2020 has been a difficult year for all of us. But it was a year of learning, of getting our priorities right. A year that grounded us literally and figuratively. Now that 2020 has finally ended, being cautiously optimistic is the way to approach 2021 at best. That said, I hope you had a great start to the New Year.
Books have been a coping mechanism for most of us. A place to escape from the realities of life. A few hours to ourselves that rejuvenate us.
2020 has been a good reading year for me. I may not have read a lot of books since my clients took a priority. But it has been a year I read some excellent books. A year that has seen the smallest DNF shelf ever. Perhaps because I picked the books more judiciously. Hoping to continue that into 2021.
I read across genres and devices. I discovered Storytel in 2019 and it was my go-to device in 2020 for some excellent audiobooks. Although it was difficult to choose my favorite reads, here are the top 10 picks.
The Mountains Sing
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If I were to pick one book as the book of the year for me, it would be The Mountains Sing by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai. A vivid and gripping account of Vietnam’s 20th century history.
The story of a grandmother and a granddaughter across two timelines, it explores events from the 1920s to the 2010s. From the invasions to the infamous Vietnam war. The Great Hunger to the Land Reform. And more importantly, a tenacious woman’s struggle to survive. I cannot recommend the book enough.
Banned Book Club
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2020 began on a high note with the graphic novel, Banned Book Club by Kim Hyun Sook. It is a classic example of censorship and fascism. A dramatic true story of political division, fear-mongering, anti-intellectualism, the death of democratic institutions, and the relentless rebellion of reading.
I have to confess I didn’t know much about South Korean Politics before reading the book. The book was an eye-opener and completely unputdownable. It is an important book that is extremely relevant in today’s age. A must-read.
Burn It Down: Women Writing about Anger
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“The world needs anger. The world often continues to allow evil because it isn’t angry enough.” This quote perfectly sums up Burn It Down: Women Writing about Anger for me.
I came across the book on my Goodreads feed and had to pick it up instantly. It is compilation of some hard-hitting essays. A nuanced exploration of women’s anger from a diverse group of women writers. This is an important book and HIGHLY recommended.
Radical Spirits: India’s First Woman Doctor and Her American Champions
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I launched my blog two years back to promote lesser-known books. Worthy reads that have missed the hype. Radical Spirits: India’s First Woman Doctor and Her American Champions by Nandini Patwardhan is one such book.
History celebrates success. Very few have heard of Dr. Anandi Joshee. Perhaps because she survived only a few months after receiving her medical degree. It is a biography unlike any other. A painstakingly built up narrative based on original letters, university archives, and newspaper accounts.
The Poet X
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I am not a big fan of popular books. More often than not, they are all hype and no substance. I was quite skeptical when I picked up The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. The book left me pleasantly surprised and haven’t stopped recommending it since.
Written in verse (slam poetry), the book is quite a unique read. It is a coming of age story of 15-year-old Xiomara, a rebellious teenager. I would recommend picking up the audiobook narrated by the author. It is an experience in itself.
The Dutch House
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Often, they are the simple stories well told that stay with you the longest. The Dutch House by Ann Patchett is another hyped book that I enjoyed reading in 2020. The winner of 2019 Goodreads award in Historical Fiction genre. And longlisted for the Women’s Prize 2020.
It is the story of a house, a family, a set of siblings, and their journey through the years. Listening to the audiobook narrated by Tom Hanks was the icing on cake. Do pick up the book.
Moustache
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I am not into award-winning books but JCB Prize for Literature always seems to get it right. Moustache by S. Hareesh had been getting mixed reviews due to its misogynist content, but I had been keen to pick it up. I had signed up for Resh @thebooksatchel‘s read-along in January to discuss the cultural nuances. But then, Sona from the Blogchatter Team made me an offer I could not refuse.
Combining myth and magical realism, it is a no holds barred look at caste politics, social and economic hierarchies. It is a heavy read that requires time and patience. I am all set for a re-read.
