I did not read as many books as I had planned on, but way more than I would have guessed, given the circumstances of 2020!
-by Becky Chambers
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet: Fantastic!! Space fantasy / sci-fi. The super fun type. Way stranger aliens than most in the genre and yet it is a ton about the relationships, with people that you like. Can't wait for the next one!
-by Ibram X Kendi
How to be Anti-racist: Very of the moment. It is a great mix of the deeply personal version of his life and an academic writing style that makes the reading super fast. I am already on board and didn't feel like it gave me enough specific tools on how to be anti-racist. But it did help clarify some language for me, definitely recommend.
Celebrated the end of 2020 with a giant box of Jacques Torres chocolate. Everything was fantastic. The cocoa has solid bits that melt slowly.
-by Trenton Lee Stewart
The Mysterious Benedict Society: Read a review that talked about how this kids book eerily fits in with 2020 in America. They were not wrong! And a pretty fun read, not interesting enough for me to read more in the series. Elementary reader
-by SJ Kincaid
Diabolic: Nothing surprising in the plot, all newness is in the POV. Kept me reading, but not sure I need the rest of the series. If you want the more adult version, try Gideon the 9th.
-by Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright
Twins: Graphic novel on par with Telgemeier...in fact they have a nod to Smile in the book. Super cute, about twins becoming their own person. Would totally read more from Varian, love the art style of Shannon.
-by Nicola Yoon
Everything Everything: Reminds me of John Green. YA. I would read more, even though I can't remember the details.
-by Amy Timberlake
Skunk and Badger: Elementary reader. Super cute. About learning to be friends with someone with different points of view.
-by Ann Patchet
Small Wonders: Last time I had to put this in the 'didn't finish' pile. But it came back into my queue! I loved so much about this book...but hated the ending! It leaves some threads open and gives most people their happy-ish ending. But there is one child and I'm not sure if the intent is that his ending is happy or not. I was distressed, but the book is memorable.
-by Darcie Little Badger
Elatsoe: Teens solving a murder, with a good bit of supernatural. Middle reader.
-by Kelly Yang
Front Desk: Child of immigrant parents who are running a motel. Super fun, based on her life. Middle reader.
-by Allie Brosch
Solutions and Other Problems: Few things can make me laugh as hard as Allie's blog and first book, Hyperbole and a Half. This is not quite as good, and it goes a bit more adult.
-by Natalie Zina Walschots
Hench: What if your life was working for a Villain? You would have a different view of Super heros for sure. Tight writing, just enough story to move forward and great characters. I hope she writes more.
-by Martha Wells
All Systems Red: First in the Murderbot Diaries. Sentient robot or augmented human...our protagonist is right in the middle. Love the novella format.
Didn't finish
-by Eric Gansworth
Apple: This might not be the best first book to read as it is autobiography. Poetry adjacent. I read about 1/3. Might read more if I didn't feel like I have sooooo many in my tbr pile.
