20 Best Books of 2020
2020 has been a year to remember. Even though it is not the year that Kirsten or I had planned, there were some amazing books this year. It was so hard to narrow down the best books of 2020!
I divided our list of the best books of 2020 into genres so that you can find recommendations that fit your reading style. Whether you like fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, or mysteries, there is a fantastic book on this list for everyone to read.
If you have been following Beyond the Bookends for a while, you will know that we do every year we create a list of “best books”. If you compare this list to last year’s books, you will notice that this list is very different from last year’s picks.
In 2019, we had a large number of historical fiction that are considered literary fiction as well. This year, while we do have some literary fiction, we have quite a few fantasy books as well. After the year that we had, do you blame us?
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Best Books of 2020: Contemporary Fiction
Transcendent Kingdom
Author: Yaa Gyasi
Year: 2020
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: September 2020 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Gifty is a PhD candidate at Stanford who is studying depression and addiction through mice. Her brother died of a heroin overdose after becoming addicted to oxy after a sports injury and her suicidal mother lives her life in bed.
Covering drug addiction, immigration, racism, and more, this story is as entertaining as it is stimulating. Its discussion of drug addiction’s impact on the larger family unit was reminiscent of Long Bright River.
Trigger Warnings
Addiction, drug abuse, mental illness, racism.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a beautifully written and powerful book. I also kept having to remind myself that it was a contemporary fiction story and not a memoir because the emotion and knowledge expressed in the book were so believable.
Find this book in: Non-Fiction & Fiction Books about Grief / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Fiction & Non-Fiction Books About Addiction / 20 Best Books of 2020
Anxious People
Author: Fredrik Backman
Year: 2019
Genre: Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Fredrik Backman is a master storyteller and he does it again with this book. He somehow manages to tackle difficult subjects without trivializing them but still allowing them to be humorous.
This book is a story of a bank robbery gone very wrong and the idiots in the story (his word, not mine) who are taken hostage after the failed robbery. While the police are interviewing each of the hostages to find the robbers, they become more confused after each interview. It is also a story about compassion, human relationships, and the daily struggles that we all have.
Why Jackie loves it
I love how Fredrik Backman’s books show the good in people despite the flaws that make them human. Backman writes so many different kinds of books but they all have so much heart. Backman weaves themes of love, friendship, and compassion throughout all his books.
Find this book in: Books Like A Man Called Ove / New Year’s Eve Books / Best Beach Reads / Locked Room Mysteries / Best Books of 2020 / Ultimate List of Feel-Good Reads
We Are Not From Here
Author: Jenny Torres Sanchez
Year: 2020
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best of 2020!
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Wowza. This is the book American Dirt should have been, an own-voice tale of the migrant journey into the USA. This tale doesn’t give erroneous detail to lighten the load of the harrowing, impossible journey to the north.
Instead, it delivers staggering truths about how and why migrants risk their lives for the possibility of a better life. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to learn more about immigration in America.
Trigger Warnings
Death, Child death
Why Kirsten loves it
This is such a poignant story that is so well-written. It will tug at your heartstrings and give you a different perspective on the migrant journey to the USA.
Find this book in: Best Books of 2020 / Books and Stories about Immigration
Best Books of 2020: Historical Fiction
Plot
Most people know about Jackie’s life during her White House years, but hearing the tale of what caused her to marry Aristotle Onassis was fascinating. I loved the dual narrators of Jackie and Onassis’s long-time lover, opera singer Maria Callas. It’s a perfect political novel about music!
Why Kirsten loves it
Excuse me while I gush about Gill Paul‘s newest biographical fiction book, Jackie and Maria. Gill Paul is quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me. I loved Another Woman’s Husband and The Lost Daughter, about the Windsors and Romanovs respectively. Paul’s take on a new dynasty, The Kennedys, is equally compelling.
Find this book in: Novels About Music / Biographical Fiction / Books About Women in Politics / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021 / Best Books of 2020
Plot
This book is based on the life of Nancy Wake, a nurse and journalist who became a Special Operations Executive during WWII.
She was an amazing woman and I had never heard of her before this fictional biography. It has wonderful characters, a fabulous story, romance, adventure, and the terrifying reality of life during WWII.
Trigger Warnings
Torture, War
Why Jackie loves it
It is so beautifully written, amazingly researched, and absolutely enthralling. I could not put it down. I recommend it often and have never heard anyone not love it.
Find this book in: Historical Fiction Books / 20 Best Books of 2020
Best Books of 2020: Mysteries
Long Bright River
Author: Liz Moore
Year: 2020
Genre: Fiction
More info: February 2020 GMA Book Club Pick
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The contemporary fiction story revolves around 2 sisters. One is a cop, one is an opioid addict – both are being impacted by a string of murders in the Kensington area of Philadelphia. This book dealt with many issues around drug addiction and it handles them without judging.
