I’ve been doing a LOT of reading this year so far and I know there’s two reasons for this. One – because at the start of EVERY SINGLE YEAR I always set myself a goal to read more books, which I always do really well with during the first few months. And two – because of covid. Having all the time at home has definitely encouraged me to focus much more on self care and for me, reading books is a great form a self care. So today I wanted to share some of my best books of 2020 so far!
Once I said a fond farewell to my book blogging days a few years ago, I kinda stopped talking about books altogether. With the exception of the occasional book related blog post, books were by no means a main feature on my blog anymore. And that makes me kinda sad to think about. I stopped reviewing books and took myself away from book blogging for a variety of reasons – but none of those reasons were the fault of the books.
Related: How To Become a Book Reviewer – Tips From An Ex Book Blogger
Related: 25 Blog Post Ideas For Book Bloggers
Books have always been my true love. My first love. Books have been there for me through some of the worst times in my life. And some of the best. I’ve learned more from books that I did at school and I always stand by the fact that holding a book is like holding a little piece of magic. So why the heck shouldn’t I continue to talk about books on my blog now and again?
These last few months have been a bit of an eye opener for me in regards to my blog, my content, my career and what I want to do going forward. I switched up my Instagram and it feels more like ‘me’ than it’s done in years and I’ve established some new goals and a new path for myself. I want to start talking about more things I’m passionate about, rather than things I think I should talk about. And books is 100% one of those things. So I can’t wait to share my best books of 2020 so far with you!
If you need some book recommendations, here are my best books of 2020 so far (in no particular order):
Suicide Club by Rachel Heng
Genre: Dystopian / Fiction
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
“The older she got, the faster the years sped by, and the less of an impression anything made. The facts of her adult life were couched in general truths rather than in details.”
Suicide Club had been sitting on my bookshelf for YEARS. Like literally years. I got it for Christmas a few years back because I was so desperate to read it but something was stopping me for all that time. The hype? The expectations? Idk. But I finally picked it up this year and I’m SO glad I did. It was an incredibly easy read so I absolutely zoomed through it and it’s such a unique and thought provoking story-line.
They Both Die At the End by Adam Silvera
Genre: YA / Contemporary Fiction / LGBT
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
“But no matter what choices we make – solo or together – our finish line remains the same … No matter how we choose to live, we both die at the end.”
Oh maaaan this book! I had heard sooo many great things about this book for ages before I actually read it but I did go in with an open mind. I had a brief understanding of the plot but so much of it still came as a surprise. This is such a life-affirming read. I think that quote I mentioned above alone shows that. Definitely one that makes you think. Also makes you laugh. And cry. And everything in between.
One Of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
Genre: YA / Mystery
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
“I don’t know why it’s so hard for people to admit that sometimes they’re just assholes who screw up because they don’t expect to get caught.”
I really really loved The Breakfast Club-esque feel of this book. Albeit a much darker breakfast club. With murder instead of pancakes. It took me a little while to get in to but once I did, I was completely hooked on the mystery of this book. At no point did I really suspect what was going on and I think I was just as confused as most of the characters were. I can’t wait to pick up the second one!
Your Life In My Hands by Rachel Clarke
Genre: Non-Fiction / Medical
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
“In medicine, needless to say, the moment you feel as if you’ve mastered something is invariably the point at which your next experience will knock you straight back down to earth.”
I don’t read an awful lot of non-fiction but I tend to be attracted to medical themed books. I love all the squeamish details and find it all very interesting. This book was not what I expected to be totally honest but it actually taught me so much more than what I thought it would. This is a seriously eye-opening book. About junior doctors, politics and a severely broken system that a lot of us owe our lives to.
The Man Who Didn’t Call by Rosie Walsh
Genre: Fiction / Romance
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
“Nobody warns you that life continues to be complicated after you’ve Done the Right Thing. That there is no reward, beyond some intangible sense of moral fortitude.”
Look, I am not a romance lover or a romantic person so the fact that this book has 5 stars AND features in my top books of 2020 really is saying something. I just loved it. I loved the concept and it’s something a lot of us can relate to. We’ve all been ghosted in one way or another and the anguish that Sarah felt in staring at a silent phone for so long is something I can painfully sympathize with.
Coraline by Nail Gaiman
Genre: Fantasy / Horror / Children’s
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
“I don’t want whatever I want. Nobody does. Not really. What kind of fun would it be if I just got everything I ever wanted just like that, and it didn’t mean anything? What then?”
This one is a bit of an honorable mention because Coraline is my favorite ever film and I’ve read the book before but I finally gave it a re-read this year because I wanted to be reminded of just how good and creepy it is. It’s still just as good and creepy as I remember. There’s just something about this story that completely draws me in every single time so glad I gave it a re-read!
