77 Books in 2020
Reading, always reading. Learning, always learning. I love the Goodreads reading challenge, here are my reviews for the year. Which books do you recommend I read? Follow me on Goodreads.
If you only read one book on the list
Piranesi (Fiction)
Susanna Clarke follows up on my favorite book, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, with a book that feels totally different. Don’t try to figure it out, just enjoy the mystery of this imaginary world.
If you like weird books that make you say WTF
- White is for Witching (Fiction)
- The Aosawa Murders (Fiction)
- Where the Wild Ladies Are (Fiction)
- Mary Toft; or, The Rabbit Queen (Fiction)
If you need an escape from everyday life
- Kingdomtide (Fiction)
- The Witch’s Kind (Fiction)
- Foundryside (Fiction)
FIVE STARS
Piranesi, *****
Clarke, Susanna
She is by far my favorite fiction author. I love Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell so much I had (probably too) high expectations. But she didn’t disappoint.
Piranesi is unexpected and unusual, but the slow reveal and beautiful landscapes are incredibly well crafted.
Circe, *****
Miller, Madeline
A feminist page turner with some familiar and some unfamiliar (to me)Greek myths.
Know My Name, *****
Miller, Chanel
When I read her (then anonymous) victim statement for the Brock Turner rape trial, I was wrecked.
Her book builds on it. She humanizes sexual assault because she’s goofy, loyal, complicated and imperfect. Aren’t we all?
The Education of an Idealist: A Memoir, *****
Power, Samantha
Good diplomacy is invisible. If done correctly, nothing is disturbed and everything seems normal. This book is optimistic, inspiring, heartbreakingly real and very well written.
Such a Fun Age, *****
Reid, Kiley
Best book I’ve read in a while. Characters make cringe worthy decisions and what goes around, comes around.
The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration, *****
Wilkerson, Isabel
What we should be taught in history class. The Great Migration shaped this country and the spirit of many North and western cities.
A personally-relevant section on Polish immigrants put my family’s privilege into perspective.
FOUR STARS
The Vanishing Half, ****
Bennett, Brit
A multi-layered story of what it means to pass, based on your looks, education, marital status, etc. Every scene and character is essential to the story. It makes me want to reread it.
Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls, ****
Madden, T Kira
So much packed into one book. Not one thing to overcome, but challenge upon challenge upon challenge. Her book is beautiful and truthful and full of hope.
White is for Witching, ****
Oyeyemi, Helen
Weird, but really good weird.
Homesick, ****
Croft, Jennifer
This made me very homesick for the relationship my sister and I had as children.
The Glass Hotel, ****
Mandel, Emily St. John
Tightly written with haunted characters. I wanted to reread it in case I missed anything.
The Memory Police, ****
Ogawa, Yōko
Slowly everyday things disappear and everything goes back to normal. The description of roses disappearing is so evocative — rose petals filling up the river flowing through town.
Where the Wild Ladies Are, ****
Matsuda, Aoko
A lovely and unexpected collection of Japanese ghost stories. Unlike anything I’ve read this year.
The Aosawa Murders, ****
Onda, Riku
An odd book. And one I want to reread as I feel like I may have missed something the first time around.
Kingdomtide, ****
Curtis, Rye
An older (but not elderly) woman survives a plane crash in the wilderness. She’s odd, the people searching for her are also odd. The man who repeatedly rescues her seems the most normal of them all.
The Escape Artist, ****
Fremont, Helen
Hits incredibly close to home. I don’t understand generational trauma, but I believe it to be true.
Uncanny Valley, ****
Wiener, Anna
Silicon Valley is an upside down world where logic flies out the window. Hear a smart firsthand account with humor, gravity and everything in between.
Mediocre: The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America, ****
Oluo, Ijeoma
White male supremacy is a scarcity mindset. A world view that expands to include women and POC does not mean fewer pieces of the pie for white men. It is an abundance mindset with a boundless river with water for all.
Shadowlands: Fear and Freedom at the Oregon Standoff, ****
McCann, Anthony
I wanted to understand (or at least know more) about the Oregon Standoff. Turns out, like most things in life, it’s complicated. Things aren’t black and white. But when people say they want to “return lands to their rightful owner,” you’d better be talking about native communities or you just end up looking like an ass.
Also, the author is a poet and it shows, beautiful writing.
