20+ Books To Read In 2020: Mid Year Recap
Wondering what books to read in 2020? Look no further!
I must say, 2020 has been quite a year! And it’s only halfway done with us. Personally to professionally to worldly and beyond - 2020 is giving me, and I know all of us, a run for our money. Needless to say, falling into books and stories has been a huge way for me to cope with not only my own personal challenges and growth as a human, but the injustices of the world. It’s hard to believe, looking back, just how much creating my ‘what brings me joy list’ at the end of 2019 (reading more books being at the TOP) would help me get through this year. So, without further ado, today I’m recapping all of my 2020 reads so far this year!
Blog Contents
the books
march
april
may
june
best books of the bunch
Stunning Series Spotlight
Bookish basics
One of a Kind Oils
My Library
The Books
Honestly, the first of the year was a hard one for my husband and I. We’d just gone through our first pregnancy and miscarriage, and I’d have to say that I found myself in a bit of a slump towards life in general. While I knew in my heart reading and finding new stories to get lost in would help me cope, I lost a little bit of the spark and motivation to read at first once the miscarriage was final and I really wasn’t pregnant anymore. I finally began reading more once I started my #bookstagram account - @LeahsLittlePleasures - and found a community of beautifully, kind, and welcoming souls who seemed to know me without knowing me just because we shared the same love of books. That really brought me out of my funk and here we are a few months later, and I am so grateful I took the risk of starting a #bookstagram!
So, here are ALL the books that have kept me company since March 2020. Initially, I set my reading goal at 52 books for the year… aaaand then reeled it back in to 30 since I got a late start and between working full time and keeping up with my #bookstagram, I wanted to make a realistic goal! At this point, I’ve read 21 of 30, so who knows, I might be adjusting this goal soon!
The Hazel Wood
March Read 1 of 4
a dark, grungy, Gothic spin on fairy tales! I found it intriguing, suspenseful in an unassuming way, and definitely dark and sometimes sinister, but not so spooky. I found myself wanting a full copy of The Tales of the Hinterland - and it’s coming soon! This story is part of a Duology, too. The companion novel is The Night Country.
Check them all out on Goodreads:
Little Fires Everywhere
March Read 2 of 4
I was hooked before i finished page 1, no joke. celeste’s writing style is so addictive! this story touches on all kinds of controversial topics - aka who’s side are you on and who can you identify with the most?! your belief and value system will definitely come into play. I think i had a love / hate / annoyed / you’re so right relationship with each character at some point in the book and that seemed to flip flop every few pages. there’s really little fires everywhere in this story and with each character’s storyline - literally and figuratively. I was hoping for a bigger plot twist, but there’s also a tv show adaption of the story that won’t disappoint!
check this one out on goodreads here.
The Selection
March Read 3 of 4
I just loved the selection - book 1 in the selection series. it’s a lighthearted, easy read with a great plot. it definitely has a cute little romance vibe to it, but there’s so much more to the story. it’s like a tamer version of The Bachelor meets The Hunger Games. i really enjoyed the main character, america, too - she questions everything, doesn’t settle, and stands up for herself and others no matter the consequences.
check it out on goodreads here!
The Hunting Party
March Read 4 of 4
this is hands down a gripping page-turner and can’t-put-it-down psychological thriller. written from several points of view, the suspense is killer and legit everyone is hiding something - like big somethings! i didn’t see the main plot twist coming until it happened either which is also a huge plus! it’s definitely spooky, a little dark, and can feel really sinister at times. be careful about reading it before bed - it can leave you feeling uneasy and i definitely had the scaries at times!
check out the book here on goodreads.
Woven In Moonlight
April Read 1 of 5
this story in a few words: unique, mystical, magical. also: heroin strength, the underdog. it has my entire heart and is up there on my top reads for 2020 so far! the companion novel, written in starlight, is coming out in january 2021!!
check them out on goodreads:
The Elite
April read 2 of 5
book 2 in the selection series! another lighthearted, easy read that i really enjoyed reading. America keeps growing on me and I still have high hopes for Maxon! the series is definitely the bachelor meets the hunger games.
Check out the book on goodreads!
The Simple Wild
april read 3 of 5
i can’t even begin to tell you how full my heart was after reading this book. i completely understand the hype! once i really got into the story, it had me questioning my entire life! i definitely heard that call of the Alaskan wild! this story is also series approved - there’s a second book and a novella coming out soon (and I’m hopeful more on the way).
check them all out on goodreads:
Shatter Me
April read 4 of 5
this is book 1 of the shatter me series. i found it a bit slow to start, but i thought it ended with a bang! tahereh’s writing style is incredibly unique. i found it easy to follow and even poetic at times. i’m really excited to see where this series is headed! it gives me an x-men meets the hunger games kind of vibe.
check out book 1 on goodreads here!
Flowers Over The Inferno
april read 5 of 5
a bit dense, but deliberately so. it’s a psychological thriller / murder mystery and has an extensive back story which i always love! especially when there’s a possibility of supernatural / paranormal activity or what seems like it! this was one of barnes & noble’s april book of the month picks. i always try to get at least one every month (march’s was the hunting party)!
here it is on goodreads!
A Court Of Thorns And Roses (ACOTAR)
may read 1 of 7
my new favorite series! i am still in awe. This story has so many layers. Every time i thought i knew where the story was going to hang out - Maas just kept adding in more goodness and complexities. prythian is a world that is magnificently constructed. if you love ya fantasy and romance, you will love this series.
