For a second year in a row I set a goal of reading 50 books. I happy to report that I finished 52 inside of the 12 months of 2020.
I thought it might be interesting to list first by month finished to see these crazy pandemic months play out through both numbers (wow, so few in March!) and genre/topic.
I did not add Amazon links this round because I thought it would make it too easy to purchase on-line rather than at your local bookseller. Buy local if you can! I was not able to buy local as often as I had hoped and will commit to more in 2021. I read a mix of paper books, kindle, and audiobooks. In 2020, audio became a real treasure to me. I listened while running, folding laundry, putting together puzzles, prepping dinner, and driving.
Similar to my annual December running streak, reading this much has trade-offs, downsides, and wonderful gifts. I watch very little TV, listen to few podcasts, and don't consume as much news as I have at other times of my life. I also sometimes find myself turning down a very long book because I won't be able to move through it quickly enough (sigh!). But the list of wonderful gifts is far longer including the ability to now quickly still my mind enough to settle into a book. I love the worlds I find between the covers. Finally, I decided relatively early in the year that that 50% or more of my books would be by non-white authors. I was successful there also and am grateful for new perspectives.
January
- The Camel Bookmobile by Marsha Hamilton
- The Japanese Lover by Isabele Allende
- Sold by Patricia McCormick
- The Power of Vulnerability: Teachings of Authenticity, Connections, and Courage by Brene Brown (Audiobook)
- 300 Arguments by Sarah Manguso
- Ongoingness: The End of a Diary by Sarah Manguso
- Lifespan: Why We Age--and Why We Don't Have To by David A. Sinclair
- We Are Still Tornados by Michael Kun
- When Running Made History by Roger Bannister
- Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
- How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton W. Christensen
- Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don't Know by Malcolm Gladwell
- Normal People by Sally Rooney
- City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
- Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time by Susan Scott
- Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson
- In Pursuit of Disobedient Women: A Memoir of Love, Rebellion, and Family, Far Away by Dionne Searcey
- Night by Elie Wiesel
- Monster by Walter Dean Meyers
- Sunny (#3 in Track series) by Jason Reynolds
- Murambi, The Book of Bones by Boubacar Boris Diop
- Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
- The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates by Wes Moore
- Bring Yourself: How to Harness the Power of Connection to Negotiate Fearlessly by Mori Taheripour
- Lu (#4 in Track series) by Jason Reynolds
- The Person You Mean to Be: How Good People Fight Bias by Dolly Chugh
- How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
- Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly by Anthony Bourdain
- Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
- The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin
- Edge: Turning Adversity Into Advantage by Laura Huang
- The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
- Sapiens: A Brief History of Humnankind by Yuval Noah Harari
- Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
- If I Stay by Gayle Forman
- A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
- Trailblazer: The Power of Business as the Greatest Platform for Change by Marc Benioff and Monica Langley
- Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
- Widows-in-Law by Michele W. Miller
- Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
- Front Desk by Kelly Yang
- Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo
November
- The Anarchy: The East India Company, Corporate Violence, and the Pillage of an Empire by William Dalrymple
- The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of ExtraordinaryAthletic Performance by David Epstein
- Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for our Own by Eddie S. Glaude Jr.
- Our Time is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight fort a Fair America by Stacey Abrams
- Caffeine: How Caffeine Created the Modern World by Michael Pollan
- Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
- On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous: A Novel by Ocean Vuong
- So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Olua
December
- The Mountains Sing by Nguyen Phan Que Mai
- A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
The full list broken down by genre is below. The descriptions are brief--couldn't seem to find the right words this year. Happy to provide more information and recommendations if anyone wants them.
FICTION
The Camel Bookmobile by Marsha Hamilton
Wonderful read by fellow Brooklyner and beautiful writer. I have read a handful of her books and am always game to read another.
Wonderful read by fellow Brooklyner and beautiful writer. I have read a handful of her books and am always game to read another.
The Japanese Lover by Isabele Allende
I have been a big Isabele Allende fan. Lots to love about this newer book, but I also found the prose a bit choppy and the story too rushed at it's conclusion.
I have been a big Isabele Allende fan. Lots to love about this newer book, but I also found the prose a bit choppy and the story too rushed at it's conclusion.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Saw this on President Obama's booklist for 2019 and so added it to mine for 2020. Loved it.
