Here are my 10 favourite reads since 2020! Originally it was going to be 5 but I have SO many fantastic books that I just have to share with you! Let me know in the comments if you’ve read any of these books and what you think of them?
‘And The Stars Were Burning Brightly’ by Danielle Jawando
I loved reading ‘And The Stars Were Burning Brightly’ last January. It was a BRILLIANT start to the year – both heart-warming and rich with emotion.
We follow the journeys of Nathan and Megan.
Both Nate and Megan (age 15/16) have lost Al to suicide and partially blame themselves for his death.
Through guilt and sadness Nate starts to investigate Al’s life in the hope of finding answers and someone else to blame. On the other hand, we also get to read Megan’s POV (*point of view) as she was a close friend of Al’s.
I really appreciated Megan’s character and role in the story. Although she has her own difficulties; she tries to “live her best Al life”, stay true to herself and work hard to keep Al’s memory alive and thriving.
But what makes these characters so brilliant is not only their strong voices and opinions but also their flaws and struggles in our modern day society. The challenges they face are relatable and relative to our own lives.
The author presents Al through the opinions of his family and a few friends. We learn that he is kind, hard working and very intelligent. At the beginning of every new chapter there’s a short monologue from him, bringing him to life and his presence throughout the book was really felt.
The ending doesn’t disappoint, but it’s VERY emotional, so have your tissues at the ready!
I applaud Danielle Jawando for crafting this story so beautifully. She demonstrates to her readers that everyone has a collective responsibility to each other in order to create a successful and fair society.
‘The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse’ by Charlie Mackesy
This is a wonderful book my mum gifted me for Christmas…I find myself flicking through it all the time. The more I look, the more I find!
This book is less of a story and instead contains words or encouragement, advice and lessons which are accompanied by beautiful illustrations that compliment it perfectly. The whole book is a truly heartfelt experience.
I’ll be keeping this book for many many years to come. It’s a book of humbleness, creation, purpose and belief. I love it.
“The greatest illusion,” said the mole, “is that life should be perfect.”
‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ by Holly Jackson
A fantastic YA (*young adult) crime thriller! I devoured it within days and LOVED how everything unfolded along the way…
Five years ago, set in a small town, a teenage girl was murdered. It was believed by the townspeople that her boyfriend Sal, (who died only days later) was the murderer. However, Pippa believes it wasn’t Sal who killed Andie and is going to try and prove to you why.
Pippa takes on this case as her school project, starting her own investigation into Andie Bell’s disappearance. And, with her ‘partner in crime’ will stop at literally nothing to find out the truth!
I loved reading about Pip. She’s smart, determined, empowering; and Ravi is the best sidekick #loveinterest.
The murder mystery is really well-plotted and the inclusion of Pip’s production log, interview transcripts and maps, really added depth and dimension to the story and characters! I rarely (if ever) read thrillers, but it left me wanting more!
‘Deeplight’ by Frances Hardinge
‘Deeplight’, by Frances Hardinge, is AMAZING and my new favourite YA fiction/fantasy read – the story, characters and adventure are so easy to invest in! ✨
‘Deeplight’ is set in Myriad, a (fictional) group of small islands. The Gods that once controlled the islands destroyed each other and themselves, so the people on the islands are now booming with success.
In the beginning, we are introduced to 15 year old orphan Hark. We learn that Hark and his best friend Jelt, grew up in a shelter for children. Jelt (an expert in finding trouble) has always taken charge of their survival. Jelt’s latest scheme with the local pirates ends in disaster and Hark take’s the blame for the entire operation.
Hark is a brilliant protagonist and definitely one of the most lovable! He’s a story teller; determined and courageous. “You’ll do it if you have to, said the insistent voice in his mind.” 🔱🦀
The story takes its time to develop, and the characters become more and more real and life-like throughout the story.
‘Feminists Don’t Wear Pink’ by Scarlett Curtis
“I believe in the great change that a girl with a big dream can bring to this world. I believe in giving girls a chance to activate their potential without fear.” ― Feminists Don’t Wear Pink and other lies.❤
This is a great introduction to feminism. As a young feminist myself, I found reading about the experiences and thoughts of other women truly empowering. There’s lots of variety within this book; with the author combining the works and essays by different unique and inspiring women.
