Books I Read (During COVID) in 2020

2020 was a great book year for me. Yes, it may be true that I had more time on my hands with the pandemic and all but I really enjoyed my time in these books this year.

As I’ve said many times before I’ve not always been a bookworm but it helped that I married one. Also, my preferred way to read a book is to listen to it. Audiobooks are such a gift! If you’ve never tried one I would encourage you to go for it this year. I use the Libby App that is connected to my local library.

The Books I Read in 2020

Becoming, Michelle Obama (memoir)

I loved all the details she put in this book. She is excellent at describing everyday life. I found a new love for jazz from her grandfather, Southside. I aspire to be like her mom who was even keel and trusting that her children will make good decisions. Michelle’s struggle between being a working mom and a stay-at-home mom was very relatable. Her quote about friendship spoke to me. “Friendships between women, as any woman will tell you, are built of a thousand small kindnesses… swapped back and forth and over again.”

The Cactus, Sarah Haywood (fiction)*

I found this to be a fun light read. It’s from a British author, her first book and it’s part of the Reese Witherspoon book club. The main character is quirky and prickly (like a cactus) but was relatable to me. I got lost in her world and loved being transported.

The Dearly Beloved, Cara Wall (fiction)*

My friend, Alisha Cary, recommended this book. I also noticed it was on Jenna Bush’s Book Club list. I savored this book and didn’t want it to end. I loved the characters. I connected with them and their struggles. Four interesting characters, set in New York, friendship and marriage, and faith all wrapped within the pages. I loved it dearly.

The Dutch House, Ann Patchett (fiction)*

I really enjoyed this book. Tom Hanks narrates the audiobook, which I thought was very well done. I have a background in real estate so that part was super interesting. I love all kinds of houses. The Dutch house, the childhood home of the two main characters takes up a lot of space in this book which I welcomed. The family dynamics and of course New York added layers of interest. By the way, remember that time I met Ann Patchett?

Sink Reflections, Marla Cilley AKA The FlyLady (non-fiction)

If you are a fan of The Magic Art of Tidying Up then you may like this book. The FlyLady has been around for a long time. Although at times she can be cheezy she has all kinds of tips and tricks for getting and keeping your house in order. One of the first things she recommends is to shine your kitchen sink. I have shared in the past my struggle with dirty dishes. Since I discovered TheFlyLady, my sister introduced me, I have been shining my sink and changing my kitchen dishtowel and washcloth out nightly. It has made such a difference y’all. She has loads of ideas, but another I adapted is the system she uses for preparing and packing for a trip and what she does once she returns from a trip. I use to leave my unpacked suitcase in my room for at least a week after I returned from a trip. Now I unpack it as soon as we get home along with starting a load of laundry.

At Home in the World, Tsh Oxenreider (non-fiction)

This was a great book to read during a pandemic when travel is not really an option. The book allows an upfront seat in traveling the globe with Tsh, her husband, and her young children. Even though the author admits to being more of a pessimist than an optimist it was still hard for me to hear her talk of places I hold dear, such as Asia, in a less than glorious light. Although I do admire her honesty and think it is helpful for those traveling to understand the great differences in countries I would have rather heard more of the positives. Overall, I’m thankful she was honest and willing to share her adventure with us. I enjoyed being on the journey.

None Like Him: 10 Ways God is Different from Us (and Why That’s a Good Thing), Jen Wilkin (non-fiction)

I read this over a 10+ week period alongside a gal I was mentoring. It was recommended by my friend, M.J. It was just the right book for this season of life. So encouraging and insightful and filled with the truth of the Bible. I found it refreshing and eye-opening. It really is a good thing to see all the ways in which God is different than us.

The Bright Side: Stories about Friendship, Love, and Being True to Yourself, Melanie Shankle (non-fiction)

I laughed so much. This book feels like you are talking to your best friend or a wise friend that is just a bit older than you and one that will not give up no matter what life throws at her. She loves the Lord and understands the current culture well. Her jokes are hilarious and you just want to keep coming back for more. Also, a great read during a pandemic. Melanie pours out hope for all of us tired and weary moms.

One More Ride: A Year of Trial and Faith, Jeff Mims (non-fiction)

An honest retelling of a health crisis by a pastor. The faith and courage of him and his wife to keep showing up at church in the midst of an unknown diagnosis was so encouraging. A story of how God is right by our side through trials even when we can’t understand the reasoning of the struggle. The love the church body had, the acceptance and prayers that were offered was a beautiful picture of the church coming around the hurting and supporting them through all the joys and sorrows of life even when an incorrect diagnosis is given from doctors. If you are going through a crisis or trial I would encourage you to read this book. This book is not available on-line to purchase but if you would like to read it please contact me and I’d love to pass my copy on to the first person that requests it.

Can you Drink the Cup?, Henri J. M. Nouwen (non-fiction)

The author, Henri J. M. Nouwen, is a priest that worked at a home with people that had intellectual disabilities. A review says, “Exploring the deep spiritual impact of the question Jesus asked his friends James and John, Nouwen reflects upon the metaphor of the cup, using the images of holding, lifting, and drinking to articulate the basics of the spiritual life.” To me, it’s a great book about life, decisions, and how to live fully with joy, sorrow, community, and the Lord. Grant, age 9, asked me, “Well, did he drink the cup?” No spoilers here, you’ll have to read it and find out.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, J.K. Rowling (fiction)

About a year ago I tried to read this book. I couldn’t get past chapter 2. Grant was persistent in asking me to read it and saying he thought I would like it. Reluctantly but determined I got the audiobook from the library. I pushed through and did find it charming, clever, and interesting. Hagrid was my favorite character.

I loved the quote from Dumbledore in the last chapter. He is talking to Harry. “After all, to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure. You know, the stone was not such a wonderful thing. As much money and life as you could want! The two things most human beings would choose above all —- the trouble is humans do have a knack of choosing precisely those things that are worst for them.” Who knows you might see book 2 on my 2021 reading list!

What are you currently reading, please share. I’m always looking for my next book.

*Contains scenes with strong language, sexual and/or violent content. I try to skip over those passages. Besides the few passages that contain this content, I think these are great books.

If you purchase from a link on this blog a small percentage of the sale may come back to me. You are never charged more for the product. It’s a way to keep this site going and I’m very selective about the things I list. It’s mostly things we already own and love or things I think you would enjoy. Thank you for reading!