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, ****
Grann, David
After pushing the Osage to a hilly land deemed useless, there’s an oil boom and all the wealth that comes with it. The lengths that non-natives go to steal that wealth is astounding.
The Shapeless Unease: A Year of Not Sleeping, ****
Harvey, Samantha
Her writing is gorgeous, I highlighted sentences I wanted to revisit. And while I don’t struggle with sleeplessness, I know many who do and feel helpless and ignored by doctors.
I would have given this five stars, but there was a (unnecessary IMO) sad childhood anecdote that made me ugly cry unexpectedly.
Antisocial: Online Extremists, Techno-Utopians, and the Hijacking of the American Conversation, ****
Marantz, Andrew
He takes you for an inside look at the alt-right, alt-light and the digital platforms that promote their voices. Very well written.
Entitled: How Male Privilege Hurts Women, ****
Manne, Kate
Men should read this, not me. Male privilege means men feel entitled to:
- Discredit lived experiences in terms of medical care (ex: dismissing pain or symptoms as being in her head)
- Redefine female anatomy and its functions (ex: in cases of “legitimate rape”)
- Do the barest minimum of household duties to balance domestic labor (ex: domestic duties are still wildly disproportionate)
- Admiration (ex: just for being mediocre)
- Sex in abstract (ex: incels)
- Sex in real life (ex: rape culture)
- Be the smartest person in the room (ex: mansplaining)
- Executive power (ex: debating electability of women)
The Witch’s Kind, ****
Morgan, Louisa
I needed fiction that would transport me away from the COVID world we’re in. A family of water witches and their magical surprise visitor. And a dog story where the dog lives!
The Third Rainbow Girl: The Long Life of a Double Murder in Appalachia, ****
Eisenberg, Emma Copley
The author inserts herself into the story, but somehow I appreciated her dedication to get to the heart of the community.
Wild Game: My Mother, Her Lover, and Me, ****
Brodeur, Adrienne
Families are complicated but when parents put children in adult situations and expect them to shoulder pain or responsibility frustrate me. Be a better parent.
Things We Didn’t Talk About When I Was a Girl: A Memoir, ****
Vanasco, Jeannie
A complicated book about a complicated topic. She reaches out to the “friend” who raped her 14 years ago to understand why and what their friendship ever meant.
Solutions and Other Problems, ****
Brosh, Allie
It’s like Allie Brosh climbed in my brain with Hyperbole and a Half. I gobbled this book up like candy, reading it in one sitting. Her descriptions of what dogs are thinking are my favorite (obvs).
The Beautiful Ones, ****
Prince
I wanted more. But I’ll settle for this little peek. Prince was an artistic genius and a cultural icon and I love love love his music.
Mending Life: A Handbook for Repairing Clothes and Hearts, ****
Montenegro, Nina
Nina and Sonya are amazingly talented artists and wonderful humans. I loved their mending class and want to keep up the work without them. The book is super easy to follow and thoughtful.
Dare to Lead, ****
Brown, Brené
As always, smart strategies for becoming a better person. I’m going to a Dare to Lead workshop next month (cancelled because of COVID) and I’m looking forward to seeing how we put this into practice.
You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters, ****
Murphy, Kate
I wish I could say I’m a good listener. I’m trying every day to be better and this book helps you know why that’s important and how to practice.
Lean Out: The Truth About Women, Power, and the Workplace, ****
Orr, Marissa
I’m done “leaning in,” having sharp elbows, just “asking” for what I want and a ton of other ways people say you have to be to succeed. In the past two years I’ve brought my true self to work more times than not. And it works way better than pretending to be an a-hole who leans in. Whatever works for you…but this is working for me.
Five Days Gone: The Mystery of My Mother’s Disappearance as a Child, ****
Cumming, Laura
Beautifully written. The five days are not the mystery that needs to be solved. A slow untangling of family and community secrets.
The Puppy Primer, ****
McConnell, Patricia B.
The BEST book before a new puppy arrives. Positive reinforcement training techniques.
Feeling Outnumbered?: How to Manage and Enjoy Your Multi-Dog Household, ****
London, Karen B.
I got this when we had Claire and decided to raise Golly (service puppy in training). I forgot the gems in here. Most importantly, taking up space is a big deal for dogs. I hope that helps with three. 😬
THREE STARS
The Yellow House, ***
Broom, Sarah M.
