2020 in Review

(PLUS – My Top Reads of the Year!)

After a tough year for reading in 2019, my goal was to get back on track. I achieved that goal with ease! 30 book reviews this year, plus a handful of other books that I read just to keep reading fun. It was a great year, with lots of great books.

I also set a goal for myself, to read more books by people who were not white men. Western literature is dominated by writers who look like me. As I reviewed my personal reading history, I knew that I’d read plenty across a diverse spectrum, but that most of that spectrum was old white guys. By a third of the way through the year it had become focused on female authors. And I was delighted by the new additions to my reading lexicon. From Cixin Liu’s “Three Body Problem” to Zora Neale Thurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God”, I explored writing horizons that were new and wonderful. Sixty percent of my top reads list are female authors this year! I covered everything from classics like “Little Women” to cozy mysteries by Lauren Elliott and Holly Quinn. I wasn’t disappointed by any of them.

Neil Gaiman made my reading list twice. He is a “new discovery” for me (I know, how has he not appeared on my list sooner? I have no explanation). It just means I have lots of great reading to catch up on. I especially enjoyed Robin Sloan‘s “Mr. Penumbra’s 24 Hour Bookstore”. Both authors just missed making the Top of the Year list.

So who did make the list? I’m glad you asked! (Title link takes you to my full review. Author link is…an author link!)

9: The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James – ““The Sun Down Motel” is a “go away, I’m reading” kind of book. Filled with twists and turns, amazing characters (both normal and paranormal), and some great writing.” A 2020 book and one that grabbed me and wouldn’t let go.

8: The Interdependency Trilogy by John Scalzi – “Scalzi is easy to read, and seasons the work with a judicious amount of snark and humor. He has created an interesting universe and culture that has unique advantages and disadvantages. That’s a great background for a story.” Another big name of present and recent past that I’d not read. Another correction being made.

7: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern – “I don’t want to give too much away. So let me say this, read the book. I’m looking forward to finding Erin Morgenstern’s newest book “The Starless Sea”, which hit the shelves in November 2019. I’ve read plenty of books that made me think “Yeah, I’d read this author again”. As I closed the back cover on “The Night Circus” my thought was “Gotta find her next book!”” It took me a while to get a copy of that second book, and I loved it too.

6: Cannery Row by John Steinbeck – “I’d never fit into their community, but it’s a place that everyone should visit, at least once. How could you possibly resist a party that had “all the best qualities of a riot and a night on the barricades”?” The imagery and gentle pace of this novel lingers with me. Pure wonder.

5: Recursion by Blake Crouch – “What happens is your fundamental understanding of who you are is under attack? The author isn’t trying for something easy here. The story is complex, folding back over itself. “Recursion” is looking at fundamental issues about who each of us are, and how we function as human beings. All at a relentless pace.” A rising young author with some serious sci-fi/mystery/thriller chops.

4: The Hazelwood by Melissa Albert – “The Hazel Wood offers a range of classic storytelling elements. It’s a quest story, it’s a fairy tale, it’s a horror story, it’s a story about what qualifies as a family and the search for self-identity. There’s just a taste of the story of John and Sarah Connor in the “Terminator” movies. And Albert handles all the elements with skill and assurance.” Fairy tales in a modern palate of storytelling colors. Fabulous.

3: Reckoning in the Rubble by Ash Gallagher – “She began in a shattered church with an unexpected prayer. Through people of different religious practices, Gallagher is led on the path set down for her. As I search for words to describe the story she shares with us, I keep returning to two – powerful and personal.” The only non-fiction on the list this year. A powerful personal story of spiritual discovery amidst the wreckage of conflict.

2: The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells – “I was reading the novellas faster than the library could keep me supplied with the books. I’m looking forward to seeing more of her work.” I don’t how I’d offer higher praise. Wells take a familiar science fiction concept and takes into a new direction. She’s racked up an impressive collection of hardware along the way. The reason why is easy to see.

1: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott – At the end of the story, I was satisfied as a reader. Wonderful characters had overcome the challenges laid before them and arrived at answers that were right for them. Even 100 years later, Alcott’s masterpiece reads with ease. It’s a book that shouldn’t have waited this long. These are characters that will stay with me for many years to come.” A book I’d never read because it was a “girl’s book”. Shows how foolish men can be. A classic with the irresistible Jo at the center. Of all the books I read this year, this one surprised me the most.

Love to hear what you read this year that lingers with you. Drop a note in the comments.

On to 2021!