Trigger Warnings
Drug Addiction
Why Kirsten loves it
Long Bright River is phenomenal and I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. The story takes place in Philly’s Kensington neighborhood which is known for having a huge opioid problem. You can’t live in my area and not know about the epidemic spreading through our city. It’s devastating and scary and this book deals with it head-on.
Adaptation Information
This TV series starring Amanda Seyfried is coming to Peacock in 2025.
Find this book in: Books Becoming TV Series / Best Contemporary Fiction Novels / Books About Mental Illness / Books About Addiction / Best Books of 2020
All the Devils Are Here
Author: Louise Penny
Year: 2020
Genre: Mystery
More info: Chief Inspector Gamache #16
Age Range: 13+
Plot
I love that I get to know Daniel, Gamache’s son, in a way that I have not in previous books. If you are not familiar with the series, I suggest you start at number one, read the Louise Penny books in order, and pace yourself. I tried to slow down but now I have to wait a year between books!
Why Jackie loves it
I listened to it in less than a day. I could not find a point to stop. Robert Bathurst is a brilliant narrator and is the voice of Gamache. So much so that I will not read this series, rather, I prefer to listen. This is my favorite book in the series so far.
I absolutely loved this book, which takes place in Paris rather than in Three Pines. The story kept me on my toes every minute and had me guessing to the very end.
Find this book in: Louise Penny Books in Order / Books Set in Paris / Best Books of 2020
Best Books of 2020: Thrillers
His and Hers
Author: Alice Feeney
Year: 2020
Genre: Thriller
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
His and Hers is the best psychological thriller I have read this year. There are two sides to every story and this one had me guessing until the last page. I had to go back and re-read.
Anna Andrews works at the BBC and has her dream job as an anchor until she doesn’t and she will do anything to get it back. When she has to return to her hometown to cover murders that are centered around her, nothing could complicate the situation more…..until her ex-husband is the lead investigator.
Oh, and he knows the first victim as well. This book is a puzzle that isn’t complete until the last page.
Why Jackie loves it
Every one of Alice Feeney’s books has me questioning what I know and going back to re-read parts of the book. Only then do I know what Feeney has been planning from the very beginning and in hindsight, it clear.
Find this book in: Best Psychological Thriller Books/ Best Books of 2020
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires
Author: Grady Hendrix
Year: 2020
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Horror Thriller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I do not usually like horror but I love thrillers, book clubs, and vampires so I decided to read this urban fantasy book. I absolutely loved every minute- even when I was completely scared out of my wits. This vampire book will have you on your toes.
This book really is Steel Magnolias meets Dracula. Patricia is a housewife with two kids who don’t appreciate her and a husband who travels a lot. She spends a lot of her time caring for her senile mother-in-law who lives with them. When her elderly neighbor attacks her one night, James comes to the rescue. James seems well-read and well-traveled but Patricia is convinced he is a monster in disguise.
Patricia knows what she sees but nobody else agrees with her. The psychological warfare in this adult fantasy book is next-level creepy – it definitely earns its spot on our Best Books of 2020 list! Be warned that this book is scary and creepy but is one of the best books for fall!
Trigger Warnings
Rape, Gore, Blood
Why Jackie loves it
This book is one of the scariest books I have ever read and yet, I loved every second. This book will mess with everything you think is true. There is graphic violence which was actually less scary than the anticipation of a jump scare the entire time I was reading this book.
Find this book in: Urban Fantasy Books/ Adult Fantasy Novels / Vampire Books / Best Books of 2020
Best Books of 2020: Magical Realism
The Midnight Library
Author: Matt Haig
Year: 2020
Genre: Time Travel Fiction
More info: October 2020 GMA Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The story is about a library with books filled with the infinite possibilities of the lives not lived. Have you ever wondered about a choice, or a path not taken?
When Nora finds herself in the library she is forced to face the choices that she made in her life- relationships, education, profession… The books in the library are endless, each an alternate reality of the endless life choices. Nora has to decide what kind of life she wants to live.
Trigger Warnings
Suicide
Why Jackie loves it
I loved Matt Haig’s last book and was so excited to read this one. This is a magical time travel book and I loved every minute of getting to know Nora’s paths untravelled. Matt Haig is a master of magical realism.
Find this book in: Time Travel Books / Books About Books / Time Loop Books / Magical Realism / Best Books of 2020 / Adult Fantasy Novels / Books About Libraries / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021
Oona Out of Order
Author: Margarita Montimore
Year: 2020
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: April 2020 GMA Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:16+
Plot
I absolutely loved this story about Oona who at the stroke of midnight on her 19th birthday, finds herself in her 51-year-old body. She is greeted by a stranger who is waiting for her in her home and tells her that every year, she will jump to another point in her life- she will live her life out of order.
