At the start of the year, I made a goal to read a book a month. I have since read an average of 2.5 books a month, with a total of 30 books read this year! I fell in love with reading and I’m so happy I did.

I read several different genres and truly loved the books I read this year. They were all powerful and insightful. I have spent so much time evaluating my top picks. The criteria I focused on included: entertainment/holding my focus, speed of reading (If i truly enjoyed it I would finish in a week or less), emotion, relevance, and if I couldn’t stop thinking about the story after I finished it. Without further ado, here are my top 5 books from 2020.

5. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

Coming in at number five is The Tattooist of Auschwitz. This book is based on a real life story of a man and woman at Auschwitz, a fact I found out after finishing the entire book. It is a powerful story full of historical facts and details. It was an easy read in that it was quick and easy to understand, but it was emotionally difficult to read. I read at night and it was hard to fall asleep a few times after a particularly heavy chapter. That said, I think everyone should read this book to better understand the trauma individuals faced in concentration camps.

4. The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo

For a while, this was a number one book but as I continued to read, it started losing its rank. It was quickly read and extremely relevant because it covered universal topics, such as love and loss. It’s a fun read for the majority of it as it is a love story, but the ending is so beautifully emotional. I highly recommend this if you have not read it yet! I loved how the author formatted the book and chapters. With shorter chapters, I ended up reading it faster because I couldn’t get enough! The other book I read by Jill Santopolo “More than Words” is probably number 6 or 7 on my list. She has a true talent for character development, captivating your attention, and connecting character stories to your personal life through universal themes.

3. Daisy Jones and the Sixth by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This took me a few chapters to get into honestly but after the first 20 pages of so I was hooked. The story is brilliantly written and delivered. The characters are so thought out and detailed, I didn’t realize this was a fictional story until the ending! I truly thought Daisy Jones was a real person. The story line is genius and I will be thinking about the writing for the rest of my life. I’ve never read anything like this before.

1.. Educated by Tara Westover

Tied for first is Educated. I heard acclaim for this book but it wasn’t until Jake brought it home that I decided to give it a read. The story is incredible powerful and fascinating. To learn how others are raised and how the impact of family and education on our perspectives is intriguing. I would argue everyone should read this book because of its power and message. If you have not already, consider this required reading for 2021.

1. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Also at first place is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. If you paid attention, she is the same other of my third favorite book, Daisy Jones and the Sixth. I have not stopped thinking about this story since I finished it in May. The story line was pure genius and the conclusion literally made me jump out of bed screaming. Again, Reid’s writing style is unlike anything I’ve ever seen and makes the story even better. It was a fun read and I really wish Evelyn Hugo was a real person.

There you have it. My top 5 picks for 2020. Have you read any from this list? What was your favorite?