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The 5 best books that I’ve read in 2020

The 5 best books that I’ve read in 2020

During lockdown whilst everyone else has been renovating or getting fit, in between home schooling I have been reading, a lot! I have actually read some of the best books during this period. My friends always come to me when they need book recommendations so I have been making a conscious effort to write some more book reviews. There are so many amazing reads out there. Some books have gripped me and other have made me sob.

 

If you need some help choosing a new book, here are a selection of the best books that I’ve read in 2020.

The Sight Of You by Holly Miller

This book is beautiful. I couldn’t put it down. The story follows Joel and Callie, each chapter written in their own voice. Since he was child Joel has dreamt about future event of loved ones. Due to this he struggles to let himself get close to anyone. Callie is a little lost since her best friend died. She doesn’t know who she is anymore and her life is on hold.

Then they both meet.

I don’t want to go into any further detail and ruin the story but you must read it. You fall in love with both characters and find yourself crying with the unfairness of it all. The sight of you is one of those books that you just can’t stop thinking about. Possibly my favourite book of the year.

The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes

I really enjoy Jojo Moyes. Me before You is just a great novel so I thought I would give ‘The Girl You left Behind’ a read. The story begins in France 1916 where Sophie Lefevre must keep her family safe whilst her husband Edouard fights at the front.  When she is ordered to serve the German officers who descend on her hotel each evening, her home becomes riven by fierce tensions. And from the moment the new Kommandant sets eyes on Sophie’s portrait – painted by Edouard – a dangerous obsession is born, which will lead Sophie to make a dark and terrible decision.

The second part of the book introduces brings us to modern time were we are introduced to Liv Halston where Sophie’s picture hangs up her apartment that she shared with her late husband. When the ownership of the painting comes into question, Liv is determined to fight for what she believes in, no matter what the cost.

I really got lost in this book. It was a beautiful story and kept me guessing all the way through. I would definitely recommend reading this one.

After the End by Claire Mackintosh

I have wrote about this book before but I had to include it in my best books I’ve read in 2020. Such a beautiful book. I never feel right calling a sad story a good read. This is a heartbreaking situation that people will find themselves in more often that we realise.

The story is about a married couple who face an agonising decision regarding their 2 year old son. The story is beautifully written and is told by three different views. The Mother, The Father and The Doctor. It can be a little confusing at times but it is a story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it. It also poses the question of what you would do? What is the right decision?

I cried a lot reading this book and there is no ‘happy ending’ ,there can’t be. However it finishes in a lovely way with lessons learned and a lot of love. Me and my Sister interpreted the final chapters in very different ways so I would love to know your thoughts on it.

Blood Orange by Harriet Tyce

One of the best thrillers that I have ever read. It kept me gripped and I had no idea how it was going to end. The book revolves around Alison who has a lovely a husband, a beautiful child and a successful career. However life isn’t exactly how it seems. There have been so many mixed reviews on this book and I must admit I did’t fall particularly feel drawn to any of the characters I really loved the story. Without a doubt of my favourite reads of the year.

Everything I Never Told You by Celeste NG.

I discovered Celeste NG last year when I read ‘Little Fires Everywhere‘ which I really enjoyed. However ‘Everything I Never Told You’ was just beautiful. It told the story of Lydia who is her parents favourite child. Her parents are determined that Lydia will fulfil  the dreams they were unable to pursue – in Marilyn’s case that her daughter become a doctor rather than a homemaker, in James’s case that Lydia be popular at school, a girl with a busy social life and the centre of every party. Well you can imagine the pressure that Lydia felt.

Lydia is found drowned in a lake, the police think it is suicide. But is it?

Oh this book is so good, just writing this review makes me want to read it again. It is a frustrating and heartbreaking read which highlights that life could be so different if people just talk to each other. A book that you can’t stop thinking about once you have read it. Enjoy.

If you are looking for more great book recommendations you can check out these posts:

5 Great Easy Read Chick Lit Books.

Escaping in good books – 5 amazing reads to lose yourself in.

What are your best books of the year?

3 thoughts on “The 5 best books that I’ve read in 2020

  1. It sounds like you found some great books to read over lockdown! I can’t remember the last time I sat down to read a full book but recently I have been trying to switch everything off and head to bed a little earlier to give myself a chance to switch off so I am definitely going to check out some of the books you have mentioned here! x

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