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2020 Bookish Survey

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Best Books 2020

2020 Reading Stats: Finally Looking Back

I know it’s already almost March, but it’s been a rough go these last few months. I was kind of on a roll there with my lists and if-we-were-having-coffee posts, and then life threw me a pretty big curveball.

I’m doing better lately, but still having some rough days. Which is why it’s almost March and I’m only just now getting around to posting an abbreviated form of this amazing Annual End of the Year Bookish Survey from Perpetual Page-Turner.

So here it is, in all its belated glory. Let me know if you read any of the books on this list, completed the survey on your own blog, or want to talk about your favorites from last year.

**2020 READING STATS**

Number Of Books You Read: 140
Number of Re-Reads: 3
Genre You Read The Most From: YA Fantasy

1. Best Book You Read In 2020?

Ooooh, this is tough. I’m going to break this into age groups.

Best middle grade book I read in 2020 is THE LOST TIDE WARRIORS by Catherine Doyle

Best young adult book that I read in 2020 is WOVEN IN MOONLIGHT BY Isabel Ibañez.

(Honorable mention to THE SOUND OF STARS by Alechia Dow.)

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

THE LOST CITY by Amanda Hocking and CINDERELLA IS DEAD by Kalynn Bayron.

I felt like THE LOST CITY read a little too much like a guidebook to the story world or that the world building sometimes dominated the story. So, I wasn’t expecting that, and I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more if the story had been more prominent.

I enjoyed CINDERELLA IS DEAD. I thought the concept for the story was really awesome, I think I just got too wrapped up in the hype. Maybe would have appreciated it more if I’d just read if fresh, no expectations?

 3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read?

THE MONSTER OF MARNMOUTH VALLEY by CJ Greene kind of shattered all my expectations. I loved the characters and found myself “just one more chapter”-ing my way through the whole thing!

 4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)?

Hmmm. Wow. I was not the best ambassador for books this year, since most of my bookish friends are real life friends and I’ve barely seen them. Maybe THE TIGER AT MIDNIGHT by Swati Teerdhala? Or maybe FINALLY, SOMETHING MYSTERIOUS by Doug Cornett?

 5. Best series you started in 2020? Best Sequel of 2019? And Best Series Ender of 2020?

Normally I’m horrible about series, but looking over my reading from last year, I actually conquered more series than I thought, including some really big ones.

Best series I started in 2020… FOREST OF SOULS by Lori M. Lee.

Oh my gosh, this book was so good! It has so many things I love: fierce women, unpredictable magic, snarky dialogue, best friends. So, so good.

Best sequel of 2020… THE LOST TIDE WARRIORS by Catherine Doyle.

I love this series with all my heart. It reminds me so much of THE SCORPIO RACES, but for a slightly younger audience. And the relationships between generations are incredible. It’s a fabulous series.

Best series ender of 2020… A SKY BEYOND THE STORM by Sabaa Tahir.

I feel like that’s such a predictable choice, and yet, I think it’s deserved. This book was the one I needed to finish out the year. I longed for it because I wanted more of Elias and Laia’s story, but dreaded it because I knew not everyone would make it out alive, and I knew that was going to be heartbreaking.

 6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2020?

I have to list two: Elizabeth Acevedo and Kiersten White.

Both have been writing books for a while, and I have owned books by both for a while. With Acevedo, I read WITH THE FIRE ON HIGH, and was just blown away by how immersive and unique and beautiful the story is.

For some reason I requested THE CAMELOT BETRAYAL on Netgalley. I think I was just gambling to see if I would even be able to get a copy of a book by an author as big as Kiersten White is. When I realized it was a sequel, I decided to read the first book in the series first, and I immediately fell in love with the gender-flipped Merlin/King Arthur story. LOVE!

7. Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?

I read a bunch of mysteries this year that I really enjoyed. I think my favorites are the series by Margi Preus: Enchantment Lake, A Clue in the Trees, and The Silver Box.

 8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?

WHERE DREAMS DESCEND by Janella Angeles. I felt completely swept away by this story. The magic, the romance, the danger. I dove in, and just couldn’t stop reading.

TODAY, TONIGHT, TOMORROW by Rachel Lynn Solomon. This book was such an adventure to read– I laughed so much. It was just perfect. I absolutely want to read that one again.

1. New favorite book blog/Bookstagram/Youtube channel you discovered in 2020?

I started following Bowties and Books on YouTube early last year, and I love the reviews, and updates, and more than that, I feel like I learn a lot from their takes on bookish world issues. From diversity representation to bookish drama, they always bring wise perspective that I deeply appreciate.

I want to expand my BookTube subscription list, so if you have any suggestions, please share them!

