linear, which is awesome! But does require lots of focus
Explores the mother-daughter bond and so much more, I loved this book!
This book is just, WOW
A mix of thick, slow moments and action so fast you barely see it coming
Short read, but may affect you deeply
I am so glad I was brave enough to finally read this book. I was scared it would be too triggering for me, but it was just what I needed
Chanel’s writing and honesty and simplicity is so powerful, and if you’ve dealt with sexual assault, this might be helpful to you
Chanel has a podcast with her sister Tiffany and it’s sweet and adorable, check that out too!
This book reads like a poem, and it’s so nice
You’re taken through 12 women’s stories, who connect with each other in some way
What a beautiful portrait of the myriad experiences of black women
Short story collection
An exploration of the possibilities that technology could some day afford us
It’s like black mirror without being tragic or scary!
A completely insane book that was so much fun !
I also liked that the main character is an astrologer!
A perfect little exciting escape
A really cool reimagining of how books hold memories
Lovely love story
This was another book I couldn’t put down!
I absolutely loved this book about a woman who inherits a very special sourdough starter
Remember when everyone was making bread in the pandemic? This will take you right back to that
Short, sweet, felt like a warm slice of toast
I still think about this book, like at least once a week
It’s written as a memoir of someone who grew up in a world without the internet.
This book is LONG, and not necessarily an easy read (it’s kind of stream-of-consciousness, so some sentences can be tough to follow)
I adored this book!
A woman finds a journal on the beach, and is enthralled by what she reads
I still think about this book, too
Exciting and soothing at the same time
So, what do you think? Any books catch your eye? What are some of your favorite books you’ve read? I’d love to know!