All the books I've read in 2020 so far
/It’s honestly blowing my mind that I haven’t written this post sooner, because books and me have certainly been a thing for as long as I can remember. Those that know me in real life and/or follow me on Instagram can almost always expect to get a running list of book recommendations from me, so it’s well past time that the topic got more than a passing glance here.
It seemed like especially good timing given that we’re living in the End Times and are looking for ways to destress. In the past few weeks under the stay-at-home ordinance, I’ve especially loved reading as an escape from my own realities, so I hope that my mostly-fiction list offers that for those seeking it! These titles below are all the books I’ve read in 2020 so far, all borrowed from my local library. If nothing else, I’d be THRILLED if this inspires you to visit your neighborhood library (if you already aren’t) once this whole pandemic affair is over - I’m a passionate and avid user and could not recommend it enough!
The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai
Such a powerful read. Centered around the AIDS epidemic in the ‘90s, it follows a group of friends within the gay community in Chicago as they traverse the all too short path from vibrant youth to suffering. I felt invested in the characters enough that empathy became learning and I found myself reading up on healthcare, politics and more in the context of the HIV crisis. It will certainly help during the quarantine if you’re pondering similar themes. Of all the things I hope to take away from books, self-education is the one I value the most. ❤️
2. Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
What a wild ride! Absolutely LOVED this book- I devoured it in a few short sittings and never wanted it to end.🤩 It chronicles the rise of a rock ‘n roll band in the ‘70s with its two twin trappings- drugs and sex. All of the drama!! It’s so engrossing with unexpected insights into the music-making process. My favorite thing about it is its disarming interview/documentary format - it threw me off enough that I googled if they were a real band! Cannot wait to get my hands on another TJR book, thinking it should be The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo?
3. Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
Oh, Ann Patchett!😍 Reading her writing for the first time in The Dutch House (10/10!) and turning into an instant fan girl while on the beaches of the Big Island of Hawaii was a 2019 reading highlight for me. I put this one on hold soon after and am so happy to report that it does not disappoint! It tells the story of two families united by the consequences of a broken marriage, through the lens of the childrens’ lives. In both of her books that I’ve read, Patchett truly shines in exploring complicated family dynamics (without making it too heavy) and who can’t relate to that??
4. Trust Exercise by Susan Choi
You know who’s an excellent book recommender? Barack Obama, that’s who. His annual/summer reading lists (and music lists 💃) have given me many a great read over the years, so I’m always hunting down his most recent recs. This book was on his 2019 list and made for a fascinating, tale-twisting experience! There’s a high school love story that you find out never happened halfway through the book, and it’s as much an exercise in trust for the reader as it is for the characters.
5. Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout
The most delightful little novel! Even without having read the first book- Olive Kitteridge (which is a movie starring Francis McDormand and on my list to watch!)- I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Olive in this sequel. The perfect quarantine read if you’re in a light-hearted mood!
6. My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
Guys, this book.🤯 The protagonist is an unnamed rich blonde who decides to slowly escalate medical prescription drugs to sleep for an entire year. There’s a wacky sham of a psychiatrist enabling her, sleep escapades beyond description, a trash boyfriend, a best friend that isn’t really one- the whole story is WILD. Oddly enough, I was rooting for this crazy woman whose name I didn’t know. It’s an entertaining rollercoaster of a read, so strap up if you choose to do so! Just so you know, I highly recommend that you do choose to do so.
7. Sabrina & Corina by Kali Fajardo-Anstine
If you like stories that feel current, this short story collection is relevant to all the politically charged issues right now- immigration, feminism, wealth inequality. Set in the indigenous latinx community of Denver, Colorado, every story features a brave and resilient latina woman with struggles that almost every other woman is familiar with to some degree. Also, can we agree that this cover is stunning?! 😍
8. The Cactus by Sarah Haywood
If you could only read 9 of the 10 books on this list, skip this one. I recently discovered to much delight Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club on Instagram, where she promotes female-centric books and authors- I mean, how lovely! 💗 Howeverrrr, this is the first of her book club’s recs that I’ve read and I wish I’d picked a different one. The pace was too slow and the writing was too weak for my taste- I may or may not have skipped sections to get through it. 🙊
9. On Earth, We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
You know how some books feel like a backpacking trip, sometimes uncomfortable but mostly amazing?? This book was that for me. Ocean Voung’s memoir lays down a raw and transparent picture of being the son and grandson of refugees of the Vietnam War while being gay while being a deeply emotional and self-aware human being. It was difficult to read because it was difficult for me to relate to, which was in itself a mind-expanding exercise in privilege that I was unprepared for at first but appreciate so much in hindsight.
10. Killing Commendatore by Haruki Marukami
So I’m currently knee deep in my first Murakami ahhhh! I have wanted to read this Japanese legend with a global cult readership for the longest time ever, and finally committed to this title after finding it on several Best of 2019 book round-ups. It’s too soon for me to offer a final review, but it’s part psychological thriller, part magical realism if you’re into that sort of thing! I’m finding it a bit slow (possibly a by-product of the translation from Japanese?) and overly detail-oriented for a fiction piece, but I’m also enjoying the new-to-me genre.
What are you reading right now? And have you read any of these titles? Let’s discuss!
Thank you for reading, and please stay safe!
XO Sushmitha :)