Those are my best books of 2020 so far! I’m sure that the rest of the year will bring with it some more amazing books but for now, I hope you grabbed a few good recommendations! Leave me a comment and tell me the best book you’ve read this year so far!
[…] Related read: Best Books of 2020 So Far: 6 Book Recommendations […]
[…] really enjoyed Karen’s One of Us Is Lying and it featured on my best books of 2020 post. You’ll Be the Death of Me sounds just as good. I didn’t read the follow ups to […]
Suicide club is an interesting read.
I need to add most of these books in my to read list.
Here is what I enjoyed thia year 👇
https://laprotagoniste.wordpress.com/2020/12/23/the-five-books-that-defined-my-2020/
I really enjoyed They Both Die at the End, and the rest of the books are definitely worth checking.
That was an amazing read!
I haven’t read any of these books but they look like they’re fun to read.
I’ll be sure to check these out.
[…] talk about books TOO MUCH on my blog anymore. Although when I published my last bookish post, 6 Best Books of 2020 So Far, it really ignited my love for book content again and for talking about books and literature of all […]
Suicide Club for sure sounds like something I would pick up. I adored They Both Die at the End as well. Stunning YA book. If you love medical nonfic books I definitely recommend checking out Stiff by Mary Roach. The audiobook is top notch as well.
Ooh thanks for the recommendation! Hope you get around to reading Suicide Club soon!
Even I read One of us is lying and loved it! Will definitely read the books you’ve recommended. By the way, I also did some book reviews on my blog. Check them out at https://pstalks.wordpress.com/2020/08/23/book-review-caraval/ and https://pstalks.wordpress.com/2020/09/13/book-review-a-good-girls-guide-to-murder/ if you wanna!
Loved Good Girls Guide To Murder!
I enjoyed One of Us Is Lying! I loved Coraline too even though I found it very creepy!
It’s so creepy but that’s why I love it!!
I loved One of Us is Lying. Have you read its sequel? It isn’t as great as the first one but nevertheless it is a great novel.
P.S.- Books were my first true love too!
P.S.-2 https://whisperingstories8.wordpress.com/2020/09/04/favorite-friday-1-my-favorite-book-of-2020-so-far/ , you can check my favorite books of 2020 here!
I haven’t! I need to get it 😌
I was looking for new books to add to my To Be Read List. I would definitely check these out. Thanks for the suggestions!
You’re welcome! Enjoy!
I really enjoyed One of Us is Lying!! Have you checked out One of Us is Next? I loved that one too.
I need to read that one!
This recommendation is worth reading.
I like the way you rated your books using Star emoji 🌟
Thank you 🙂
Neil Gaiman is one of my favorite authors. This is a great list and gave me a couple of fresh ideas for my to-read list. Thank you!
You’re welcome! I need to read more from him!
Now I want to read ‘ONE OF US IS LYING’
🙂
I have only read two of these but definitely agree that they’re worth it!
Suicide Club sounds really interesting, I didn’t even know it was dystopia (my favourite genre) so thanks for putting it on my radar.
Cora | http://teapartyprincess.co.uk/
Well, it kinda is. Regardless, it’s amazing!
These are something my sort of books 🙂 I need to look into some of these Thanks for such cool recommendation 😉 You made my covid 19 time much more Interesting
You’re welcome 🙂
They Both Die At The End is really high on my TBR – I’ve heard so many good things! I recently finished This Is Going To Hurt by Adam Kay and I loved it – really eye-opening, with a great sense of humour.
I love This Is Going To Hurt! Make sure you read his Christmas book too!
I have to be honest, I’m not much of a reader unless I’m going on holiday! Though I have to say, if I had a TBR list, One Of Us Is Lying would deffo be on it!
Great choice!
I’ve only heard of one of these – which I read – ONE OF US IS LYING, so thanks for more books to add to my TBR that I will never get to LOL
Whoops, sorry haha!
I’ve read soooo many books during lockdown – probably the only bonus to it all for me! I use my kindle but like to mix it up with a paperback. Adding these to my reading list now!
Rosie
Hope you enjoy!
I really enjoy non-fiction reads and Your Life in My Hands sounds amazing!! I need to check that one out. x
Sophie
It’s incredible! x
I love Coraline! I’m also listening to the audiobook for They Both Die At the End, but I had to take a break. Hopefully I’ll be able to get back into it soon!
I also want to read Suicide Club & One of Us Is Lying!
Hope you can. It’s so wonderful
I’ve read one of us is lying and they both die at the end and loved them both. Adam Silvera is one of my absolute FAVES I’ll definitely have to check out some more of these
I need to read more of his work!
