So, we’re back with another Top Ten Tuesday, a weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s prompt is: Favourite Books of 2020.
I can’t believe that it’s already time to make this list because wow, what a year 2020 has been, eh? I mean, we all know what kind of year it was and although not all of us had the worst one, I think the general mood of 2020 has been pretty despondent. I’m definitely not expecting things to magically turn around in 2021 but I am hoping that it’ll at least be marginally better than this one (I’m keeping my expectations low though so that I might be pleasantly surprised)! 😂
That said, it was a pretty great year for books/reading and I’m sure many of you will agree! Although it actually wasn’t my best year, I did get to some pretty fantastic titles that I’m sure will stick with me for a while to come. Unsurprisingly, I’m notoriously bad at picking ‘favourites’ so this list was a bit of a struggle 😂 It took me way too long to narrow it down and definitely don’t be surprised by the few honorary mentions at the end! I’m really keen to see what 2021 brings in terms of reading and I’m hoping that I’ll get to even more of my backlist because let’s face it, it gets bigger with each year that passes! Now without further ado, here are my favourites for the year…
THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA
Of this whole list, this was without question the only easy choice for me. And with how much and how often I’ve been raving about this book and everything it made me feel, it should come as no surprise! This was the most feel-good, heartwarming, and emotional read. I will never stop singing its praises!
NEVERMOOR
Okay, I’m cheating a bit with this as I’m only mentioning the first book BUT the first two books of this middle-grade fantasy series have very quickly risen to the top of my all-time favourites. It’s whimsical, magical, heartwarming, and just so much fun. Nevermoor is an absolute treat to read!
THE POPPY WAR
This was an unexpected favourite but it absolutely blew my mind. Every amazing thing you hear about this book is justified. It’s so extremely well-deserved because wow (yeah, I’m good with words). It’s definitely on the darker side of fantasy and Kuang doesn’t gloss over the brutality of war but it was extremely gripping and I became so invested in Rin’s journey. I can’t wait to read on!
WITH THE FIRE ON HIGH
This book was everywhere last year and I’m so mad at myself for sleeping on it until 2020 but I’m beyond glad that I finally picked it up because it was perfection. I still haven’t written my review because words failed me big time–I was so lost in my feels after reading this! Acevedo’s prose was *chefs kiss*, the characters stole my heart, and the food? THE FOOD!!!
WORDS IN DEEP BLUE
Even despite finding one of the main characters incredibly irritating, this book made me an emotional hot mess. I was crying the ugly (silent) cry because of all the feels! It was a love story not just between people but for books. It wasn’t perfect but it was so full of heart that you can’t help loving it.
AMARI AND THE NIGHT BROTHERS
This was one of my more recent reads and what I felt while reading this is what I strive to feel every time I pick up a book. It filled me with pure excitement and joy, and gave me such a heady rush of emotions that it made me so sad to reach the end. This middle-grade fantasy is out in January 2021 and I absolutely cannot wait for the world to experience all the black girl magic!
SPIN THE DAWN
This was another book that I’m annoyed to have put off reading until this year! This Asian inspired fantasy was pitched as Mulan meets Project Runway and not to be cheesy but Lim’s writing was enchanting! I loved the Asian setting, the political intrigue, the magic and oh, the romance! *swoon*
BAD BLOOD
This was one of three non-fiction titles I read this year and it really had me questioning whether I was reading NF or some crazy ass sci-fi thriller because wow. Even though its been a few years since it actually happened, reading about Theranos and the sociopaths/megalomaniacs that ran the company was utterly terrifying. It blew my mind that they got away with so much for so long!
tHE BLACK KIDS
This was an important and extremely relevant read that makes you critically examine our society and ourselves. It was unsettling and it certainly made me uncomfortable. It was shocking and eye-opening. It was infuriating and honestly, the character’s flaws were often irritating. At the same time, it was also one of the best coming-of-age stories I’ve read in a very long time!
The mountains sing
This was one of those books where you can really feel the author’s heart in the story. It’s a sweeping historical family saga that paints an evocative picture of Vietnam’s history. It was a very unique perspective and not only was it education, it’s beautifully written and broke my heart!
HONORARY MENTIONS BECAUSE I COULDN’T NOT DO THIS…
Okay, okay, okay… I really need to stop here otherwise I’ll end up listing most of the books that I read this year because there were really so many good ones and more that deserve attention! 😂
What are some of your favourite books of 2020? Did any of these make your list or are they on your TBR?
dinipandareads 
I hope 2021 is better for you Dini. I have guarded hopes about it, too. And I really ought to read The Black Kids.
My post.
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Great list! The Poppy War and With the Fire on High are two on my favourites.
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Yay for The Poppy Way and the honorary mention of The Kinder Poison! Haha. I loved both of thse books.
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While I also don’t expect 2021 to magically be way better than 2020, I am still excited to see what the year has to bring. I have The Kinder Poison on my TBR. I can’t wait to read it! Great TTT, Dini!