Saw this on President Obama's booklist for 2019 and so added it to mine for 2020. Loved it.
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
Fun read. Old NYC, theater scene. Entertaining, breezy, fun.
Fun read. Old NYC, theater scene. Entertaining, breezy, fun.
Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
Delves into the themes of emigration and refugees. This inventive story received many award nominations when published in 2017.
Delves into the themes of emigration and refugees. This inventive story received many award nominations when published in 2017.
The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin
I listened to this on audiobook, which I highly recommend because of the reader, Robin Miles. Not my usual genre and was a slow start for me, but then I really enjoyed it.
I listened to this on audiobook, which I highly recommend because of the reader, Robin Miles. Not my usual genre and was a slow start for me, but then I really enjoyed it.
Widows-in-Law by Michele W. Miller
Written by a friend and colleague. Fun, suspenseful and really enjoyable. Her second book is coming out this summer!
Written by a friend and colleague. Fun, suspenseful and really enjoyable. Her second book is coming out this summer!
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
One of my favorite books this year. I started it in the spring and couldn't follow it as the characters switched every chapter. Began it again later in the summer and am so glad I did. Epic. Harrowing. Amazing.
One of my favorite books this year. I started it in the spring and couldn't follow it as the characters switched every chapter. Began it again later in the summer and am so glad I did. Epic. Harrowing. Amazing.
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
Another very difficult book to read because of the subject matter (a "reform school" for boys). Beautifully written and wrenching.
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
I read this many years ago and jumped into it again when my daughter was reading it for school. Beautiful and heart-wrenching as it was the first time.
I read this many years ago and jumped into it again when my daughter was reading it for school. Beautiful and heart-wrenching as it was the first time.
Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
Every time I read a book by Jacqueline Woodson I want to read every book by Jacqueline Woodson. She is a masterful story teller and beautiful writer (and she lives in Brooklyn and our kids went to the same elementary school). Red at the Bone was wonderful.
Every time I read a book by Jacqueline Woodson I want to read every book by Jacqueline Woodson. She is a masterful story teller and beautiful writer (and she lives in Brooklyn and our kids went to the same elementary school). Red at the Bone was wonderful.
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous: A Novel by Ocean Vuong
Recommended by my running buddy Pam. Beautifully written first novel by Ocean Vuong exploring the immigrant experience, sexuality, addition, death, and more.
Recommended by my running buddy Pam. Beautifully written first novel by Ocean Vuong exploring the immigrant experience, sexuality, addition, death, and more.
The Mountains Sing by Nguyen Phan Que Mai
Set in North Vietnam and beautifully chronicling four generations of a family ravaged by war and poverty.
Set in North Vietnam and beautifully chronicling four generations of a family ravaged by war and poverty.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
How have I not read this before?! I loved this book of turn-of-the-century Brooklyn and a young girl/woman living with her family. Such great detail about life for a poor family at that time. I never wanted it to end.
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo
Like Homegoing, the voices in Girl, Woman, Other changed every chapter so by the end you get to know mothers and daughters and friends from their own perspective. Set in the present in England and the U.S. Interesting and engaging. I listened to the audiobook and a friend who read the book said the prose was challenging at times.
YA Fiction
We Are Still Tornados by Michael Kun
Read quickly on a plane ride before a friend's NYC theatrical reading of his stage adaptation. Two characters.
Read quickly on a plane ride before a friend's NYC theatrical reading of his stage adaptation. Two characters.
Sunny (#3 in Track series) by Jason Reynolds
Lu (#4 in Track series) by Jason Reynolds
Read #1 and #2 in 2019 and finished the series in 2020. Recommended by my running buddy Pam who is also a NYC public school teacher. Subject matter too intense for young kids, but great for middle school and up. Uplifting and so good.
Lu (#4 in Track series) by Jason Reynolds
Read #1 and #2 in 2019 and finished the series in 2020. Recommended by my running buddy Pam who is also a NYC public school teacher. Subject matter too intense for young kids, but great for middle school and up. Uplifting and so good.
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
I had read this years ago along with other books by fellow Brooklyn mom and author. Read again out loud with my daughter. Subject was tough for my daughter, but the story and characters are so compelling.
