THE BEST BOOKS I READ IN 2020 (aka books that made me Sad™ lol) 💔😭 My top 10 favorites of the year

TL;DR

A YouTuber shares her personal top 10 favorite books of 2020, ranging from historical fiction to memoirs, with insightful and honest reviews.

Transcript

And it's so so so good. There's nothing wrong with this book. There's absolutely nothing wrong with this book, I have nothing to improve about it. Like it's amazing, period. [music] I have looked back on all of the books I read throughout 2020, and I have put together a list of my top 10 personal favorite books that I read this year. Before I get i... Read More

Key Insights

• 🙂 Historical novels can shed light on important events and experiences, such as the brutal reform school system in "The Nickel Boys."
• 🙈 World War II continues to be a popular and impactful setting for historical fiction, exploring the roles and struggles of women during that time, as seen in "The Nightingale."
• ❤️‍🔥 Contemporary dramas like "Little Fires Everywhere" have the power to address sensitive social issues, such as racism and identity, in a nuanced and thought-provoking manner.
• 👨‍⚖️ Memoirs like "My Dark Vanessa" and "Know My Name" offer powerful and honest accounts of personal experiences, highlighting the lasting impact of trauma and the need for justice and healing.

Questions & Answers

Q: What makes "The Nickel Boys" unique among historical novels?

"The Nickel Boys" stands out for its portrayal of the brutal reform school experience for black boys in the 1960s, based on real schools from that era. While the author's writing style leans towards journalism, it sheds light on a dark chapter in history and the impact it had on young black boys.

Q: How does "The Nightingale" explore the role of women during World War II?

"The Nightingale" focuses on two sisters with different approaches to the war, showcasing the invisible roles women played in bringing peace and resolution. The book highlights the sacrifices and resilience of women and offers a powerful perspective on their contributions.

Q: What sets "Little Fires Everywhere" apart from other contemporary dramas?

"Little Fires Everywhere" delves into complex themes of motherhood, race, and identity in a suburban setting. It adds nuance and subtlety to its exploration of racism and societal expectations, making it a standout contemporary read.

Q: How does "My Dark Vanessa" portray the psychological impact of abuse?

"My Dark Vanessa" delves deep into the psychological dynamics of an abusive relationship between a high school teacher and a student. It showcases the complexity of trauma and the challenges victims face in recognizing and processing their experiences.

Q: What makes "Know My Name" a standout memoir?

"Know My Name" is a standout memoir due to the author's powerful and honest writing. Chanel Miller's exploration of the justice system, trauma, and healing offers a compelling narrative that sheds light on the culture surrounding sexual assault and the courage it takes to overcome it.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead: A historical novel about two black boys in the 1960s who experience the brutality of a reform school, based on actual schools that existed during that time.

• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: A gripping historical fiction set during World War II, following two sisters with different roles and experiences in the war.

• Men We Reaped by Jesmyn Ward: A short nonfiction book reflecting on the deaths of five men in the author's life, exploring the impact of racism and economic struggles.

• Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng: A contemporary book that delves into the lives of two families and explores themes of motherhood, race, and identity.

• One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London: A fun contemporary rom-com set in the world of a fictional bachelorette reality TV show, with strong themes of body image and self-acceptance.

• The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett: A multigenerational story about twin sisters who take different paths, one choosing to live as a white woman, and the other embracing her black identity.

• My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell: A disturbing and emotionally impactful story about a woman's experience of being groomed and abused by her high school teacher.

• Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb: A memoir by a therapist, sharing anecdotes from her own therapy sessions and exploring themes of compassion and self-reflection.

• This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone: A sci-fi novella with beautiful and poetic writing, following two time-traveling agents on opposing sides of a war who develop a forbidden romance.

• Know My Name by Chanel Miller: A powerful memoir about the author's experience of being sexually assaulted and going through the justice system, shedding light on the culture that protects predators and shames victims.