Earlier this year I thought I would grace you all with my booklist for the year, but then the pandemic hit and I read nearly twice as many books as I did the year before (about 42). I won’t give you a whole list but I thought a nice best of would give you some direction if you’re looking for something new!
Best reread:
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Why yes, I comfort re-read Outlander, and I watched several episodes of the show (wedding episode can get it). I read it toward the beginning of the pandemic and have already considered reading it again. If you’ve never given yourself the pleasure, I highly suggest it. I do not suggest reading any of the other books in the series!
Best nonfiction:
The Last Boat Out of Shanghai by Helen Zia
I read a surprising amount of non-fiction this year, but this harrowing biography of Chinese citizens escaping the country on the verge of communism is fantastic (if you’re really into Chinese history, which I am).
Funniest Book:
Stiff by Mary Roach
This is a book all about what happens to dead bodies. Somehow it is both hilarious and completely respectful to its subject matter.
Best Guilty Pleasure:
Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer
I’m zero percent embarrassed that I read this book. I enjoyed every teen drama filled moment of Edward monologue-ing about killing his future wife. Could it have been 300 pages less? Absolutely. But it was so so good/bad.
Best sequel:
The Testements by Margaret Atwood
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and to be honest, I think I liked it better than The Handmaid’s Tale *hides from crowd*
Best memoir:
When Life Gives You Pears by Jeannie Gaffigan
Sorry Michelle Obama. I generally don’t go out of my way to read sad books or cancer books or even inspirational story books but I am all about this memoir. Jeannie survived brain cancer and has 5 kids. This book was also hilarious because she is hilarious.
Best book of the year:
The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
I can’t speak enough about how much I enjoyed this book. I blindly checked it out, read it in a day and then told everyone to read it. You should read it.
What’s your top book list?