I had read this years ago along with other books by fellow Brooklyn mom and author. Read again out loud with my daughter. Subject was tough for my daughter, but the story and characters are so compelling.
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
The ending is a little predictable, but the story and characters are so good that I almost didn't care. Fun read.
The ending is a little predictable, but the story and characters are so good that I almost didn't care. Fun read.
Front Desk by Kelly Yang
Another recommendation from friend and teacher Pam. She recommends this one to her 4th graders. Age-appropriately tough subject matter (immigration, poverty, right and wrong, etc.) and a good read. I hope 4th graders all over are reading this.
Another recommendation from friend and teacher Pam. She recommends this one to her 4th graders. Age-appropriately tough subject matter (immigration, poverty, right and wrong, etc.) and a good read. I hope 4th graders all over are reading this.
Monster by Walter Dean Meyers (in screenplay format)
One of my teens read for school and I found it on my kindle. Intense subject matter. Written in a mix of screenplay and diary formats.
One of my teens read for school and I found it on my kindle. Intense subject matter. Written in a mix of screenplay and diary formats.
Sold by Patricia McCormick
My son read this for school so I picked it up. Not an easy read because of tough subject matter.
My son read this for school so I picked it up. Not an easy read because of tough subject matter.
NON-FICTION
Lifespan: Why We Age--and Why We Don't Have To by David A. Sinclair
Read this book. I learned and thought about so much that I had never thought about around the subject of aging. So interesting.
Read this book. I learned and thought about so much that I had never thought about around the subject of aging. So interesting.
Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don't Know by Malcolm Gladwell
Gave me new perspective about human perception.
Gave me new perspective about human perception.
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson
Bryan Stevenson is an incredible human being. His work with prisoners on death row and people sentenced while children to life sentences is heart-wrenching and compelling. Read this.
Bryan Stevenson is an incredible human being. His work with prisoners on death row and people sentenced while children to life sentences is heart-wrenching and compelling. Read this.
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humnankind by Yuval Noah Harari
Incredibly interesting book that I want to read again. So much to think about.
Incredibly interesting book that I want to read again. So much to think about.
A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
A review I read about Sapiens (see above) compared it to A Brief History of Time. Thinking that meant it was equally accessible, I dove in. My biggest take-away was that Stephen Hawking was way smarter than I am. Incredible book and I understood a fraction of it. Will need to read this one again (and again).
A review I read about Sapiens (see above) compared it to A Brief History of Time. Thinking that meant it was equally accessible, I dove in. My biggest take-away was that Stephen Hawking was way smarter than I am. Incredible book and I understood a fraction of it. Will need to read this one again (and again).
The Anarchy: The East India Company, Corporate Violence, and the Pillage of an Empire by William Dalrymple
Also on President Obama's 2019 book list. Interesting history of the EIC. Before reading this I had not fully understood the company's reign, power, and brutality.
Also on President Obama's 2019 book list. Interesting history of the EIC. Before reading this I had not fully understood the company's reign, power, and brutality.
Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for our Own by Eddie S. Glaude Jr.
One of my favorites for the year. Thought-provoking, beautifully written, and made me want to dust off the copies of all of the James Baldwin books I read in my 20s and read them again.
One of my favorites for the year. Thought-provoking, beautifully written, and made me want to dust off the copies of all of the James Baldwin books I read in my 20s and read them again.
Our Time is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight fort a Fair America by Stacey Abrams
I read this right after the 2020 presidential election. I am a huge Stacey Abrams fan. I consider this book a must-read for anyone who wants to make real change in the world.
I read this right after the 2020 presidential election. I am a huge Stacey Abrams fan. I consider this book a must-read for anyone who wants to make real change in the world.
Caffeine: How Caffeine Created the Modern World by Michael Pollan
Fun and interesting. Quick read about the world's favorite drug.
Fun and interesting. Quick read about the world's favorite drug.
So You Want to Talk about Race by Ijeoma Olua
Another must-read. I have read a lot of books on race this year, and this was one of the. most eye-opening and gives me a lens through which to consider the world and my own part in it.
Another must-read. I have read a lot of books on race this year, and this was one of the. most eye-opening and gives me a lens through which to consider the world and my own part in it.
Edge: Turning Adversity Into Advantage by Laura Huang
Good read for career and life.
Good read for career and life.