Ooo, i think the “One of us is lying” book sounds like my sort of book. I’ll have to have a look at it! Thank you for the recommendations xxx
Definitely a good choice!
I’ve heard about a few of these, and all good things! Maybe I’ll pick one or two of them up one day. (But I think I love classics too much :’)) So far this year, I’ve really enjoyed The Grishaverse trilogy by Leigh Bardugo, and I was very pleasantly surprised by A Separate Peace by John Knowles! xx
Always good to mix and match sometimes!
I’m the same Suicide Club I bought on preorder so I got it the day it came out, still haven’t read, I think I should!!
Yes definitely read it!
I have One of us is Lying on my pile so I’ll have to slip that one straight to the top! Xx
Yes definitely! You won’t regret it!
I absolutely loved They Both Die At The End. I cried so much after I finished it but it’s just such a good book. I love the look of Your Life in My Hands. This is Going to Hurt is still one of the best books I ever read so I definitely want to do more reading in the medical non-fiction field!
Your Life In My Hands is much more serious and political but definitely a well-worthy read!
Oh these all sound good but the Suicide Club in particular. I am rereading a book I read a long time ago Paint It Black, very easy read and very visual. Same author as White Oleander.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Would highly recommend Suicide CLub!
I loved reading One of Us is Lying too, definitely up there as one of my favourite reads of the year so far. They Both Die at the End will be on my TBR for next month as I wanted to try to read it over the dates it’s set on – looking forward to it even more now that you’ve rated it so highly! 🙂
Thanks for sharing these recommendations Jenny!
Awh that’s such a wonderful idea to do with They Both Die At the End!
These sound like such great recommendations! I can’t believe I haven’t watched the Coraline movie, but I love reading creepy books, I might have to give it a try 😊
Oh the movie is outstanding!
Nice selection 👏
Thank you so much
I’ve added these to my books to read list, such great recommendations!!
Thank you!
I LOVE this post. One of Us is Lying has been on my list for so long to read – and sitting on my shelf for almost as long. I must get to it. Ooh I’m glad you liked Suicide Club – I did for most of it but then there were odd bits that freaked me out a bit. Although it’s been a few years since I read it, so maybe I’m remembering it wrong.
Haha maybe. It is a bit creeping and haunting at parts, I will admit. But I personally love books like that because I’m weird haha!
Great recommendations! It’s been a while since I last read books and I’m hoping I could get back to it soon x
Thanks 🙂 x
I love a good easy read so I bet I will like Suicide Club. I loved One of Us is Lying, it is actually one of those books that I would like to read again. I am not a massive fan of Non-Fiction either, I find them really difficult to read and only end up reading about half and then getting bored, however Your Life In My Hands sounds like a book we should all read at some point in our lives. Great recommendations Jenny! xx
I agree. I’m very picky with non-fiction for that reason. It has to be something that really grabs me or that I’m really interested in.
I’m desperate to read One Of Us Is Lying! So many people seem to love it so I’m really intrigued! xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
It’s so good! I need to get my hands on the sequel!
One of Us Is Lying is such a gripping book, glad you enjoyed it too!
Really is!
I LOVE new book recommendations; so will immediately be adding some of these to my Kindle! I know what you been about trying to read more and setting goals; so much so that I’ve downloaded Goodreads within the past year to give myself some accountability.
Paige // Paige Eades
Yesss I love Goodreads! I love being able to keep track of all the books I read so I can go back and remember them!
Wow so many great recomendations! Thank you!
You’re welcome!
Great post! Will be looking into adding some of these books to my TBR pile 🙂
Thank you 🙂
The Man Who Didn’t Call was on my tbr list already but may have to add some of these others, really liking the sound of One of us is Lying🙌🏻
LifeRightNowx – http://www.liferightnowx.co.uk
Both excellent reads!
Oh my god I love reading and these sound SO good!! Thanks for sharing.
I really want to buy They Both Die at the End and The Man Who Didn’t Call!
Tilly | https://cakecoffeeandchaos.co.uk/
Would highlyyyy recommend them both!
I really need to read these!
The first few have been on my to-read list for some time but I’ve been looking at self help books a lot lately.
When I have time for new books I’ll get these! ☺️
Love Lozza x
http://girlygabble.com
I do love a self help book too!
Oo I’ve been looking for a new book to read for ages! I haven’t read any of these books before but a couple of them are going on my list like One of us is lying, I’ve heard such good things about that book! X
It’s a great read!
These sound like some great books. I really need to get back into reading again.
Hope you do soon!
Great post! I really appreciated that you gave recommendations for each of a variety of genres.
