For myself and many others, reading not only helps us relax but also escape from reality, and Lord knows we all needed some escaping in 2020. I want to take a moment to highlight some of my favourite books that I read in 2020 and appreciate the authors who wrote them. These aren't books that were necessarily released in 2020, but rather ones I read and enjoyed reading throughout the year. I will break down the books in terms of genre and then list them alphabetically, not by ranking. These aren't in-depth book reviews - they're just short blurbs about the books and why I enjoyed them.
Fantasy
Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy
By Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson, and Robin Wasserman
Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy is set after the events of the Mortal Instruments book series by Cassandra Clare. This book consists of numerous short stories that follow Simon Lewis, one of the main characters from The Mortal Instruments, as he adjusts to life at the newly re-opened Shadowhunter Academy.
I've been a fan of Cassandra Clare's writing for many years, though I hadn't read any of her books for a couple of years before last. I found this book to be comforting since I'm so familiar with the characters, world, and writing style. Reading this book was like being reacquainted with an old friend - one I had forgotten how much I loved.
Kill the Farm Boy
By Delilah S. Dawson and Kevin Hearne
Kill the Farm Boy is a humourous fantasy book based in the world of Pell where there are witches, wizards, talking goats, human-bunnies, normal humans, and many other creatures. A group of unlikely people, all of different races and backgrounds, come together on an epic adventure that brings them closer than they would have thought possible.
I loved reading this book because it's not like any other fantasy book I've ever read. It defies classic tropes and pokes fun at other commonly used themes. It's hilariously strange and pulls you into a unique world where, in fact, a farm boy dies.
Shielded
By KayLynn Flanders
Shielded is full of magic, danger, and romance - the perfect YA fantasy novel in my opinion. With enemies and threats around every corner, Jennesara must find a way to try and save her kingdom, all while trying to keep her magical powers a secret.
When I first read the description of this book, I was initially intrigued because the main character's nickname is Jenna - the same as mine. But as I read further, I was drawn into the well-crafted world and likeable characters. Suspense and cliff-hangers made me finish this book rather quickly, and when I was done I was sad it was over. But, there is going to be a sequel which I am really looking forward to.
Sci-Fi
The Orville Season 1.5 | New Beginnings
Written by David A. Goodman and illustrated by David Cabeza and Michael Atiyeh
This comic book is based on the new sci-fi show The Orville, created by Seth MacFarlane, in which a recently divorced couple try to command a new spaceship and travel amongst the stars with their crew. With two illustrated stories, this book follows the characters from the show between seasons 1 and 2.
As an avid fan of Star Trek, I love The Orville. It's similar to Trek in many ways but different in others: there's the classic "exploring new worlds" aspect, but The Orville also delves into the character's and takes a more light-hearted approach that most of Trek does not have.
After binge-watching the two seasons of The Orville that are out, I relished in the idea of there being a comic book to continue the story.
Non-Fiction
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas Is in the Air
By Amy Newmark
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas Is in the Air is a collection of 101 true short stories that various people submitted. As with most Chicken Soup books, the stories are heart-warming and uplifting. Even if some have some sad aspects, there's always a bright side to them.
Something I found very helpful for my mental health this past fall was reading two stories from this book every night until Christmas Eve. Christmas has always been my favourite time of the year, and I absolutely adore preparing for it. But with the pandemic and everything going on, I didn't feel very cheery this year. By reading these holiday-focused stories, it helped me not only get into the holiday spirit, but also focus on some positive, heart-warming stories that really did feel like chicken soup for my soul.
Poetry
The Essential Rumi
Translated by Coleman Barks
The Essential Rumi is a collection of poems and prose written by the Suffi mystic Rumi, who lived many years ago.
I first read this book in school where I was assigned to analyze certain passages. While I normally dislike analyzing literature, I found myself enjoying analyzing Rumi's work because it meant I had the opportunity to read his writing.
I reread this book in 2020 because I had remembered how enthralled I was by the poems. With so much description and emotion, it's hard not to see the beauty of Rumi's work. Some of his writing even inspires me to work more on my own poetry and other writing.
Thank you to authors and writers who continue to provide the world with wonderful stories and thought-provoking works. And thank you to my own readers, who encourage me to continue writing and sharing my thoughts.
Stay safe and be kind.
Comentarios