My 2020 Reading Faves

As 2020 is coming to an end, I thought I would share some of my favourite books that I read in 2020 (these may not have necessarily been published this year). There are some very famous books in this list, and some perhaps less well-known books. Below will be a synopsis of each book, and I will try to keep the spoilers to minimum but there is inevitably going to be some, so continue at your own peril!

A Kid of Spark - Elle McNicoll

This book is one of few that has a neurodivergent child in Scotland called Adeline. It follows her story through childhood and navigating everyday occurrences like school, bullies and simply life as an autistic child in a world designed for neuro-typical people. On a history project, she learns about women in history who have been persecuted simply for being different, something which resonates within her. This book has been praised incredibly for its accurate depiction of dealing with autism and the narrow-mindedness of neuro-typical people around Adeline. McNicoll herself is neurodivergent and makes this book relatable to everyone, whether you are a neurotypical person learning about what it is like to be autistic or a neurodivergent person who can relate to Adeline. It is a feel-good book without masking the struggles Addie goes through, and an overall incredibly written book!

Three Women - Lisa Taddeo

This is Taddeo’s debut book and is already a bestseller in the USA and the UK. This book was almost a decade in the making as it follows three real women, and is a story about female sexuality. Maggie, Lina and Sloane are three women with very different stories, and all of their stories are written with honesty giving this book a sense of realness that is difficult to find. Taddeo spent months with her subjects, and this level of detail is apparent as the book immerses you in the three women’s stories. This book deals with issues like sexual assault and sex between a minor and an adult, so may not be suitable for all audiences.

Becoming - Michelle Obama

This is the memoirs of Michelle Obama and is a deeply personal book. We follow her through her time in the White House, campaigning for election, dealing with life in the public eye, her family and her role as a mother and much more. The first section begins with her early life in Chicago, and we continue through her education, meeting Barack Obama, becoming First Lady to her last day in the White House which is also Trump’s inauguration. We see her struggle as she balances being the first black First Lady with her familial duties as well as the scrutiny on the Obama’s because of their race. This book provides an untold and unique perspective and is incredibly immersive and relatable. Definitely one of my favourite books this year!

Mix Tape - Jane Sanderson

This is a romantic novel about ‘the one that got away’. It follows Ali and Dan, now two adults who had a short relationship when they were teenagers. Their love story rekindles as Dan sends Ali a message with a song from their past. This begins their new relationship as they begin messaging and sharing songs that remind them of each other. It is incredibly sentimental and nostalgic without getting too sappy, and explores music as a way of remembering memories. I’m sure all of us have heard a song that immediately reminds us of a long forgotten memory. You can listen along to the songs in the book to immerse yourself even further, but from the descriptions in the book, I found that even if I had never heard the songs I could almost imagine what they sound like. This book focuses on family and the importance of home and your roots, and is an incredibly touching book. 

I hope you enjoy some of my favourite books this year, and I will see you in 2021!