Hiraeth: Partition stories from 1947
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Hiraeth: Partition Stories From 1947 by Dr. Shivani Salil will always have a special place in my heart. It is a book that is too personal. Stories that are an emotion.
Similar to the author, I too have grown up hearing stories of the partition. The short story collection is a tribute to all refugees, on both sides of the border. Heartbreaking stories of loss. Uplifting stories of hope.
No Limits: The Art and Science of High Performance
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Is talent inborn or it can be developed with deliberate practice? Can you rewire your mind at will?
There are a number of self-help books around. And most of them are the same old regurgitated stuff. No Limits: The Art and Science of High Performance by Mukesh Bansal cuts through the clutter. A book I keep returning to.
Ritu Weds Chandni
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I don’t read children’s books and would have probably missed this one if not for the recommendation from Sahi @ flippingthruthepages. At its heart, the graphic novel is a story of a lesbian couple struggling to gain acceptance against the colorful backdrop of an Indian wedding.
The story from a child’s point of view speaks of innocence. A must-read for south-Asian parents and an excellent conversation starter. The book found no takers and was listed as a Read Now at Netgalley. Thanks to the relentless promotion by the book community, I am glad to report that the author has found a publisher for the book.
All in all, 2020 has been a good one for the bibliophile in me. The list would not be complete without the special mentions. The books I enjoyed reading too.
Kintsugi: A Novel
A People’s History of Heaven
Unlocked: Historical Tales in Verse
Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits
Of Curses and Kisses
Irrationally Passionate: My Turnaround from Rebel to Entrepreneur
How had your reading year been? What are your favorite books? Have you read any of the books I listed above? Do share about them in the comments below.
2020 in Review: The Best Books I Read @CindyAnnDSilva @nooranand @events_showcase @RREStudios #BlogaberryDazzle #BohoPonderings Share on X
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla, and happily SPONSORED BY RRE Studios and SHOWCASE Events.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a very small percentage of the sale at no cost to you.
January 4, 2021 @ 6:23 pm
I am a beginner in reading books. So this post is going to help me. However I have too spent my 2020 reading books but were from my author friends and some self help books to gain some positive vibes as we all know how the year was. I have heard a lot about Hiraeth by Shivani ji and is already in my wish list. I would also like to add the one about India’s first woman doctor. Thanks for sharing this useful post.
January 7, 2021 @ 4:43 pm
I know. It has been a difficult year for all of us, and I picked more light reads than ever. Do read Hiraeth, it is a gem of a book. It gives you goosebumps when you realize these are true stories.
January 4, 2021 @ 7:08 pm
Thanks for giving these books. I also have a blog of book reviews
January 7, 2021 @ 4:51 pm
A pleasure. Great to meet a fellow book blogger 🙂
January 10, 2021 @ 4:51 pm
Im so so glad i found your blog post; im a reading addict & i cannot stop valuing enough your recommendations . They are perfect for my taste & broadening my horizons.
They are all going to RL.
Totally sharing your post.
January 5, 2021 @ 2:08 am
I wasn’t very active on book reading during 2020. But if I have t start, I might do it with “Radical Spirits: India’s First Woman Doctor and Her American Champions by Nandini Patwardhan “. I have read Anandi Bai Gopal in Marathi and would like to check out this book.
January 7, 2021 @ 5:04 pm
That is an excellent pick, Alpana. Looking forward to reading your thoughts. There was also a Marathi movie on her life, but I do feel they painted the husband’s character a lot more positive there.
January 10, 2021 @ 1:05 am
Thank you so much for listing these out. I’ve read a few and but the others are going into my TBR for sure definitely
January 5, 2021 @ 2:14 am
I haven’t read many books this year but all these books and these reviews look great. I especially liked this one, Ritu Weds Chandni, I’ll check this out!
January 7, 2021 @ 5:10 pm
Thank you Monidipa. Ritu Weds Chandni is a lovely read.
