In the year 2020, I had set the goal of reading 30 books. Due to a bit more downtime, I was able to read 35 books! In my 2020 book recap, I break down my favorite books, books that left me wanting more, favorite authors, the best and the worst.
Some of my Favorites
Such a Fun Age
I really enjoyed this book because it offered a very subtle way that racism permeates through everyday living. While I didn’t really agree with some of the main character’s choices, I could understand her perspectives as a Black woman who works with White people.
I’m Not Dying With You Tonight
I loved the way that this book was written. This book is co-authored by two people which showcases the differing perspectives of being Black and then being White. This story also really illuminates how naive White people are to issues of race and racism.
Black Girl Unlimited
This book is written so well. I recommend all Black women to read this book despite it being written for young adult audiences. Through some triggering topics, it shows how Black women become tainted by our traumatic experiences which take away our Black girl magic.
Just Didn’t Do It
The Vanishing Half
While I do not think this book was good, I also don’t think it was bad. I still will recommmend that you read this book because it is going to be turned into a series on HBO. If done correctly, this book will transition to screen very well and will be very good!
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
I wholeheartedly believe that this was the filler episode to the series. I absolutely loved the first book, Children of Blood and Bone, but this follow up just did not do it for me. It gave enough to just push the story forward but not enough to leave me wanting more.
Grown
Based off the cover alone, I wanted to love this book. The cover is immaculate. However, this story was a little bit too similar to the media circus around R. Kelly. I appreciate Tiffany Jackson keeping the conversation about pedophilia and absue of Black girls going, but I just expected more from this novel.
New Favorite Author
Talia Hibbert
Hibbert wrote two of my favorite books last year and has become one of my favorite rom-com writers. I absolutely love her writing and can appreciate the body inclusivity, diversity in topics, and the humor in her writing. I look forward to reading her upcoming release in 2021.
Ashley Antoinette
I read the most books from Ashley Antoinette. She is literally the queen of urban fiction. She also needs to be applauded for her ability to release books so quickly. In 2020, I read many books of her “Ethic” series and “Butterfly” series. I love that her characters are all connected with there being overlap across her series. If you don’t know about Ashley, you better get to know her.
Best Books
Homegoing
The best book that I read in 2020 was Homegoing. I avoided this book for so long but once I picked it up, I never put it down. This book was so good and so well written. This was Gyasi’s first novel, which is also mind-blowing. It truly showcases the ways in which generational traumas and nuggets are passed down from generation and generation. This book also makes me want to go to Ghana.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
I absolutely loved this book. Besides the minor theme of not marrying for love, this book was so well written going from past to present. We are fortunate to live in a world where we can, somewhat, love who we want to love with no care or worry.
Worst book
Luster
The absolute worst book that I read in 2020 was Luster. I could not stand this book. I hated the main character and was completely unsure of how this story was going to end or what was even going to happen. I did not care for the idea that this Black girl’s life was in complete shambles. Nor did the fact that these white people having a Black daughter add to the story. Completely hated it!
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