2. Favorite post you wrote in 2020?

My favorite post might be the one that is a list of 26 Asian-Inspired Fantasy books by Asian authors. Initially it was meant to be a reading list to help us get through another delay in the release of the movie Mulan, but after all the conflicts over the movie, maybe it’s really better as an alternative reading list.

I love lots of things about this photo. The Jane Austen quote. The colorful book spines. The diversity that the titles represent. The fact that I have all these books somehow, and that many of them came from independent bookstores or through review opportunities from blogging.

I’ve been kicking around this idea of doing a weekly community library in our neighborhood. Maybe load up a book cart or two and wheel them outside. Let the neighborhood kids pick through and borrow what they want and return things when they’re done. It’s still a dream at this point, but I’m hopeful, and this photo is at least partly what inspired me.

What are your best bookish thoughts about 2020?

Did you post a 2020 Bookish Survey? If so, please share the link in the comments! Also tell me if you read any of my favorite books, or which favorites you discovered last year that must be on my reading list.

Happy reading, y’all!

13 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Out Fall 2020

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Great Middle Grade Books Coming This Fall

It’s finally fall! A new season and new fantastic middle grade books coming out soon to usher in the spooky season and the cooler weather. (Well, thoughts of cooler weather, anyway. Here in Florida, we have a while yet before we get a real break from the heat.)

I’m not usually a big Halloween girl– I was raised not celebrating, so I guess I’ve never really gotten into the holiday as an adult. This year, though, there are some spooky books on my wish list that I think will be perfect for readers looking for a deliciously creepy crawly read.

There are also some great stories about relationships and celebrating the arts, like writing, ballet, and figure skating. I’m super excited about reading those.

One book on the list is particularly special as it’s the story of an unlikely friendship between a Palestinian man and an Isreaeli woman. An inspiring story about friendship crossing boundaries like that is something we all need.

For the books on this list that I’ve already read, you’ll notice a link to my review. I’ll try to come back and update the list as I post new reviews, so it should be pretty current. You can also browse the titles on Goodreads and see what other readers are saying.

Note: This post contains affiliate links.

13 Middle Grade Books Out Fall 2020 (Plus 3 August Titles You May Have Missed)

The Summer We Found the Baby by Amy Hest

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: During World War II, two sisters vacationing at a beach house find a baby on the steps of the library.

Available August 4, 2020 | My review

Believe by Julie Mathison

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A sweet, imaginative story about a girl dealing with grief and loneliness and a class putting together the play, PETER PAN. Funny and heartfelt.

Available August 4, 2020 | My review

Kiki MacAdoo and the Graveyard Ballerinas by Colette Sewall

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A forest where “Ballets come alive.” A missing sister and the ballet, Giselle, featuring ghostly sylphs who will try to force Kiki to dance until she dies.

Available August 4, 2020

The Circus of Stolen Dreams by Lorelei Savaryn

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A sister looking for her lost brother. A magical circus where the cost of entry is a memory. For fans of CIRCUS MIRANDUS and THE NIGHT GARDENER.

Published September 1, 2020

Three Keys (Front Desk #2) by Kelly Yang

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: Great friends. An aspiring writer and motel owner facing a roller coaster of challenges. Immigration laws that could jeopardize everything she cares about.

Published September 15, 2020

The Land of the Cranes by Aida Salazar

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A novel in verse. A Latinx girl in a family detention center for migrants and regufees. Aztec mythology.

Published September 15, 2020

Double the Danger and Zero Zucchini by Betsy Uhrig

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A boy gets hired by his aunt to help her fix her children’s book about a grumpy frog and prize-winning zucchini. Sounds hilarious to me!

Published September 22, 2020

Maya and the Rising Dark by Rena Barron

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: Perfect for fans of ARU SHAH AND THE END OF TIME. A girl’s quest to find her father and save our world from evil beyond.

Published September 22, 2020

The Silver Box by Margi Preus

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Francie Frye, a reluctant northwoods Nancy Drew tackles her third mystery and hopes to uncover the truth about her mother.

Available October 6, 2020 | My Review

The Fallen Hero (Dragon Warrior #2) by Katie Zhao

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Sequel to The Dragon Warrior. A brother set on revenge. A sister who must save him. High adventure and Chinese mythology in a modern-day setting.

Available October 6, 2020

Cinders and Sparrows by Stefan Bachmann

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A suspenseful tale of witches, family, and magic. Perfect for fans of Diana Wynn Jones, Victoria Schwab, and Kate Milford.

Available October 13, 2020

The Monster of Marnmouth Valley by CJ Greene

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A land in peril since a monster has started drinking all the water. A 12-year-old fated to aid an elderly woman to save the village, if only she can pry her away from her knitting.

Available October 15, 2020

Ana on the Edge by A. J. Sass

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A figure skating champion. Gender identity issues and friendship.