January 5, 2021 @ 4:06 am
Wow great list of books. personally Dr. Shivani’s book and Mukesh bansal’s book “No limit” sounds most interesting to me. since 2020 I am getting less “Me time” as everyone is at home, hope will get more time in 2021 and would get more time to read these amazing books.
January 7, 2021 @ 5:12 pm
2020 did test us in a lot many ways. Do pick Hiraeth, I cannot recommend it enough. She has captured the emotions so well.
January 5, 2021 @ 6:20 pm
Thanks a lot for sharing this list…all the books looks very interesting but would love to pick up Burn it down…sounds really intriguing.
January 7, 2021 @ 3:32 pm
Though an avid reader myself, i haven’t read any of these. Thanks for the reviews. Will soon pickup The Dutch House and Partition Stories. They seem really interesting.
January 7, 2021 @ 5:16 pm
Burn it down is a great pick, Swati. It is disturbing that being sad is considered better than being angry, more so with women.
January 5, 2021 @ 7:45 pm
This seems like a fantastic list of books to read. Some of these are already on my list and I will get to them soon. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
January 7, 2021 @ 5:16 pm
Thank you Prerna. I loved sharing them too 🙂
January 9, 2021 @ 1:24 pm
What a great collection. Definitely adding a few to my list after reading your reviews.
January 6, 2021 @ 9:05 am
You certainly have read a lot of books during lockdown. All power to you. I think I should pick up a book or two from the list and read.
January 7, 2021 @ 5:18 pm
Thank you Abhijit. Haven’t read as many as in previous years, but excellent books for sure.
January 6, 2021 @ 9:57 pm
I didn’t read as much as I should have in 2020 but I’m breaking that jinx in 2021. Already at it. And you’ve been an inspiration in 2020.
January 7, 2021 @ 5:20 pm
Aww. You are too kind, Sonia 🙂 Have been missing your posts, although I do understand MFA is quite demanding.
January 10, 2021 @ 1:10 pm
Such excellent recommendations. Bookmarked it for future reference
January 7, 2021 @ 6:36 pm
I feel ashamed after reading your list Ritu..I am afraid I have barely read any books in 2020. It has been one roller-coaster year of activity but I will surely use your reviews and try to read those that I like. 🙂
January 12, 2021 @ 5:50 pm
Please don’t feel ashamed, Harjeet. You have achieved so much in 2020.
January 8, 2021 @ 2:15 pm
This is a completely new list for me Ritu. So happy to see Shivani ji’s Hiraeth here in the list, I have read it 🙂 and I am going to put “The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo” from your list in my TBR.
January 12, 2021 @ 5:51 pm
Hiraeth is a gem of a book, Priyanka. I am glad you picked The Poet X. I am sure you will enjoy it,
January 8, 2021 @ 5:59 pm
Wow, these are some amazing books that you have read! Truly a bibiliophile! I am adding many of these to my TBR list. Being an avid reader myself, I can’t wait to lay my hands on these books. Also, I would love to know your TBR list too!
January 12, 2021 @ 5:53 pm
Thank you Amritha 🙂 . Hope you enjoy the recommendations. Do check out this week’s post on my TBR for the year. I would love to know what books are on your TBR too.
January 8, 2021 @ 6:46 pm
That’s a wonderful list. And I am impressed that Shivani’s book has figured out in this list. That book got its well-deserved mention is what I can say.
January 12, 2021 @ 5:54 pm
Thank you Suhasini 🙂 . Hiraeth is a labor of love and that is reflected in her writing.
January 8, 2021 @ 7:27 pm
A wonderful collection of books. I have bookmarked your page and will start reading the books one by one.
January 12, 2021 @ 5:55 pm
Thank you Shail 🙂 Hope you enjoy them.
January 9, 2021 @ 11:08 am
The only book I’ve read in this list is Of Curses and Kisses and I really enjoyed that one. 😊 I got some good non-fiction recs here, thank you! Looks like your 2020 reading year was a good one. Good luck for 2021! 💖
January 12, 2021 @ 5:57 pm
Thank you Dini 🙂 Hope you enjoy them. You are my go-to for fantasy fiction recommendations. I did not expect 2020 to be as good a reading year as it was.
