My Top 5 Books of 2020
The world stopped in 2020 and lots of plans were cancelled. A positive of this is it helped me read a lot more than normal! Here are my top 5 books that I read in 2020, and would recommend to everyone!
Becoming — Michelle Obama
The first book of my top 5 is this beautifully written memoir, from the former first lady of the United States.
Released in 2018, this book has topped Book charts across the world — an achievement which I think is well deserved!
Okay, so I was a little late to the party with this one, but if for some reason you are reading this and you HAVEN’T read this — Please do!
This book is Michelle’s story — from her early days on the South Side of Chicago to her 8 year stay at the White House, this book gives us her truth. The good, the bad and the hilarious.
This beautifully written memoir is inspirational, educational and political. Whether the Obama’s are your political cup of tea or not — this book gives you the real story of Michelle and Barack’s journey to the White House and beyond.
I listened to this book on Audible, and let me tell you — hearing Michelle herself tell me her story was nothing short of incredible. So if you dread the idea of sitting and reading a 400 page memoir, the audio book will definitely deliver for you!
Star rating: ***** (5/5)
The Midnight Library — Matt Haig
The idea of parallel lives is brought to life in this incredible story by the brilliant Matt Haig (released August 2020).
In this wonderfully crafted work of fiction, we follow the story of Nora who, after attempting suicide, is thrust into a world in between life and death, the Midnight Library.
The Midnight Library is unique to all its visitors — holding the book of your life and many more books of your alternate lives. It is human nature to have regrets, but only the Midnight Library gives you the option of seeing your life as a parallel — the life you could have lived if you had made a different choice.
A magical story that looks back at the “what ifs” of Nora’s life — it is inspiring, dark and uplifting in equal measures and a book that I am sure will speak to many.
Star rating: ***** (5/5)
What Lies Between Us — John Marrs
What Lies Between us is a dark and twisty thriller, from the genius mind of John Marrs (released May 2020).
This is the ultimate mother — daughter story. A plot full of twists and turns, you won’t be able to put this down!
What Lies Between Us is a story following Maggie and Nora, a disfunctional mother and daughter who have one hell of a history together.
From the first page to well beyond the last, the darkness just keeps on coming. I don’t want to say much about this book as there is a lot I could give away — all I can say is, if you only pick one thriller to read in 2021 — make it this one!
Star rating: ***** (5/5)
The Silent Patient — Alex Michaelides
Released in February 2019, The Silent Patient is the debut novel from Alex Michaelides. A thriller which keeps you guessing, a must read for any fans of the genre.
Alicia seems to have it all, a thriving career as an artist and a loving husband. Until one day, she throws it all away. Alicia kills her husband, then refuses to speak.
Enter Theo, a psychotherapist, whose only goal is to get Alicia to speak and tell her side of the story.
A gripping book that I struggled to put down until the very last page, and one which I will continue to recommend to any thriller fan looking for a well structured page turner.
Star rating: **** (4/5)
Queenie — Candice Carty-Williams
Released in April 2019, Queenie is the debut novel of Candice Carty-Williams. A biographical fiction book that will speak to anyone who is struggling their way through this thing we call life.
This book follows 26 year old Queenie, a British woman of Caribbean descent as she makes her way through life following a recent break up.
A story filled with heartache, laughter and honesty in equal measures, Queenie is a must read for anyone who has yet to!
Queenie is a comic and subversive book that tackles love, race, gender and life for a Black millennial living in London.
Star rating: ***** (4.5/5)
A couple more that didn’t make the top 5, but deserve an honorary mention!
11.22.63 — Stephen King: Released in 2011 by the prolific author Stephen King, this 750 page book that throws the reader, and the protagonist, back in time to the assassination of JFK. A “what if” tale like no other. Don’t let the page count put you off this absolutely incredible take on time travel. Battling his way through the past, and encountering love and loss along the way…. Will Jake be able to prevent one of the worlds most famous murders?
Dying For Christmas — Tammy Cohen: A gripping thriller, released in 2014, Dying for Christmas is a must read for fans of the genre at Christmas time. Be warned though — this story takes on a very twisted tale which may not be for the faint hearted. The book begins on Christmas Eve and after meeting a handsome stranger in a department store café, Jessica makes the impulsive decision to go with him. What follows is 400 pages of drama as her boyfriend and family try to discover her whereabouts.
