I’ve been a reading machine in 2020. Listening to books in my car has been a good escape on my way in to work every morning. Reading during downtime or when I get into bed for the evening has been a welcomed break from surfing social media (even though sometimes Tiktok wins this battle.)

If you’re interested in keeping up with my reading or recommending a book to me, the be sure to follow along with me on Good Reads!

Click here to see the first 15 books I read in 2020.

1. Dear Edward- Napolitano / I found this book to be compelling in a way that suffering and loss can be. It was an interesting read and such a unique take on a book of grieving.
2. Such a Fun Age- Reid / I began listening to this book, but could not pay attention. I thought that maybe I didn’t like the book, but decided to switch to reading it. This was the right move! I loved the complex stories about the women and the glance into being Black that helped me understand her character. The ending was not desirable, in my opinion. For this reason, I give the book 3 stars.
3. It’s Not Okay- Dorfman / I’m a long-time Bachelor fan, and this was a pretty okay glance into that world. I listened to it since the author read it, and it was a solid “toss away” book that distracted me well enough.
4. ****Untamed- Doyle / I could (and probably should and WILL) write a whole article on this book. It was life and perspective changing to me. It was profound and, yet, it was simple. I read the book. Then I listened to the book, then I purchased the book and read it again. I am currently reading bits of it and making notes and adding page markers. This is a book I will give my daughter when she becomes a young woman. I highly recommend it to you!
5. Open Book- Simpson / This was an interesting read. I am not a high JS fan, but I had to read it because I heard she talks crap about my guy John Mayer. The crap talk wasn’t too bad (and probably a bit deserved) but learning her story was cool. I do feel like she used her imagination a lot- which is a light way of saying I don’t believe a lot of her stories.
6. **Hillbilly Elegy- Vance / This book was an incredible look into the poor/white/southern hillbilly. A lot of the stories the author shared are stories I have grown up hearing as well, but my childhood was far from that which he explained. I thought it was really insightful to see this in-depth view at the “working class” in Kentucky and Ohio.
7. Swipe Right- Rai / This book was a sexy and smart romance. I LOVED the strong female lead, but beware that if you are triggered by harassment or verbal domestic abuse, this book may not be one you will love. It is one where you can see good overcome evil, and I loved that about it.
8. Modern Lovers- Straub / On my Goodreads account, I rated this book a 4 star. When I am trying to relay it back to you now, I am not sure why I did. This was a simple story in teen love and midlife crisis. I enjoyed the book!
9. The Arrangement- Dunn / What a strange book to read. I did enjoy it, as it deals with the complexities of marriage and life with an autistic child, but the book is quite literally about a marriage “arrangement,” in which the partners have 6 months to do as they please. You can already tell how this will unravel, but I did really like reading this book!
10. What My Mother & I Don’t Talk About- Filgate / This collection of essays was eye-opening and raw. The stories told were diverse and intricate. I love essay books as it is, but this one told hard-hitting, personal stories that were sometimes beautiful, sometimes dark.
11. ***Me Talk Pretty One Day- Sedaris / I LOVE David Sedaris. I think he’s just hilarious. If you’re ever needing a pick-me-up, good audio book for the long car ride or road trip, you will not be disappointed! I will eventually read all his works!
12. ***The Last Black Unicorn- Haddish / I have always found Tiffany Haddish to be someone that is funny but seems to have depth that I couldn’t comprehend. Her book really captured that and held it to be true. I loved getting to know her upbringing and her entry into comedy. This book was intelligent and hilarious- something only Tiffany could deliver.
13. This is Me- Metz / I love reading stories of plus sized women, as I have obviously felt many of the struggles and gone through some similar hardships. I have loved Metz on This is Us, and I thought hearing her story made for a better, more in depth look at her as a person and the realities she brings to her role.
14. **You are Not Alone- Hendricks / This book was a thrilling ride! I am sure you have seen by now that I tend to lean toward non-fiction works, love stories, or books that make you think. I don’t often go for thrillers, but when I do I am usually pleased! This one takes twists and turns and keeps you guessing, and it’s all delivered in a modern way that feels relevant to today!
15. Everything is Figur-out-able- Forleo / Not much to say about this book. I do love the mantra that says you can figure out anything and do it if you put your mind to it. This, however, isn’t all people want to hear when they are looking to change their lives. I feel as though I am strong and able to endure the teachings in this book, but if you are looking for self help, this book is only a good one if you are already working on helping yourself. It’s more of a pep talk than a how-to. I don’t really recommend.

Hope this list and these quick reviews peak your interest. I highlighted my favorites from this list, but obviously if I had to pick ONE book for you, I would choose Untamed by Glennon Doyle. It’s just awesome! Happy reading, friends!