This last week’s theme over at ThatArtsyReaderGirl is favorite reads of the year. I decided to stay away from the nonfiction reads for this post, considering all my recent posts and a few upcoming ones revolve around nonfiction with all the Cybils Awards reading I did. So I looked for what are most likely my best loved fiction reads of 2020
When I look back, it seems like this list of books is spread across a whole range of genres and age-ranges: middle-grade, YA, and those for adults; fantasy, historical, alternating timelines, contemporary, et al. And then, I have a whole slew of picture books and nonfiction reads I loved as well. Maybe, if time permits, I will have whole other lists soon. But for now, here are ….
My Best Loved Fiction Reads of 2020
The Book of Lost Friends
Title: The Book of Lost Friends
Author: Lisa Wingate
Publishers: Ballantine Books
Pub Date: 07 Apr 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
Source: NetGalley
Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, bringing tears and smiles as it teaches, informs, inspires, uplifts, and holds the readers’ interests from the very beginning to the end (and oh so cleverly too)!
The Book of Lost Names
Title: The Book of Lost Names
Author: Kristin Harmel
Publishers: Gallery Books
Pub Date: 21 Jul 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
Source: NetGalley
Harmel has created wonderful characters, and then proceeded to spin together their stories – of love, sacrifice, of duty and of helping others in need first, of family, of the love of books, and last but, not the least, secret codes and math – into a book that will constantly tug at heartstrings, amaze and inspire as you read it; and then stay with you long after you close it
.
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek
Title: The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek
Author: Kim Michele Richardson
Publishers: Sourcebooks Landmark
Pub Date: May 7, 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
Source: Local library
The research, the history learned, the stories told, the characters – each and every one by itself is valuable and wonderful, and together, makes for a combination that is truly powerful and memorable. As for me, this is another book that is going into my list of favorite books ever (now if I can only find that list:)). This book is definitely a worthwhile addition to my library.
The Library of Lost Things
Title: The Library of Lost Things
Author: Laura Taylor Namey
Publishers: Harlequin TEEN (US & Canada)/ Inkyard Press
Pub Date: 08 Oct 2019
Genre: Parenting & Families
Age-Range: Teens & YA
Source: NetGalley
A book that will make smile, and make your heart warm and fuzzy; literally give you a whole library of feelings!
The Lions of Fifth Avenue
Title: The Lions of Fifth Avenue
Author: Fiona Davis
Publishers: Dutton Books
Pub Date: August 4th 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
Source: NetGalley
A book I am did not review earlier. So here is a short one (for now)
I loved this read set in the New York Public Library, with the storyline alternating between two timelines. A little bit of mystery, love, family, women’s rights, and of course history, along with the bookish setting make this a cool read. The characters and the setting get equal billing, and I love that I learned a lot about the history of the NYPL itself.
Lobizona
Title: Lobizona
Author: Romina Garber
Series: Wolves of No World #1
Publishers: Wednesday Books
Pub Date: August 4, 2020
Genre: Teens & YA Fantasy
Age-Range: 12 – 18 years (and up!)
Source: NetGalley eARC
Pages: 400
So yes, Lobizona has it all!! Magical realism (of course) and that is not just it; there is also family, friendships and new loves, belonging and “othering,” diversity and representation, reality and fantasy, truly magnificent world building and beautifully rich word building, and so much more to love. So what are you waiting for? Read it now!!
Prairie Lotus
Title: Prairie Lotus
Author: Linda Sue Park
Publishers: Clarion Books
Pub Date: 03 Mar 2020
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Age-Range: 10 – 12 years(and up!)
Source: NetGalley
I loved, loved, loved Prairie Lotus. Narrated by Hanna, a strong, intelligent, and determined 14 year old Chinese-American girl who moves east with her father to Dakota territory from California in the 1880s, this novel is one that captured my attention(and my heart) from the very first.
