Wow, what a year for reading for me personally! I read SO MANY books! More than I’ve ever read before in a single year! This was entirely because of the pandemic and working from home. Absent a commute, going to the gym, and basically any social life, I was able to dedicate the majority of my spare time to reading and worrying about the future.
I read 103 books this year! That is BONKERS!!! Here were my faves, in no particular order:
Non-fiction:
Catch and Kill — Ronan Farrow. 9/10
Can a book about absolutely disgusting and horrifying sexual harassment and rape be classified as “entertaining”? Seems a bit inappropriate, right? And yet… this book is a very well-structured, well-written, compulsively readable work of non-fiction. I had read most of the reporting before, and this book still held my interest. It’s truly stunning to see how many disgusting men there are in entertainment! Wow! Much worse than you might assume!
Hidden Valley Road — Robert Kolker. 9/10
This was SO GOOD. The best non-fiction I read this year? Maybe? It looks at a family of twelve children (which in itself seems like a lot to deal with), SIX of whom are diagnosed with schizophrenia. It’s so interesting and so well-written. A great look at gender roles, mental health treatment, family dynamics, extended family dynamics, and other things I’m probably forgetting.
Fiction:
There There — Tommy Orange. 9/10
This book is a slow build to a chaotic finish. The author manages to tell a story set in present day while giving a history lesson about Native Americans. Ambitious and remarkable!
The Gone World — Tom Sweterlitsch. 9.5/10
This book was STRONGLY recommended by @zapata_36 and I’m grateful I finally gave in to his DEMANDS and read it. It’s such a great book! I think my preferred “quick read” genre is slowly turning from murder-mysteries/thrillers to sci-fi? Unfortunately, I was in such a hurry to read this that I did miss at least one important part! Also, I think reading on an e-reader lends itself to skimming? The font and design of every book is the same!!! Anyway, read this book.
The Glass Hotel — Emily St John Mandel. 9/10
I really liked this book. I liked it more than Station Eleven, although now I’d like to reread that. I loved the setting and I love a Ponzi scheme!!
Southern Book Club’s Guide To Slaying Vampires — Grady Hendrix. 9/10
I LOVED THIS BOOK! It’s got EVERYTHING: vampires, dumb husbands, 90s setting, mystery, unfulfilled housewives, southern suburbia, racist white people. Read it!
Severance — Ling Ma. 9/10
This book is about a virus that comes from China and wipes out most of humanity. Honestly it was sort of terrifying in how it echoes our current-day situation. Having said that, it is one of my favourite books I’ve read this year, and would’ve scored higher if not for the somewhat disappointing ending.
Leave the World Behind — Rumaan Alam. 9/10
This was very good. This is my third or fourth “pandemic/disaster event” book that I’ve read recently, which is odd because these books were obviously written and published well before Covid was anything. What does that mean???? A really good look at race and class.
True Story — Kate Reed Petty. 9/10
This was an original take on a story about sexual assault. It could be considered gimmicky but I thought it had something to say about truth and trauma.
You Again — Debra Jo Immergut. 9/10
I loved this book. The writing is so good that halfway through, I made sure that this author’s other book was on hold for me. Imagine one day you see yourself out walking around but this other self is you half your lifetime ago!!!! Then imagine being able to write a great novel about that!!!
Moonflower Murders — Anthony Horowitz. 9/10
Anthony Horowitz is truly a great writer of classic mysteries. I have enjoyed all of his books that I’ve read. They’re such a treat!
The Vanishing Half — Brit Bennett. 9/10
Last book of the year, and one of the best. The depiction of race and family relations is gripping, but I was confused as to why the author included a character who is trans but then did not fully delve into the character. Not every character is a main character, I guess.
Leviathan Wakes — James SA Corey. 9/10
This was a very good sci-fi book! I think I liked it better than what I saw of the TV show (The Expanse). I’m excited to read the next one in the series.
I know, I was watching 