This is an emotional, well-written story that will not only keep you quickly turning pages but also make you think about the small things in life that we take for granted.
Why Jackie loves it
This is such a unique book that left me wanting more with every turn of the page. Because this book is a nonlinear narrative, you never know what is going to happen or what age Oona will be.
Find this book in: New Year’s Eve Books / Best Time Travel Books / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Feel-Good Books / Books Set in the 80s
Best Books of 2020: Fantasy
House of Earth and Blood
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Year: 2020
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info: Book #1 of the Crescent City Series
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
House of Earth and Blood is the first in a new series by Sarah J. Maas, of ACOTAR fame. It’s an urban fantasy – and tells the story of Bryce Quinlan and her bodyguard, Hunt Athalar. Strange things are happening in Lunathion and together, Bryce and Hunt are trying to uncover the source of murders happening around Crescent City. If only because then they will be permitted to get away from one another.
But Bryce’s hunt for answers is deeper, she knows that what’s going on now is connected to her best friend, Danika’s murder two years prior. This wild ride was filled with skyscrapers, cellphones, and video surveillance, but also fairies, werewolves, angels, demons, and witches with history and power.
Why Kirsten loves it
My initial turn-off of too many names/places/tribes/species types was quickly overcome by the insane world-building and a story that kept me up until 3 a.m. I fell in love with Bryce and Hunt’s romance, the epic world of the Crescent City series, and the many breadcrumbs and clues SJM scattered throughout this story.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved this world-building fantasy. Unlike so many of the other EPIC series, this one is set in an urban setting which makes it unique to any other series I have read. The characters are fantastic in their imperfect, but relatable ways.
Find this book in: Guide to All of Sarah J. Maas’s Books / Urban Fantasy Books / Books Like ACOTAR / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels
House in the Cerulean Sea
Author: T.J Klune
Year: 2020
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Cerulean Chronicles #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Linus Baker is a caseworker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He is sent on a mission to a secret orphanage isolated on an island where 6 of the world’s most dangerous youth live.
Linus is sent to determine if the children are being cared for properly. Linus, who lives his life by the book, will have to look deeper to try and find the real answers to his questions.
Trigger Warnings
Child abuse
Why Jackie loves it
This story was so much more than the sum of its parts. I felt like I had met each of the children in the story. Even though the story has magic, it somehow seems completely relevant to our society now. The magic and the orphan aspect are all reminiscent of Harry Potter.
Find this book in: Magical Realism Books / Feel-Good Books / Book for Book Club / Books About Friendship / Books With Color in the Title / Best Beach Reads / Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter
Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
Author: V.E. Schwab
Year: 2020
Genre: Fantasy
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Addie LaRue is trying to escape a life of marriage to a man she doesn’t know or love. She makes a deal with the devil to live a life free and unknowingly gives away the ability to be remembered by anyone.
For three hundred years people forget her the minute she is out of sight until she meets Henry. I loved this magical realism book from the first sentence. It’s a must-read.
Why Jackie loves it
Where do I start? I love this magical realism book so much. The prose are beautiful, the story is so clever and the audio narration from Julia Whelan is perfect.
Find this book in: Best Books of 2020 / Magical Realism Books
Deadly Education
Author: Naomi Novik
Year: 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: New York Times Bestseller, Finalist for the Lodestar Award
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Thank goodness Hogwarts is nothing like this school. There is not a single first year that would survive. This magic school, The Scholomance, is bursting with magic that is very dark and unforgiving.
Losing a few classmates is nothing surprising. You either graduate or die. If you love the dark side of Harry Potter, you will love this YA fantasy book.
El, along with all other magical children are sent to the Schoolomnace because even though there is a chance they will die inside, they will almost certainly be killed on the outside. There are no holidays and no packages from home. El isn’t exactly worried because she has powers that make her the most dangerous thing inside the walls.
But Orion Lake keeps saving her life and she cannot understand why. All she knows is that she is supposed to stay away from him.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved how dark and disturbing this book is while somehow also being fun. It seems like an oxymoron. El has abilities that make her one of the most dangerous people on the planter; yet, she chooses kindness. I loved all three books in this series.
Find this book in: Dark Academia Books /Young Adult Dystopian Novels / Best Young Adult Fantasy Series / Fantasy Books for Teens / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter /Best Magic School Books
Best Books of 2020: Non-Fiction
Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family
Author: Robert Kolker
Year: 2020
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: June 2020 Oprah’s Book Club Pick
#1 New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 15+
Plot
Stop everything and add Hidden Valley Road to your TBR now!! All I can say is wow! This favorite is one of the best books on Mental Illness and an absolutely fascinating non-fiction book.
