2020 was quite a doozy but one thing that remained constant is my love of reading. Even without my daily bus commute for the majority of the year I still ended up reading an impressive 23 books in 2020, carving out time after work and before bed to get my daily pages in. This year's books included a lot more non-fiction, including books from my work's Antiracist Book Club, and though it was hard to narrow it down to just a few, here are the books I read this year that I highly recommend you getting on your list ASAP.
I fell in love with Ruth Reichl when Maddie and I saw her speak back in 2019 and I finally got around to reading her book Save Me The Plums about her years as the final Editor in Chief at Gourmet Magazine. This memoir is delightful, engaging, and solidifies my belief that I would love nothing more than sitting down with Ruth and a cup of tea and listening to her tell me stories about her life.
Feeling unimpressed {to say the least} with the 2020 occupants of The White House, I finally picked up my copy of Becoming, Michelle Obama's autobiography detailing her life starting out in the southside of Chicago all the way to her last days in The White House as First Lady. It's an inspiring and beautifully written memoir that reminded me what it's like to have decency and humility in the First Family. Such an exceptional woman.
The Great Believers follows a man through the beginning of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980's and intertwines the lives of the characters with those uncertain times and present day Paris. It's engaging, heart wrenching, and an absolute page-turner, recently optioned for TV by Amy Poehler so make sure to read it before you watch!
I read a lot of antiracist books this year in my journey to becoming an antiracist, and though it was tough to choose just one, Ibram Kendi's How To Be An Antiracist breaks down the history of racism in America so eloquently, weaving an instruction manual of antiracism with his own history and life experiences. It's a must read for anyone trying to breakdown the institutions of racism, and probably even more of a must read for those who think we already have.
I adore Fredrik Backman and Anxious People did not disappoint. Set during an real estate open house, the thoughtfully written characters and humorous dialogue come together to make you laugh, cringe, and be thoroughly entertained.
Know My Name should be mandatory reading for everyone. This memoir follows "Emily Doe", sexual assault victim in the infamous Stanford rape case and the years of her life before, during, and after the trial that was all over the headlines. This moving account from the survivor's perspective shines a light on how our court system fails the most vulnerable in society and how through the worst circumstances someone can still come out of it feeling hopeful and strong. Such a powerful and important book that I could not put down.
I squeezed in The Death of Vivek Oji on the last two days of the year {a super quick read} and am so glad I did. It's a beautiful story not so much about death but about discovering who you are and acceptance by those you love. If you're looking for a quick and dramatic read, look no further.
There were so many great reads this year and I'm already well under way on 2021's list!
xoxo,
stephanie marie
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