My post: https://herbookishdesires.wordpress.com/2020/12/29/%f0%9f%93%9atop-ten-tuesday-favorite-books-of-2020%f0%9f%98%b7/
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So many of these books are on my TBR. I just got Spin the Dawn last week and can’t wait to get to it. And Love Lettering was so sweet and amazing! One of the best reads ever for sure. I hope the coming new brings you many great vibes full of joy and health. 😊Here’s the LINK to my post in case you want to drop by later. Have an amazing week!❤️️
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Like you, Cerulean Sea was an easy pick for me this year! I loved it so much. I read Fire on High and Poppy War last year and both were fantastic. I’ll read everything Acevedo comes out with, Poet X and Clap When You Land are also beautifully written. Happy 2021!
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What I learnt from this post is that you cannot resist a blue cover 😂
I cannot wait for 2021, 2020 brought some great reads but I’m so ready for it be over, even though there’s still a long way to go, pandemic wise.
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So many books I want to check out! Hoping 2021 is better for us all 😅 happy new year, and happy ttt!
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The Black Kids sounds like a book I may want to read! Hope your 2021 is as good as it can be.
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Okay, so, I think it’s time I look up The Poppy War. I’ve heard so much about it. Great list, btw!
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What a great list! I absolutely loved The House in the Cerulean Sea (thanks for the rec), Spin the Dawn, and The Henna Wars too – we truly are book twins 👯♀️ It was honestly super tough to pic just 10! But you picked some truly awesome books.
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House in the Cerulean Sea made my list too!! I am so excited for Spin the Dawn and The Poppy War.
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Words in Deep Blue was such a great read! And I have Klune’s book on hold at the library. I can’t wait to read it. Glad these both made your list.
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Great list, Dini! I really need to cross The House in the Cerulean Sea off my TBR, I’ve heard so many good things about it and it sounds like such a cosy, hopeful story. You’ve got me so excited for Amari and the Night Brothers too – I can’t wait to read it!
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I’ve seen so much good stuff about The Poppy War, it’s definitely one I want to try next year.
My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2020/12/29/top-ten-tuesday-296/
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Ok so I really need to pick up The House on the Cerulean Sea because everybody raves about it! Also so happy Amari made your list, I absolutely loved it but had already scheduled my debuts list 🙈. Looks like you read some amazing books this year.
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Love Lettering and Always Only You are both high on my TBR. I’m actually reading the first Bergman book by Chloe Liese right now so hopefully I’ll get to Always Only You soo.
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I’ve said it over and over again today, but it’s still true: while 2020 might have been a rotten year, at least the books were good. And this is a big reminder that I need to finally get around to Bad Blood! What a wild story.
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Cerulean seems to be popular, must be a great one! I remember seeing a lot of these though this year.
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I have seen The House In The Cerulean Sea on so many lists today. I bought a copy of it but just ran out of time and didn’t get to read it this year. Definitely planning to read it in January though. I also really want to read The Poppy War.
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With The Fire On High, Words in Deep Blue and Spin The Dawn are so good ❤
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The House in the Cerulean Sea was one of my favorites as well! Thanks for sharing!
Lauren @ Always Me
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Great list, loved the Poppy War and here’s to a better 2021 💜💜
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So many amazing books on this list! Yes, to the Poppy War.. I have Dragon Republic on another list. I think I kept it on there.. haha. It’s just SO hard to choose when I read so many amazing books!! Let’s hope for an amazing 2021!!
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I’ve only read a few of these but gosh, The Poppy War is such an amazing book–glad it made your list!
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Not surprised to see The House in the Cerulean Sea on this list, and it makes my little heart sing. I love seeing people love that book! Made my list, too. 😀 I’m so glad you got to read Nevermoor and ended up loving it, too! Now you just need to catch up on the series. 😉 Amari and the Night Brothers was soooo good, too! 2021 is going to have to up its game in order to top 2020’s middle grade releases. Just saying.
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[…] been thinking this over a fair bit since making my top ten favourites but after some thought, I think the best book I read was The House in the Cerulean […]
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The House in the Cerulean Sea is at the top of my books to pick up soon! I’m also eager to read The Black Kids. While 2020 was a mess, it did have some great books. Hopefully we discover more in 2021! ❤
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I’m glad you had a good reading year! Nevermoor made my list too. I can’t wait to read the third book.
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[…] of Year Book Survey: Part II & IIIEnd of Year Book Survey: Part I#WWWWednesday: 30 December#TopTenTuesday: Favourite 2020 Reads!#5OnMyTBR: Planned to Read in 2020Goodreads Monday: The Fortunate Ones by Ed […]
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I loved Amari and With The Fire On High, as you know 😉 So many more here I need to read! Brilliant list, Dini! 🥰
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Great list Dini! 🥰
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I loved Words in Deep Blue and The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones!
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