195 books. 61,054 pages. 10 stand-out books.

Every year, I attempt to pick some books which are super special out of all those I’ve read. This year, I’ve purposefully picked from different genres, so you can also check-out these posts for more recommendations:

• Top Thrillers of 2020 (my most read genre)
• Top Non-Fiction Books of 2020 (a genre I set myself the aim of reading more of in 2019)
• Top Reads of 2019

Ultimately, my top reads of 2020 are ones which have blown me away…

First place, 2020:

Hinton Hollow Death Trip, Will Carver – my review here – If you’ve been following me for the past couple of years, this will come as no surprise; Carver took the top spot in 2019 with his previous book too. Hinton Hollow cemented this author as my favourite with his first-class writing and fascinatingly evil plot. The author makes every word count and gets inside the reader’s head. An unforgettable story, out of this world, and I didn’t have to think twice about awarding this book my top read of 2020.

Top reads (in no particular order):

Meet Me in London, Georgia Toffolo – my review here – Taking the romance spot this year is this beautiful book, which will hold a special place in your heart. Fantastic characters who you crave more from (and future books are due to deliver), and just an all-round lovely and perfect read.

Mother Loves Me, Abby Davies – my review here – I included this in my top thrillers of the year, but quite frankly, this has to be my favourite. Scary, intense, and it couldn’t have been any better. Entirely faultless – this isn’t your standard thriller, this is something else.

Idle Hands, Cassondra Windwalker – my review here – Wow, this book left a solid mark on my heart. It’s different, with the narrator being the ‘devil’, and unfathomably heartbreaking, brilliantly well done with an unexpected and thriller-y ending and brings you, as a reader, into the story. It’s a short read, at 215 pages, but blimey, it packs a punch.

The Waiting Rooms, Eve Smith – my review here – Gripping, terrifying and intense. Read this one at your own risk, with the plot focusing around a global antibiotic crisis. This is exactly my type of book and I LOVED it. Stunning writing, and I’m left needing another book by Smith immediately.

The Peacock Room, Anna Sayburn Lane – my review here – I am consistently baffled that this author isn’t a New York Times Bestseller. Her previous book made my top read of 2019, but this book went a step further – it is incredibly more-ish and an absolute must-read for historical fiction fans, especially if you’re after a topical, pacey and sinister read.

Know My Name, Chanel Miller – This is a heartbreaking book due to the topic of the memoir, but it is incredibly important. I wanted to give this book to everyone once I’d finished reading, and although I put it down multiple times as it was upsetting, it shows us Miller’s experience, as well as speaking volumes for other victims. A powerful, unforgettable read.

The Nesting, C.J. Cooke – my review here – Wow wow wow. My mind continuously wanders to this book, as it focuses on Norwegian folktales, whilst giving a sinister, creepy plot to keep you on your toes. A gothic thriller and a plot twist to die for, I can’t wait to read this again and again.

The Midnight Library, Matt Haig – This author is an automatic buy for me, as I’ve loved all of his books previously. This book is no exception – I knew 70 pages in that it would make this list, as this author’s stories just make life that little bit better. The important topic of mental health, wrapped in a more-ish story, sprinkled with diamonds that is Haig’s writing

101 Facts You Didn’t Know About Space, Mark Thompson – Any day of the week, I’ll find an excuse to recite one of these facts to you. They’re incredibly interesting, quirky and wonderful. It’s one you’ll pick up time and time again, and the images are stunning which compliments the writing (not patronising). This book is a real gem.

And that’s it! 195 books down to 10. I can’t wait to see what next year brings to the bookish world.

Thank you for your incredible support this year, and I hope you love these books as much as I do. Let’s get social – if you’ve read any of these, or have any recommendations of books to read, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram – I’d love to chat with you!