I’m hesitant to make a list decreeing my favorite books of the year because, really, I like most everything I read. Ignoring the unfortunate amount of political nonfiction that I regularly torture myself, who has time to spend hours with a book they don’t like? Even with my usual easy-to-please reading habits, I would argue it’s been a stunning year for books, making it harder than usual to narrow a list down to just ten books. But for this week’s Top Ten Tuesday, that’s exactly what I’ve been tasked with. Rather than twist the theme into something easier for me, I’m following through with ten books I greatly enjoyed, that impacted me in some way, and that I’ve been thinking about long since I finished their final pages.
Some are books by authors I’ve adored for years, others were completely new to me. They all have one major thing in common: I cannot recommend them highly enough.
VERYFAT #VERYBRAVE: The Fat Girl’s Guide to Being #Brave and Not a Dejected, Melancholy, Down-in-the-Dumps Weeping Fat Girl in a Bikini
by Nicole Byer
illustrated by Kim Newmoney
Goodreads
Auntie Uncle: Drag Queen Hero
by by Ellie Royce
illustrated by Hannah Chambers
Goodreads
Becoming Duchess Goldblatt
by Anonymous
Goodreads
A Deadly Inside Scoop
by Abby Collette
Goodreads
Home Cooking: A Writer in the Kitchen
by Laurie Colwin
Goodreads
A Libertarian Walks Into a Bear: The Utopian Plot to Liberate an American Town (And Some Bears)
by Matthew Hongoltz-Hetling
Goodreads
Murder Most Sweet
by Laura Jensen Walker
Goodreads
Piranesi
by Susanna Clarke
Goodreads
Sing Me a Secret
by Julie Houston
Goodreads
Wicked As You Wish
by Rin Chupeco
Goodreads
Note: Top Ten Tuesday is a feature hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl. Be sure to check out her weekly post to find other participants.
I haven’t read any of these but A Libertarian Walks into a Bear sounds interesting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s such a great one. Just an all around wild story.
LikeLike
I haven’t read any of these but I have heard really good things about Piranesi!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I picked it up on a whim a few weeks ago and made the mistake of starting it before bed … seriously, I couldn’t go to sleep without finishing it. It’s pretty great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ohhh, I love books like that! So glad you enjoyed it so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not sure why I left off Piranesi in the middle. I was trying out the audiobook version, and it gave me the impression of loneliness and melancholia — stuff that I wasn’t quite looking for in the midst of the pandemic. Or perhaps this is an audiobook effect? I really do need to pick up Piranesi again, because Jonathan Strange is on my Top 10 Books of All Time list.
Happy TTT and Happy 2021 in advance!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can totally understand that, and I do think the book is heavy on the loneliness aspect. For me, it worked, because I found it pretty easy to identify with him considering everything going on this year. But that’s also probably pretty heavy for a lot of people. For such a ‘quiet’ story, it packs quite a punch. If you do give it another go, I hope you enjoy it. Happy reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Piranesi was tops on my list too! And I just heard about A LIbertarian Walks into a Bear and I have to read it. (I used to live in New Hampshire…)
Wishing you good reading in 2021!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I almost didn’t check out Piranesi because I figured it was being overhyped and I didn’t want that to cloud my enjoyment if I didn’t absolutely love it … but I absolutely loved it anyway! Glad that it made your list, too. And I can only imagine having a connection to A Libertarian Walks Into a Bear will make it a much richer experience for you. It’s an absolutely wild story.
Happy reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Piranesi is on my TBR, hopefully I’ll get to it in 2021. Happy holidays and happy reading! https://readwithstefani.com/top-10-books-of-2020/
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really enjoyed that one—can’t recommend it highly enough. Happy holidays to you, too!
LikeLike
I began Piranesi but found myself not quite in the mood for it – possibly too much isolation and loneliness considering all that we went through in 2020? Must get back to it soon! These were my favourite reads of 2020 if you wanted to check them out! Have a Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a really interesting point, and now I wonder if that sense of isolation from this year affected my own enjoyment of the book. I found him awfully easy to connect with … Thank you for giving me something new to consider with that one! Hope you have a wonderful rest of your year … and an even better next!
LikeLike
Murder most sweet looks cute. And I really need to get on rin chupeco’s books.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Murder Most Sweet, setting aside the murder, is such an incredibly sweet story. Really looking forward to reading more in that series.
LikeLike
So many of these titles and covers are really piquing my interest! The only one I’ve read on here is Wicked As You Wish and I really loved it too. That was my first book by Chupeco and I can’t wait to read more of their books ASAP! Hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was my first book by Rin Chupeco, too, and I really recommend The Bone Witch if you’re looking for another one. Hope you have a wonderful rest of your year!
