my FAVORITE books of the year // 2020

TL;DR

A booktuber shares her top 10 favorite books of the year, including Young Adult non-fiction, thrillers, fantasy, and science fiction.

Transcript

hello and welcome my friends my name is starla and today's video is going to finally be my favorite books of the year video i don't usually wear my chains with a turtleneck because i always feel like low-key like that the rock meme but i dig it i don't know we'll see per usual it was very difficult to narrow down my favorite books of the year to on... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤠 "All Boys Aren't Blue" addresses important topics such as gender identity, toxic masculinity, and racism, providing a much-needed narrative for young black queer teens.
• 💭 "Grown" portrays the intense and thought-provoking story of a young girl's dream turning into a nightmare of abuse and manipulation.
• 👩‍🎨 "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" combines elements of romance, history, and art, following a woman cursed to be forgotten as she navigates through centuries.
• 👩‍⚕️ "Queenie" explores themes of mental health, racism, and personal growth, following a Jamaican-British woman's journey of self-discovery.
• ✊ "Jade City" brings together mafia, urban fantasy, and themes of power and loyalty in a gripping and action-packed story.
• 🗺️ "The Space Between Worlds" offers a unique twist on science fiction with its exploration of multiverse travel and the protagonist's complex journey.
• 🫱 "The Light Brigade" delves into the dark realities of war, corporate greed, and the dehumanization of soldiers through time-travel elements.
• 👧 "The Girl with the Louding Voice" portrays a Nigerian girl's fight for education and her own voice against societal restrictions and abuse.

Questions & Answers

Q: What makes "All Boys Aren't Blue" such a powerful read?

"All Boys Aren't Blue" is a powerful read due to its candid exploration of important topics such as gender identity, toxic masculinity, black culture, and more. It provides a much-needed narrative for young black queer teens and encourages them to think differently than what society has taught them.

Q: How does "Grown" highlight the issues of abuse and manipulation?

"Grown" portrays the harrowing experiences of its protagonist, enchanted jones, who falls into the clutches of an abusive and manipulating mentor. The book addresses issues such as sexual abuse, rape, assault, and child abuse, shedding light on the painful realities faced by many young girls.

Q: What makes "The Space Between Worlds" unique as a science fiction novel?

"The Space Between Worlds" stands out as a science fiction novel due to its exploration of multiverse travel and the protagonist's unique ability to traverse different worlds. It delves into themes of identity, trauma, and the consequences of choices made in different realities.

Q: Why is "Upon a Burning Throne" considered an epic fantasy masterpiece?

"Upon a Burning Throne" is considered an epic fantasy masterpiece due to its intricate world-building, complex characters, and intense battle scenes. Inspired by the Mahabharata, it offers a rich tapestry of Indian culture and mythology, making it a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• "All Boys Aren't Blue" by George M. Johnson is a powerful memoir exploring important topics such as gender identity, black culture, and consent in relationships.

• "Grown" by Tiffany D. Jackson is an intense and thought-provoking story about a young girl's dream of becoming a singer, which turns into a nightmare when she falls into the hands of an abusive and manipulating mentor.

• "Cemetery Boys" by Aiden Thomas is a perfect blend of romance, mystery, and fantasy, featuring a young transgender protagonist uncovering the truth about a missing cousin and a ghostly romance.

• "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" by V.E. Schwab tells the story of a woman cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets, as she navigates through history, art, and love.

• "Queenie" by Candice Carty-Williams follows a Jamaican-British woman's journey of self-discovery, exploring themes of mental health, racism, and personal growth.

• "Jade City" by Fonda Lee is a mafia urban fantasy set in a world where rival crime families wield magical jade, leading to a gripping and action-packed story about power and loyalty.

• "The Space Between Worlds" by Micaiah Johnson is a queer science fiction novel featuring a multiverse traveler who must confront her past and uncover the truth about her place in the world.

• "The Light Brigade" by Kameron Hurley is a war story with a twist of time travel, exploring themes of corporate greed, colonization, and the dehumanization of soldiers.

• "The Girl with the Louding Voice" by Abi Daré is a heart-wrenching and empowering story of a Nigerian girl fighting for her education and voice against societal restrictions and abuse.

• "Upon a Burning Throne" by Ashok K. Banker is an epic fantasy inspired by the Mahabharata, filled with complex characters, rich world-building, and intense battle scenes.