I struggled through the beginning, learning all the generations that came before her. But once Sarah started telling her story and her life, the book shines.
The Erratics, ***
Laveau-Harvie, Vicki
She focuses on the story that she wants to tell — dealing with her manipulative mother and her manipulated father at the end of their lives. There is deep childhood trauma, to which she says she has no memory as her sister carries it all for both of them.
The Age of Witches, ***
Morgan, Louisa
Louisa Morgan’s books are kind of blending together. I love a good witch story, but I want something new.
Echo Mountain, ***
Wolk, Lauren
A sweet story and easy read after a few “hard” books in a row. Ellie is smart, determined and curious. I couldn’t help but root for her to break the rules. Also, a dog book where no dogs die!
The Less People Know About Us: A Mystery of Betrayal, Family Secrets, and Stolen Identity, ***
Betz-Hamilton, Axton
Wow…her mom is a super shitty mom. Horrifying.
Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family. ***
Kolker, Robert
One family. 12 children. 10 sons. 6 with schizophrenia. Nature vs. nurture? Turns out it’s probably both.
Then the Fish Swallowed Him, ***
Ahmadi Arian, Amir
A novel where I learn about Tehran in 2006. Through a bus driver. Who belongs to a union. That goes on strike. And what happens to people who do that.
Initiated: Memoir of a Witch, ***
Yates Garcia, Amanda
A witch coming of age memoir? The moments in her life where the goddess stepped in are magical (literally).
My Dark Vanessa, ***
Russell, Kate Elizabeth
It only gets three stars because I spent so much time thinking about why it bothered me.
A Lolita story. The woman that the girl became still believes she wielded and wields the power. He’s a pathetic wretch. I’m confused who the author wants me to believe.
Foundryside (The Founders Trilogy #1), ***
Bennett, Robert Jackson
Fun read! Also, an interesting allegory for the danger of robots and AI. And capitalism and classism… Still a fun read.
This Is Big: How the Founder of Weight Watchers Changed the World, ***
Meltzer, Marisa
The story of WW’s founder isn’t inspiring, but tells the story of a woman dedicated to a life of deprivation. From wellness to diet culture to body positivity to fat acceptance, I haven’t sorted through my indoctrination to anti-fatness throughout my childhood. Like the author, I’m navigating my own path and managing the guilt along the way.
What My Mother and I Don’t Talk About: Fifteen Writers Break the Silence, ***
Filgate, Michele
Relationships with mothers are complicated. Perhaps not as complicated as many in this collection of essays, but in their own unique ways. There was something familiar (but so extreme) about the story of a Sri Lankan family. Recommended if you find your mother sometimes challenging.
Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets, & Advice for Living Your Best Life, ***
Wong, Ali
A book by a comedian has been a nice break from the many, many serious books I read.
Mary Toft; or, The Rabbit Queen, ***
Palmer, Dexter
Like the Warlow Experiment, this novel is based in historical accounts. What to say…a woman who gives birth to rabbits. But the story of John and Zachary as the original surgeons to the patient is what draws you in. Especially Zachary. Weird, disturbing and odd.
Savage Appetites: Four True Stories of Women, Crime, and Obsession, ***
Monroe, Rachel
Women use true crime to relate to different parts of their psyche: getting into the mindset of hero, victim or even criminal. 4 true stories of women who got (perhaps) too close to crime.
The End of October, ***
Wright, Lawrence
Like so many others, I agree…it was soothing to read this during a pandemic. To see that it didn’t get (or hasn’t gotten) this bad. And he wrote it all before the first case of coronavirus was even reported. We can’t say we didn’t know it was coming.
You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington, ***
Coe, Alexis
I thought it was going to be a funny history book. But then it was serious. But not too serious. And detailed, about some things. But not enough details about others. I guess it was ok.
The Crying Book, ***
Christle, Heather
A social history of tears, a poet writes about her life’s catalog of crying.
The Topeka School, ***
Lerner, Ben
The narrative style jumps from character to character and different eras. It’s intentionally discombobulating, but just made me feel like I was missing a few chapters in the book.
Another Day in the Death of America: A Chronicle of Ten Short Lives, ***
Younge, Gary
I meant to pick a book to give me stats and talking points on gun control. This isn’t that, but it personally and vividly brings the tragedy of gun violence alive.