LikeLike
I have similar thoughts about what I’ve read this year. 🙂
My post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always happy to find another like-mind! Always a struggle to pick out a ‘favorite’.
LikeLike
I’ve not read any of these, but A Libertarian Walks Into a Bear sounds really interesting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a really fascinating read, especially if you have any interest in political nonfiction … or if you like books that focus on incredibly quirky people.
LikeLike
Nicole Byer is a comedian, right? I swear I’ve watched a bunch of her self-deprecating stand-up. While I haven’t read any of these, for some reason, Wicked As You Wish is calling to me. I hope you have a splendid time ringing in the new year and find equally amazing reads in the new year.
Here’s my post: https://www.nbiblioholic.com/2020/12/these-are-few-of-my-favorite-things.html
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! She’s a really great comedian and also the host of Nailed It! on Netflix. Wicked As You Wish is also pretty great. Hope you have a wonderful rest of this year and an even better next!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A Libertarian Walks into a Bear sounds really interesting. I am curious!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a fascinating read if you have the slightest interest in politics, or even if you just like nonfiction about incredibly quirky people.
LikeLike
I haven’t read these books but they all look great! I didn’t know Nicole Byer had a book but it looks interesting. Happy reading!
Here’s my TTT!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The second I saw her on the cover, I knew I had to grab a copy. It’s great—and very, very funny.
LikeLike
Wicked As You Wish is still on my TBR, and I have heard great things about Piranesi. Also, Murder Most Sweet looks like such a fun read!
LikeLiked by 1 person
All pretty great! Piranesi was a big surprise for me: I started reading it before bed one night and ended up reading through until morning. I couldn’t put it down. Probably would have done the same with Murder Most Sweet and Wicked As You Wish, but they’re a bit longer…
LikeLike
I’ve not read any of these, I’m glad that you enjoyed them though!
My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2020/12/29/top-ten-tuesday-296/
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s partially why I wanted to single a couple of these out—I feel like they haven’t gotten enough traction on the reading market. Thanks for reading!
LikeLike
No problem 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fabulous list. Love the covers. The murder mysteries and Home Cooking caught my eye. Thanks for sharing. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2021!
http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/2020/12/top-ten-tuesday-favorite-books-of-2020.html
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad those caught your eye! I can’t resist a good cozy or food nonfiction book. Here’s to a great 2021!
LikeLike
I don’t recognize any of your books, but the cover of A deadly inside scoop got my attention. Might be the gorgeous white cat on the cover.
Happy New Year Christopher!
Elza Reads favorite books for 2020
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m a total sucker for a cat on a book cover. If you end up checking it out, I hope you enjoy it! And I hope you have a wonderful rest of your year and an even better next.
LikeLike
I’m the same. It’s so hard to pick favorites. Usually I have a few that stand out, but it’s always harder to pick the rest because I like everything. That first one looks especially interesting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right? I feel like I’m just a very easy-to-please reader. I can tell very quickly if I’m going to enjoy something, and I don’t stick around very long with books I don’t like. So when we get to lists like this one it’s so hard to find ten.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve only heard of Piranesi, but I’ve been thinking of picking that one up. It seems really intriguing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you might really like it! It’s hard to explain without giving too much away, but I really enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The children’s bookshop back home has a Drag Queen Story Tour. I feel confident that Auntie Uncle has made an appearance there! What a lovely cover!
A Libertarian Walks Into a Bear sounds fascinating. I had to check twice to make sure it was nonfiction!
Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Story Hour! Oops!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love hearing that! Auntie Uncle would fit perfectly in event like that—and really, it’s just a great book.
And yes, even with a wild title and blurb like it has, everything in A Libertarian Walks Into a Bear is totally true!
Hope you have a wonderful rest of your year and an even better new one.
LikeLike
Good list. I loved Piranesi and I enjoy Laurie Colwin.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Piranesi was such a pleasant surprise. I walked in barely knowing anything about it but ended up loving it. And always nice to see another Laurie Colwin fan! I was just introduced to her work this year and adored it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I came to her work very late when a friend recommended her a few years ago. I could have been reading her all along.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You already know that I also read and enjoyed A DEADLY INSIDE SCOOP this year. Have you read the sequel yet? I have an e-ARC from NetGalley, but I haven’t gotten to it yet. Hopefully soon!
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t realize the ARC was already out! I’ve been so bad about checking NetGalley lately. I hope you enjoy it when you get around to it. The first book is just so good.