Available October 20, 2020

Aster’s Good, Right Things by Kate Gordon

Book Depository | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl compelled to do secret good deeds. A boy in princess pajamas who helps her.

Available November 1, 2020

The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A brand new, middle grade edition of the beloved book that inspired the movie starring Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews.

Available November 3, 2020

The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan (Young Readers’ Edition)

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A Palestinian and an Israeli sit on the steps of the home where each grew up and begin a surprising friendship. Based on Tolan’s extensive research and reporting.

Available November 3, 2020

What’s on your fall reading list?

Are any of these middle grade books on your fall 2020 reading list? What books are you most looking forward to reading this fall?

20 Amazing Young Adult Books Out Winter/Spring 2020

Lists, News and Fun, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , ,

Thank Goodness for Amazing Books

I’m not even going to try to spread sunshine on it, this year has been a rough one. However, one of the few great things that has happened is that I’ve read some incredible books. I feel like I usually find some gems here and there, but it definitely seems to me that there are more than usual that have made me say WOW these last few months. So with social distancing limiting book cons and trips to the bookstore, I am stepping up to share a few of my very favorites so far this year.

Today I’m focusing on young adult books, for readers 12 to 18. Don’t miss my middle grade book list, because there have been some fabulous titles there, too.

Note: Many of the buy links listed below are affiliate links, which help support this blog if you use them to shop. They do not cost you anything to use.

Best Young Adult Books of Spring 2020

The Archer at Dawn by Swathi Teerdhala

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

From Goodreads: “…Long-held secrets will force Kunal and Esha to reconsider their loyalties—to their country and to each other. Getting into the palace was the easy task; coming out together will be a battle for their lives.”

If you haven’t started this great series yet, hurry and catch up! I love the characters and relationships and the political intrigue.

What Unbreakable Looks Like by Kate McLaughlin

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

From Goodreads: “Kate McLaughlin’s What Unbreakable Looks Like is a gritty, ultimately hopeful novel about human trafficking through the lens of a girl who has escaped the life and learned to trust, not only others, but in herself.”

WHAT UNBREAKABLE LOOKS LIKE shows an incredible (at times perhaps unbelievable) transformation that belongs to Lex. While she has great support, this journey is about her, and her power to become the woman she wants to be. It’s an empowering story, packed with hope and courage.

A Forest of Souls by Lori M. Lee

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

From Goodreads: “Danger lurks within the roots of Forest of Souls, an epic, unrelenting tale of destiny and sisterhood, perfect for fans of Naomi Novik and Susan Dennard.”

I got caught up in the story world and in the layers and layers of intrigue. Also, there are CREEPY TREES. Like, the stuff of nightmares kinds of creepy. I’m usually not into that, and it definitely came right up to the edge of what I’m comfortable reading. But they also kept me turning pages and needing to know what would happen.

Take Me With You by Tara Altebrando

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

From Goodreads: “Do not tell anyone about the device. Never leave the device unattended.
And then, Take me with you . . . or else.”

Four students who barely know each other, bound together by this threatening device. I loved the suspense and way the situation impacted their relationships.

Again Again by E. Lockhart

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

From Goodreads: “A raw, funny story that will surprise you over and over, Again Again gives us an indelible heroine grappling with the terrible and wonderful problem of loving other people.”

I feel like AGAIN AGAIN delivered a thing that drew me to E. Lockhart’s writing in the first place. She has this uncanny ability to peel back the outer layers and cut straight to the core of emotions and grief and sort of reinvent the experience of reading a book

The Court of Miracles by Kester Grant

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

From Goodreads: “Les Misérables meets Six of Crows in this page-turning adventure as a young thief finds herself going head to head with leaders of Paris’s criminal underground in the wake of the French Revolution.”

COURT OF MIRACLES delivers a gritty cast of characters inspired by LES MIS and reminding readers of the power of sisterhood, loyalty, and courage.

Victoria Grace, the Jerkface by S. E. Clancy

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

From Goodreads: “Ever since Tori Weston and MamaBear were abandoned by her dad, finances have been tighter than a new pair of skinny jeans. As if keeping her grades up for scholarships and working every spare moment weren’t enough, Tori gets suckered into visiting a retirement home and paired with ancient resident Marigold Williams.”

A sweet, fun story about a cross-generational friendship and first love.

The Bone Thief by Breeana Shields

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

From Goodreads: “A deft exploration of the weight of grief and cost of revenge, Breeana Shields’s Bone Charmer duology reaches its spine-tingling conclusion in this high-octane fantasy-thriller.”

The choices that Saskia has to make are heartbreaking and I felt myself holding my breath so many times as she wrestles with which path to take and what the right thing truly is. Perfect for fans of SHADOW MAGIC by Joshua Khan.

The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

From Goodreads: “WHEN DIMPLE MET RISHI meets SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA in this rom com about two teen girls with rival henna businesses.”

