So we’ve finally left 2020, which means it’s time to reflect on my top 10 books from the year. I plan on doing a long post on ALL the books I read last year very soon but in total I read 71! So I’ve managed to whittle the list down to the 10 I enjoyed the most! So if you’re looking for 2021 reading inspiration just keep reading!
Now these Top 10 are in no particular order as I really couldn’t make a decisive choice on which I preferred the most! I’ve also been teaching myself Procreate over the last few months since getting an iPad in the summer. So I’ve tried to recreate the covers of all these books to teach me some more techniques!
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
The Family Upstairs follows multiple characters’ narratives. To start with it’s difficult to see how they all intersect but this is all just part of the mystery of this book!
We see Libby Jones inherit an expensive Chelsea house that was owned by her birth parents before their mysterious deaths in cult like circumstances. Libby was a baby when her parents died and was the only child left in the building – the others had all vanished.
I loved this book, and I’ve seen so many other people in the book community enjoy this in 2020 too! If you’re looking for a good mystery (with a slight hint of thriller) then I would highly recommend picking this novel up in the coming year!
The Flat Share by Beth O’Leary
I cannot rave enough about this entertaining novel from Beth O’Leary! The Flat Share follows two characters, Tiffy and Leon, who not only share a flat but a bed. Their two jobs leave them out of the flat at different times.
To begin with they communicate solely by leaving post-it notes for each other. The novel follows various aspects of their lives, from possessive exes, to crazy careers, to family problems. This really is a feel-good book! Both my mum and best-friend read this novel after I had and equally loved it. This is one for all romance lovers for sure!
The Keeper of Lost Things by Beth Hogan
Now let me tell you, novels don’t come much more wholesome than The Keeper of Lost Things. Beth O’Leary has created a gorgeous story with this book. We follow Laura, who has set out to help Anthony Peardrew – a retired widow who has picked up lost items throughout his life ever since the tragic death of his wife.
Laura, alongside helping Anthony makes friends at his house. The young Sunshine and the gardener, Freddy. This is a great book if you’re looking for a dose of cheer. The story is so touching and the characters are extremely loveable.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Did anyone not love The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo in 2020? This is a stunning book. It follows journalist Monique as she interview Hollywood royalty Evelyn Hugo.
Hugo has always been hush-hush about her turbulent love life, but after the death of her daughter she decides to entrust her fabulous story to Monique. The characters in this are vibrant and engaging, and the plotline riveting. This is not a book to miss out on, so if you haven’t already read it – I implore you to pick it up right now!
On a separate note this is definitely my favourite cover that I recreated! I’m really loving playing around with digital art and graphics, so if you’d like to see more make sure to head over to my Instagram templates!
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
The Tattooist of Auschwitz was one of the most moving books I read in 2020. It’s based on the true story of Lale and Gita Sokolov. Both were prisoners of the Nazi’s at Auschwitz and Lale was given the job of tattooing all new prisoners.
Morris interviewed Lale over the course of a few years after his wife, Gita, had passed away. Whilst this is a fictionalised version of events, I think it gives a brilliant insight into the awful conditions Holocaust victims had to endure. As well as showing the strength these people held in such an awful time.
Definitely give this novel a read if you’re looking for an insight into Nazi concentration camps and prisoner life.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
I’m a big fan of the Obamas, and was so excited when the audiobook of Becoming by Michelle Obama became available from my local library. Hearing her tell her life story, from childhood, to college, to the White House was incredible.
She comes across as incredible personable, witty, and funny in her autobiography. Her personal anecdotes from her time as first lady were especially interesting and inspiring. Again this is a must read!
Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes
Hidden Bodies is the second novel in the You series by Caroline Kepnes. I read the first book in 2019 after having loved the TV show. And these books do not dissapoint!
Whilst the novels are slightly different to the Netflix show, I enjoyed both very much. The story follows Joe (who is probably a psychopath) as he becomes obsessed with different women. Hidden Bodies starts as Joe moves to LA and meets Love. And I guess you’ll have to read if you want to find out what happens as this book is action packed! I’m really looking forward to the third instalment which is being released this April!
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Normal People was another 5 star read, as well as another book inspired by my love of the TV show. I fell in love with Marianne and Connell, and their love story, in the BBC adaptation.
The book is just as heart breaking as the adaptation and includes even more insights into the young couple’s relationship.
I know a lot of people didn’t enjoy Rooney’s writing but I found that I connected with her style and immediately picked up Conversations with Friends after having read this one. So if you’re looking for young, tragic love, set in Ireland this is a book you must read!
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
Queenie was another 5 star read of 2020. Carty-Williams creates the story of Queenie, a Jamaican-British mid-twenties woman. We join Queenie just after she’s broken up with her white boyfriend, and right at the beginning of her journey with mental health.
Queenie has problems at work, moves home multiple times (including a stint at her grandparents), and encounters many other obstacles that put pressure of her mental health. I think a lot of young women will relate to Queenie, and I just loved her character. She was real and raw. Pick this up if you haven’t already!
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
Whilst 2020 was a year of troubles, it also gifted us with a prequel to The Hunger Games! Now I’m aware a lot of people didn’t like this book – and I can see why. However, I loved this book and was really happy to have another look into the Hunger Games World.
In fact, I’m secretly hoping that in time Collins will give us another prequel that shows the 1st ever Hunger Games and the journey that led up to it.
There we have it, my top 10 books I read in 2020! Have you read any of these texts? And if not what appeared on your favourite list for the last year?
Love
xxx
Some amazing books here, you had such a great reading year! Becoming, Evelyn Hugo, The Flatshare, Queenie and Normal People are favourites for me too 🙂
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
I’m so glad you loved them all too! Thanks for reading! x
Love your recreated book covers! I really enjoyed watching You and now I’m considering reading the books as well. I didn’t know there’s more than one!
Thank you! Ooo yes please do read the books! They’re honestly great! x