Bring Yourself: How to Harness the Power of Connection to Negotiate Fearlessly by Mori Taheripour
I heard the author on a Women in Sports and Events meeting over the summer and quickly bought and read her book. Lots of great perspective and the tools to use in your own life.
Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time by Susan Scott
Useful read for challenging times in my own career.
The Power of Vulnerability: Teachings of Authenticity, Connections, and Courage by Brene Brown
Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
Highly recommend anything by Brene Brown. I was late to the Brene Brown table, hearing her on NPR in late 2019, but am a big fan now.
The Person You Mean to Be: How Good People Fight Bias by Dolly Chugh
Another good read that prompted thought and gave me tools I needed to handle difficult challenges.
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Thought-provoking, powerful, important.
Thought-provoking, powerful, important.
How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton W. Christensen
Wonderfully affirming read. Didn't walk away with as much as I did from many of the other books I read this year in the same genre.
Wonderfully affirming read. Didn't walk away with as much as I did from many of the other books I read this year in the same genre.
Running/Sports-Related
When Running Made History by Roger Bannister
Recommended by a NYRR colleague. Interesting history of distance running, albeit from a very male and american/european perspective.
Recommended by a NYRR colleague. Interesting history of distance running, albeit from a very male and american/european perspective.
The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of ExtraordinaryAthletic Performance by David Epstein
The second of Epstein's books that I have read. I highly recommend them both. Lots of amazing research and ideas to ponder.
The second of Epstein's books that I have read. I highly recommend them both. Lots of amazing research and ideas to ponder.
Biography, Autobiography & Memoir
300 Arguments by Sarah Manguso
Ongoingness: The End of a Diary by Sarah Manguso
Beautifully written snippets in diary format.
Ongoingness: The End of a Diary by Sarah Manguso
Beautifully written snippets in diary format.
Night by Elie Wiesel
I read this aloud with my then 15-year old son. Beautiful. Heart-breaking first person story of the author's experience in Nazi-occupied Eastern Europe and in a concentration camp.
In Pursuit of Disobedient Women: A Memoir of Love, Rebellion, and Family, Far Away by Dionne Searcey
Written by a dear friend of her time as the NYT Bureau Chief in West Africa. Approachable window into the countries she reported on, the people and especially women who lived there, and her own life and relationships as a wife and mother.
Written by a dear friend of her time as the NYT Bureau Chief in West Africa. Approachable window into the countries she reported on, the people and especially women who lived there, and her own life and relationships as a wife and mother.
Murambi, The Book of Bones by Boubacar Boris Diop
Recommended by my friend Dionne. Written by a Rwandian author about the genocide in Rwanda. Intense and powerful. Obviously very difficult subject.
Recommended by my friend Dionne. Written by a Rwandian author about the genocide in Rwanda. Intense and powerful. Obviously very difficult subject.
The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates
Started this book because of my interest in the Robin Hood Foundation where Wes Moore is CEO. Mr. Moore tells his story alongside another man with the same name from the same city (Baltimore) whose life goes in a very different direction. Thought-provoking.
Started this book because of my interest in the Robin Hood Foundation where Wes Moore is CEO. Mr. Moore tells his story alongside another man with the same name from the same city (Baltimore) whose life goes in a very different direction. Thought-provoking.
Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly by Anthony Bourdain
Fun read about the inner workings of the restaurant world. Harder to read lightly knowing about Anthony Bourdain's death. My husband said it made him never want to eat in a restaurant again. All I wanted to do--especially in this pandemic year--was eat out in one of NYC's best and busiest restaurants!
Fun read about the inner workings of the restaurant world. Harder to read lightly knowing about Anthony Bourdain's death. My husband said it made him never want to eat in a restaurant again. All I wanted to do--especially in this pandemic year--was eat out in one of NYC's best and busiest restaurants!
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Beautiful letter to his young black son. Important read for all of us.
Beautiful letter to his young black son. Important read for all of us.
Trailblazer: The Power of Business as the Greatest Platform for Change by Marc Benioff and Monica Langley
Marc Benioff sets a bar for other corporate leaders in mission and corporate responsibility. While not perfect, there is a lot to learn here. Well-written.
Marc Benioff sets a bar for other corporate leaders in mission and corporate responsibility. While not perfect, there is a lot to learn here. Well-written.
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