10 Books I’d Recommend from my 2020
In my reading and writing nook.
2020 has been a year to say the least. For all that it was, it was also a year for me that was filled with good books and the beloved community (for me that means the bookclub I’m in with phenomenal women and all of the Bookstagram homies) they entail.
Without further ado, my top 10 of 2020, in no particular order.
Breasts and Eggs x Mieko Kawakami
The City We Became x N.K. Jemisin-I loved this book. I might mess around and re-read it because it was so riveting.
Want x Lynn Steger Strong
Memorial x Bryan Washington-This book was gifted from the publisher, but I would have bought and loved it had they not sent it. I love the essential Houston-ness of Washington’s work and how the stories could only originate from such a mish-mash of a city. If you love food and/or Houston (one of the country’s best culinary cities), I’d highly recommend reading this book and listening to Bryan on The Sporkful.
The Death of Vivek Oji x Akwaeke-This book was beautiful and heartbreaking. Truly stunning.
The Secret Lives of Church Ladies x Deesha Philyaw-This collection of short stories did what needed to be done. My favorite short story collection of the year.
Finna x Nate Marshall-I reconnected with poetry this year and I’m so blessed that “Finna” came into life at a time when I needed it. Just read it. If you’re Black, I’m sure you’ll find several poems that resonate with you.
Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments x Sadiya Hardman-I found this book to be so affirming. It’s an exploration of the ways that Black women and nonconforming folks created ways out of no way during (even more) oppressive times. It felt truly celebratory to honor their memories and defiance.
The Meaning of Mariah x Mariah Carey with Michaela Angela Davis- I wasn’t a Lamb before, but after experiencing Mariah’s audiobook memoir, I’m Lamb. I don’t make the rules.
Zaitoun x Yasmin Khan-This is a cookbook that has become my new favorite cookbook. At the beginning of 2020 I decided I wanted to cook 12 new recipes from 12 new-to-me cookbooks. I’ve made two recipes (Pomegranate Passion Cake and Freekeh and Butternut Squash with Spinach) from Zaitoun already and am already preparing a third. I originally checked it out as an ebook from the library, but one of my best friends gave it to me as a gift when she saw how much I loved it.