HENNA WARS was exactly the book I needed right when I read it. It’s funny and heartwarming (and at times, heartbreaking) and packed with the high of first love and the strength of a sister bond.

The Life and (Medieval) Times of Kit Sweetly by Jamie Pacton

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

From Goodreads: “Kit Sweetly slays sexism, bad bosses, and bad luck to become a knight at a medieval-themed restaurant.”

If you need an uplifting story that will make you laugh and warm your heart, just go get this book right now.

The Lucky Ones by Liz Lawson

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Goodreads

THE LUCKY ONES is a journey through grief. Some parts hit hard, landing some pretty sharp punches straight to your heart. Other parts can’t help but inspire hope. I think that was my favorite part– that though the story gets dark as May revisits what happened, there’s hope.

Readers who enjoyed WILD AND CROOKED by Leah Thomas or GLASS GIRL by Laura Anderson Kurk should check this one out.

We Didn’t Ask for This by Adi Alsaid

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Goodreads

From Goodreads: “Every year, lock-in night changes lives. This year, it might just change the world.”

A wide cast of characters shows the impact of one girl’s decisions and their journey through an unforgettable school lock-in.

Music from Another World by Robin Talley

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

From Goodreads: “A master of award-winning queer historical fiction, New York Times bestselling author Robin Talley once again brings to life with heart and vivid detail an emotionally captivating story about the lives of two teen girls living in an age when just being yourself was an incredible act of bravery.”

I think fans of THE SCAR BOYS by Len Vlahos or I WANNA BE YOUR JOEY RAMONE by Stephanie Kuehnert would really enjoy the music scene in this book and its effect on the characters.

The Night of the Dragon by Julie Kagawa

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Goodreads

This is the fantastic conclusion to a high-energy series that I devoured in a little over a week.

It’s a great series for fantasy lovers and of course anyone who loves manga and anime. The story is full of amazing characters and a deeply immersive story world– which is probably something we all need right now!

Girls with Razor Hearts by Suzanne Young

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Goodreads

From Goodreads: “It’s time to fight back in this second novel in a thrilling, subversive near future series from New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Young about a girls-only private high school that is far more than it appears to be.”

Throughout this story, Mena continues to be faced with situations that force her to choose between revenge and justice. Sometimes the choice is whether to trust the system of society and government versus taking justice or revenge into her own hands. I loved how deeply she considers each choice and how she explores the problem of evil in her experience. I found it deep and thought-provoking.

Havenfall by Sara Holland

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Goodreads

From Goodreads: “A safe haven between four realms. The girl sworn to protect it — at any cost.”

I think readers who enjoyed THE IMMORTAL RULES by Julie Kagawa or ANGELFALL by Susan Ee should check out HAVENFALL.

The Sound of Stars by Alechia Dow

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Goodreads

From Goodreads: “Can a girl who risks her life for books and an alien who loves forbidden pop music work together to save humanity?”

Fans of THE 5TH WAVE by Rick Yancey or DEFY THE STARS by Claudia Gray will definitely want THE SOUND OF STARS on their reading lists!

The Night Spinner by Addie Thorley

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Goodreads

A clever, gender-flipped re-imagining of THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME.

I really enjoyed reading THE NIGHT SPINNER. I think fans of STRANGE THE DREAMER by Laini Taylor and GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS by Rae Carson would enjoy the bold, broad fantasy world and emotionally complex characters.

It’s My Life by Stacie Ramey

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Goodreads

Jenna battles her parents for the right to make her own medical decisions regarding procedures for her cerebral palsy. Her only solace is in the anonymous text messages she sends to her childhood crush, Julian.

Leave it to Stacie Ramey to create still more characters that I can’t help falling in love with. I really, really needed a solid, heartfelt contemporary book, and IT’S MY LIFE totally had me covered. I love Jenna’s awkwardness and her tendency to overthink things. I love her passion and her relationship with her mom.

Woven in Moonlight by Isabel Ibañez

Review | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Goodreads

From Goodreads: “Ximena is the decoy Condesa, a stand-in for the last remaining Illustrian royal. Her people lost everything when the usurper, Atoc, used an ancient relic to summon ghosts and drive the Illustrians from La Ciudad. Now Ximena’s motivated by her insatiable thirst for revenge, and her rare ability to spin thread from moonlight.”

If you’re a fan of stories like Zorro or the Scarlet Pimpernel– put WOVEN IN MOONLIGHT on your list! I think it’s also a great pick for fans of fantasy like The Lumatere Chronicles by Melina Marchetta.

What books would you add to this list?

Have you read any young adult books you loved this year? What are some of the favorites from high school days that still stick with you today? Share the titles with me in the comments! I’d love to know if there are great titles I’ve missed.