:Ten Books I Want to Read in 2020:
According to Goodreads, I read just eight books in 2019.
I know people who are reading 40 to 50 books in any given year, so it feels like I could do better. In fact, I know I could make reading more of a priority. I figured I could target a nice round number like 10 for 2020. It’s more than 2019 but not so much more that it feels like an unattainable goal. So here we go! This is my reading list for 2020.
Humor
I’m obsessed with everything Ali Wong does. Both of her stand-up specials are better than just about any out there. And I can’t help but love her somewhat flat Netflix movie, Always Be My Maybe. The Keanu Reeves cameo may have been a factor. I’m interested to find out if her comedic voice translates to print. Given her history as a writer on a few successful sitcoms, I have a sneaking suspicion it will.
True Crime
Jack the Ripper’s month of terror in 1888 London is the original unsolved true crime story that remains an obsession. His victims are largely hidden behind Ripper’s infamy as one-dimensional sex workers short on luck. I’m looking forward to learning more about who these women actually were.
YA Fiction
Angie Thomas’ debut novel is a three-time winner of the Goodreads Choice Awards. The plot feels like the all-too-real stories we have heard about young black lives intersecting with law enforcement. Several of my connections on Goodreads gave this 5 stars so I am particularly excited to dig into this one.
Memoir
I don't think we can consume enough stories about what it’s really like to be part of the working poor. How can we come up with solutions to any problem if we don’t hear from the ones who are experiencing it? It’s time we really listen to the people who work hard for very little money in service of the wealthy.
Non-fiction
Several years ago I read an article about why offices always seem so cold to a lot of women. Standard office temperatures were set in the 1960s when men were the ones calling the shots in their very important suits. Those standards were never updated to reflect a more diverse workforce biology. And that’s just office temperature. This book explores the great number of ways women are excluded from decisions about how the world around us should operate.
Science
I’ve never read Bill Bryson but the reviews of his work underscore how adept he is at taking complex ideas and delivering them in a very palatable way (and with a dash of humor). Every now and then, my brain craves answers to big questions and perspective on complex ideas. I’m looking forward to giving this one a try.
Fiction
There isn’t much to the description of this book. But there’s enough to pique my interest. That coupled with the fact that it’s gotten some serious accolades from several trust-worthy sources has me sold. I love reading a book I know nothing about. It’s as it should be sometimes, don’t you think?
Fiction
When an author is able to turn deeply unsettling life events into a humorous story, chances are high that it’s going to be good. I don’t know anything about Jonathan Tropper but this book has received top ratings from some of my Goodreads connections (you know, those people who read 50 books in a year?) so I’m going to take a leap of faith on this one. Maybe it’s more like a hop of faith. ;)
Classic
It was my senior year of high school when I read this Edith Wharton classic. And it just so happens I came across my old copy as I was pulling Christmas gifts out of a closet to wrap. I did not take this book seriously when I read it the first time. I was a lazy 17-year-old just trying to get through my AP English class with a decent grade (and as little work as possible). I love going back to classic novels “everyone should read” to see a.) if they hold up and b.) if my maturity offers a new perspective. (Usually the answer is yes.) It’s time to give this one some attention again.
Overdue
I KNOW. Literally everyone in my life (almost) has read Michelle Obama’s memoir. I already know I’m going to love it so I don’t know why I keep putting it off. Is flash insanity a thing? Regardless, 2020 is the year of Becoming for me. I’m going to need all of the beautiful Obama vibes I can get as the election approaches.
I’m always looking for more book recommendations. What’s on your nightstand?
