At the start of the year I was overly ambitious. I set out to accomplish “20 goals for 2020” because I liked the sound of it and because I honestly thought it would be possible.
Boy.
Was.
I.
Wrong.
First things first, I set out to read 15 books this year. This pans out to just of 1 book a month. Seems easy enough for the woman who once could finish a book in a day right?
Not quite.
Below is a quick review of the books I read + my rating of each.
Books I Read
To clarify, this is split into two sections. The first half are books I had placed on my original ‘2020 book list’.
The second half are books that were either mentioned on a podcast or in an article that I decided to check out.
Books I Actually Set Out To Read
Children Of Blood & Bones
Rating: 5/5
This is such a beautiful book. There is so much suspense in the story telling that it draws you in. My review won’t do this book justice so please check it out for yourself.
Truly, I could not put this book down!
This book is set in Nigeria and tells the story of magic and the quest to get it back. I can’t recommend it enough for everyone, but especially those from the diaspora.
Children Of Virtue & Vengeance
Rating: 5/5
The sequel of Children of Blood & Bones. Wow! This MUST get made into a major motion picture or something!
In all honesty, what an amazing storyline and rich characters.
Overall, book 2 ends on a cliffhanger. Thus I am hopeful that means at least one more book in the series.
An American Marriage
Tayari Jones delivers a delightful story of three lives intertwined and uprooted by a single incident.
I absolutely loved this book. It tells a timely story with words that transports you into the lives and minds of the characters. One of my favorite things about this book is the split perspectives and the ending that had me googling multiple think pieces.
A wonderful read. I would recommend the Audible version as I loved the voice of each character/reader.
Rating: 5/5
TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS
I love Cheryl Strayed and this was a really beautiful collection of stories and insights. If you love the ‘Dear Sugars’ podcast, then you will also be a fan of this book.
All in all, I would highly recommend.
Rating: 4.5/5
Heavy
What an incredible book.
Honestly.
Kiese Laymon tells a story that is both beautiful and tragic. I don’t think I have ever read another book that was so raw of many aspects of the Black experience. It is truly masterful story telling that I can’t even begin to convey.
A MUST READ.
Rating: 5/5
Books I Read Anyways
Blanche On The Lam
This was an incredibly funny book and a well told story. I am so glad I stumbled upon this book.
I am going to check out the rest of the series because Barbara Neely’s writing was so enchanting.
Rating: 5/5
The Two Income Trap
Yikes. I think it is primarily due to the age of this book. (It was originally released in 2004).
The advice came off as judgmental and off putting. Probably not worth the read in this decade or the next. There was one good gem that I pulled away from the book.
Make sure you can afford your life and home on one income/a portion of your income.
Rating: 2/5
Books I Have Yet To Finish
The 4 Hour Work Week
I could not get through this book. Yes, yes, I know A LOT of personal finance blogs recommend this but…what a bore.
In spite of the boredom, I did get through 75% of it. Maybe I will try again at another time in my life.
Rating: Not Sure Yet.
The Other Side Of The Pillow
Another book I have not finished. But not for the same reasons as above. This is a cute romcom type of book. I just have a lot of shit to do. So I have not set the time to see how the story ends.
Rating: Not Sure Yet.
Your Money Or Your Life
I started this last week on one of my walks around the neighborhood. I cannot tell you anything I remember from this book except, “life energy”. Suffice to say, I need to restart it on Audible and give it a fair chance.
Rating: Not Sure Yet.
Books I just did Not Get To
Now I think these are still worthwhile books, so I will most likely add them to my 2021 reading list. Due to 2020 being mostly a dumpster fire, I just did not have the time for the following potential gems.
- The Four Tendencies
- Sistah Vegan
- More Than Enough
- Diet For A New America
- The Water Dancer
- The Power Of Habit
- Well Read Black Girl
Your Turn
Did you set out to read any books this year? If so, which books were they?
Please share below some of your recommendations in the comments.