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This list of titles is the best books of 2020 I’ve read that stand out in the genres of literary fiction and genre-bending emotional fiction, plus one from each category that I’m looking forward to so much that they’ve made their way to my TBR shortlist.

I’ve been loving these two categories lately because they’re so immersive and really give the reader an opportunity to escape reality and be in someone else’s life for a while. If you’re looking for a book to get lost in, make you think, and make you feel any of these titles would be the perfect choice. These may not be light reads, but they’ll definitely be worthwhile ones.

Best Books in Literary Fiction

These books all feature important themes, stunning writing, and well-developed characters.

Writers & Lovers By Lily King

The writing in March’s Read With Jenna book is stunning, some of the richest prose I’ve had the pleasure of reading lately. The plot is slow moving, but nuanced and none the less a compelling read.

The nuanced characters and exploration of Casey’s effort to live a creative life, overcome her grief, and choose a path in life will give readers cause for contemplation. Ninteys era Boston is brought life and becomes a character of its own thanks to King’s evocative writing.

As an added bonus, the book is peppered with countless literary references, which is always a treat for bibliophiles.

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

This Reese’s Book Club pick is a modern tale that provides commentary on race, class, prejudice, and privilege. The story is compelling and fresh, with humor to bring an air of levity to the serious themes. You’ll find yourself cheering for Imira to stand up to her boss and stand up for herself in the aftermath of the viral video where a stranger makes false accusations based on the color of her skin and presence in an affluent neighborhood.

This book is one you’ll want to talk about. And, if the story and conversations this book has started aren’t impressive enough, this is Reid’s debut novel.

A Good Neighborhood by Therese Ann Fowler (TBR)

A Good Neighborhood has received countless accolades for being a powerfully provocative story, discussing sexual abuse, race, privilge, and environmental issues. Count on Fowler’s lyrical writing and rich characterization to balance out the difficult issues that arise in this story of injustice and forbidden love.

With all the amazing things I’ve read about this book, I’m glad I added it to my Book of the Month box because it’s going right to the top of my TBR list.

Best Books in Genre-bending Emotional Fiction

Ok, this may be a subgenre of my own creation. These books all combine and transcend genres to tell magical stories that pack an emotional punch.

Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore

Growing up is hard enough, but try aging chronologically.

Part magical realism, part coming-of-age story, Onna takes us on a unique adventure as she wakes up on her 19th birthday in the body and life of her 51-year-old self. She hardly has time enough to adjust to the changes in her body, let alone society during the 30 years she missed before it’s time for another leap.

You’ll love the pop culture references through the decades and the way Oona deals with the complications of living out of order. It’s a fun book, but don’t let that undermine the heavy emotions that arise as a complication of Oona knowing too much- or not enough – about her own life.

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

Serle’s latest delight, In Five Years, is lovely women’s fiction with a touch of magical realism as Dannie wakes up to spend an hour five years in the future, much of it in bed with a man who is definitely not the one she just got engaged to.

That one magical hour is always in the back of her mind as her career advances and relationship stalls over the next four and a half years, until one day she meets the handsome stranger from her future. Or is it past?

Things unfold for Dannie in unexpected ways, and what could have been a simple romantic comedy turns into a much richer and emotional exploration of female friendships, fate, and love.

The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver (TBR)

Josie Silver’s sophomore novel deals with love and grief as Lydia’s long-time boyfriend Freddie is killed on her 27th birthday. This is just the beginning as a devastated Lydia is struggling to function let alone learn to move on from her loss. So, she eventually takes sleeping pills to cope with the long, lonely nights.

They do help her sleep, but also open up the door to a magical parallel universe; one where Freddie is alive. Although far from your typical romance novel, The Two Lives of Lydia Bird has received a lot of praise and has all the makings of a book that makes you cry and warms the heart at the same time.

I’ll be reading this one as soon as I get stocked up on tissues.

Well, there you have it!

Six of the best books I’ve read from 2020 that you’re sure to love if you’re looking for something thought-provoking, emotionally charged, and unique. Enjoy and be sure to comment your thoughts about any you’ve already read.

Hi, friends!

Like many people I’ve talked to in recent weeks, I’ve struggled to stay calm and grounded in the wake of all that’s going on in the world. These are scary times and it’s all too easy to get caught up in the nonstop media coverage and speculate about what will happen next.

Being informed is important, but taking time to be without the constant flood of information is equally important to preserve mental wellbeing right now.

Reading is one of my favorite ways to step back from the world, and literature has always been a source of great comfort. I’m sure many readers can relate, so here is a list of quotes from beloved works of literature to help ease anxiety and keep things in perspective during these uncertain times.

Touching on ideas such as resilience, hope, and strength, these beautiful words have inspired many in the past and can be used to calm, reassure, and refocus in the time of COVID-19 and beyond.

Quotes to Comfort and Inspire :

Hugo’s epic story about human resilience gives us this beautiful line, and even though we don’t know when this will all be behind us, it’s important to keep this in mind.

Things are dark right now.

Times are hard.

But the sun will rise.

De Profundis, the published letter where Wilde penned this iconic line, was written while he was imprisoned.

Social isolation is can be without a doubt lonely and difficult, but make this your reminder to delight in simple pleasures.

Go outside, smell the roses, and curl up with a good book. Or, you know… a stack of them.

In White Teeth Zadie Smith reminds us to draw on our own strength.

The world will come through this, and when we do we will be stronger, and hopefully kinder for it. They’re often one in the same.

Many of us grew up with Rowling’s Harry Potter series, so the advice seems almost maternal. Or paternal, if you consider the quote was from always wise Albus Dumbledore.

There is still goodness in the world. People are kind, they’re coming together in unexpected ways and that’s a beautiful light in a time like this.

Check out The Good Stuff for the news stories we all need to hear right now. No negativity allowed.

The Bell Jar is a heavy read, but this quote is a great reminded to stay centered within yourself.

Take a deep breath. Focus on your breathing. Meditate. Put your hand on your heart and feel it still beating.

Too often our minds go to the worst-case scenarios, but let this verse serve as a reminder to challenge them.

Things are far from ideal, but it’s also unlikely that out of all the possible outcomes, the worst ones that pop into your mind will become a reality. If you’re allowing your mind to entertain those sorts of thoughts, allow it to dwell in the possibility of something better happening.

One of the worst things about this situation is the feeling of powerlessness we feel. But there are things you can do to improve the situation for yourself, your family, your community, and the world.

Stay home, help cook and shop for an older neighbor or family member, volunteer, donate, make something like face masks or 3D printed shields if you have the resources.

Do what you can with what you have and do it now.

This iconic line from King’s novella The Shawshank Redemption is a beacon of hope in difficult times.

Remember that resilience is one of the most beautiful attributes of the human spirit, and always hold on to hope for better times.

Let this quote from A Farewell to Arms inspire you to check in on your quiet friends, too. Those who are being strong for others. The ones who seem to have it all under control.

Internally, they could be struggling the most to deal with things, so reach out to those you care about and let them know you’re there if they need someone to talk to. It might mean more than you realize.