Because I didn't post reviews for most of the books I read in 2020 (maybe I'll do that in 2021?), I thought I would share a few thoughts about each of them here, as well as rank them based on how I liked them.
So below are the 35* books I read this year, listed from most to least favorite. Maybe it goes without saying, but this is my highly subjective opinion, so it's obviously influenced by my personal taste in books (which is why we have two Brontë novels and an Austen one in the top five). Objectively, I am probably wrong and some of these books should be much higher on the list in terms of overall quality. But this list isn't exactly about that, of course.
Agnes Grey by Anne Brontë
Reading Agnes Grey only reiterated that Anne's novels get unfairly underestimated because of her two older sisters' works. I can see why, because I do think Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights are more powerful, and well written overall. But Agnes Grey is beautiful and almost as emotional as her sisters' famous novels. Also the only one that features a nonproblematic love interest lol. Though simpler than JE and WH, that longing and grittiness that's so classic of a Brontë novel is still there. Will definitely go down as one of my favorite Brontë novels.
Emma by Jane Austen
Reading Emma for the first time made me appreciate the story more after having seen several movie adaptations (I stand by the fact that the 2020 Emma is perfect). It's just such a fun, clever book, and the rapport between Emma and Mr. Knightley is perfectly hilarious and romantic at the same time. I read Emma because I'd heard some say Mr. Knightley is the best Austen hero, and I have to say I agree. He's compassionate, wise and humble all the way through, not just by the end of the novel (yes, that's a not-so-subtle jab at Mr. Darcy).
Shirley by Charlotte Brontë
This was the last novel by Charlotte Brontë that I had left to read, and it kind of surprised me because it's very different from Jane Eyre and Villette, which both focus a lot on the psychological journeys of their protagonists. Shirley takes a more birds-eye view (it's also in third person instead of first), and is more plot focused than character focused. But it was a fascinating, well told story and one I greatly enjoyed reading. Even though it does take you through some weird turns before it gets to the central focus of the book.
The Black Friend by Frederick Joseph
This book is one of those that I think should be required reading in high school. It's full of so many illuminating stories that speak to the issue of systemic racism in America. The power of the book is that these are firsthand accounts by many different people, so it renders pointless people's attempts to deny the existence of racism. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend you do.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
I'm late to the hype on this one, I know, but I'm glad I eventually got around to reading this wonderful novel. The character development of the protagonist was incredible, and the true heart of the book. I think it also really speaks to having compassion for people who we think are strange, or too different from us, and I loved that about it as well.
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
I would have loved this book more if it hadn't ended the way it did (I don't like awful characters winning at the end, no matter who they are). But it's this high on the list because it was just so suspenseful and beautifully written. A true classic, though I can't say the same for the disappointing Netflix adaptation.
The Voices We Carry by J.S. Park
I read this book quite early in the year, but I do remember it was such a powerful read. One of the few nonfiction books I read, and definitely lived up to my expectations. It's well written, and really makes you dig deep into some of the assumptions you hold about yourself. Another one I highly recommend.
Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy
This is one of those classics that I wouldn't say I fell in love with, but it was such a fascinating story, and the protagonist was so amazing, that I have to rank it a little high. Bathsheba Everdene, imperfect as she was, really goes down as one of the most fearless protagonists in classic literature.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
A very short book, and obviously a very well known story, but such a perfect read for Christmastime. It's a simple story, but always a powerful one. And such a nostalgic one for me personally.
The Brontë Plot by Katherine Reay
This book is this high on the list mostly because it was chock full of Brontë and other literary references, and I loved it so much for that. It made me want to visit Haworth in England (where the Brontë sisters lived) even more than I already did, and I didn't even think that was possible.
Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay
This was the first Katherine Reay book I read this year after stumbling into it at a bookstore, and I'm so glad I did. It actually inspired me to write something heavily inspired by Jane Austen, because I loved how this protagonist always referenced her works. In a roundabout way, I have this book to thank for the novel I wrote this year, because honestly, I don't think I would have if I hadn't read this.
The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby
Probably the hardest book to read on this entire list, because it's all about the ways many Christians have been complicit in racism throughout America's history. It was very important to read, and I wish more people in the church would, and be willing to discuss a lot of the issues it talks about.
The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
I seriously underestimated how much of a page turner this book would be, because I ended up starting and finishing it on the same day. It was one of the cutest YA romances I've read in awhile. If you haven't read it, do it before you watch the movie, and then enjoy all the awesome shots of Manhattan it has when you do.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Another fascinating classic, even if it wasn't a personal favorite. I don't know how I didn't know the ending of this book already, but I'm glad I didn't because it was so satisfying having it catch me off guard. Will forever detest Lord Henry though.
After You by Jojo Moyes
The first sequel to Me Before You, this one surprised me by how interesting it was. Louisa is such an endearing protagonist, and though this book had its predictable moments, a lot of it actually surprised me and ended up going deeper than I thought it would. Looking forward to reading the final book soon.
What Matters in Jane Austen by John Mullan
The short chapter essay format of this book made it an easy, quick read. It basically goes into a bit of detail on different common subjects in Austen novels. If you consider yourself a Janeite, it makes for good reading material, though it's definitely not as complex as other Austen literary commentaries.
How to Write Short by Roy Peter Clark
If you write copy for work (or even for your personal social media), this is a must read. So well written (as it should be, obviously), and surprisingly funny. It is also, predictably, a short read.
