No need to stress about what Books To Read In 2020, I have you covered!
I’m an avid reader, but if you follow me closely then you probably know that. I’ve always loved the magic of getting lost in a new book. There’s just something magical about almost being in the story like one of the characters. Feeling the emotions of the characters and picturing the location of the book (as you see it in your mind not as someone else pictures it). For me, movies just aren’t the same. I get bored and, to be honest, they just don’t evoke the same magical feeling that a book does.
No matter what your political background is, I’d recommend Becoming! It was so good.
As life has gotten busier, I’ve just keyed in on what makes me happy and books are one of the things that make me the happiest. There’s nothing better than a slow morning in bed with a good book and a cup of coffee. Anyone else with me on that?
I make time for them everyday, whether that be by getting up a bit earlier so I can have that downtime early in the morning or keeping a book in the front seat of my car to pull out as I’m waiting on Greyson at school. There’s ten minutes here and there everyday that I’m a chauffeur waiting in a parking lot and I don’t seem to mind at all when I have a book right next to me in the front seat. So, if you are like me and are wanting to find your next great read… I bet you’ll find a bunch you’ll like in this roundup of Books to Read in 2020.
Before I give you my recommendations, I will say that these 32 books were rounded up based on what I read last year. I read about 70 books last year and these are the ones that I’d truly recommend (what I rated 4 stars and above).
Books To Read In 2020
FAVORITE NON-FICTION BOOKS OF THE YEAR
- Living with Pattern: Color, Texture and Print at Home : Absolutely LOVED this book. I actually bought it because I found so much to really soak in from it.
- Girl, Wash Your Face : I enjoyed the real life stories that she mixed in throughout the book. I don’t follow Rachel Hollis across her social media platforms but can definitely see how/why she’s motivating.
- Cozy: The Art of Arranging Yourself in the World : I really enjoyed this book once I gave up my expectations for it. I started reading it only in “cozy” settings and throughout reading it, I started to see my life and all the things around me with a “cozy” lens. Definitely recommend.
- Genius Foods: Become Smarter, Happier, and More Productive While Protecting Your Brain for Life : I LOVED this book. I found so many useful tips.
- Becoming : I loved seeing a peek at the inner workings of the White House. No matter what your political view is, I’d recommend this. This was my favorite book of the year.
- Epic Drives of the World : I borrowed this from the library, but I think I need to add it to my list to own. If you are a travel junkie, then you’ll enjoy this.
- Urban Jungle; Living and Styling with Plants : This book is half inspirational and half about plant care. The plant care tips are for the beginner but, overall, I enjoyed it.
- Educated : This book is really popular and I see why. I couldn’t relate to the way the author was brought up yet it was the most fascinating story still.
- The Plan: Lose Weight Fast and Forever by Eating the Right Foods for Your Body : Had some interesting points.
- The Organized Home: Simple, Stylish Storage Ideas for All Over the House : This book had BEAUTIFUL photos and lots of information of how to buy and source practical storage.
- Surf Shacks: An Eclectic Compilation of Surfers’ Homes from Coast to Coast : I read this on our balcony over two days in Malibu looking at the ocean. Surfing is such a lifestyle for some and I found this book to be really inspiring.
- I Escaped from Auschwitz
- Habitat: The Field Guide to Decorating : This might just be my favorite design book that I’ve ever read. I’ve followed Lauren for years online and really enjoyed this book.
- In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs : I read this cover to cover and took it in slowly. Really enjoyed hearing about each artist and their stories about creating their craft.
- Down to Earth: Laid-back Interiors for Modern Living : I didn’t love this one as much as Habitat (both by the same author) but it was still GREAT.
- The Dentist of Auschwitz: A Memoir : I’ve read quite a few autobiographies of people who were part of WWII. This one, wow.
- Merry & Bright : A Keepsake Journal of Family Christmas Memories : I got this for Christmas and absolutely love it! Can’t wait to fill it out for 2019 and then look back every year.
FAVORITE FICTION BOOKS OF THE YEAR
- The Tuscan Child : A sweet story of a pilot who found refuge in 1944.
- When Life Gives You Lululemons : This was recommended to me by a friend and, to be honest, I don’t typically pick lighthearted, comedy-filled fiction books. I laughed my way through this though. It’s a perfect summer day read.
- The Beloved Scoundrel : I love historical romances by Iris Johansen. She’s one of my favorite authors for this genre and this book didn’t disappoint.
- Cutting For Stone : It took awhile for all the characters to get developed but once they were, wow. I couldn’t have imagined the ending and I’m still not exactly sure how I feel about it.
- All the Missing Girls : I don’t read a lot of psychological suspenses but this one, I definitely enjoyed.
- The Bronze Horseman : This was SO, SO, SO, good. I’m not sure why it’s taken so long for me to come across this. If you love historical fiction, then definitely pick this one up. Plus, it’s part of a series.
- Tatiana and Alexander : This is the second book of The Bronze Horseman series. It continues the story of the two main characters.
- Anatomy of a Scandal : I read this for book club and I found it hard to get in to but the storyline was definitely interesting.
- Promise of the Rose : I love a good historical romance and this one was just that.
- Alias Grace : A friend of mine introduced me to Margaret Atwood a few years ago and, since then, this is my second read by her. She writes a bit dark and twisty yet, somehow, you can never put it down.
- Becoming Mrs. Lewis : For any Narnia fans, this is a great read.
- The Masquerade : Another historical romance that I enjoyed.
- The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society : One of my favorite books of the year. There’s a Netflix movie of this now too, but read the book first (it’s way better and of course, different).
- The Game : Another historical romance further developing the story of a large family in the 1500s.
- Beartown : Ok, apparently I’ve been under a rock because Fredrik Backman (the author) is a big deal! I really enjoyed this book. It was WAY different than my usual style but I think that’s what I enjoyed about it. I definitely plan to read more of his books next year.
I also added these to my Amazon Book List so if you want a one-stop shop, check out the book list.
One of my favorite books of last year!
I loved writing this post and, actually, it’s my second annual book post! I rounded up my 30 best books of 2018, so definitely check that post out if you have a similar reading style to mine. ANNNDDD, something I’m super excited about is that I’ve started an Instagram book club with a few of my friends! We were looking for a way to have fun together on Instagram and as we are all avid readers, we thought a book club would be just the thing to add to the Instagram space. Follow us at @4readingwomen. We have been reading (and having you all read with us) a book each month. At the end of the month, we share our thoughts. It’s been fun! In the bio of the account, you will see the book that is currently being read as well as the book for the following month. Feel free to jump in anytime you’d like.
Ok, what should be on my list for this year? Any favorites?
