Hello everyone,
It is that time where I look back at all of my 2020 reads and choose a top 10!
I have been fortunate to read a lot of fantastic books this year, so that made narrowing it down all the more challenging. There has been a great deal of variety and diverse voices in there to select from, and numerous genres that have thrilled and enthralled me in equal measure.
So here is my top 10 list, in no particular order.
A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder by Holly Jackson
For me, this was just the perfect Young Adult thriller. It was absorbing from the first page to last; a brilliant mystery that brought twists, tension, and amazing characters. I cannot praise it enough.
With The Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo
I loved everything about this book. It is a lovely story of self-discovery that put a smile on my face. Emoni was an amazing protagonist and had such an authentic voice. After reading this, Elizabeth Acevedo confirmed her status as one of my absolute favourite authors.
Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh
As far as legal thrillers go, this one sets the bar very high. It has the most tantalising premise, and it is executed brilliantly with a thrilling dual narrative structure and a sense of unpredictability. The twist at the end is the crowning glory.
The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa
This was a very unique and special book which I shall never forget. It was such great fun to follow Nana’s feline perspective as he travelled across Japan with his owner Satoru, and then super emotional towards the end.
Beast by Matt Wesolowski
Another amazing entry in the Six Stories series. The level of realism that Matt Wesolowski manages to achieve – even with a paranormal spin – is quite breathtaking, and the atmosphere and intrigue that permeated through this book was extraordinary.
Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
This is one of the best books I have ever read, without a shadow of a doubt. It made me feel things no other novel has before, such was the extent to which I was immersed in the story of Kya. It contained a gripping mystery, poignant themes, and a spellbinding celebration of nature. A masterpiece.
The Lion Tamer Who Lost by Louise Beech
This was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, characterised by several unique elements and some beautiful writing. It is a love story unlike any other I have read, and it had such a vast scope that it could fit into multiple genres.
The Once And Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow
I honestly did not want this book to end. It was magnificent, from the quality of the storytelling to the amazing cast of characters. Imagination was there in abundance and the detail second to none. I am pretty sure it is a book I shall be recommending for a long time to come.
lap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
The second book by Elizabeth Acevedo to make it into my top 10! What can I say, she is just such a fantastic author! This one saw her return to writing in verse, and I loved this story of two girls seemingly far apart, yet inextricably connected. The writing was so powerful, too.
These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
This is the last book I finished this year, but it is unquestionably one of the best. While in essence a Romeo and Juliet retelling, it has a little bit of everything including a brilliant 1920s Shanghai setting. It is a book that deserves all the hype!
Review to come!
Honourable Mentions
As it was so difficult to choose a top 10 this year, I just wanted to add a section for some of the other books I loved, just so they get the attention they deserve.
Let’s Chat
Have you read any of the books in my top 10? If so, what did you think? Let me know in the comments!
Happy reading :)
Stephen Reads Books 