LikeLike
Great list! Rin Chupeco is an author I really need to try.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She’s fantastic. I hope you enjoy her work if you’re able to check it out.
LikeLike
Rin Chupeco is an author I want to try, hopefully soon. Love the look of her stuff. and I have to say A Libertarian Walks Into A Bear has me very curious now!
Happy NY!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
She’s such a great author—I think you’d enjoy her work. And A Libertarian Walks Into a Bear is such a wild story! Almost unbelievable and yet, it’s somehow all true. Hope you have a wonderful rest of your year and an even better next one!
LikeLike
I didn’t get a chance to read Wicked As You Wish, but I’m glad you enjoyed it. Hope your 2021 is full of amazing reads!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s such a good book. I hope you get the chance to check it out in the future!
LikeLike
Glad you had such a great reading year. I have to get to Piranesi soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was such a surprising read! It packs a hefty punch.
LikeLike
I’ve seen Piranesi on a LOT of lists this year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s always the chance something will be overhyped, but this one really deserves all the praise. It’s so good!
LikeLike
I’ve seen Piranesi on a few lists, I guess I’ll have to check it out. Good to see you had lots of books that you enjoyed this year 💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
I highly recommend it. It was such a surprising read. I didn’t know a lot about it going in, but I just could not stop reading it. So, so good.
LikeLike
A very eclectic list Christopher. I just read a review of Piranesi and although it sounded quite good, I am not sure it is for me. There are a few on here that I will be checking out.
LikeLike
These are all new to me titles! Wicked as You Wish has me curious. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s such a great one! Hope you enjoy it if you end up checking it out.
LikeLike
These are all new to me but sound like interesting reads. I think I’d pick up a copy of A Libertarian Walks Into a Bear based on the unique title alone. I have to see what that one is about because it sounds wild!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wild is the perfect word for it! It’s one of those books that feels unreal, but it’s true—every single word of it.
LikeLike
Of course you had a Julie Houston on your list.😉 As to choosing the books for your list, I think your best criteria is “I’ve been thinking about long since I finished their final pages.” What better way to choose your favorite reads?
LikeLike
Murder Most Sweet has such a cute cover. I’m always on the lookout for new cozies, so I’ll be adding that one to my wishlist. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you end up loving it if you check it up! It’s wonderful.
LikeLike
I had to laugh at this title: A Libertarian Walks Into a Bear: The Utopian Plot to Liberate an American Town (And Some Bears). Love it! Glad to hear the insides were just as good. Great list, and thanks for visiting my post! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Doesn’t it have the perfect title? One of the few that actually tells you exactly what you’re going to get. Happy reading!
LikeLike
Interesting list. I’ll have to look up more of the books but my favourite might be “A Libertarian Walks Into a Bear”, sound like the right kind of humour to me. LOL
Thanks for visiting my TTT earlier.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s such a great book! Ridiculously funny and kind of horrifying at the same time.
LikeLike
Sounds like I really need to read it. My wishlist groes larger and larger …
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my gosh, Auntie Uncle looks adorable!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so good! Such a perfect little book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t read any of your top ten but I do have an ARC of Wicked As You Wish that I keep meaning to get to.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you enjoy it if you end up checking it out!
LikeLike
I had no idea Nicole Byer wrote a book. I’m so curious!!
Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s very, very good! Honestly, just filled with total joy and so funny.
LikeLike
All of these are new to me but I am glad you enjoyed them!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading! Fingers crossed that this year is just as great in terms of books.
LikeLike
Sing Me a Secret is totally new to me but looks like one I would enjoy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s fantastic! Julie Houston is one of my favorites, so I highly recommend any of her books.
LikeLike
Haha, I also read a lot of unfortunate political nonfiction. None of it made my “best books” list because it’s too depressing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel like those books are cursed. Almost all of them have absolutely zero value and yet I cannot stop reading them.
LikeLike
I’m glad to see Piranesi on your list! I haven’t read it yet, and I’ve been a little hesitant, but I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it so much! Need to pick that up this year. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Honestly, I was hesitant going into it too, but I really enjoyed it. It’s one of those books that I had to finish it in one sitting because I just couldn’t stop. If you check it out this year, I hope you enjoy it!
LikeLike
Most of these are new to me, but I’m glad you had such a great reading year. I hope 2021 is just as great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a good so far, so fingers crossed and, of course, happy reading!
LikeLike
I can’t wait to read Nicole Byer’s book. I love her and I’m so excited to read it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s such a great read—very, very funny and pretty dang empowering.
LikeLike