A Court of Mist And Fury (ACOMAF)
Wild At Heart
may read 3 of 7
i must say book 2 had me a bit stressed. i was on the edge of my seat for most of it - with my heart literally about to beat out of my chest because i was so nervous about how things were going to turn out! but just like book 1, i felt so at home reading this book. it was an easy read after a series of ya books and new worlds. the novella (book 2.5) is coming out this december!
check it out on goodreads here.
The Ten Thousand Doors Of January
may read 4 of 7
This story was so beautiful! it reminded me a lot of Narnia with a little bit of Locke & Key mixed in. I loved that it was race forward and thoughtful - it called out the drastic gaps in society between black, white, and interracial peoples that struck a cord with me. I felt like it ended a little abruptly but i think i just didn’t want it to end! it was so eloquently written and just so magical and unique that it'll be hard to forget about!
here it is on goodreads!
A Court Of Wings And Ruin (ACOWAR)
may read 5 of 7
This book went by in a blur, i read it that fast! This is book 3 in the ACOTAR series and was a beautiful ending to the main story. I still want so much more of Feyre, Rhysand, and the night court!
Check out book 3 on goodreads here.
A Court Of Frost And Starlight (ACOFAS)
may read 6 of 7
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella! (I’m not usually one to read novellas, either, but anything for more Sarah J Maas and the world of ACOTAR 😍). It was such a nice change of pace from the main series. It reminded me so much of ACOMAF and I just adored it, especially everyone’s perspective 🙌🏻. it was so nice to spend more time with them, just living. Also the sneak peek of the next book (book 4) is to die for!
Heartless Hero
may read 7 of 7
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book series, but book 1 has surprised me SO MUCH and in the best way possible. Some of the characters seem eekkk (but I think there's more to them we just haven't found out yet) and oh my the situations! Definitely a twisted love story turned fairy tale. I must say I ended up loving Theo and Abigail!!
Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood
June read 1 of 7
800 pages - and it still wasn't enough! I want more, more, more of this story! A Fae fantasy world infused with the world as we know it - so complex! I really loved it. There were also interesting parallels of social injustices and society generally unyielding to change that really hit home for me. Can't wait for book 2!
Throne of Glass
june read 2 of 7
I thought it was slow to start (and I’d say it was a slow burn overall), but having just finished Crescent City I think I was also just having a hard time getting into a new story! I was initially nervous I wasn’t going to like this series, but book 1 definitely came through in Sarah J Maas style. Another complex, delicately detailed world and a story that has so many more depths I can’t even fathom... yet!
Crown of Midnight
june read 3 of 7
I had no words after finishing book 2. So many good things happened in this book. Celaena definitely grew on me as a character and overall, it was a great follow up to the first book. The ending especially had me gasping audibly - did not see it coming from a mile away! I’m really excited to see where the story / series is headed.
Normal People
june read 4 of 7
I’m still a little confused about how I feel about this read. the story and writing itself was really compelling and seriously pulls at your heartstrings, but overall i felt incredibly unsatisfied with the ending and endless cycle of the main characters doing the same thing over and over and over. it really just made me sad. it’s still worth the read, though - there’s definitely mixed reviews out there!
here’s the book on goodreads.
The Vanishing Half
June read 5 of 7
an absolute must read! this story was beautifully done and left me thinking and with all the feels. it truly emphasized to me the importance of reading diverse stories and getting to know characters who are different from me. written by a black author, with major elements of race & racial inequality as well as lgbtqia+.
check it out on goodreads here!
A Song Of Wraiths And Ruin
The Knockout Queen
Favorite bookish items so far this year!
Shop The Items: Harry Potter Always Throw Pillow // A Court Of Wanting A Rhysand Coffee Mug // The Deathly Hallows Necklace
Shop The Entire Photo: Pleated Duvet Cover & Matching Shams (2) // Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows
back to the top
Most Used Oils This Year
I love using essential oils to enhance my daily life and routine. Next to reading and books, it’s probably my top favorite hobby/product. One of the ways these two areas of my life intersect is when I’m getting ready for bed! I absolutely love reading to sleep and diffusing an oil blend to encourage a good night’s rest. Marjoram, Lavender, and Vetiver have been in my nighttime diffuser blends all year long. Here’s a little about each one and a diffuser blend to try!
MARJORAM | representing happiness, it’s known for it’s soothing properties.
LAVENDER | a versatile oil, most known for it’s calming and relaxing properties.
VETIVER | with it’s woody aroma, it’s ideal in creating a grounding atmosphere.
To learn more about how I use oils in my daily life and routine, check out the top 5 ways I use them here!
Coming Up Next On My TBR List
On My Radar
my summer (hopeful) reading list
*Disclaimer – Hey friend. I wanted you to know that this post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you chose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link. I don't want you to worry because I only recommend tools and products that I personally use and love and I always have my readers' best interest at heart. Thanks for hangin' with me!
Hey y'all, I'm Leah!
Wife, bookster, and fur mama of 2 [now also a mama to 1 angel baby]. I have a minor obsession with coffee, yoga pants, and thriving at home. Books, wine, and essential oils are also my jam. I'm truly just a homebody at heart with a knack for photography & content creation. This is my creative space.