January 9, 2021 @ 1:11 pm
Of all the book title ‘ Radical Spirits: India’s First Woman Doctor and Her American Champions by Nandini Patwardhan’ intrigued me. It looks like an interesting read. Thank u for sharing the lesser known books. I would have never known someone like her ever existed.
January 12, 2021 @ 5:59 pm
Exactly Supriti. There are so many women in History we barely know of.
January 9, 2021 @ 3:09 pm
This book 📚 palace is a sure thing that I would love to revisit
January 12, 2021 @ 5:59 pm
OMG, Sivaranjini! Thank you for your kind words. 😀
January 9, 2021 @ 5:38 pm
This is an awesome list, Banned book club grabbed my attention, Have made a note of the others too! Apt and precise reviews, enough to kindle interest and not give away too much.
January 12, 2021 @ 6:01 pm
Thank you Srishti 🙂 . I am so glad Banned Book Club caught your attention. It is an excellent pick.
January 9, 2021 @ 6:49 pm
All books you reviewed here seems good books. I have heard a lot about Hiraeth I will try to read this one.
January 12, 2021 @ 6:02 pm
That is a great pick, Abha. Hope you enjoy it.
January 10, 2021 @ 2:46 am
I feel so small reading the amazing list you have shared above. I am trying to make reading my habit. So this year I want to feel the same passion like you have shared in your post about the books. Your love for books is very contagious. I kinda want to have one similar list this year. fingers crossed lets see what I can achieve
January 12, 2021 @ 6:06 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Urvashi 🙂 . I am sure you would achieve it. Looking forward to it.
January 10, 2021 @ 10:02 am
Wow, what an ultimate choice of books. In 2021 I am trying my best to bring back my reading discipline. from all the books mentioned above, I am definitely going to add some to my TBR, like Banned Book Club, as I love reading historical non-fiction and Ritu Weds Chandni.
January 12, 2021 @ 6:08 pm
Thank you Archana :). Those are great picks. I hope you enjoy them.
January 10, 2021 @ 12:59 pm
I havent read many books this year. but really want to find some time now to read those. Your post motivated me. My daughter loves reading and i really want now to learn some disciplined way of reading my books. Thanks for this post.
January 12, 2021 @ 6:08 pm
I am really glad to hear that, Nehal.
January 10, 2021 @ 4:42 pm
You have certain read very diversely Ritu- I am quite impressed by your reading list. The Dutch House has been on the cards as historical fiction is a new love for me these days. Thanks for sharing The Mountains Sing- that also sounds just what I would love to read.
January 12, 2021 @ 6:10 pm
Thank you so much, Shalz 🙂 I am sure you would enjoy The Mountains Sing.
January 10, 2021 @ 6:17 pm
Kudos!! To you for utilizing lockdown period effectively. I love few of the books and add them in my reads of this year.
January 12, 2021 @ 6:10 pm
Thank you Bhawna 🙂
January 14, 2021 @ 10:36 pm
Nice Collection of books you read and it is now a valuable addition to my reading list n will certainly read those. Hope to remain connected.
January 31, 2021 @ 11:58 pm
I am glad to read that, Ila. 🙂
January 18, 2021 @ 4:28 pm
Nice book of remembering 2020 year.
January 31, 2021 @ 11:59 pm
Thank you 🙂
January 23, 2021 @ 10:40 am
Looking forward to reading some of these from your list- they look very promising! The only one I have read is Shivani’s and I thought it was an average book. If you like partition stories, try Shauna Singh Baldwin’s “What the Body Remembers”- an amazing account of love and loss during the partition, and of course Khushwant Singh’s “Tamas” is a classic that I adore.
February 1, 2021 @ 12:03 am
Tamas is a masterpiece, Noor. I watched the series as a kid on DD before I read the book. I am really glad we have more books that chronicle these personal stories. We might have lost them all with those who have lived the horrors passing on. I will check out “What the Body Remembers”