Straight on Till Morning by Elizabeth J. Braswell
This is a middle-grade Peter Pan retelling, so I think it's important to know that you're reading something at that grade level if you want to check this out. It made for a very cute read though. I have a special place in my heart for fairytale retellings, and I thought this one was very sweet and perfectly done. Focuses more on Wendy and Tinkerbell's relationship than anything, so I think it's a great, empowering read for young girls.
Pride by Ibi Zoboi
Another retelling, this one a YA version of Pride and Prejudice with a black protagonist that also deals with the issue of gentrification. The relationship between the family members, especially Zuri and Janae, was the highlight of the book for me. The only reason I didn't rank it higher is I wish we would have gotten to see more of Darcy's personality, which I didn't feel I saw enough of by the end of the book.
Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay
This book had kind of a dark subject matter (about a pair of sisters, one going through cancer and chemotherapy), but I thought the complex relationship between the two sisters was very well handled, and it made for a compelling read overall.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling
The first Harry Potter book, and now the only one I've read. It was a very quick read, and of course I already knew quite a bit about HP despite never having read the books/seen the movies. The idea of reading six sequels is just a lot to me right now, so we'll leave that up to sometime in the future.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
This book wasn't as creepy as you'd think it is because it was after all published for a Victorian audience. I am very glad I read it because it was quite fascinating and interesting to learn about the origins of vampire folklore. But the whole "woman is helpless and needs saving" trope was boring and honestly made me put the book down for awhile. So if you do read this, expect quite a bit of that.
Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss
I read a total of four holiday romances in December (I blame the pandemic anxiety for making me crave lighter reads), and I think this was by far my favorite (by the way, this is not the same as the Hallmark movie of the same name lol). Not perfect and definitely had its share of cliché moments. But the relationship between the two main characters was very well written. And best friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, so I guess I'm biased because of that.
Last Christmas In Paris by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
This one surprised me, because I thought the historical fiction aspect was going to make it slow and a little boring. But it was actually quite interesting, and I thought the letter format made it feel like a faster read. Also leaves you with a lot to think about as it takes place during World War I.
Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
It wasn't that this book was bad, it was just nowhere near as good as The Hunger Games series. But I did find it fascinating to read about Snow's perspective, and the book makes such good points about selfishness, privilege and being manipulative. But it does so simply through the story, so it's quite subtle. The last third of the book was very slow though, and kind of felt like a different novel.
This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens
The last book I read this year, and with a New Year's theme. It had a few too many "romantic coincidences" for me, but I did think the central relationship was well written and developed, so that kind of redeemed it. A cute, light read for the new year, if you're looking for one.
Most Likely by Sarah Watson
I loved the multi-POV aspect of this book revolving around a group of high school friends, and the mystery about which one of them ends up being the first female president. But none of the storylines felt super compelling to me. It made for a fun, light read though.
Majesty by Katharine McGee
This is the sequel to American Royals, and like in the first book, I loved the concept of having an American monarchy and the implications that come with it. But to be completely honest I also think this is the kind of series that would work better as a TV show. I need Netflix to please buy it if they haven't already, because I think I'd enjoy that much more than the novels, and maybe I would feel like I connected with the characters more. The main romance I was rooting for in the first book also fell apart in this sequel, so maybe that's what made me like it a lot less.
Bridget Jones' Diary by Helen Fielding
I feel like this book was exactly what I expected it to be. Not to be taken seriously, but a light, fun (sometimes strange) read when you need one. All the calorie counting is a bit much though. The kind of book that makes better sense as the holiday romcom that is, I think.
One Day in December by Josie Silver
I only read this because of its Christmas theme, and it was okay. It definitely had me rooting for the central romance, but I also felt it dragged a little too much, and was sometimes a bit cheesy/cliché. Really enjoyed the friendship between the protagonist and her BFF though.
The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway
I think I also read this in a day, and it was just okay. I didn't enjoy the only other Hemingway novel I've read, so maybe it's not surprising I didn't think too much of this one. Basically just a story of an old man trying to catch the biggest, most beautiful fish he's ever seen. Theme-wise it reminds me of Steinbeck's The Pearl (but The Pearl is better).
Alex and Eliza by Melissa de la Cruz
This was a good concept and cute story-wise, but I just didn't connect with the writing, which is why it's near the bottom of the list.
Seven Days Of Us by Francesca Hornak
I had good expectations for this Christmas-themed novel about a dysfunctional family, but found the ending very disappointing. At the end of the day, the characters were a little too selfish and reactive for me to find them compelling or relatable.
*33 technically, since I also read Jane Eyre and Narnia: the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe this year, but I won't rank them since they were rereads (and I'd put Jane Eyre first because it's my favorite).
As a bonus, here is a short list of books that I started this year but didn't finish:
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
This book was so good. I loved the concept and protagonist. I'm just a wimp who doesn't do horror novels, and this one creeped me out a bit too much for me to finish. I skimmed it though, so maybe that half counts?
Longbourn by Jo Baker
I plan to finish this soon. It just moves very slowly at the beginning, so I dropped it in favor of something faster. Think of it as Downton Abby meets Pride and Prejudice, where you get to see the lives of the servants of the Bennet household. It's such a fun concept, and I hope I end up liking it.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
I got close to finishing this and will eventually. It's just a bit slow and dark, so I had to put it down in favor of something else. The highlight is definitely the writing.
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