2020. The year of lockdown.
I know, it’s currently March 2021 – but I started writing this in December!
I am incredibly grateful to have continued working full time throughout this whole worldwide ordeal BUT working full time also means I haven’t felt like I had any extra time to get some reading in! Other new hobbies include resin and a podcast, so that has also used up a lot of time I suppose.
My Goodreads goal was 35 books, and I have finished the year on 46. So maybe I did have more time to read that I thought…
I have given far too many books 5 stars this year to come up with a top 5, so I’m gonna try my favourite per genre.
Non-fiction
Body Positive Power: How learning to love yourself will save your life by Megan Jayne Crabbe
I have followed Megan on instagram (@bodyposipanda) for a while now, and she has greatly helped my mental health when it comes to my body and food/diets (see this post here). She is an absolute delight and presents the a side of the story that the media ignores when it comes to dieting and mental health, all backed up with references to others book, actual scientific studies, and guest essays from people who have experienced what she’s talking about. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who has struggled with dieting and body image, or anyone who wants to learn a bit about what it’s like for someone with an eating disorder/in recovery.
Horror – Short Story Compilation
Cruel Works of Nature by Gemma Amor
To me, the sign of a good horror story is not necessarily something that freaks me out as I’m reading it, but one that keeps popping into my mind in the middle of the night for weeks afterwards. One that sits with me, sneaks into my thoughts when I’m least expecting it. This compilation was full of them.
Graphic Novel
The Umbrella Academy series by Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba
Teenage Laura thought she was too cool for graphic novels when the lead signer of MCR released one back in the day. In 2020, adult Laura learnt just how wrong teenage Laura was. Out of all the graphic novels I have read this year The Umbrella Academy series has to be my favourite. It helps that I absolutely love the TV series – how perfect is the casting for number 5? The artwork was just incredible, and I love the characters.
Domestic Fiction
The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick
I googled what genre this book would come under, and this was the result. I feel like domestic fiction makes it sound so boring?! Anyway, as a fan of horror I thought I would find this too cheesy and cringey for my liking. I read it because I fancied something more upbeat and light-hearted and did not expect to love it just as much as I did. I found Martha so relatable, and loved the mystery, secrets, stories, and flashbacks. And there was no vom-inducing romance!
YA Science Fiction
The Eve Illusion by Tom & Giovanna Fletcher
I loved the first book (click here!) and was desperate for this to come out after the cliff hanger they left us with, only for them to do the exact same thing with this one. Least favourite thing about it is the typical YA cringey romance, but it’s actually not too bad compared to others. And the rest of the world building and story line absolutely makes up for it. I NEED THE 3RD ONE NOW.
Horror
Where the Dead go to Die by Aaron Dries and Mark Allan Gunnells
I don’t have much to say about this one apart from the fact that I loved this novel twist on a zombie apocalypse. It pulled at my heartstrings.
Fantasy
Stardust by Neil Gaiman
After being sorely disappointed with my first delve into the world of Neil Gaiman with Fragile Things (review here) I thought I’d give him another try. The film adaptation of Stardust is so so great, and actually so is the book. I think I am starting to understand the Gaiman hype!
Also honourable shout outs to Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Incomparable by Nikki and Brie Bella, and The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Disappointment of the year: A Map of Days by Ransom Riggs. The story just wasn’t as strong as the first 3 books, it felt like it was just a filler book setting you up for the books still to come. I loved the first 3 books so this was really disappointing. Obviously I am still going to finish the series!
My goal for 2021 is 40 books – let’s see how I go!
lauragetslost 