My Top Books of 2020

Wow! I more than surpassed my goal of 25 books this year and I’m excited to share my top books of 2020 with you! Thanks to the uniqueness of this year, I’m thrilled that I was able to fit in an extra 10 audiobooks.

Non-fiction is still my favorite. Remember, this is coming from the girl who had never even picked up a non-fiction book until a few years ago. I thought non-fiction was BORING. Boy, was I ever wrong! I did read a few fiction books this year and one even made my top 5, but I prefer real life.

Here are my top 5 from 2020 in no particular order.

Boys in the Boat

Until this book, I was completely unaware of the historical event of the 1936 Olympics Rowing Team. The author had an excellent way of weaving through the story together amidst the background of the main character. It’s astonishing how much he overcame in his lifetime. What this team accomplished and how they did it is simply remarkable. It was a very easy listen on audiobook and I finished it in a day. What a great story of hard work, determination, and team work!

Party Girl Series

Party Girl made my top 5 last year and I was thrilled to learn there were 2.5 other titles in this series. There’s a novelette between books 1 and 2. The subsequent books follow a storyline surrounding the main character’s best friends. It was nice to be able to keep up with all of the characters I had developed an interest in, even though each book focused on a unique theme.

Rhythms of Renewal

This book was one of the most lovely things of 2020. After listening to the first few chapters of the audiobook, I promptly purchased a hardcopy, the study guide, and the videos. It provided some great perspective on how to structure my life. It also helped me to redefine what friendship is and what rest truly looks like. Those two things were quite mind-blowing and eye-opening for me. Hint, it’s a little different from what I’ve known my whole life. This book may be something that I come back to again and again when I’m needing peace and fulfillment in my life.

Open Book

Honestly, I would have never picked up this book had it not been recommended to me by such a WIDE variety of women in my life. I was even more surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. She was raw and real and I was encouraged by the sharing of her truth. I had NO IDEA about some of the things she went through both in her childhood and as an adult. When she says “open book” she was not kidding. I appreciated that she tenderly told the history of Nick and Newlyweds, which is the extent of how I remember her. She also didn’t hold back when sharing details of other romances, even the bad stuff. In the end, it sounds like she has dug deep, done the work, and is finally truly happy with herself and her life.

Everything Beautiful in It’s Time

If you’ve followed me for any length of time you know that I adore the Bush family but especially Jenna Bush Hagar. This book was no exception. Their love and loyalty to each other is one of the most refreshing things I’ve found. It’s endearing. It’s also interesting to see how their perspectives and political stances evolve and change, yet they have some foundational truths and “rules” that are timeless. In this book, Jenna shares an intimate look into her own personal family, her work, and her extended family while focusing on the familial principles that guide her. I have grown to love this family more outside of politics and it’s a delight to see these daughters forge their own path in the world while still holding true to themselves, their faith, and their love for their family.

Honorable Mentions

It’s always hard to narrow books down to 5 and particularly difficult when I read 10 extra this year. Click to see my Review on GoodReads for each title.

Just Mercy – This one made me mad and restored my faith in humanity at the same time.

High Achiever – Shocking and also hilarious!

White Fragility – A difficult but necessary read.

The Path Between Us – The Enneagram still fascinates me and this book was so helpful!

Midnight Sun – The LONG awaited release and Twilight fans are still begging for more.

 

There were a few books I read this year that I absolutely hated and one that I gave up on. You can find all my reviews on Goodreads.

 

I need suggestions for 2021. What were your top books of 2020? 

P.S. Come check out my book club group on Facebook. I post reviews all year long and occasionally we read a book together as a group.