Today, I was going to share a list of the ten best books I read in 2020. When I reviewed my reading list, I knew that was an impossible task. Last year, I read over 80 books, and it was too challenging to narrow the list down to only ten good reads. Below you'll find a list of about 30 books that made me laugh, cry, and rethink my opinions in 2020.
You can find links to the books below on my Bookshop page. Enjoy!
NON-FICTION
1. Delights
The Book of Delights by Ross Gay takes a deep dive into delight, and it's brilliant. It's about our connection to one another, the world, and the magic that happens when we pay attention to our surroundings. Gay inspired a project that I'll be working on in 2021 (more on that next week). Also, The Show of Delights is delightful.
2. Mary Oliver's Poetry & Prose
Ross Gay's work led me to Mary Oliver's poetry and prose. They are perfect pairings! Oliver's words grounded me in 2020; especially when it was raining ash. Upstream, a book of selected essays, was the perfect place to dive into Oliver's body of work. Then I devoured all of Oliver’s poetry books.
3. Rest & Retreat
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May is inspiring, and it's the perfect read for COVID times.
4. Friendship
Last year, I wrote an article for Flow Magazine about friendship in the digital age. Part of my research for the article included reading Lydia Denworth's book — Friendship: The Evolution, Biology, and Extraordinary Power of Life’s Fundamental Bond. It's excellent! I also got to interview Denworth for my piece on friendship. She is amazing, and her book reaffirmed why cultivating strong relationships is one of my core values.
Pair Friendship with Mary Pipher's beautiful book – Women Rowing North: Navigating Life’s Currents and Flourishing As We Age. The importance of friendship comes up frequently in Pipher's book.
5. Movement
The Joy of Movement: How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage by Kelly McGonigal is so joyful! I love to move my body, and this book is life affirming.
6. Addiction
If you've been impacted by addiction, I recommend reading We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life by Laura McKowen and Dopesick (Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company That Addicted America) by Beth Macy. Both books illustrate that history, public policy, corporations, and cultural norms shape how we treat and think about addiction.
7. Adventures in Opting Out
Adventures in Opting Out: A Field Guide to Leading an Intentional Life by Cait Flanders is a timely read. I opted out of "normal" life in 2020, and that will continue until I get the COVID-19 vaccine. I loved Cait's book, and I will read it again in 2021.
8. Anti-racist Reads
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi is a courageous, compassionate, and compelling book. Kendi's personal narrative, analysis of public policies, and in-depth historical knowledge shifted my perspective. If you want to learn about anti-racism, Kendi’s book is a good starting point.
I also recommend The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio, What the Eyes Don’t See by Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, and Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi.
9. Strangers in Their Own Land
Thanks to OnBeing, I read Strangers in Their Own Land by Arlie Russell Hochschild. The book explains the origin of the Tea Party Movement in Louisiana. Hochschild’s research, insights, and observations are fascinating. Her words and research reminded me that deep listening and empathy are needed more than ever.
10. The Future We Choose
The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis by Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac is full of research, inspiration, and practical action steps. The authors inspired me to get involved with an organization that's planting trees in my community.
11. Paul Theroux's Travel Books
Deep South and On the Plane of Snakes by Paul Theroux were excellent reads. Theroux's words made me want to forgo air travel in the future and take long road trips instead. Theroux’s blend of personal story-telling, journalism, history, and current events made his books compelling.
12. Pico Iyer's Insights
Pico Iyer is an incredible writer, and I loved The Open Road, A Beginner's Guide to Japan, and Autumn Light. Iyer’s books were filled with gorgeous prose and insights to live a better life.
FICTION
Here's a list of the most compelling fiction I read in 2020:
1. The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd is a fictional novel about Ana — the wife of Jesus. The novel is an extraordinary story about a woman trying to find her voice. If you love historical fiction, and strong female characters, you will love this book.
2. The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow is a beautiful novel. I enjoyed the story, and how Harrow interwove issues of race, class, and gender into the narrative. It's one of the most unique fictions books I've read.
3. The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne follows one man's life over the course of 70 years. It explores the idea of home, friendship, sexuality, and the terrible toll of bigotry. The book made me cry, laugh, and I learned a lot. It's an epic tale.
4. The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes is based on the Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky – a program that delivered books to people in the Appalachian Mountains between 1935 and 1943. The novel is about books, friendship, and strong women. There's so much to love in this story!
5. Dark August by Katie Tallo is mystery/thriller that kept me up past my bedtime. I was happy to hear that Katie is working on a sequel!
6. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is part romance and part murder mystery. I didn't want the book to end. Also, Owens' description of the North Carolina marshlands is incredible. Her words brought me into nature.
I hope you find a few books on my list that sparked your curiosity. If you can, buy a few books at your local bookstore or on Bookshop.
If you can't afford new books, find them at your local library. If the library doesn’t have a book in their collection, ask a librarian to purchase it. I didn't realize this was something I could do until a few years ago. Libraries are the best!
Libby is another excellent—and free—resource. When the library was closed due to COVID, I relied heavily on Libby. It's a smartphone app that gives you the ability to “borrow ebooks and digital audiobooks from your public library. All you need to get started is a library card.”
Thanks for joining me on this little corner of the Internet! I’m grateful.
With gratitude,
Tammy