Thank you 🙂 I love reading different genres x
I really need some new books to read xx
I love reading since I was 7 and could spend hours at the bookstore (my fave place). I always make sure to save and buy a bunch of books every 3-4 months, but it’s been ages since my last visit to the bookstore (kinda miss it). I mostly spend my days reading online platform now 🙂 The Man Who Didn’t Call by Rosie Walsh sounds good! Thanks for this list, Jen xxx
You’re welcome! I went back to the library for the first time the other day, was lovely!
I haven’t read any of these – I’ve read a lot of average books this year with one a few great ones 🙁 x
Ah get your head in some of these!
Thanks for sharing these books.
Ah I’m yet to read any of these but have heard such great things about all of them, particularly They Both Die in the End which I’m glad to see you loved! I’ve discovered too many new favourites this year already, but ‘Girl, Woman, Other’, ‘Song of Solomon’, and ‘Pachinko’ are all up there! x
Evie x | http://www.eviejayne.co.uk
That book was just everything. I’ll have to check out some of your top reads too!
I read The Man Who Didn’t Call last year and loved it, it’s such a good book! I’m going to have a look at these other books you’ve written about also! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Ah I loved that book so much!
I really need to read Coraline. One of us in lying is a great book and They Both Die at the End is up there with one of my all time favourite books.
IT’S SO GOOD! And those two are wonderful as well. Can you check my comment went through on your latest post?
I have to admit that unlike you I LOVE a romance book haha. The Man Who Didn’t Call sounds like something that would be right up my street, I’ll have to look into it! x
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
Haha it definitely depends on the type of romance! But The Man Who Didn’t Call was fabulous!
I’ve heard so many things about One Of Us Is Lying – I am so happy you included it on your list as now I have no excuse not to read it! Thank you for sharing your favourites. I haven’t heard of The Man Who Didn’t Call, but it appears we have similar taste so It’s going in the basket!
Em x
You have NO excuse not to read it haha!
THese are all new authors to me – thanks for the leads!
You’re welcome!
These books sound fab! I have so many books on my TBR list; reading is something I want to get into again because I used to read for hours! x
– Charlotte / charlottesspace.com
Hope you can add a few of these to your list too!
Thanks for sharing books recommendation.
You’re welcome.
Book no.5 & 6 sounds interesting. Thank you for sharing your recommendations.
You’re welcome!
Thanks for sharing these I will have to check them out 🙂
You’re welcome x
Great post! Thank you for sharing! I’ll have to check out some of these books!
Definitely worth reading!
Great post, I love your comment about writing about what you want to write about, totally agree 👌
Thank you 🙂 x
I have not read any of these books! I had not even heard of them, so it was great to read your reviews. Just finished “A Better Man” by Louise Penny and “Unsheltered” by Barbara Kingsolver.
Will have to check those out!
Ooo – I’ve been looking for a book to get stuck into. I’ve not read a book that isn’t a textbook in so long and these are some great recommendations! They all sound so interesting… Now it’s deciding which one to go for!
Decisions, decisions!
Great list, Jenny!
They Both Die At The End & One Of Us Is Lying are two of my faves of the year too. I couldn’t put them down once I had started.
I’m gonna have to give the book by Rosie Walsh a read because it sounds right up my ally! Thank you for sharing.
Both sooo good! You’re welcome <3 x
I have a few of these in my TBR pile so good to see they come highly recommended.
I have completely changed my reading habits over the last 4 months. I am back to loving picking up a book again and am trying genres I would never have considered before.
I have also found that having a large TBR pile has kept me motivated to read quicker as I want to get on to the next one x
That’s great to hear! And same! As long as I have loads of books to read, I get through them. Otherwise I procrastinate!
These sound great! I’ve actually been give They Both Die At The End so I’m hoping to read that one soon! 🙂
Oh that book is SO GOOD!
One Of Us Is Lying is one of my favourite books this year too, although I’ve not picked up its sequel yet. I think a few of the best books I’ve read so far this year are The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern, Hold Back The Tide by Melinda Salisbury and The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep by HG Parry.
I need to get the sequel too! I’ve heard great things about The Starless Sea!
These all sounds great. I usually read a lot of romantics or crime books so I’ve been looking to find some recommendation for something different. Putting suicide club and you’re life is in my hands on my list!
Both excellent choices!
I think we’ve got a really similar taste in books! I love a medical non fiction book too, and all of these are right up my street. I absolutely loved One of Us is Lying and the follow up is good too! Really loved Karen McManus’ other book, Two Can Keep A Secret as well. I think the best book(s) I’ve read this year are Unnatural Causes by Dr Richard Shepherd and The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell x
We definitely have similar taste! I’ve also read The Family Upstairs this year and enjoyed it!
I was looking for more books to finish my reading goal for the year. I love to read fiction. You have some great recommendations and variety here. Sounds fun. Thanks for this useful post.
Thank you 🙂