Although 2020 epitomized endless disappointment, I must admit, it was my best reading year ever. I finally had the time to remember why I love reading and to rediscover the stories and the characters who set my heart on fire. For that, I am both proud and grateful.
The Stats
Goodreads totaled this year up for me as:
- 71 books: Excluding works I read for class, I finally smashed a yearly reading goal!
- 29,143 pages: More than double my page count in 2019!
- 38 Authors: Of these, I read Sarah J. Maas 9 times, and 20 (!!) books by Colleen Hoover.
The Superlatives
I think the best way to break down my literary year is by way of award show. Honestly, I discovered so many treasures, the top tier was hard to narrow down. And while Crescent City literally triumphs in every category (it was perfection), I promised myself to share the spotlight!
Best New Releases of 2020
I don't even know how to summarize these beauties without being a screaming, crying fangirl mess. So many books this year haunted me, in the sense that I couldn't stop thinking about them after the final page. What was so amazing, though, is that my top four were actually new releases this year! When it comes to these four books, I don't know where to begin, except to say wow. wow. wow. I already want to reread them, and hug them, and buy all their merch—and that is the highest accolade my little reader heart can give.
Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas
Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd
Most Emotive Read
Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare – This book was written so well because we as the readers know way too much, while these lovable idiot protagonists (and their iconic parents) are so oblivious, and it drove me up the WALL. I love the Merry Thieves + Cordelia + Lucie + Uncle Jem + literally anyone and everyone in the background . . . BUT. The protagonists *cough cough James* are just SO CHAOTIC. I am still so riled up about the end!! Like, Wessa, babes, I love you, but pay attention to your children?? I'm nervously laughing as I wait for Chain of Iron . . . thank GOD for return of the king, Magnus Bane.
Brightest Catharsis
Every CoHo book radiates hope and healing for me, and that's why I adore her words so much. Even so, Finding Perfect just hits different. The smiles-through-the-tears the characters and I shed together was like walking on clouds. All Your Perfects was already so cathartic and resonant as is, so this was just the cherry on top for me. It may be short, but this novella truly heals all wounds.
Most Shook
So, Verity is the easy choice for this one because what the holy hell; however I guess I will branch out. One book + otp that snuck up on me was The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black. I'm so glad this one won the Goodreads Choice Award because Jude and Carden, albeit insane, kick so much ass and I can't get enough. The third book in the trilogy made me realize how much I love them & this story, and also the fan art is divine.
Better than Homework
It's such a special and coveted experience when you actually want to read a book you have to read for class. For once in my life, I was reading way ahead of schedule because I could not put The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisen down! It was written so beautifully, and I loved piecing together the plot/narrative like a super sleuth (way before my classmates, not to brag). Whether or not I continue the series, Jemisen is a queen, and her newest release is high up on my TBR.
Sweetest Cinnamon Rolls
Rainbow Rowell can do no wrong, and Carry On is no exception! I'm so glad I finally entered the Simon Snow fandom because this series is boatloads of fun. She literally wrote fanfic of her own stories and it's mesmerizing and meta as all get out. Later this year I also read the Fangirl graphic novel (a star) and almost burst into tears seeing Simon and Baz, especially through Cath's eyes!! Next installments, please come sooner!
Best Reread
The best thing about quarantine was returning to my favorite series of all time, Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. I could cry just thinking about how much these characters and their journeys mean to me; I feel like I grew up with them, and it's crazy how real their story feels in my heart. Binge-reading the saga was special for so many reasons, mostly how everything finally makes SENSE—I mean, the little tiny details she planted in book one that we forgot as the years went by... the waterworks at the finale of Kingdom of Ash hit different this time around and yet so, so poignant and sweet. Fenrys, this one's for you. <3
Author of the Year
If it wasn't already obvious, in 2020 I discovered and fell head over heels in love with Colleen Hoover. Twenty books/novellas later, and her stories capture my heart in ways no other author can. How many times did I stay up way too late, losing track of time simply because I could not put down her book! Every single one is so unique, and left such huge imprints on my heart that I will cherish forever. While I recommend any and all CoHo, I think my favorite two are It Ends With Us and Heart Bones. I get chills just thinking about them.
My Favorite Literary Moments <3
"LIGHT IT UP."
A special shoutout to the love of my life, Crescent City, for being the book that made me sob harder than any other novel ever has. That book made me laugh like a maniac, gasp and throw the book across the room, and cry so fiercely I couldn't see through my tears. I was not expecting to be so moved by "this-is-not-acotar-4" and yet, here I am, already rereading it.
"DID YOU GO TO COLLEGE, BEYAH?!"
Who knew all-caps quotes were such tear-jerkers for me, but damn, this moment breaks my heart and mends it simultaneously. Oh, Heart Bones. Talk about a love so deep and so selfless. I get goosebumps listening to sad songs and picturing Samson screaming this line after so many years apart . . . *tear* . . . someone PLEASE make this a movie. It's the awkward, gritty, wonderful rom-com we all need.
"I remember you."
It wasn't all caps but it might? as well? should? be? because Henry! freaking! Strauss! Addie LaRue is the most decadent slice of Heaven, and I spit out my tea more than once during this wild ride. The writing took my breath away, and these characters radiate so much passion and sincerity, I just melt.
"Ana, I never left."
After reading The Book of Longings, I could not stop thinking about it for weeks. Even recently, this quote has been floating around in my head, making me cry when I couldn't even remember the context! This story blew me away from start to finish, and inspires me to be a writer one day.
"I am disowning my followers for being evil and having no panache."
I would like to extend a special word of gratitude to Magnus Bane, the king of all our hearts, for providing smart-ass escapism with a hint of glitter. Being the hashtag domestic Malec stan that I am, I was hesitant to pick up Red Scrolls. And while the stakes are low because it's a prequel of sorts, the DIALOGUE is A+ chef's kiss. Not sure if this is 100% canon, but Magnus Bane's accidental cult was the honorable mention I had to include.
And finally,
The Anticipation
Not going to lie, I am bad at discovering debut novels and new releases before the new year. HOWEVER. I am already counting down the days to certain magical sequels and prequels, and there is hope on the horizon. The titles I need in my life most, coming in 2021:
A Court of Silver Flames –unfounded Lucien cover aside. . . Cassian <333
Chain of Iron – just when i thought these children couldn't be any more chaotic, that synopsis!!
Rule of Wolves – nikolai nikolai nikolai zoya nina NIKOLAI
Concrete Rose – Angie Thomas is a queen and prequels are my kryptonite
Here's to even more prose adventures in the new year.
XO
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