I enjoyed reading each chapter – ranging from poetry, personal experience’s and a ‘girl power’ song list to name a few.
I feel that I’ve learnt so much from this book already, it really opened my mind and everyday I would look forward to picking up this little parcel of greatness!
‘The Bone Sparrow’ by Zana Fraillon
‘The Bone Sparrow’ is a painful, but compelling read! It’s difficult to review a book when the subject matter is so maddening, but also written in a way making it hard to put down!
In this book we learn about the refugee Subhi, living in an immigration detention centre somewhere in Australia. It’s the only world he’s ever known until… he makes friends with a girl from the other side of the fence. She’s called Jimmie.
Subhi’s story and treatment, although fictional, is based on reality. I’m so ashamed and shocked that humans can sometimes be so cruel to one another! Reading about the refugee crisis is really eye-opening to the horrors that are often concealed in our British white society.
This book is so important as it attempts to Eliminate ignorance and spread awareness. I implore you give this book a read!
‘The Book Thief’ by Markus Zusak
This book took me ages to read but it was worth it! So many people had told me how great ‘The Book Thief’ is and it did NOT disappoint!
The character Death narrates the story! He has a brilliant personality and I like how he describes the sky to distract himself and the reader while he is collecting souls.
The story follows Liesel in WW2, Germany. As she is growing up, so too is her love of books and reading. The author Zusak make’s it so easy to love and root for Liesel and her friends: Rudy, Hans, Max and even Rosa. They are all incredibly strong characters, individually and together.
It wasn’t a quick read for me and it’s not a particularly happy theme, but there were lots of elements which were enjoyable to read, with excellent visual storytelling and complex characters, it’s a great read!
My favourite quote is from Death, “I’m always finding humans at their best and worst. I see their ugly and their beauty, and I wonder how the same thing can be both.”
‘Where The Crawdads Sing‘ by Delia Owens
This story follows the journey of Kya, living in the marsh on the North Carolina coast. Abandoned by her family and made an outcast by society, Kya is left to fend for herself. Living in isolation, she developed a strong understanding of marsh – learning lessons from it, discovering it’s secrets and finding companionship in the gulls. Each day for Kya was one of survival, putting her trust in the marsh to protect her.
As Kya grew into young woman, the townspeople were repulsed but also captivated and fascinated by her wild beauty and independence. But Kya isn’t a wild animal, she is intelligent and sensitive; longing for love and social interactions.
Delia Owens’ description is beautifully detailed. This encouraged me to read the book more slowly, taking in each intricate phrase and every landscape that Delia Owens illustrates so vividly. I definitely recommend this gripping and emotive read.
‘One True King‘ by Soman Chainani
This book is the last book in ‘The School For Good and Evil’ series. Although geared towards children and young adults, it makes for a nice escape and light entertainment.
Throughout the series I LOVED watching these characters grow individually and also their relationship with each other. It was also a relief to see Tedros FINALLY grow up and from the jeuvenile delinquent he once was.
Sophie and Agatha (the main characters) are amazing. Their characters are so thoughtful and deep. Even Sophie, who comes across as arrogant and shallow, is so much more complicated and strong, you’ve just gotta love them! The relationships overall, in ‘One True King’ are just adorable! The ‘sidekick’ characters are so supportive and loyal, even when it may not always have been in their best interests.
However, I was gutted when a few of the stronger characters who were introduced to us in the beginning of this book, where then killed off or had very little to say. But I understand that there are a lot of characters in this book!
Overall, the ending, although predictable, was satisfying and the perfect ‘happily ever after’. It was a good finish to a wonderful series which I’ve enjoyed reading since 2013 (age 9).
Overall…
I hope you’d like to read these wonderful books (if you haven’t already) and that you also enjoyed reading the reviews! Don’t forget to tell me about some of your favourite reads in 2020 in the comments below!
Disclaimer: I purchased these books with my own funds with no expectations of a positive review from the authors or publishers.
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