My top books of 2020
It is finally 2021! It’s been a surreal year on many levels. On a personal level I also struggled several times during the year but books encouraged me to stay positive and escape to many worlds. Similar to my top books of 2018 and top books of 2019 posts, I have split my top books into backlist and those published in 2020. To read my thoughts on each book click on the links below.
Top backlist books
4. A Man Called Ove – review to come!
The year started off strong with The Silent Patient. I was blown away by the ending and was doubtful that any other thriller would impress me more and I was right. The top spot is an easy choice however I struggled to rank After the end, Beast and A Man Called Ove. Although they are different in genre and writing style, there was something to take away from each one. Finally, The Muse took me on a beautiful journey during lockdown when I most needed it and remains one of the books with the most beautiful settings I have read to date.
Top books published in 2020
5. My Dark Vanessa – review to come!
My top 4 books published in 2020 were all ARCs and I am very grateful for the authors’ and publishers’ kindness to provide such brilliant books to read before their publish date. I loved the character development in As the Stars Fall, the mystery in What Lies Between Us and the setting in The Italian Villa and The Water Keeper. I finished the year reading the seemingly popular My Dark Vanessa which I originally had mixed feelings about but ultimately decided is a book with a very powerful message which deserves its spot in the list.
I am especially pleased to have read such a wide range of genres in 2020. My top books in past years were mostly thrillers with occasional contemporary fiction or historical fiction thrown in however this year I was lucky to enjoy a much greater mix. I still remember how these books made me feel after finishing them, even though for some months have passed. I look forward to reading many more interesting books during 2021 and am curious to how this list will look at the end of this year.
Question time
What are your favourite books of 2020?
9 Comments
Stephen Writes
Fantastic post, Darina! Some wonderful books on this list – I really enjoyed Beast, After The End, and The Muse. I need to get to The Silent Patient and What Lies Between Us. Great to hear you read a lot of genres, and all the best for 2021! š
Darina
Thank you, Stephen! I would be really interested to hear your thoughts on The Silent Patient if you decide to read it. Thank you and I wish you all the best for 2021 as well! š
jennifertarheelreader
Terrific list of favorites, Darina! Iād love to read a few of these; My Dark Vanessa, especially. I hope your 2021 is filled with more fabulous reads!
Darina
Thanks, Jennifer! Oh, I’m sure My Dark Vanessa will leave an impact on you, it is such a powerful book. Thank you and I wish you all the best for 2021 including some excellent books!
FictionFan
Glad you found some great books to escape to during the difficult parts of this year!
Darina
Thank you! Yes, some of these books were great to escape to!
Yvonne (It's All About Books)
Excellent list! I loved A Man Called Ove, Beast, What Lies Between Us and The Silent Patient too, and so many of the others are on my TBR! I’m hoping to get to especially After The End soon.
Darina
I really hope you enjoy After the End, it is a really touching book! Thank you!
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