This is the amazing story of Don and Mimi Galvin whose family paved the way for schizophrenia research over the past 50 years. Of their 12 children- 10 sons and 2 daughters, 6 of the boys have schizophrenia.
The struggles of this family to survive through the age of lobotomies and institutionalization provide a look into the history of this disorder. It’s unbelievable to think how far we’ve come and yet, we are not even close to understanding this disease.
Trigger Warnings
Suicide, Mental illness, Sexual Assult
Why Kirsten loves it
I think it’s unbelievable to think how far we’ve come and yet, we are not even close to understanding this disease. I could not put this book down.
Why Jackie loves it
I found this book to be absolutely fascinating and heartbreaking at the same time. It is still shocking to me how much we do not understand about the human mind and how much stigma there is with mental illness.
Find this book in: Books on Mental Illness / 20 Best Books of 2020 / The Ultimate List of the Best Non-Fiction Books / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read
HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style
Author: Elizabeth Holmes
Year: 2020
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Range: 12+
Plot
I’m an avid follower of Elizabeth Holmes’ account (you should be too) where she explains the significance of the Royal Family’s wardrobe. The nuance and attention to detail the Royals use when
Why Kirsten loves it
Elizabeth breaks it down in an accessible and understandable way. I’m thrilled that her book delivers everything I’ve come to expect from her and more. This in-depth look at The Queen, Diana, Catherine, and Meghan is informative and beautiful. It is the perfect coffee table book for any fashion lover.
Find this book in: Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Fashion Books / Books about the Royal Family / Books about Queen Elizabeth II
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man
Author: Emmanuel Acho
Year: 2020
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 14+
Plot
I love Acho’s straightforward voice. There are no accusations. Rather, here are questions from someone who has the answers. I learned a lot from this book like the origins of the term “grandfathered in”. Acho has a unique and powerful voice.
Why Jackie loves it
I admit that I do not listen to podcasts but I heard so much about this book that I could not wait to listen to it. It did not take me long to listen to this book but it is full from beginning to end.
Find this book in: Best Books of 2020
Best Books of 2020: Romance
In a Holidaze
Author: Christina Lauren
Year: 2020
Genre: Holiday Romance
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Do you love Christmas movies? Are you obsessed with Christmas Romance books? Do you need to swoon? If you answered yes to any of those questions, stop everything and order In a Holidaze. This is possibly my favorite Christmas novel of all time and was a must for best holiday books.
I adored Mae and Andrew’s love story. It’s set up like Groundhog’s Day with Mae repeating the same Christmas vacation until she gets it right.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a time-travel romance at its best. And man… does she get it right. Peppermint kisses, sexy sledding, snowball fights, Christmas Tree trimming… this book oozes cheer-filled holiday goodness with a few scenes that are steamier than a cup of cocoa.
Why Jackie loves it
I thought a time loop book would become repetitive and this book was definitely not repetitive! I could not get enough of the Christmas cheer and the sweet moments in this book. I was rooting for the characters!
Find this book in: Time Travel Books / Best Books of 2020 / Magical Realism / Time Loop Books / Fantasy Christmas Books / Best Holiday Books / Best Christmas Books of All Time / Christmas Romance Books
The Heir Affair
Author: Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
Year: 2020
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: Royal We Book 2 of 2
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This book picks up immediately where the first book, The Royal We, leaves off – dealing with the same scandal and the fall-out over the disastrous royal wedding. As the newlyweds try to recalibrate their image, they also need to make amends to their royal family members.
This book dove into some deeper topics, but I found it to be a wonderful follow-up.
Why Kirsten loves it
I am a huge royal lover, and The Royal We is probably my favorite royal read of all. That’s why The Heir Affair was an immediate pre-order for me. How could I not read the sequel? This book is a true delight.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is a welcome follow up to The Royal We. It is an easy and delightful read.
Find this book in: 20 Best Books of 2020
Expert Tip
How do Kirsten and I narrow down our picks for the best of the year? With great difficulty! There are a number of criteria that we talk about when choosing the best books of the year. This includes
- The plot: is this something new or a great plot that we have seen before?
- The writing: is this a book in which the writing is powerful, smart, and clearly above par?
- The characters: are the characters rich, multifaceted, and original or are they fun and predictable?
A book can be fun and predictable while still being a great read. Kirsten and I love books like this. However, you may not find them in our best books of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best books of 2020?
The books on this list are the best books of 2020. They are well-written, unputdownable, and unlike anything that Kirsten or I have read. It is hard to narrow down the list but, the top 5 of 202o are (in no particular order):
1. Code Name Helene by Ariel Lawson
2. Long Bright River by Liz Moore
3. Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker
4. House on the Cerulean Sea by T.J Klune
5. House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
Epilogue:
What did you pick as the best books of 2020?
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