Premeditated Myrtle
Title: Premeditated Myrtle
Author: Elizabeth C. Bunce
Publishers: Algonquin Young Readers
Pub Date: 6th Oct 2020
Genre: Fiction/Mystery
Age-Range: Middle-grade
Source: Publisher ARC
Definitely worth reading – for all age groups – regardless of the recommended age! It’ll keep you guessing, as well as delight and surprise you throughout. Myrtle Hardcastle is here to stay, and solve all that’s unsolvable!
Skunk and Badger
Title: Skunk and Badger
Author: Amy Timberlake
Illustrator: Jon Klassen
Publishers:Algonquin Young Readers
Pub Date: Sept 15, 2020
Genre: Elementary/Middle-grade Fantasy
Age-Range: 8 – 12 (and up!)
Source: Publisher ARC
Timberlake’s heartwarming and joyous writing accompanied by Klassen’s frame-worthy illustrations make this a great read for young and old alike. So, of course, you need to get it for that young reader (who am I kidding? yourself too!)
Tweet Cute
Title: Tweet Cute
Author: Emma Lord
Publishers: Wednesday Books
Pub Date: January 21, 2020
Genre: YA, Contemporary Rom-com
Age-Range: 12+
Source: eARC from NetGalley and Wednesday Books
Highly recommend if you are looking a quick and light read (or even if not)! This is a cute, cheesy, clean YA romance where snarkiness meets sweetness, and is an inspiring read for its audience as well with wonderful role models. I know my teens will enjoy this read and I have asked then to add it high up on their TBRs,
When Stars are Scattered
Title: When Stars are Scattered
Author: Omar Mohamed and Victoria Jamieson
Illustrator: Victoria Jamieson and Colorist: Iman Geddy
Publishers: Dial Books
Pub Date: April 14th 2020
Genre: Graphic Novels/Social Situations
Age-Range: 9 – 12 years (and up)
Source: Library
This book is heartbreaking, raw, powerful and at the same time full of hope, inspiration and awe for the strength that is in each one of us as humans. A must-read for all ages (ignore the age recommendations completely) and a book that will stay with you for a long time.
A Wish in the Dark
Title: A Wish in the Dark
Author: Christina Soontornvat
Publishers:Candlewick Press
Pub Date: 24 Mar 2020
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction/Fantasy/Social Issues
Age-Range: 8 – 13 years (and up)
Source: NetGalley eARC
A Wish in the Dark is a book that shines bright, and fills me with hope for humanity, for justice, and shows that together we can bring about the change we want to see in the world. It is simply put, a beautiful, thought-provoking, heart-tugging book that you must read for yourself.
So yes, go get it now, and fill your heart full of hope and light!
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And Now, the End of This Post
Dear reader, have you read any of my best loved reads of the year? Your thoughts if you have? And do let me know of any similar reads if you have some.. Which book would you pick first?
A lovely selection, I haven’t read of them but I definitely want the first three
And I loved them all equally so cannot pick one first 🙂
I’m excited to read new books in 2021. Thanks for these recommendations, I’m going to add them in my list.
thanks Puja
I’ve heard so many good things about Lobizona.
My post.
I haven’t read any of these but so many are on my TBR. My mom loved The Lions Of Fifth Avenue! I want to read it too since I’m a NYPL employee. 😉
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek also made my Top 10 list. What a fascinating book! I’m adding a couple of yours to my TBR list. Thanks for the reviews!
that was definitely a memorable read; and one I pictured as I read it.. thanks for visiting Sarah, and I am now heading to check out your list
Nice list of books to read there. I’ll head and check them out so I can start reading another book again.
thanks for your support Mich
I haven’t read any of these before, but I have heard of a bunch of them. They all sound great! It is nice to have some good book recommendations.
Thanks Marysa; I am sure you will enjoy reading them
Part of my new year resolution is to read more books this 2021 thus, this post is very timely as I need to complete my reading list. Thank you for the recommendations. Will start off with The Library of Lost Things.
thanks Clarice.. your pick is certainly a sweet read