Ordinary Insanity: Fear and the Silent Crisis of Motherhood in America, ***
Menkedick, Sarah
I’m not a mom. And I don’t necessarily want to be a mom. But I’m fascinated to read about the motherhood experience. And the parts of the book that centered on that were captivating. The historical recaps didn’t feel necessary.
Sisters in Hate: American Women on the Front Lines of White Nationalism, ***
Darby, Seyward
I’m conflicted. I (of course) find white nationalism abhorrent. But I expected a more nuanced look at these women and how they came to take on such extreme views. Instead, it felt like the author was looking for a “gotcha” moment.
Scarred: The True Story of How I Escaped NXIVM, the Cult That Bound My Life, ***
Edmondson, Sarah
I admit, I read all the NYT articles about NXIVM. It’s amazing how good people get pulled into horrible things. Not all at once, but by breaking down one small boundary at a time.
Hollywood Park, ***
Jollett, Mikel
Perhaps it’s because I don’t have a great memory, but I’m skeptical of memoirs that have lots of dialogue and details. Really? You remember all that?
Also, writing the childhood parts from a childhood perspective (deep-Russian misheard for depression) didn’t work for me.
His background is fascinating though…
The Panopticon, ***
Fagan, Jenni
I knew what I was getting into…so I focused on the beautiful parts. The accents. The character development. The description of the world created by a broken brain.
Foxfire Book 9, ***
Wigginton, Eliot
I think I was reading #9. Fascinating read about Appalachian culture, but written by high school students if that puts you off. I found it a little charming.
Radical Compassion: Learning to Love Yourself and Your World with the Practice of RAIN, ***
Brach, Tara
I absolutely loved Radical Acceptance, but this felt like a repeat. Her stories of real people are lovely.
Before and After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Well-Behaved Dog, ***
Dunbar, Ian
I buy this book for everyone thinking of getting a puppy. Rereading it before the puppy arrives, I feel overwhelmed and excited at the same time. We’ve got this.
The Italian Spinone, ***
Fry, Carolyn
The only book I’ve found specifically for spinone. Lots of info about hereditary lines that I skimmed. But behavior, training and grooming specifically for spinone was great.
TWO STARS
The Book of Atlantis Black: The Search for a Sister Gone Missing, **
Bonner, Betsy
A tale of two sisters. The good one isn’t always good. And the bad one isn’t necessarily bad.
Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots, **
Feldman, Deborah
I feel bad saying that I prefer the Netflix version, since this is her memoir. She is a brave woman and it’s impressive how she found a way to not only escape, but thrive.
The Bass Rock, **
Wyld, Evie
Who are all these characters? What era is it? I wanted to like this, but I kept falling asleep.
Spoonbenders, **
Gregory, Daryl
A family with magical powers. Or a family with con men who play off their skills as magic tricks. Or a family with psi talents. Not sure. Don’t really care?
Mr. Nobody, **
Steadman, Catherine
There are great stories. And then there is well written fiction. Sometimes you get both, but this isn’t one of those times.
Recursion, **
Crouch, Blake
Lots of time shifting, but not a ton of reward. Interesting, but meh.
Something That May Shock and Discredit You, **
Ortberg, Daniel Mallory
I read a review that led me to believe this would be funny. And it wasn’t, but that’s not why I gave it two stars. It felt rambling and academic and not. It just wasn’t for me.
No Stopping Us Now: A History of Older Women in America. **
Collins, Gail
Tracing (mostly white) women’s history and how we’ve changed our views on “older” over the years. The answer is not great for different reasons…so there’s that.
No Hard Feelings: The Secret Power of Embracing Emotions at Work, **
Fosslien, Liz
Yes. Agree. And?
Broken Monsters, **
Beukes, Lauren
Not sure how this ended up on my list. Interesting premise and definitely scary. But the characters and writing were meh.
The Patient, **
DeWitt, Jasper
It reads like a Reddit ghost story. Interesting, but not well written.
ONE STAR
Woke: A Guide to Social Justice, *
McGrath, Titania
Can you write about social justice and be funny? Probably, but this book doesn’t manage it. It’s mean spirited and unnecessarily offensive. Wait…what are we supposed to be laughing at? [Turns out this is “satire” written by a male author. All the 4–5 star reviews are written by men. Sigh…]
