2020 Book Recap
27 Dec 2020I had high hopes for reading in 2020, my year goal on GoodReads was 30 books. I hit 26 in 2019, not counting re-reading the whole Harry Potter series, so 30 seemed attainable. I usually read for 2 hours every work day on my commute to and from work, but after commuting was canceled in March my reading dropped off precipitously. I did manage to read 16 books this year (17 if I finish Point B,) and that’s not too shabby. Below are the books I read and some short reviews if I remember anything about them.
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch (GoodReads)
This was my favorite book of the year. The plot twists and turns and folds in on itself like Inception and the character development is well done. The premise is outlandish and futuristic, but explained in such depth that it comes off as totally believable.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (GoodReads)
I did not enjoy this book. I read it because it seemed like I was the only person on Earth who hadn’t done so. The hype surrounding the book led the actual book to be a complete let-down for me. I did not like the writing style or the humor. The best thing I have to say about it is that it’s short.
Bonk by Mary Roach (GoodReads)
Mary Roach is one of my favorite non-fiction authors. This book, like all of her work, is well-researched, full of interesting stories and facts, and tinged with enough humor to make an otherwise dry topic engrossing.
The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler (GoodReads)
I read this because of the second season of You on Netflix. I liked it.
Play It as It Lays by Joan Didion (GoodReads)
See above. This was my first attempt at Didion, and I liked it a lot. I’ve been meaning to read some of her investigative work as well but haven’t gotten around to it.
Horrorstor by Grady Hendrix (GoodReads)
Pulpy horror novel set in an IKEA-esque furniture store. A fun, quick read.
Full Throttle by Joe Hill (GoodReads)
A good collection of horror short stories and a novella (Into The Tall Grass) that was adapted as a movie on Netflix. The novella is much better than the movie.
Maid by Stephanie Land (GoodReads)
I read this because it ended up on someone’s must-read books list in 2019. It was a bleak glimpse into the life of underpaid domestic workers.
The Ride of a Lifetime by Robert Iger (GoodReads)
Bob Iger is one of the biggest figures in the modern American entertainment industry. He revolutionized the way a movie studio can make movies and make money. His memoir is a fascinating look into his early career and his headlining moments as head of Disney. I found it lacking much of a narrative flow, it was more like bullet points of his accomplishments, failures, and defining moments. Still a good read for any Disney, Pixar, Marvel, or Star Wars fan.
The Stand by Stephen King (GoodReads)
Yes, I re-read the apocalyptic pandemic novel during a real-life pandemic like everyone else. One of my favorite King books.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (GoodReads)
I blew through this book during the protests following the murder of George Floyd. Despite being a work of fiction, its plot and themes were eerily similar to the real-life situation in the Summer of 2020. Well-written with mostly well-developed characters.
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Handrix (GoodReads)
Another Hendrix book. I like his writing style, his stories don’t revolve around the horror like most horror novels do, they feel more real with believable characters who happen to be fighting a vampire.
Rise of the Warrior Cop by Radley Balko (GoodReads)
I did not enjoy reading this book, but I am glad that I did. It provides great historical context to the current state of policing in America. Its stories of police violence and overreach are enraging and heartbreaking.
Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy (GoodReads)
This may have been the hardest novel to get through that I’ve ever read. The writing is dense and meandering, the dialogue is often hard to decipher. Its depictions of war and violence are stomach turning and gruesome (this coming from a big fan of horror novels.) I had to read a synopsis to understand the ending.
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno Garcia (GoodReads)
I loved this book. A fantastic take on gothic horror.
Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby (GoodReads)
Fun heist novel with some good twists. Light and breezy read.
Point B by Drew Magary (GoodReads)
I have not finished this yet, but I love Drew Magary’s other novels and am enjoying this book so far.